PenHero

Wahl Engine Turned Designs on Fountain Pens Guide 1919-1929

by Jim Mamoulides, February 14, 2025

PenHeroWahl Model 6413P Wedgewood medium size 12K yellow gold filled over silver fountain pen c. 1927-1928

A timeline of Wahl engine turned designs on fountain pens

Wahl marketed pens under the Tempoint name from about 1918 to at least as late as 1920 before branding their fountain pens as Wahl in 1921. This list of designs begins with the 1919 Wahl Company catalog and covers engine turned and machine engraved designs on Wahl metal fountain pens during that period. Several Wahl catalogs are unavailable from those years, so the information presented is directly from the known catalogs and supplemented from advertisements and retailer catalogs.

This timeline leaves out the plain, hand engraved, and partially hand engraved designs, such as Hanlin. It also leaves out the larger set of designs that appeared on Eversharp pencils during the same period, which have their own production dates, not always in sync with the fountain pen production dates, if they even appeared on pens. If the reader would like a comprehensive resource for Eversharp pencils, I strongly recommend Eversharp, Cornerstone of an Industry by Jonathan A. Veley.

How to use this guide

Start with visually identifying the design using the chart below, then the description and the table. The rest of the article lists by year what design was offered and the array of pens it was available on, if known. Dating a specific pen can be narrowed as to the design, ringtop or clip pen, the size (if stated), if the clip is stamped (and how) or not, and what kind of nib and nib markings it has. There will be exceptions as Wahl may have made more sizes, used more metals than shown in catalogs, and a pen may have a different nib than shown the catalog or advertisements. There also may be overlap between and after catalog dates as Wahl sold off old inventory. The goal is to help get as close as possible to correctly identifying the pen.

Wahl Engine Turned Designs on Fountain Pens 1919-1929

PenHero PenHero PenHero PenHero
Chancellor
1924
Check
1922-1926
Checkerboard
1923-1925
Colonial
1919-1927
PenHero PenHero PenHero PenHero
Colonnade
1928-1929
Console
1928
Dart
1922-1927
Diamond
1920-1925
PenHero PenHero PenHero PenHero
Grecian Border
1919-1929
Lakeside
1928
Niagara
1927
Oxidized Grecian Border
1927
PenHero PenHero PenHero PenHero
Ribbon
1919-1921
Ring Colonial
1928-1929
Ripple
1922-1925
Tinted
1927-1928
PenHero PenHero PenHero PenHero
Unique
1919-1921
Wave
1925
Wedgewood
1927-1928
Zigzag
1921-1924

Design Descriptions 1919-1929

Chancellor: Repeating panels with diamond shapes on a straight line background around the cap and barrel, visually similar to Diamond.

Check (called Chased in the 1922 catalog): Repeating panels of chevrons on a background of straight lines around the cap and barrel.

Checkerboard: A repeating pattern of panels of squares in plain blocks and straight lines repeating around the cap and barrel, offered only on pencils.

Colonial: A repeating pattern of straight lines around the cap and barrel.

Colonnade: A stacked ring design with cut out black enamel tinted panels repeating up the cap and barrel.

Console: A set of repeating panels of bell and flower shapes around the cap and barrel.

Dart: A repeating pattern of panels of straight lines with a small curve out that create a repeating arrowhead effect around the cap and barrel.

Diamond (unnamed in 1920): A repeating pattern of diamond shapes in a diamond pattern on a straight line background around the cap and barrel.

Grecian Border: A repeating panel consisting of a continuous wide line with square turns set in a line pattern around the cap and barrel.

Lakeside (not in the 1928 catalog, but appears in a 1928 Wahl advertisement): Described as a champlevé technique design where the cap and barrel are engraved with repeating panels of a wave pattern that is overlaid with tinted blue enamel. Other sizes and models may have been made.

Niagara: 12K yellow gold filled with engine turned coral shapes cut into the base metal.

Oxidized Grecian Border: The Grecian Border design is oxidized black on plain silver plate finish on the cap and barrel.

Ribbon: A repeating pattern of four straight lines and a space around the cap and barrel.

