Waterman 94 Blue Ripple

Description

This Waterman 94 Blue Ripple hard rubber fountain pen is an increasingly rare find. The crisp double imprint, on both the side and the end of the barrel attest to the lack of wear. A fresh ink bladder has been installed.

Produced in the late 1920s, this model represents one of the final chapters in Waterman’s use of hard rubber before the transition to celluloid. Around this time, Waterman’s Ideal Pen Company had made a significant investment in the White Rubber Company of Ravenna, Ohio, supporting the continued development of rubber pens even as the rest of the industry began moving toward newer materials.

Shortly afterward, celluloid became the dominant material for fountain pen production, and the ripple hard rubber designs faded from the mainstream. Though they were viewed as outdated by the late 1930s, these pens are now highly collectible, valued for their distinctive materials and historical significance.

The #94 model showcases a refined flat-top silhouette, with trim and lever details that reflect early Art Deco influences while subtly anticipating the cleaner lines of mid-century modern design. Measuring approximately 5 1/8 inches when capped, the pen offers a balanced feel in the hand, and the textured hard rubber provides a warm, comfortable grip.

It features a lever-filling system, making it compatible with any standard bottled fountain pen ink. For vintage writing instruments like this one, we recommend using only dye-based inks—such as those we offer from Pelikan, Pilot, Platinum, or Sailor—to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

This collectible grade fountain pen comes from the personal collection of John Mottishaw, and reflects both historical value and exceptional quality and condition.