Waterman 452 Sterling Silver Overlaid Vulcanite Fountain Pen, c. 1925
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1925
This Waterman 452 fountain pen, dating to approximately 1925, is a distinguished example of early 20th-century writing instrument design. The pen features a core crafted from vulcanite, or ebonite (hard rubber), which serves as the substrate for an intricate sterling silver filigree overlay.
This overlay is decorated with a distinctive "basketweave" motif, providing an elegant aesthetic typical of the era. The instrument measures 5.25 inches in length. It employs a lever-filling mechanism, marked with the "Ideal" branding. The nib is constructed of 14-karat gold and is engraved with the Waterman Ideal signature. Various markings are found throughout the piece: the overlay is stamped "Sterling" and "Made in U.S.A.", the clip bears the "Waterman / Ideal / Sterling" mark, and the ebonite body carries the "Waterman's / Reg US Pat Off / Made in USA" inscription.
This combination of precious metal overlay on hard rubber was a hallmark of luxury pens produced by Waterman, reflecting the high craftsmanship and decorative style of the period.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Length
- 5.25 inches
- Material
- Vulcanite (ebonite), sterling silver, 14k gold
Technical characteristics
- Nib
- 14KT gold
- Mechanism
- lever filler
Design
- Pattern
- basketweave filigree overlay
- Markings
- Waterman, Ideal, Sterling, Made in U.S.A., Reg US Pat Off
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Waterman
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.