Ring Colonial: The Colonial design with a pair of wide rings cut in a repeating pattern up the cap and barrel. The three cuts are filled with black enamel.

Ripple: A repeating pattern of straight lines with a small curve out that create a ripple effect around the cap and barrel.

Tinted: Engine turned straight and ripple line patterns cut into the base metal and then overcoated with a translucent enamel. Blue-green and rose-pink enamel was used.

Unique: A repeating panel of checks in a line pattern around the cap and barrel.

Wave: A panel of straight lines with a small curve out grouped evenly that create a series of two waves repeating around the cap and barrel.

Wedgewood: 12K yellow gold filled with engine turned straight and ripple line patterns cut into the base silver metal.

Zigzag: A repeating pattern of wavy lines in a zigzag around the cap and barrel.

Table of Engine Turned Designs by Year 1919-1929

Pattern 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929
Chancellor X
Check X X X X X
Checkerboard X X X
Colonial X X X X X X X X X
Colonnade X X
Console X
Dart X X X X X X
Diamond X X X X X X X
Grecian Border X X X X X X X X X X X
Lakeside X
Niagara X
Oxidized Silver Grecian Border X
Ribbon X X X
Ring Colonial X X
Ripple X X X X
Tinted Design X X
Unique X X X
Wave X
Wedgewood X X
Zigzag X X X X

In cases where no catalog nor clear, dated Wahl Company advertisements were available, assumptions were made creating the table above as to certain dates when designs were produced and are called out in each year's section below as applicable.

Detailed chronology by year of Wahl engine turned designs

This chronology focuses on engine turned and machine engraved designs on Wahl and Tempoint pens and excludes the Hanlin combined engine turned and hand engraved design and the completely hand engraved metal pens offered by the Wahl Company. Hanlin is a variation of the Ribbon or Colonial linear engine turned designs with panels of straight lines running the length of the cap and barrel divided with wide blank panels that are hand engraved with an ornate flower and foliage design and was offered from 1920 to 1925 (and on a single pen in 1929). Plain, unengraved pens were offered from 1919 to 1922, and pencils from 1921 to 1929. A hexagonal plain pencil was offered in 1921 and an octagonal plain pencil was offered from 1922 to 1925. This list focuses on the years 1919 through 1929 as these are the primary years Wahl made fountain pens with engine turned designs.

Reference illustrations and photographs of the designs are shown in the table above. At the beginning of each section below, illustrations are used primarily to introduce new designs when they appeared.

1919 Designs

PenHeroWahl Tempoint engine turned designs on both size pens,
left to right: Colonial, Grecian Border, Ribbon, and Unique
(image is from the 1920 catalog)

The Wahl Company catalog for 1919 shows four engine turned designs, Colonial, Grecian Border, Ribbon, and Unique, on two sizes of Tempoint ringtop fountain pens in five different metal finishes, 18 1/8 K yellow gold filled, 18 1/8 K green gold filled, 14K solid yellow gold, 14K solid green gold, and Sterling silver. The model numbers can be read as the 200 series is the smaller ringtop pen, about 3 5/8 inches long capped, and the 300 series is the larger ringtop pen, about 4 3/8 inches long capped. The third digit of the model number identifies the design, and the letter(s) identifies to the metal, A for 18 1/8 K gold filled, AG for 18 1/8 K green gold filled, B for 14K solid yellow gold, BG for 14K solid green gold, and C for sterling silver. Nibs are stamped WAHL TEMPOINT PEN.

The listed designs and prices for 1919 were:


Colonial: A repeating pattern of straight lines around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop 203A 18 1/8 K yellow gold filled $8.00
Small ringtop 203AG 18 1/8 K green gold filled $8.00
Small ringtop 203B 14K solid yellow gold $25.00
Small ringtop 203BG 14K solid green gold $25.00
Small ringtop 203C Sterling silver $6.00
Larger ringtop 303A 18 1/8 K yellow gold filled $10.00
Larger ringtop 303AG 18 1/8 K green gold filled $10.00
Larger ringtop 303B 14K solid yellow gold $30.00
Larger ringtop 303BG 14K solid green gold $30.00
Larger ringtop 303C Sterling silver $8.00

