Waterman's Lady Patricia, Nacre Celluloid NPT, Manifold #2 14k

Lady Patricia was Waterman's "World's Finest Pen for Women" inside the 1929–1939 Patrician lineup, sized to match the 52 1/2 V at roughly 109mm capped, fitted with the #2 PAT nib and the same celluloid palette as the flagship Senior Patrician. Nacre is one of the five original 1929 launch colorways and the scarcest of them, where mother-of-pearl is marbled through black celluloid. Surviving Nacre examples are typically darkened, hairlined, or crystallized after almost a century. This one came out of an estate desk drawer and shows no UV bleaching, no hairlines, and no crystallization. The barrel hallmark imprints are exceptionally crisp. The #2 PAT nib is stamped "Fine Rigid Waterman's Ideal 14k 2" and writes as a controlled 0.10mm extra-extra-fine manifold. Bouncy on the page without crossing into flex, the same character that put manifold nibs on every period accountant's desk: thick rigid metal that holds line precision under heavy hand pressure where standard flexible tines would spring or spread. Manifold nibs were named for the multi-copy carbon work the pre-photocopier era ran on. They translate cleanly into modern journaling and ultra-fine daily writing. A natural pairing for someone who reaches for a Platinum 3776 UEF or a Sailor Zoom for everyday handwriting. Grade B+, with the only deduction a small sliver of brassing on the cap clip. The pen would otherwise read as NOS. Full celluloid restoration and deinking, releasing bonded ink residue from the barrel walls. Nickel-plated trim hand-polished. Nib and feed tuned. Fitted with a silicone sac, so please store upright just in case there is nib creep. This is a trade off to use all inks regardless if they are vintage-safe or not, and will not off gas (won't degrade celluloid nitrate). Tested on Rhodia 90gsm ivory with Pelikan 4001 Brilliant Black.