The Mabie Todd Blackbird pen was first made around 1911, it was announced in 'the stationer's gazzette early that year:
'Messrs Mabie Todd & Co., believing that there is a growing demand for a reliable pen that can be purchased for about 5s. have produced one named 'The Blackbird' to sell at that price'
It wasn't until 10 years later, in 1921, that the lever filling pen, or 'self filler' was produced. The hard rubber clipless pens with an early nib imprint, this pen, were phased out around 1927.
The pen is constructed in hard rubber, not the usual 'black chased' pattern but a smooth, unadorned surface. It has a first class finish and clear imprints on the barrel and cap. the very early Blackbirds were not given a model number or name. The pen shows no sign of the oxidation that is so common on hard rubber, it must have been kept, literally, in the dark for most of it's life.
It has been conservatively restored and is presented as an outstanding example of a pen that was made at a time when a reliable pen was, for many, an absolute neccessity. The filling system works well and the 14 Ct. Gold nib writes with a good deal of flex.
The box is new, it is of high quality and will serve well for protection, transport, and display.
A long and elegant pen, the Blackbird is certainly of a standard that would grace any collection, smooth hard rubber pens are particularly scarce. At almost a hundred years old it is not seen as an every day writer but would make an excellent 'signature' pen for special occasions or just for the pleasure of using such a special pen.