Swan 4460 (1060) Torpedo, #4 Gold Artist, Black Celluloid, 3-band Gold Trim

An extremely rare and interesting pen for anyone appreciating a story to come with the pen. This 4460 has a faded 1060 imprint right next to the 4460 imprint. This 4-leverless, 4-sized nib, 60-black xylonite Swan is one of the largest of the flexible nibbed Swans of the time, as #6 nibs were generally equipped with Eternal (manifold rigid) nibs to better compete with the growing competition by Miles Martin Pen Co's Biro Ballpoint pens, the beginning of the end of the days of flexy goodness. PAT No. 390585, Type B Imprint, 1949 production year (restamped), likely even 1948 as a prototype model that someone decided must fit in the mold of the new modeling system. The "K" imprint on the nib has not been documented; usually the "C" imprint was for Calligraphy pens, made shortly after in 1953, but no documentation yet on the K imprint.

A very long-tined artist nib with lovely snapback for its length (the usual tradeoff is length vs snapback). Maximum tine flex reaches 2.00mm with a significantly thinner line at no pressure (0.25mm), well within the EF cutoff, for a strong 8x line variation. This is the budget Waterman Pink nib at roughly half the price; a writing-sample comparison is in the gallery. The grip section measures a generous 9.36mm against the Waterman 7 Pink's 8.67mm. Best for intermediate to advanced calligraphers; very little feedback, but the longer tines are not beginner friendly. Excellent for crazy hairlines, feather up and use side strokes when flourishing.

Mint including the factory "1060" hidden imprint. Black xylonite hand polished, "softness" restored, coated with carnauba wax for UV and moisture protection. Fitted with a fresh latex sac. Nib heat set and tuned for flex and smoothness.

Tested on Rhodia 90gsm with Pelikan 4001 Brilliant Black.