Grecian Border: A repeating panel consisting of a continuous wide line with square turns set in a line pattern around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop 206A 18 1/8 K yellow gold filled $8.00
Small ringtop 206AG 18 1/8 K green gold filled $8.00
Small ringtop 206B 14K solid yellow gold $25.00
Small ringtop 206BG 14K solid green gold $25.00
Small ringtop 206C sterling silver $6.00
Larger ringtop 306A 18 1/8 K yellow gold filled $10.00
Larger ringtop 306AG 18 1/8 K green gold filled $10.00
Larger ringtop 306B 14K solid yellow gold $30.00
Larger ringtop 306BG 14K solid green gold $30.00
Larger ringtop 306C sterling silver $8.00

Ribbon: A repeating pattern of four straight lines and a space around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop 205A 18 1/8 K yellow gold filled $8.00
Small ringtop 205AG 18 1/8 K green gold filled $8.00
Small ringtop 205B 14K solid yellow gold $25.00
Small ringtop 205BG 14K solid green gold $25.00
Small ringtop 205C sterling silver $6.00
Larger ringtop 305A 18 1/8 K yellow gold filled $10.00
Larger ringtop 305AG 18 1/8 K green gold filled $10.00
Larger ringtop 305B 14K solid yellow gold $30.00
Larger ringtop 305BG 14K solid green gold $30.00
Larger ringtop 305C sterling silver $8.00

Unique: A repeating panel of checks in a line pattern around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop 204A 18 1/8 K yellow gold filled $8.00
Small ringtop 204AG 18 1/8 K green gold filled $8.00
Small ringtop 204B 14K solid yellow gold $25.00
Small ringtop 204BG 14K solid green gold $25.00
Small ringtop 204C sterling silver $6.00
Larger ringtop 304A 18 1/8 K yellow gold filled $10.00
Larger ringtop 304AG 18 1/8 K green gold filled $10.00
Larger ringtop 304B 14K solid yellow gold $30.00
Larger ringtop 304BG 14K solid green gold $30.00
Larger ringtop 304C sterling silver $8.00

1920 Designs

PenHeroThe new engine turned design for 1920, Diamond,
shown on the smaller and larger ringtop pen
(image is from the 1920 catalog)

Wahl introduced one new, but not yet named, design in the 1920 catalog that was called Diamond in the 1921 catalog. The 1920 catalog described is as "a new and distinctive design" and it was only offered in 14K solid gold. The 1920 catalog I have has no pricing pages. Colonial, Grecian Border, Ribbon, and Unique all continue with the same model numbers as 1919 with the single change in the descriptions being the gold content of the gold filled pens changing from 18 1/8 K gold filled to 14 1/8 K gold filled. I think it's possible the prices are unchanged from 1919. Diamond, being the only the new design, is covered below, rather than repeat all the same information as 1919. Clips are offered as an option on sterling silver 300 series pens, probably at additional cost. Nibs are stamped WAHL TEMPOINT PEN.

The new design for 1920 was:


Diamond (unnamed in 1920): A repeating pattern of diamond shapes in a diamond pattern on a straight line background around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop 208B 14K solid yellow gold Not known
Small ringtop 208BG 14K solid green gold Not known
Larger ringtop 308B 14K solid yellow gold Not known
Larger ringtop 308BG 14K solid green gold Not known

1921 Designs

PenHeroThe new engine turned design for 1921, Zigzag, shown on each size clip fountain pen
(image is from the 1921 catalog)

Wahl introduced one new design in the 1921 catalog, Zigzag, which only appears on the new clip pens. The Diamond name is given to the previously unnamed design introduced in 1920. Colonial, Grecian Border, Ribbon, and Unique all continue with the same model numbers on the ringtop pens. New and larger models with Eversharp clips are introduced. The clip pens are in three sizes, small at 4 3/8 inches closed, medium at 4 5/8 inches, and large at 5 1/8 inches. The gold content of the gold filled pens with clips is not described, but on ringtop pens it continues at 14 1/8 K gold filled. Diamond is the only solid gold pen with an engine turned design. Prices were adjusted across the models, as shown below. Clip pens do not have metal suffixes, though ringtop pens retain them. Nibs are now stamped WAHL PEN.

