Page 3 of 3

The end

Posted: June 25th, 2018, 1:15 pm
by btine
As I have already stated in the introduction I don't pursue Blackbirds anymore and what I have learnt belongs to the past. I did my best to present what I know but I'm aware there are more of my own assumptions than facts and the guide contains plenty of unsubstantiated claims and errors.

I'm leaving this guide unfinished, with missing pieces of information and illustrations, but I feel it's time to close this particular chapter.

Thank you for your time and reading, especially taking into account the fact how messy this guide is in its structure and my English language deficiencies!

Best wishes to all Blackbird fans!

Karl

Re: 1911, and they are dandies, too! Well, 1910

Posted: August 3rd, 2018, 2:40 pm
by btine
To dispel any doubts about the early debut, according to the article in the WES from July 2012 the introduction of the Blackbird was preceded by the postcard advertising campaign which started in May 1910: https://issuu.com/wes-journal/docs/jour ... 2F63120787.
btine wrote:
June 20th, 2018, 2:06 am
Earlier, I mentioned that Blackbirds likely predate creation of the British MT&Co Ltd in 1914 and that they were introduced as early as 1911. Well, I knew that I was onto something but couldn't remember why 1911. I often say that my memory is good but short. Indeed it is.

I was browsing my old notes and screenshots and found that the Blackird fountpen was mentioned and advertised that year in the Sketch: A Journal of Art and Actuality (1911, 75):

'5/- And they are dandies, too! This simple fountain pen does not claim to be equal to the world-renowned SWAN - though made by the same makers & gives exceptional value for a small sum - gold nib, iridium pointed, strong holder, large ink capacity.'

Then, in 1912, in the Bookseller (J. Whitaker and Sons, Limited, 1912) we can find another early advert:

'[Blackbird fountpen's] delightful smoothness, reliable action, its comfort and case, will surprise you. It is made for those who feel disinclined to pay 10s 6d. for a “ Swan." Gold Nib. Reliable Feed. Strong Holder'

Well, when we take into account that fountain pens used to be given as gifts and pen companies often adjusted new models launches for the Christmas season, we may guess (again!) that the Blackbird debuted in 1910.

The original price was 5 shillings and with the end of the WWI it increased to 6. The new safety cap self-filling pens were sold for 7s. 6d. when introduced in 1921. This price for the main line Blackbirds remained unchanged until the WWII, including BT200s.

Re: Mabie Todd Blackbird Guide

Posted: May 22nd, 2021, 4:42 am
by aelfattrum
This is an excellent guide. Sadly, a few of the image links are now broken. I wonder if any of these could be recovered.

Re: Mabie Todd Blackbird Guide

Posted: June 2nd, 2021, 5:08 pm
by Okman
How impressive. Thank you for your information.

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Posted: September 12th, 2021, 10:05 am
by RTThown
My biggest concern is that Im not longer a "pre 49 hot rodder"

But maybe Im now a "traditional hot rodder" like johnboy and one or two others around here

Re: Mabie Todd Blackbird Guide

Posted: September 27th, 2023, 7:18 am
by cobybrian
It's fascinating to see your dedication to uncovering the history of Mabie Todd Blackbirds and their role in early fountain pen use in schools. Your comprehensive guide, with its four main sections, offers a valuable resource for enthusiasts and researchers alike. The commitment to sharing your knowledge under a CC-BY-SA license is commendable, fostering a collaborative spirit in the pen community. If you're ever interested in exploring a different topic for your blog, you might consider topics like How To Get Tickets To A Movie Premiere or delve into gaming with State of Survival (on EmulatorPC). Your meticulous approach to research and information sharing would undoubtedly benefit any subject you choose to tackle.