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Waterman's 0742 1/2 V, Black Ebonite Filigree Band, 14k Flex Nib
Waterman's 0742 1/2 V, Black Ebonite Filigree Band, 14k Flex Nib
HM1225034
Waterman's 0742 1/2 V — the "baby" safety in its dressed-up configuration. The model number tells the full story: "07" for the gold barrel band, "4" for the safety mechanism, "2" for the #2 nib size, "1/2" for the slender barrel, and "V" for the shorter vest-pocket length. Baby-sized at 88mm capped, but posts to a regular writing length at 118mm.
The filigree band is the standout — set against the black ebonite, it gives the pen a restrained elegance the plain chased version can't match. Great ebonite condition with some wear to the chasing, but extremely crisp imprints. The turning knob had a crack that has been sealed — the repair does not impact the airtight seal or the mechanism's function. Graded C+ for the repair.
The nib is the real story. This Waterman Ideal #2 is a needlepoint flex with a slight cursive italic grind — 0.15mm horizontal hairlines that open to a full 1.27mm on the downstroke. That's 8.47x line variation at only 280g Semi Brush Flex. Fantastic flex nib by any standard. Nib heat-set and tuned for flex and smoothness.
Full safety mechanism rebuilt with fresh gaskets.
Tested on Rhodia 90gsm with Pelikan 4001 Brilliant Black.
Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications
Brand: Waterman's
Model: 42 1/2 V
Production Year: 1920
Material: Black Ebonite
Trim Color: Gold
Nib Size: 2
Nib Material: 14k
Nib Grind: EF
Nib Flexibility: g
Line Variation: - (8.47x)
Pen Length: 88.17
Pen Grip Section:
Restorer: Heron's Mooncake
Restoration Grade: C+
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Waterman's 0742 1/2 V, Black Ebonite Filigree Band, 14k Flex Nib
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Appendix for Listing Details
Sweating the details is fundamental to understanding, appreciating, and knowing the peice of history you have in your hands.
All pens are filled and tested, not just dipped in ink, which does not reflect writing characteristics whatsoever.
Line Variation Standard
Different restorers have different standards for line sizing and especially for vintage pens, the printed tipping size will not always be accurate due to repairs/grinds/etc. Please use this as a frame of reference for consistency.
Flexibility Standard
Nib flexibility is such a controversial topic, but there needs to be some level of consistency so please take this table as a frame of reference for my restorations and as someone who is writing in a calligraphic/spencerian style of cursive script. Without objective measurements, flexibility terms such as wet noodle are useless as someone with stronger forearms and grip strength will make even manifold nibs into a wet noodle.
Restoration Ratings
These are guidelines incorporated from various online sources not limited to Reddit, David Nishimura, etc.
