The Waterman's W3 of the early 1950s represents the company's strategy of maintaining quality when faced with the threat posed by the ballpoint pen.
The pen is finished in Blue with a Gold filled 'art deco' style clip and longitudinally engraved cap band. The barrel imprint identifying the pen as an English made Waterman's W3 is crisp and clear. The surface is excellent, it has clearly seen very little handling, and the Gold filling is also in very good condition.
The pen has been restored and tested, the filling system works well and takes up a good volume of ink. The correct W-3 14Ct. Gold nib is straight and well aligned, it writes with a super smooth broad line, ideal for someone with a larger, bold 'hand'.
At 15.7 cm. in length with the cap posted for use, the W3 is a long, elegant pen with classic good looks, harking back to the 'art deco' period. In collectable condition, the pen would also make a first rate vintage daily writer.
This example is in outstanding condition and would make a really good, practical, every day vintage writer.