The Mabie Todd Blackbird 5245, introduced in 1939, is a lever filler in a very attractive marbled green and pearl with black veins and nickel plated trim.
This example has an excellent finish with clear imprints on the cap, barrrel, section, and feed. The nickel plated, ball ended clip carries the Swan pen logo and the ends of the barrel and cap are plain, high gloss black.
The pen has been fully restored and tested. The lever filling system works very well and the 14 Ct. Gold Blackbird nib is unusual in that it has an oblique stub nib which provides good line variation. The nib also has a little flex which enhances the effect. Someone with a decent 'hand' would enjoy producing impressive results with this nib.
At 12.4 cm. cappped and and 15 cm. posted the Blackbird 5245 is a good sized pen with a high quality, well balanced feel. These marbled pens were also unique in the true sense of the word, the production process does not allow for the details of s pattern to be repeated.
At around eighty years old this pen was made to give lasting service and will continue to do so for many yeasrs to come. It is a practical and attractive vintage pen with a sound pedigree.