Swan pens first used a leverless system in 1932, this 'type 3' pen can be dated to 1941 or 1942.
In September 1940 the Mabie Todd Harlesden factory was destroyed by bombing but a few machines and materials were moved to the basement of a previously owned building in Golden Lane. Only a very limited number of pens, now known as 'Golden Lane pens, were made over the next year and a half or so, this is one of them. The pens were not numbered and carried a 'type B' imprint with the Swan logo placed centrally under an arch rather than to the left of the lettering.
The pen is finished in black with Gold filled trim. It is in excellent condition throughout with a good surface and a very clear imprint. The filler button and cap stud are hard rubber and show an even brown patina. The pen is a 'flat top', with a Swan 'medallion' inset into the cap stud.
The leverless filling system is operated by turning the cap anticlockwise to compress the ink sac, a new one has been fitted, then tightening it to release and allow ink to be drawn in.
The 14Ct. Gold nib has a good amount of flex offering line variation to add character to the writing. Someone with a decent 'hand' could produce impressive calligraphic effects.
The Golden Lane Swans are difficult to find, particularly in such fine condition. I don't see it being ideally suited to being carted around as a daily user, these flexible nibs are special not particularly robust and very difficult to replace.
However, it is a very high quality pen and, as pen to be used for writing letters, diaries, cards, and addresses it would be difficult to beat.