These beautiful overlaid pens were popular though expensive in the 1920s. The Waterman's 452½V is a small ring-top pen which is as much a piece of jewellery as a practical writing instrument. It is easy to imagine it in a lady's handbag or on a ribbon around her neck. Although the pen is tiny with the cap on, when the cap is posted on the back of the barrel, it becomes well balanced and a perfectly practical size to hold and use. This example is finished in the hand-engraved vine pattern and is in great condition. The engraved detail is sharp and clear and there are no scratches, dings or other blemishes. The letter "A" has been engraved in the engraving blank on the barrel. It has been carefully done and doesn't detract at all from the pen's appearance:

Overall this pen is in exceptionally good condition.

This pen is a lever filler and bears the Waterman's "Ideal" globe logo on the lever. The lip of the cap is engraved with "Sterling Waterman's" and the top of the barrel is engraved with "Sterling Made in USA". The end of the barrel is engraved "452½V".

The medium fine14ct gold nib nib is stamped " Waterman's IDEAL Reg U.S. Pat Off 2", and writes smoothly with a very pleasant script.  This is a very attractive nib with a heart-shaped breather hole and a high polish. This is not really a flexible nib, but it has a good deal more flex than a modern nib. The nib is in excellent condition with plenty of life left in it. I don't think it has seen a great deal of use.

This pen has been fully serviced and fitted with a new ink sac.  It is perfectly serviceable and is ready for many years of reliable service - it is also of course highly collectable.