Waterman Master Burgundy Red Marbled Lacquer Fountain Pen – 18K Gold Nib – France ca 1979

An exceptionally attractive example of the French-made Waterman Master fountain pen, produced between 1979 and 1983.

With its rich burgundy-red marbled lacquer, graceful gold-plated details and original solid 18K gold wing nib, the Master combines refined French styling with an exceptionally pleasurable writing experience.

It is equally appealing as a superb writing instrument or as an unusually complete example for the serious Waterman collector.

The Waterman Master was one of Waterman’s prestigious lacquered writing instruments of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Its slender tubular form, beautifully finished metal body and distinctive wing-shaped nib give it an elegant appearance quite unlike that of most contemporary fountain pens.

The body is covered with a rich burgundy-red marbled lacquer. Depending upon the light, the finish reveals shifting shades of burgundy, wine red and darker marbled veining, giving the pen considerable depth and visual character.

The warm gold-plated clip, rings and cap fittings contrast beautifully with the lacquer and give the pen a refined, jewel-like elegance.

The streamlined body is comfortable and well balanced in the hand. The cap may be posted securely on the end of the barrel, providing additional length and a pleasantly substantial writing balance.

The barrel trim is clearly and legibly marked:

Waterman Made in France

At the heart of this Waterman Master is its original solid 18K gold Medium wing nib. The broad wing-shaped design is one of the defining features of the model. It complements the pen’s streamlined body and gives the Master a distinctive and sophisticated appearance.

The nib is stamped: 18K – 750

It also bears a small French gold hallmark, just discernible close to the point at which the nib enters the section.

The medium nib has been tested and writes smoothly and consistently.

It is pleasantly soft and springy, providing a cushioned and responsive writing sensation together with modest natural line variation. The nib glides easily across the paper and gives handwriting an expressive character without being difficult or demanding to use.

It is best described as a soft and responsive gold nib rather than a full-flex calligraphy nib.

Comfortable, well balanced and enjoyable to write with, the Waterman Master transforms ordinary handwriting into a particularly pleasurable experience.

The pen may be filled using either the original Waterman converter with bottled ink or compatible Waterman ink cartridges.

Also included is an unopened original box of four Waterman cartridges. As these cartridges are more than forty years old, they are offered principally as original collector accessories. The condition of the vintage ink inside them cannot be guaranteed.

The pen remains in excellent vintage condition.

• No name, initials, or other personalization
• No brassing
• No cracks, chips, dents or deformation
• No damage to the marbled lacquer
• Clear and legible Waterman imprint

The pen has been fully tested and writes smoothly and consistently.

The enlarged photographs form an important part of the description and allow its excellent condition and beautiful lacquer finish to be examined in detail.

The pen retains its original Waterman presentation box and converter together with an unopened original box of four Waterman cartridges. The survival of these original accessories makes this a particularly complete and attractive example.

Lewis Edson Waterman patented his important three-channel fountain-pen feed in the United States on February 12, 1884.

Based upon the principle of capillary action, the design helped regulate the exchange of ink and air and contributed greatly to the development of the reliable modern fountain pen.

The L.E. Waterman Company subsequently became one of the world’s most important fountain-pen manufacturers.

During the early 20th century, the Waterman name expanded into Europe. In 1926, Jules Fagard established the French JiF-Waterman company to manufacture Waterman pens in France.

French Waterman pens later developed a distinctive character of their own, combining technical quality with an unmistakably elegant French approach to design.

Produced in France between 1979 and 1983, the Waterman Master belongs to this distinguished tradition. Its rich marbled lacquer, graceful gold-plated details and original solid 18K gold nib make it a particularly beautiful expression of late-20th-century French pen design.

Preserved in excellent condition with its original box, converter and vintage cartridges, the present example would make an especially satisfying acquisition for the Waterman collector—or a particularly distinguished gift for someone who appreciates fine writing instruments.