General
The Blackbird Self-Filling Pen from Mabie Todd & Co Ltd, famous for its Swan, Blackbird and Swallow Pens, was established in New York back in the 1860s. Production of these pens began in the U.K. just before World War I, and an English company was eventually formed during the First World War. The Company flourished during the interwar period, with factories in London, Liverpool and Birmingham; but in 1950s with demand rapidly reducing, the Blackbird production ceased.
Features
This interesting pen dates from the post World War I period, may be as late as 1936 or earlier and predates other models, which it resembles. This example has the usual advantage of a 14kt gold original Blackbird nib, which would have been made almost certainly in Birmingham, and highly likely may be original to the pen. Its grip section is rather small and it is embossed with the brand name of the pen. The small size clip is gold filled and the cap and barrel marble material are typical for its time, hand assembled with very popular acrylic base colours of Green and Black.
Comment
The US famous trade mark of Blackbird is clearly embossed on pen’s cylinder. Its nib size is M+ as semi flex and it produces very smooth writing. Filling type is standard lever filler. Works easily as multi-ink, but Diamine Imperial Blue was our preferred choice. Diamine is also linked to Liverpool so decision was simple. Despite loyally supporting Arsenal FC, Liverpool FC was always our No.2 choice.
Ink used: Diamine Imperial Blue, UK
