Review: Mobie Todd Blackbird Self Filling Fountain Pen

I recently purchased a Blackbird hard rubber fountain pen made by Mabi Todd in around 1930. Some history can be found here and here, plus a timeline of the Company.

This pen was in quite good condition with some colour wear; it has changed from the original black to a dark brown. The pens ink sac was perished so with the help of my desk lamps bulb (heat source) removed the section from the body and changed the ossified ink sac for a new one. The lever is in good condition and did not need work. Before reassembly the pen was given a wash with a clean rag and then polished with a clean microfiber duster.

There is no clip on the cap and no marks to show the removal of one. So did it have one?

The pen nib was in the worst condition as it has a bend to it as the nib writes well it will not be tampered with. The pen is a nice medium width which flexes to a broad. It is a slow starter so either a wipe on a sponge or wet paper wakes it up. The first picture is two photos that I joined together by eye.

Below are some doodles and writing samples that were drawn with this pen.

To conclude: A nice pen that I shall be put to good use for drawing and writing in my journal.

 

Good night.

 

Ian.