The Mabie Todd Ladies pens are not stamped as such, although the advertising makes it clear that it was aimed at that section of the market. A 1939 advert shows the pens under the headline:
'New designs in ladies' models. Swan pens, Blackbird pens, Jackdaw pens and Fyne Poynt pencils'
The pens were only made for a very short time, they were introduced in 1939 and ceased production, never to be resurrected, when the factory was bombed in 1940. They are easily identified by the short 'art deco' clip, only used on the Ladies pens.
This pen is the Blackbird model. Although the Swan was slightly more expensive, after having worked on both pens I am convinced that this Blackbird is of the same quality as the Swan. It has the same gold trim, which has survived very well.
The pen has an excellent surface and a number of very clear imprints, the model number: 'BB205B/60', is stamped at the end of the barrel. The '60' is the Mabie Todd colour code for Black.
The pen has been fully restored and tested and is in excellent working order. The lever filling system works well and the 14Ct. Blackbird nib is a gem. It writes fine line but flexes to extra broad with a little pressure and quicklyreturns to fine. A person with a decent 'hand' would certainly enjoy producing some outstanding calligraphy effects.
At 11.7 cm. capped and 14.2 cm. posted the Blackbird Lady is a good deal larger than the Conway Stewart Dinkie and the Parker Lady pens. It is quite comfortable in use and by modern standards is a normally sized pen.
The new presentation case is of high quality, it will serve well for transportation, protection, and display.
The Blackbird ladies pen is a rare item and is very collectable. It is also a good candidate as an attractive and unusual ' signature pen or a daily writer.