17 replies to this topic

[Procyon]

I picked up a gold-filled Wahl All-Metal pen recently on eBay.  I have never seen this pattern before, and couldn't find it in any of the catalogs to which I have access.  It's worn pretty badly - some of the pattern is gone in fact.  I have not tried cleaning it up yet, so it is also dirty.  Anybody have any idea what this pattern was called?

 

 

 

Edited by Procyon, 18 November 2014 - 09:46 PM.

[david i]

I have to find my photo, but this looks to be part of the scarce Lakeside series (not to be confused with Barret-made Lakeside "brand"), pens with color paint or what have you on the metal (perhaps not counting the orange and green ringtop pens seen in routine catalogues). Not sure this pattern was catalogued at all. Suspect your pen has lost the black paint. Still scarce.

[matt]

Nope.  Here's what Lakeside looks like.

 

http://leadheadpenci...-eversharp.html

 

as first shown by Syd Saperstien:

 

http://www.fountainp...lues/?p=1049862

 

The enameled/lacquered pens and pencils in the PCA's 1928 catalogs are either gold fill on silver or sterling.

 

David, maybe you are thinking of the previously shown "colored metal pen with black paint in an unusual pattern" with which you started the same FPN thread above?  Your FPN pictures are all gone.

[matt]

And here's a link to more pictures of this yet-unnamed pattern including several from Jack Leone's collection with a lacquered finish:

http://leadheadpenci...g-this-one.html

[david i]

Allow me to show the real pen with the more-or-less proper paint, a lucky find 8 years ago or so at the Chicago Pen Show.

 

 

'

 

 

 

regards

 

david

[Procyon]

That is really a gorgeous pen in its original configuration.  Thanks for digging it up, David.  It looks like the paint was actually on the higher points of the surface. I can see how that may have worn off pretty rapidly. My pen is very worn, but actually still looks pretty good after cleaning it up.

 

 

[Jon Veley]

I don't believe this model was always enameled from the factory, Procyon.  Absent any trace of paint, I think it's just as likely it never had any.

[Procyon]

Jon, I don't see any trace at all, but the pen is pretty worn.  The engine turning on this pen is the most intense I have ever seen.

Edited by Procyon, 23 November 2014 - 04:46 PM.

[Jon Veley]

Agreed.  Although some of Jack's prototypes referenced in my article are just as wild - most, though, were likely never produced. 

[David Nishimura]

Jon, I believe these were always enameled.

Noting that the "enamel" was "cold enamel" (that is, paint), and that it was celluloid-based -- so that the reason it is typically no longer present has much to do with the lifespan of cellulose nitrate lacquer.

 

I've spent quite a bit of time studying these pens under a microscope to figure out how they were made. With enough magnification, one can see the traces of paint even in cases where no remaining paint is visible at first glance.

Edited by David Nishimura, 23 November 2014 - 10:20 PM.

[Hugh]

They're impressive pens. Neat find Allan !!

 

Regards

Hugh

[harrison]

My question is about Wahl all metal pens. I've found several #5 nibbed but never a #6. I've heard that the barrel and cap on the #6 is larger than the #5. I would love to see a 6 photo next to a #5 for scale. Does anyone actually own a #6?

 

 

 

 

 

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[Procyon]

Hi harrison,

 

The Wahl all metal pens are generally #2 and #4 sizes. Both have different size nibs and diameters, although length is about the same. I could be wrong, but I don't believe there really was a #5 size pen, although there may be a #5 nib in a #4 pen.  There was a #6 all metal, but only in the Greek Key pattern, as far as I know.  It is quite rare.  Lucky me, I obtained one at the LA Show this year.  Here is a picture of it along with a #4 size Wahl in Silver Hand Engraved Vine pattern (also pretty scarce), which I also scored there (both from David I.). The size 6 pen is larger diameter and also about a 1/4 inch longer than the size 4.

 

Allan Goforth

 

[harrison]

I have four #5 metal wahls. Each is approx. 125 mm long, closed. Cap diameter at opening about 11 mm. I have several #4's with same length and diameter.  Is your #6 different in length or diameter than my #5's?

This would put your #6 at about 130mm.

I appreciate your looking at this.

 

Harrison

[Procyon]

Yep, my #6 measures right at 130mm in length.  Cap diameter is 12.7mm at opening. As I said, your #5 pens are the same as #4's. They just have a #5 nib installed.

[harrison]

Thanks much for your info. I've just never seen one before, not even if I google "Wahl metal 6." 

I sincerely believe that my #5's were always #5's because I've picked them up over many years from miscellaneous places. Seems like it would be quite a coincidence if they they weren't original. It's interesting that the barrel and cap are the same as the #4. I'll continue to search for a #6 of my own.

 

Harrison

[Procyon]

I would suspect you are right in saying that the #5 nibs are original.  Perhaps it was an option from the dealers to get a larger nib. The pens are known and cataloged as 2, 4, and 6 size, however.  The #6 pens are quite rare, although they were in the 1928 catalog. The only ones known are in the Greek Key pattern.

[harrison]

Now if I could just find a full sized Lakeside with the blue enamel...

 

Also looking for the ladies  color enameled in pink and in blue. I've got orange over sterling and green on gfm.

 

It's not owning every pattern that is the goal, but it's fun to try to complete sets that are doable(unlike Parker overlays).

I'm betting a greek key #6 is easier than a snake.

 

Thanks.