The Waterman's Ideal no.13 eyedropper pen was first patented in 1884 with later patents added in 1899 and 1903.  This pen, made in the U.S.A., carries both parent dates and is identical to one shown in a 1906 Waterman catalogue.

The pen has been conservatively restored and is in good vintage condition.  It is constructed in hard rubber with the original 14Ct. Gold Waterman New York nib.  The chasing is is worn but the the surface is good and the barrel imprint still legible.  The pen has taken up slightly brown patina, due to oxidation of the hard rubber surface over the last one hundred and odd years. Although hand made, the tolerances are very fine, the join between the barrel and section is tight and the threads are very smooth.

The barrel imprint reads:

Pat'd 1884.   May 23. 1899

Waterman's Ideal Fountain

N.Y. U.S.A. & august 4. 1903.

The number '13' is clearly stamped on the end of the barrel.

Filling the pen is not as onerous as some may think and, due to it's relatively large ink capacity it needs to be filled less often than a pen with a modern filling ststem.  The writing sample was carried out with a full pen.  The ink flow is good and the original New York nib writes with a fine line flexing effortlessly to medium/broad and adding character to the writing.  It's a pity that my scrawl does it little justice.

At 134 mm. capped and a huge 175 mm. posted, it is an extremely long, slim and elegant pen, well suited to those making the transition from dip pens to the new fangled fountain pens.

Although of high quality and build, the Waterman's no. 13 was solely for the serious purpose of writing rather than fashion.  This example has certainly been well used but also well cared for, it is a very rare and 'honest' antique pen.