Waterman 2

The Waterman Model 2 is a straight-cap eyedropper with a #2 nib — one of the oldest fountain pen designs still found by collectors.

History

Lewis Edson Waterman patented his multi-channel feed on February 12, 1884 (US Patent 293,545).¹ The first feeds were made by Herbert Fisher on May 24, 1883, and the first pen was sold at the cigar shop on July 11, 1883.¹ The straight cap — where cap and barrel are the same diameter — was the original Waterman design.² Around 1894-95, the cone cap (1X series) was introduced and became far more common,² but straight-cap models continued production. A 1905 advertisement lists “straight cap models 2 G.M. - 6 G.M.” (gold-filled mounted),³ confirming the full range was still offered.

Construction & Identification

Made of black hard rubber, either smooth or with a chased (machine-engraved) pattern.² The single digit “2” serves as both the model number and nib size.⁴ In the pre-1917 numbering system, the absence of a digit in the tens place indicates a straight-cap eyedropper.⁴ Many early Waterman nibs are “wonderfully flexible — far more, proportionately, than pens from later eras.”²

Pricing

The 1919 Waterman catalog lists the No. 2 in plain or chased rubber at $2.50.⁵ The sterling silver overlay variant (402) was $7.50.⁵ Solid gold overlay (504) ranged from $25 to $45 depending on size and design.⁵

Rarity

vintagepens.com classifies straight-cap eyedroppers as “rather rare, especially with nibs larger than #4.”² The straight cap is the least common of Waterman’s five cap types (straight, cone, taper, screw, safety).²