The listed designs and prices for 1921 were:


Colonial: A repeating pattern of straight lines around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop 203A 14 1/8 K yellow gold filled $5.00
Small ringtop 203AG 14 1/8 K green gold filled $6.00
Small ringtop 203C Sterling silver $5.00
Larger ringtop 303A 14 1/8 K yellow gold filled $6.00
Larger ringtop 303AG 14 1/8 K green gold filled $7.00
Larger ringtop 303C Sterling silver $6.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 433 Gold filled $6.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 543 Gold filled $7.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 653 Gold filled $8.00

Diamond: A repeating pattern of diamond shapes in a diamond pattern on a straight line background around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop 208B 14K solid yellow gold $27.00
Small ringtop 208BG 14K solid green gold $27.00
Larger ringtop 308B 14K solid yellow gold $32.00
Larger ringtop 308BG 14K solid green gold $32.00

Grecian Border: A repeating panel consisting of a continuous wide line with square turns set in a line pattern around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop 206A 14 1/8 K yellow gold filled $5.00
Small ringtop 206AG 14 1/8 K green gold filled $6.00
Small ringtop 206C Sterling silver $5.00
Larger ringtop 306A 14 1/8 K yellow gold filled $6.00
Larger ringtop 306AG 14 1/8 K green gold filled $7.00
Larger ringtop 306C Sterling silver $6.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 436 Gold filled $6.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 546 Gold filled $7.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 656 Gold filled $8.00

Ribbon: A repeating pattern of four straight lines and a space around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop 205A 14 1/8 K yellow gold filled $5.00
Small ringtop 205AG 14 1/8 K green gold filled $6.00
Small ringtop 205C Sterling silver $5.00
Larger ringtop 305A 14 1/8 K yellow gold filled $6.00
Larger ringtop 305AG 14 1/8 K green gold filled $7.00
Larger ringtop 305C Sterling silver $6.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 435 Gold filled $6.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 545 Gold filled $7.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 655 Gold filled $8.00

Unique: A repeating panel of checks in a line pattern around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop 204A 14 1/8 K yellow gold filled $5.00
Small ringtop 204AG 14 1/8 K green gold filled $6.00
Small ringtop 204C Sterling silver $5.00
Larger ringtop 304A 14 1/8 K yellow gold filled $6.00
Larger ringtop 304AG 14 1/8 K green gold filled $7.00
Larger ringtop 304C Sterling silver $6.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 434 Gold filled $6.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 544 Gold filled $7.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 654 Gold filled $8.00

Zigzag: A repeating pattern of wavy lines in a zigzag around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 437 Gold filled $6.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 547 Gold filled $7.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 657 Gold filled $8.00

1922 Designs

PenHeroThe three new engine turned designs for 1922: left to right, Check, Dart, and Ripple
(image is from the 1922 catalog)

Wahl introduced three new designs in the 1922 catalog, Check, Dart, and Ripple. Check is named Chased in the 1922 catalog on the page showing pens with the design. Check is interesting because it's the only design that is not described as engine turned. Check also launched on the first silver filled pens. The model suffix for silver filled is 'D.' Check is also the earliest Wahl engraved design, in use on Eversharp pencils as early as 1915. Diamond continues as the only engine turned design on solid gold pens. The original Colonial and Grecian Border designs continue, along with Zigzag, while Unique and Ribbon are dropped on pens. Model numbers and prices changed in 1922. Model number suffix 'W' now designates a ringtop pen. Metal type suffixes are added to all clip pens. Clips are stamped WAHL in the center. Nibs are now stamped WAHL PEN.

