The Mabie Todd Swan Leverless filling system was introduced in 1933, this particular model was only made in 1939 and into 1940, further details later in the description.
The pen has been fully restored and tested and is in first class condition throughout. It has an excellent finish with a deep shine and the gold filling to the clip and triple cap bands has held up very well. The barrel imprints, giving the model number, L445/60, around the end of the barrel, and a full imprint longitudinally are crisp and clear.
The leverless filling system, a Mabie Todd patent, is very efficient and easy to use. The button is given about a half turn to compress the ink sac the tightened to release it and draw in ink. It takes up a good volume of ink with a single operation. The 14Ct. gold nib delivers a super smooth broad line with the vertical stroke being slightly wider than the horizontal, as in a stub nib but less pronounced. It also has a pleasing 'soft' feel.
The original Swan box is in sound, clean condition with slight scuffs on the corners.
In 1939 a new line of 'Type 3 Swan Lizards' was introduced which included a plain black version, this pen. It was described as having a 'flat top' and a ball ended rolled gold washer clip. the washer being concealed by a black cap top held in place by a brass top screw, itself concealed by a small gold 'inlay' featuring the Swan logo. The pens carried the patent number 390585/32. In October 1940 the factory was bombed and production almost ceased altogether, the Type 3 pen was not continued after the cessation of hostilities so the pen can be dated for 1939-1940.
Due to the short production run and limitations on the numbers of pens produced, this is not a common pen by any means. It would fit well into a collection but is practical and robust enough to be used on a regular basis, it would particularly suit someone with a large, bold 'hand'.