Waltham Spring-O-Matic c. 1939-1943

by Jim Mamoulides, June 12, 2019

Waltham Spring-O-Matic in black c. 1939-1943

Spring-O-Matic!

The earliest advertisement found showing the Waltham Spring-O-Matic button filling fountain pen appears in the Chicago Daily Herald on September 8, 1939. The pen was offered as a $5 value pen that could be had for only 59 cents. Waltham was a brand of the Starr Pen Company of 500 N. Dearborn, Chicago, a partnership started in 1935 by Joseph Starr, a 70 percent owner, and Samuel Starr and Jack Starr with 15 percent each. The company also owned the Winchester brand and, as of 1941, the Conklin brand.

Advertisement from The Daily Herald, September 8, 1939

This 5 inch long button fill fountain pen is made of black celluloid and operates much like a Parker button filler, by removing the blind cap from the end of the barrel, inserting the nib in ink and pressing the button to compress the ink sac and fill the pen. The ink level can be checked through a clear window in the section, which is clouded in this example pen, but shown in the advertisements.

Advertisement from The Dayton Daily News, November 26, 1941

Prices seemed to vary over time with advertisements showing 98 cent and 69 cent offers. They were also offered with a lifetime guarantee.

Advertisement from The Atlanta Constitution, July 5, 1942

Along with the great low price comes a basket full of features, including a two-way "Duo Way" gold plated stainless steel nib, "Vis-O-Pen" clear section, and a military regulation clip, which was removable by unscrewing the cap top.

Identification guide and features:

• At least 5 colors were offered including pearl celluloids and black
• Gold plated washer clip
• Gold plated cap band
• Screw on cap
• Gold plated stainless steel nib, stamped DUO WAY over TIP over 14KT over GOLD PLATE
• Nib grades unknown
• Button filler
• About 5 inches long capped
• Retail price for the pen ranged from 59 to 98 cents

The latest advertisement mentioning a Waltham button filler is in 1943, still selling for 59 cents.

Performance:

Advertisement from Adrian Daily Telegram, August 6, 1942

This example was not restored, so the best I could do was dip test it. Given only one example, the nib was nothing special, pencil like on paper. The fit and finish was at the same level as other cheap pens from the era, like Wearevers. I have not seen any of the celluloid versions, so given this one example, at best, it's a good pen to use to learn pen repair.

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References

Adrian Daily Telegram - August 6, 1942, page 7

"Joseph Starr v. Commissioner," United States Tax Court, March 30, 1954, Docket No. 24672

The Atlanta Constitution - July 5, 1942, page 8A

The Daily Herald - September 8, 1939, page 10

Neosho Daily Democrat - May 14, 1942, page 3

The Cedar Rapids Gazette - August 9, 1943, page 11