The listed designs and prices for 1922 were:


Check (called Chased in the 1922 catalog): Repeating panels of chevrons on a background of straight lines around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 321AW 14K yellow gold filled $5.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 321CW Sterling silver $5.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 321DW Silver filled $4.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 431AW 14K yellow gold filled $6.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 431CW Sterling silver $6.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 431DW Silver filled $5.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 431A 14K yellow gold filled $6.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 431C Sterling silver $6.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 431D Silver filled $5.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 541A 14K yellow gold filled $7.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 541C Sterling silver $7.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 541D Silver filled $6.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 651A 14K yellow gold filled $8.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 651C Sterling silver $8.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 651D Silver filled $7.00

Colonial: A repeating pattern of straight lines around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 323AW 14K yellow gold filled $6.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 323AGW 12K green gold filled $7.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 323CW Sterling silver $6.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 433AW 14K yellow gold filled $7.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 433AGW 12K green gold filled $8.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 433CW Sterling silver $7.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 433A 14K yellow gold filled $7.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 433AG 12K green gold filled $8.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 433C Sterling silver $7.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 543A 14K yellow gold filled $8.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 543AG 12K green gold filled $9.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 543C Sterling silver $8.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 653A 14K yellow gold filled $9.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 653AG 12K green gold filled $10.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 653C Sterling silver $9.00

Dart: A repeating pattern of panels of straight lines with a small curve out that create a repeating arrowhead effect around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 322AW 14K yellow gold filled $6.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 322AGW 12K green gold filled $7.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 322CW Sterling silver $6.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 432AW 14K yellow gold filled $7.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 432AGW 12K green gold filled $8.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 432CW Sterling silver $7.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 432A 14K yellow gold filled $7.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 432AG 12K green gold filled $8.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 432C Sterling silver $7.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 542A 14K yellow gold filled $8.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 542AG 12K green gold filled $9.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 542C Sterling silver $8.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 652A 14K yellow gold filled $9.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 652AG 12K green gold filled $10.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 652C Sterling silver $9.00

Diamond: A repeating pattern of diamond shapes in a diamond pattern on a straight line background around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop 208B 14K solid yellow gold $27.00
Small ringtop 208BG 14K solid green gold $27.00
Larger ringtop 308B 14K solid yellow gold $32.00
Larger ringtop 308BG 14K solid green gold $32.00

Grecian Border: A repeating panel consisting of a continuous wide line with square turns set in a line pattern around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 326AW 14K yellow gold filled $6.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 326AGW 12K green gold filled $7.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 326CW Sterling silver $6.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 436AW 14K yellow gold filled $7.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 436AGW 12K green gold filled $8.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 436CW Sterling silver $7.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 436A 14K yellow gold filled $7.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 436AG 12K green gold filled $8.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 436C Sterling silver $7.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 546A 14K yellow gold filled $8.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 546AG 12K green gold filled $9.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 546C Sterling silver $8.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 656A 14K yellow gold filled $9.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 656AG 12K green gold filled $10.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 656C Sterling silver $9.00

Ripple: A repeating pattern of straight lines with a small curve out that create a ripple effect around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 329AW 14K yellow gold filled $6.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 329AGW 12K green gold filled $7.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 329CW Sterling silver $6.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 439AW 14K yellow gold filled $7.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 439AGW 12K green gold filled $8.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 439CW Sterling silver $7.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 439A 14K yellow gold filled $7.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 439AG 12K green gold filled $8.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 439C Sterling silver $7.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 549A 14K yellow gold filled $8.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 549AG 12K green gold filled $9.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 549C Sterling silver $8.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 659A 14K yellow gold filled $9.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 659AG 12K green gold filled $10.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 659C Sterling silver $9.00

Zigzag: A repeating pattern of wavy lines in a zigzag around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 327AW 14K yellow gold filled $6.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 327AGW 12K green gold filled $7.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 327CW Sterling silver $6.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 437AW 14K yellow gold filled $7.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 437AGW 12K green gold filled $8.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 437CW Sterling silver $7.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 437A 14K yellow gold filled $7.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 437AG 12K green gold filled $8.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 437C Sterling silver $7.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 547A 14K yellow gold filled $8.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 547AG 12K green gold filled $9.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 547C Sterling silver $8.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 657A 14K yellow gold filled $9.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 657AG 12K green gold filled $10.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 657C Sterling silver $9.00

