The Mabie Todd Jackdaw pen was first made in 1926. This pen is clipless, not numbered, and has a sticker showing the launch price of 5/-, by the 1930s the price had increased and the pens were numbered.
As the pen is in virtually new condition no restoration was needed but, as the original ink sac had hardened with age, it was replaced when the pen was checked and serviced.
As the Jacdaw has chrome plated trim, and a smaller nib, it was less expensive than the other 'birds' from Mabie Todd but it has a 14 Ct. Gold nib and is of the same high quality build.
Although Mabie Todd were keen to exploit a wide range of the pen market by offering the 'Blackbird', 'Jackdaw', and 'Starling' pens in addition to the more prestigious 'Swan', they were not able to compromise on quality without totally restructuring the manufacturing process and purchasing stocks of different materials. The pens had the same basic design features, gold nibs, and were made from solid hard rubber rod stock.
The pen, cap, and feed are constructed in black hard rubber with a knurled pattern on parts of the barrel. The rubber has an excellent surface with a lovely shine and shows no sign of the 'browning' so often associated with hard rubber pens. The cap is a smooth screw fit, tightening with one and three quarter turns. The original price sticker is still in place, most of it has faded but the '5' from the price of 5/- is still clearly visible.
The unusually short lever filling system works extremely well, taking up a good volume of ink with just one operation of the lever. The 14Ct. Gold nib, clearly stamped 'Jackdaw', is a gem. At the time, Mabie Todd nibs were classified as 'Long' or 'Short', this referred to the longer tined nibs having flex whilst the shorter nibs were more firm, this nib is stamped 'L', for long. It writes smoothly and offers a good flex producing line variation to add character to the writing. Maximum flex requires a slightly slower action but it will write perfectly well, at speed, with very little pressure. Someone with a decent 'hand' would enjoy using this pen.
At 13.6 cm. capped and a most impressive 16.6 cm. with the cap posted for use it is a long and elegant pen. Lightness in weight was an important criteria for pen manufacturers at a time when a pen was used regularly for extended periods of time. The best pen makers were able to achieve this without compromising on robustness or feel, and Mabie Todd excelled with the Jackdaw, it weighs in at just 10 g.
Mabie Todd were very protective of their brands, the word 'Jackdaw' is clearly stamped on the nib, feed, section, barrel, and cap. All the imprints are crisp and clear.
The Jackdaw did not sell in anywhere near the numbers of the Blackbird and Swan pens and only a small number of Jacdaws survive. It is a rare and highly collectable pen that is seldom seen in such superb condition.