For your consideration, we are pleased to offer this beautiful circa 1927 Mabie-Todd Swan Model 142/50 Fountain Pen in the highly attractive Jade Celluloid, fitted with its original 14Ct gold Swan No. 2 Fully Flexible nib. This is a particularly desirable example of an early Swan fountain pen, combining the elegant proportions of the 142/50 with the vibrant, swirling coloration of Jade Celluloid and an exceptionally expressive flexible nib. Beautifully preserved and professionally restored, this is a vintage writing instrument that offers both considerable visual appeal and an outstanding writing experience.
The Jade Celluloid is simply gorgeous. Its distinctive swirling pattern displays wonderfully vibrant coloration, with any darker areas being very minimal. Commonly referred to as Jade, this attractive celluloid material gives the pen a depth and character that is difficult to appreciate fully without seeing it in person. The cap and barrel have been carefully cleaned, buffed, and polished to restore their natural vibrancy while preserving the beauty of the original celluloid. There are no cracks, repairs, or other structural damage to the material.
The barrel retains a very good, clearly legible imprint at its center, reading: SWAN LOGO / TRADEMARK "SWAN" SELF-FILLING PEN MABIE TODD & CO NEW YORK PATS. JAN 26. 04. MAY 21. 18. PAT. PDG.
The Swan logo itself is somewhat lighter, as is often encountered on these vintage examples. The butt end of the barrel is also stamped with the model designation 142/50. The cap and barrel threads are in excellent condition, and the cap secures firmly as intended. There are no monograms, engravings, or personalizations.
The gold-filled trim complement the Jade Celluloid beautifully. The clip, cap trim, and lever have been carefully hand-cleaned and polished, as has the original 14Ct Swan No. 2 nib. The gold-filled trim presents exceptionally well overall, with only an extremely small spot of wear on the right side of the ball of the clip, a minor detail that is easily overlooked.
This Swan has been thoroughly disassembled, cleaned, inspected, and carefully restored. The nib, feed, and section were ultrasonically cleaned, while the interior of the cap and barrel was hand-cleaned. The original rubber ink sac was replaced with a new latex sac, and the lever-filling assembly was cleaned, polished, and lubricated. The filling mechanism has been tested with water and operates smoothly and flawlessly, drawing water into the new sac as intended. The pen is now fully functional and ready to write.
Now, the real attraction for many collectors will be the original 14Ct gold Swan No. 2 Fully Flexible nib. This is a wonderfully smooth and responsive writer with an extraordinary range of line variation. The actual nib tipping measures approximately .57mm when checked with digital calipers, placing it in the Fine range. In writing tests with this exact pen, the nib produces a lovely Fine line measuring approximately .44mm and opens up to an impressive Triple Broad to Quadruple Broad stroke measuring approximately 2.45mm with moderate to firm pressure.
That is an exceptional range of variation, giving the writer the ability to move from delicate, fine writing to wonderfully expressive, dramatic strokes. The nib is smooth, responsive, and genuinely flexible, offering the kind of character and writing experience that makes these early Mabie-Todd Swan pens so highly sought after by vintage fountain pen enthusiasts.
The writing sample shown was produced using the actual pen being offered, with the nib dipped in Pelikan Royal Blue ink. It is an accurate representation of this nib's writing characteristics and impressive flexibility.
The Swan 142/50 measures approximately 5 3/8 inches capped and 6 3/4 inches posted, with a weight of .56 ounces. Its refined proportions, beautiful Jade Celluloid, and elegant gold-filled appointments create a particularly handsome presentation.
Mabie-Todd Swan produced some of the most celebrated flexible-nib fountain pens of the early twentieth century, and this example demonstrates exactly why the brand continues to command such admiration among collectors. The combination of the desirable Jade Celluloid, the attractive 142/50 model, and an original Swan No. 2 nib capable of producing an extraordinary 2.45mm writing stroke makes this a particularly compelling offering. It is equally appealing as a collectible example of early British fountain pen craftsmanship or as a beautifully restored writing instrument for someone who appreciates the expressive possibilities of a genuine vintage flex nib.
Condition: Excellent. The Jade Celluloid presents beautifully, with vibrant coloration and no cracks or repairs. The barrel imprint remains very good, the cap and barrel threads are excellent, and the gold-filled trim displays only a very minor spot of wear on the clip. The pen has been fully restored with a new latex sac, and the lever-filling mechanism operates flawlessly. The original 14Ct Swan No. 2 Fully Flexible nib is smooth, responsive, and capable of producing an exceptional range of line variation. This is a beautiful, fully restored example that is ready to be enjoyed by its next owner.
