For your consideration, we are delighted to offer this early circa 1906 Waterman's Ideal No. 12 Eyedropper Fountain Pen, crafted in the highly desirable Mottled Red & Black Hard Rubber and fitted with its original Waterman's Ideal New York 14K #2 fully flexible nib. Beautifully preserved and professionally serviced, this is an exceptionally scarce survivor from Waterman's golden era and a truly collector-worthy example. Examples of the No. 12 in this condition—especially retaining such rich color and outstanding hard rubber preservation—have become increasingly difficult to acquire.
The Waterman No. 12 represents one of the company's classic eyedropper-filling models, produced before the widespread adoption of self-filling fountain pens. Pens from this period embody the pioneering craftsmanship that established Waterman's reputation as the world's premier fountain pen manufacturer. The striking mottled red and black hard rubber is among the most attractive hard rubber patterns produced by Waterman, prized by collectors for its dramatic appearance and rarity, particularly when the original coloration has been so well preserved. The earliest I see this pen show up in Waterman catalogs that I have access to is 1906.
This fountain pen has been carefully disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled. The 14K nib and feed were meticulously hand-cleaned, while the interior of the barrel, cap, and section were cleaned using mineral oil to preserve the integrity of the hard rubber. The exterior has likewise been gently cleaned and conditioned, allowing the vibrant mottled pattern to display the beautiful red and black marbling that makes these early Watermans so desirable.
As originally designed, the pen is an eyedropper filler, with ink introduced directly into the barrel by unscrewing the section. The friction-fit cap seats securely on the barrel with a positive fit, exactly as intended over a century ago.
The cap and barrel are beautifully preserved, exhibiting outstanding color and finish. There are no monograms or personal engravings, allowing the pen to retain its original collector appeal. The barrel carries a well-preserved imprint reading: "WATERMAN'S IDEAL GLOBE LOGO FOUNTAIN PEN N.Y. PAT'D MAY 23, 1899 & AUG. 4, 1903 U.S.A." The butt end is crisply stamped with the correct "12" model designation.
The pen measures 5 3/8 inches capped, 6 3/4 inches posted, and weighs a remarkably light 0.53 ounces, making it an exceptionally comfortable writer despite its generous size.
At the heart of this remarkable fountain pen is its original Waterman's Ideal New York 14K gold No. 2 nib, a superb example of the flexible nibs that made Waterman legendary. The iridium tipping measures approximately 0.50mm using digital calipers. During testing, the nib produces a crisp 0.47mm Fine line with light pressure and expands to an impressive 1.95mm Triple Broad with moderate to firm pressure. The flexibility is exceptionally smooth and responsive, offering the expressive line variation sought by collectors, calligraphers, and enthusiasts of vintage writing instruments. The accompanying writing sample was produced using the actual pen being offered, dip-tested with Graf von Faber-Castell Cobalt Blue Ink.
Early Mottled Hard Rubber Waterman No. 12 Eyedroppers have become increasingly scarce, particularly examples that retain strong color, crisp imprints, original components, and such exceptional overall preservation. Many surviving examples exhibit significant oxidation, fading, personalization, or damage, making collector-grade specimens increasingly elusive.
I would confidently grade this Waterman Excellent+ to Near Mint, placing it among the finer examples to surface on today's collector market. Whether acquired as the centerpiece of an advanced Waterman collection, appreciated for its remarkable flexible nib, or preserved as an important artifact from the earliest years of fountain pen history, this circa 1906 Waterman's Ideal No. 12 Mottled Hard Rubber Eyedropper represents an outstanding opportunity to own one of the most beautiful and historically significant American fountain pens of the early twentieth century.