1923 Designs

PenHeroThe one new engine turned design for 1923: Checkerboard
(image is from a 1923 advertisement)

A 1923 catalog is not known to exist today. A review of Wahl Eversharp advertisements and retailer catalogues from 1923 confirm that Checkerboard, Colonial, and Grecian Border were advertised on fountain pens that year. Checkerboard was announced as a new design in 1923, and on a new miniature pen and pencil, in a company advertisement in the December 8, 1923 Saturday Evening Post. More detail on Checkerboard is below in the 1924 list. As Check, Dart, Diamond, Ripple, and Zigzag continue in the 1924 catalog from 1922, it's reasonable to think those designs also were offered in 1923. Nibs are shown marked WAHL PEN. Clips, interestingly were shown in advertisements with no markings. I believe they were marked WAHL in the center, as in 1922 and 1924. Unfortunately, there is no detailed information as to what size and types of pens were offered.

Known and expected 1923 Designs:

  • Check: Repeating panels of chevrons on a background of straight lines around the cap and barrel.
  • Checkerboard: A repeating pattern of panels of squares in plain blocks and straight lines repeating around the cap and barrel, offered only on pencils.
  • Colonial: A repeating pattern of straight lines around the cap and barrel.
  • Dart: A repeating pattern of panels of straight lines with a small curve out that create a repeating arrowhead effect around the cap and barrel.
  • Diamond: A repeating pattern of diamond shapes in a diamond pattern on a straight line background around the cap and barrel.
  • Grecian Border: A repeating panel consisting of a continuous wide line with square turns set in a line pattern around the cap and barrel.
  • Ripple: A repeating pattern of straight lines with a small curve out that create a ripple effect around the cap and barrel.
  • Zigzag: A repeating pattern of wavy lines in a zigzag around the cap and barrel.

1924 Designs

PenHeroThe one new engine turned design for 1924, left, Chancellor, on a minature pen,
and right two, Checkerboard expands to larger pens
(image is from the 1924 catalog)

Wahl introduced one new design in the 1924 catalog, Chancellor. Miniature fountain pens were new in late 1923 and now include Colonial, Chancellor, Checkerboard, and Grecian Border. Chancellor only appears on miniature ringtop pens. Checkerboard is now used more broadly on larger pens. Some model numbers and prices changed in 1924. A new metal suffix 'E' is used for 10K solid yellow gold. Clips are stamped WAHL in the center. Nibs are stamped WAHL PEN.

The listed designs and prices for 1924 were:


Chancellor: Repeating panels with diamond shapes on a straight line background around the cap and barrel, visually similar to Diamond.

Type Model Finish Price
Minature ringtop, No. 0 Wahl gold nib 218BW 12K solid yellow gold $25.00
Minature ringtop, No. 0 Wahl gold nib 218BGW 14K solid green gold $30.00

Check: Repeating panels of chevrons on a background of straight lines around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 321AW Yellow gold filled $5.50
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 321AGW Green gold filled $6.50
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 321CW Sterling silver $5.50
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 321DW Silver filled $5.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 431AW Yellow gold filled $7.50
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 431CW Sterling silver $6.50
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 431DW Silver filled $6.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 431A Yellow gold filled $6.50
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 431AG Green gold filled $7.50
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 431C Sterling silver $6.50
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 431D Silver filled $6.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 541A Yellow gold filled $7.50
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 541AG Green gold filled $8.50
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 541C Sterling silver $7.50
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 541D Silver filled $7.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 651A Yellow gold filled $8.50
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 651C Sterling silver $8.50
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 651D Silver filled $8.00

Checkerboard: A repeating pattern of panels of squares in plain blocks and straight lines repeating around the cap and barrel, offered only on pencils.

