Please note: this pen is now reserved.
The Mabie Todd Swan SM205/59 was one of a range of new coloured lever fillers with ebonite levers, introduced in 1939.
In September 1940 the company's Harlesden factory was virtually destroyed during the bombing raids known as 'the blitz'. Production ceased and this model was not made again.
The colour, denoted by the '59' in the model number, was known as 'Italian Marble'. Consisting of a unique combination of many shades of green, red, purple, brown and pink with a pearlised finish, it is strikingly attractive. The hard rubber, ebonite, lever suits the pen very well.
The pen has been fully serviced and tested. The filling system is efficient and easy to use, and the 14Ct.gold nib is a gem. It flexes from fine to extra broad in a responsive manner, giving excellent line variation and adding character to the writing. In the right hands it could be used to produce impressive ' copperplate' work.
The surface is excellent with a clear barrel imprint and Swan logo on the end of the cap. The gold filling to the clip and cap band is also in good order.
The SM 205/59, one of the most attractive Swans, is now quite rare and much sought after. Although clearly of collectable quality the pen's writing characteristics are such that it would make a first class user pen, particularly well suited to someone with a large, bold hand.