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 with an early nib imprint, this pen, were phased out around 1927.
The pen is constructed in hard rubber, this model had a smooth cap and a chased barrel, the chasing now feint, the barrel imprint is clear and sharp. The very early Blackbirds were not given a model number or name. The pen shows hardly any sign of the oxidation that is so common on hard rubber, it must have been kept, literally, in the dark for most of it's life.
It has been conservatively 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.
A long and elegant pen, this model is one of the longest Blackbirds, it is very scarce. At almost a hundred years old it is not seen as an every day writer but would make an excellent 'signature' pen for special occasions or just for the pleasure of using such a special pen.