Waterman · 1945-early 1950s
Waterman Taperite
What to Look For
The Taperite is a LINE of pens, not a single model. Semi-hooded nib (more exposed than Parker 51's fully hooded nib). Clutched slip cap prone to spring deterioration. Models differentiated by cap material: Stateleigh (gold-filled, Stars and Stripes band), Citation (plastic, broad band), Crusader (anodized Lumalloy aluminum), Medalist (plastic, wide band), Dauntless (plastic, narrow band), Corinth (stainless Astralite, diagonal-line band). Canadian variants have threaded caps and squeeze fillers.
The Taperite is a family of pens — not a single model — sharing a semi-hooded nib design, introduced in 1945 as Waterman’s response to the Parker 51.1
The Taperite Line
Starting with 2 models in 1945, the line grew to 7+ by 1948, differentiated primarily by cap material:1
| Model | Cap Material | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stateleigh | Gold-filled (Stars and Stripes band) | 1945 | Premium |
| Citation (877) | Plastic (broad band) | 1945 | Mid-range |
| Lady Garland | Gold-filled (feathery band) | 1945 | Ladies’ |
| Crusader (517) | Anodized aluminum “Lumalloy” | 1947 | $5.001 |
| Medalist | Plastic (wide band) | 1948 | Budget |
| Dauntless (302) | Plastic (narrow band) | 1948 | Budget |
| Corinth | Stainless steel “Astralite” (diagonal band) | 1948 | Mid-range |
Nib
All share a hand-ground 14K gold semi-hooded nib — partially exposed, unlike the Parker 51’s fully hidden nib.1 The cap uses a clutched slip mechanism prone to spring deterioration.1
Stalwart vs. Dauntless
The Stalwart (352) was the Canadian production version: gold trim, two cap bands. The Dauntless (302) was American: chrome trim, single cap band.1