Waterman Registry
C/F — sterling silver godron pattern, 18K white gold nib

David Nishimura, vintagepens.com [source]

C/F — sterling silver godron pattern, 18K white gold nib
C/F — gold plated, fine parallel lines, 18K inset nib
Waterman Standard — early French cartridge-filler, black with gold-filled trim (c. 1953)

Waterman · 1953-1970s

Waterman CF

$20-60
Mid-Century
Filling System Cartridge filler (proprietary)
Nib 18k gold or steel
Material Plastic and metal

What to Look For

'CF' stands for 'Cartridge Filler.' French-made after 1954 sale of American company. Early French models have 18k gold nibs; later ones steel. Lacquer finish can flake. Proprietary cartridge still available. Originally used glass cartridges (1936 invention, plastic cartridges from 1953). Also available in gold-plated and sterling silver variants (godron pattern).

The Waterman CF is one of the most historically significant fountain pens ever made — one of the first to use a disposable plastic ink cartridge, and Waterman’s last great commercial success.1

History

“CF” stands for “Cartridge Filler.”2 The cartridge filling concept was developed in France in 1936, initially using glass cartridges.3 Waterman introduced disposable plastic cartridges in 1953 with the CF, marking a revolution in fountain pen convenience.3 The CF also marks Waterman’s shift from American to French manufacturing — the American company was sold in 1954, and from this point forward, Waterman pens were made in France.3

Construction

A slim, elegant pen with an 18k gold nib (early French models) or steel nib (later production).2 Available in a wide range of finishes including gold-plated with parallel line patterns, and sterling silver with godron (ribbed) pattern.4 The proprietary Waterman cartridge is still available today.2 The lacquer finish can flake on some models — check before buying.2

Significance

The CF represents both an ending and a beginning: the end of Waterman’s American era and the beginning of its French renaissance. It was the bridge pen between the old Waterman (hard rubber, lever fillers, American manufacturing) and the modern Waterman (plastic, cartridges, French design).1

  1. Dirck de Lint, “Waterman,” Ravens March Fountain Pens. Link. ↩ ↩2

  2. pens.bankbonimus.com, “Waterman Pen Guide.” Link. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  3. Penstylo, “History of Waterman.” Link. ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  4. David Nishimura, “Vintage Pen Catalog: Waterman UK and European,” vintagepens.com. Link. ↩

Sources

In My Collection

Mid-Century Era