Waterman Commando Nib

Hi Gang,


I was repairing a Commando and after I pulled the nib and feed, I noticed on the back of the nib it was stamped 18K. It is a keyhole Manifold nib of USA manufacture. I thought it was a little different because I don't recall seeing 18k USA manufacture nibs from any company. I am curious as to why it is 18k instead of the standard 14k.

18k nibs are far less common than there 14k counterparts. As ive looked at some Command's, they all carry different type nibs, so im not sure what version/type nib you have. Anyways, great nib, and worth a few hundred dollars, much more than there standard 14k counterparts.

Hi Gang,


I was repairing a Commando and after I pulled the nib and feed, I noticed on the back of the nib it was stamped 18K. It is a keyhole Manifold nib of USA manufacture. I thought it was a little different because I don't recall seeing 18k USA manufacture nibs from any company. I am curious as to why it is 18k instead of the standard 14k.

With some 1930's-1940's pens, such as Parker Vacumatic, there is proof for the following. For other series.. nnot.

But, general belief is that off-catalogue 18k versions of typically 14k nibs targeted the French market, which reportedly required 18k if something was to be called solid gold.

regards

d