THE BEST BEGINNER WATERMAN - Waterman's 52

Getting into the world of vintage and antique fountain pens can seem a little daunting. There are so many different options out there but in my time of using fountain pens, nothing has compared to that of a Waterman's 52. The PERFECT size and there are so many different options to choose from. If you want to go basic user, you can! If you want to up your game and get something a bit more fancy? Go for it!
This is my opinion of the best beginner antique that is readily available today. The model existed in this form from 1915 (Starting as a 12 PSF) to the early 1930s. The pen featured in this video is from around 1920. The amazing nib came from an eBay find. While eBay is a wonderful resource to find antique pens, there is a little bit of risk that the pen will come up as junk so here are some great retailers:
www.peytonstreetpens.com/pens...
www.vintagepens.com/catill_Wa...
Check out my "Virtual Museum":
www.173broadway.com

[@43pages55]

Just bought my first Waterman 52 1/2v, it should be here tomorrow. I can't wait to write with it!

[@CraigRoccanova]

Congrats!

[@archivist17]

Beautiful selection! I'm very attracted to the Vest Pocket models.

[@penpaperleather]

I went to the CA pen show yesterday and tried a vintage Waterman. I dont recall which model it was, but it was very enjoyable. Because I have no experience of vintage pens, I wasnt sure if it was worth $275 so passed on it.

[@CraigRoccanova]

Aww well I’m glad you tried one at least!

[@FalloutVault]

Hi Craig! About the "NY" nibs, my impression was that these were the older style nib engravings. Post-1925ish (not sure of the exact year but it was around the middle of the decade) they switched to the "Reg. U.S. Pat Off" imprint; before that all the US made ones had a NY imprint. You probably know waaay more about Waterman than I do but I remember reading that somewhere. I might be totally wrong though. That nib looks wonderful. One of my great shames, I saw a Waterman 452 basketweave set (pen and pencil) go up at an auction last year with a stub nib but I didn't go for it because I was not at the point in my vintage collecting where I could justify spending over $100 on a pen. It sold for only like $120 (plus premiums and shipping, but still...) or thereabouts! Can you imagine?

[@CraigRoccanova]

You never know! Things pop up all the time like that. Yesterday there was a listing for a “Waterman 52” but it was a Red 7. It was a sleeper for sure but people caught on so it sold for $450+!

[@dashsunil]

Excellent video. I somehow loved the black one here. So elegant. 😁

[@drawinsscribblins5326]

Hi. I bought a 452 with a broken clip. I was able to find a replacement. Do you know someone that can fix it for me?

[@CraigRoccanova]

You might see about going to a jeweler who can reattach it. That's what I would do!

[@drawinsscribblins5326]

@@CraigRoccanova Thanks. Never considered a jeweler.

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

Thanks for the cool jazz, and fine video content Craig. I don't own any vintage fountain pens. All mine are modern. I'm afraid of buying vintage, and just trying to have it restored

[@CraigRoccanova]

Well if you ever find a vintage one and need it restored, I can help you find a great restorer! Or if there is anything you are looking for and want it ready to write, I can help with that too! Let me know!

[@tahaeldesuki6633]

Hi carig i am asking if u offer one of these for sale

[@CraigRoccanova]

I will have some on my eBay soon

[@kjellgolsen8521]

I have never bought a good waterman .

[@CraigRoccanova]

I’ve never seen a good modern one. I’ve had lots of luck with these antique ones