David Nishimura, vintagepens.com [source]
Waterman · c. 1941-1946
Waterman Commando
What to Look For
Originally introduced in Lucite but quickly reverted to celluloid. Military-style top clips and Inquaduct feed for instant writing. Available in men's and ladies' sizes. Some models have clear/translucent barrel ends. Short-lived — discontinued by 1946 after WWII ended. Priced at $5.00 originally.
A wartime pen introduced shortly after America’s entry into WWII, with military-style clips and Parker-51-influenced hooded nib.1
History
The Commando appeared very early after Pearl Harbor, initially in Lucite but quickly reverting to celluloid for the majority of production.1 It was priced at $5.00 and marketed with patriotic “Commando” branding.1 The pen’s life was short — by 1946, after the war ended, Waterman discontinued the name.1
Construction
Fitted with a large No. 5 nib and Waterman’s “Inquaduct” feed for instant writing.1 Available in men’s and ladies’ sizes. Some models featured clear or translucent barrel ends showing the ink level.1
Colors
Limited to four relatively dark wartime options: Blue, Jet (black), Maroon, and Amber.1