The Mabie Todd Blackbird Fountpen was the very first Blackbird to be produced, it was introduced after an article in the 'Stationers Gazette' stated that:
'Messrs Mabie Todd & Co., believing that there is a growing demand for a reliable pen that can be purchased for about 5s. have produced one named 'The Blackbird' to sell at that price'
At the launch of the U.K. pen some U.S.A. made Blackbirds, this pen, were already available.
Made in hard rubber, the pen is in remarkable condition. The chasing is clear, as are the imprints, and there is only very slight sign of brown patina.
The nib is clearly stamped:
Blackbird
14Ct.
M.T. & Co.
N.Y.
The barrel is imprinted with:
BLACKBIRD FOUNT PEN
M.T. & Co. NEW YORK U.S.A.
Made in U.S.A.
'M .BRD.' is printed around the end of the barrel, referring to a medium broad nib. This possibly was meant to imply that the nib flexes from medium to broad, and it does just that, it produces a smooth line with a very responsive flex. I produced the writing sample with a full pen, 'dipped' samples say little about a pen's performance in practice. It's unfortunate that my scrawl does it no justice, anyone with a decent 'hand' could produce spectacular results.
At 12.7cm. capped and animpressive 16 cm. when posted it is an extremely long and very slim pen. Many of the original owners would have been used to using a dip pen so would have been familiar with, and more attracted to, a slim profile.
At well over a hundred years old, and in such outstanding condition, this pen would clearly grace any collection of English fountain pens. Although it would also not be wise to use it as an every day 'routine' writer perhaps it would serve very nicely as a 'signature' pen to be used for letters, cards, and special occasions.