The Mabie Todd Blackbird pen was first made around 1911, it was announced in 'the stationer's gazzette early that year:
'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'
It wasn't until 10 years later, in 1921, that the lever filling pen, or 'self filler' was produced. The hard rubber clipless pens without a number, this pen, were phased out shortly afterwards.
The pen is constructed in black chased hard rubber, the chasing has survived quite well and the barrel imprint is sharp and clear. The pen shows a faint and even brown patina, which I have not attempted to remove, in accordance with conservative restoration.
It has been restored and is presented as an outstanding example of a pen that was made at a time when a reliable pen was, for many, an absolute necessity. The filling system works well and the 14 Ct. Gold nib writes with a good deal of flex. the nibs came in long and short versions, this is the long one.
The box has, understandably, seen better days but it is almost certainly original so should be kept with the pen. it is interesting that the box uses the word 'Fountpen', rather than 'Fountain Pen'. The earlier eyedropper Blackbirds were 'Fountpens' and the term stuck for a short time when the lever filler was introduced.
At 16.5 cm. when posted for use it is an eaxtremely long and elegant pen, this model is one of the longest Blackbirds, it is very scarce. At around a hundred years old it is not seen as an every day writer but would make an excellent 'signature' pen for letters or cards, or just for the pleasure of using such a special pen.