Type Model Finish Price
Minature ringtop, No. 0 Wahl gold nib 214AW Yellow Gold Filled $5.00
Minature ringtop, No. 0 Wahl gold nib 214AGW Green Gold Filled $5.50
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 324EW 10K solid yellow gold $25.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 434EW 10K solid yellow gold $30.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 434E 10K solid yellow gold $30.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 544E 10K solid yellow gold $40.00

Colonial: A repeating pattern of straight lines around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Minature ringtop, No. 0 Wahl gold nib 213AW Yellow gold filled $5.00
Minature ringtop, No. 0 Wahl gold nib 213AGW Green gold filled $5.50
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 323AW Yellow gold filled $6.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 323AGW Green gold filled $7.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 323CW Sterling silver $6.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 433AW Yellow gold filled $7.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 433AGW Green gold filled $8.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 433CW Sterling silver $7.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 433A Yellow gold filled $7.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 433AG Green gold filled $8.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 433C Sterling silver $7.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 543A Yellow gold filled $8.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 543AG Green gold filled $9.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 543C Sterling silver $8.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 653A Yellow gold filled $9.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 653AG Green gold filled $10.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 653C Sterling silver $9.00

Dart: A repeating pattern of panels of straight lines with a small curve out that create a repeating arrowhead effect around the cap and barrel

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 322AW Yellow gold filled $6.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 322AGW Green gold filled $7.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 322CW Sterling silver $6.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 432AW Yellow gold filled $7.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 432AGW Green gold filled $8.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 432CW Sterling silver $7.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 432A Yellow gold filled $7.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 432AG Green gold filled $8.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 432C Sterling silver $7.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 542A Yellow gold filled $8.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 542AG Green gold filled $9.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 542C Sterling silver $8.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 652A Yellow gold filled $9.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 652AG Green gold filled $10.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 652C Sterling silver $9.00

Diamond: A repeating pattern of diamond shapes in a diamond pattern on a straight line background around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 200MBW 14K solid yellow gold $30.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 200MBGW 14K solid green gold $35.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 300MBW 14K solid yellow gold $37.50
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 300MBGW 14K solid green gold $42.50
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 300MB 14K solid yellow gold $37.50
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 300MBG 14K solid green gold $42.50
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 400MB 14K solid yellow gold $50.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 400MBG 14K solid green gold $55.00

Grecian Border: A repeating panel consisting of a continuous wide line with square turns set in a line pattern around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Minature ringtop, No. 0 Wahl gold nib 216AW Yellow gold filled $5.00
Minature ringtop, No. 0 Wahl gold nib 216AGW Green gold filled $5.50
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 326AW Yellow gold filled $6.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 326AGW Green gold filled $7.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 326CW Sterling silver $6.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 436AW Yellow gold filled $7.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 436AGW Green gold filled $8.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 436CW Sterling silver $7.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 436A Yellow gold filled $7.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 436AG Green gold filled $8.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 436C Sterling silver $7.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 546A Yellow gold filled $8.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 546AG Green gold filled $9.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 546C Sterling silver $8.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 656A Yellow gold filled $9.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 656AG Green gold filled $10.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 656C Sterling silver $9.00

Ripple: A repeating pattern of straight lines with a small curve out that create a ripple effect around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 329AW Yellow gold filled $6.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 329AGW 12K green gold filled $7.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 329CW Sterling silver $6.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 439AW 14K yellow gold filled $7.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 439AGW 12K green gold filled $8.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 439CW Sterling silver $7.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 439A 14K yellow gold filled $7.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 439AG 12K green gold filled $8.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 439C Sterling silver $7.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 549A 14K yellow gold filled $8.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 549AG 12K green gold filled $9.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 549C Sterling silver $8.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 659A 14K yellow gold filled $9.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 659AG 12K green gold filled $10.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 659C Sterling silver $9.00

Zigzag: A repeating pattern of wavy lines in a zigzag around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 327AW Yellow gold filled $6.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 327AGW 12K green gold filled $7.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 327CW Sterling silver $6.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 437AW Yellow gold filled $7.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 437AGW Green gold filled $8.00
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 437CW Sterling silver $7.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 437A Yellow gold filled $7.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 437AG Green gold filled $8.00
Small clip pen, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 437C Sterling silver $7.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 547A Yellow gold filled $8.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 547AG Green gold filled $9.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 547C Sterling silver $8.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 657A Yellow gold filled $9.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 657AG Green gold filled $10.00
Large clip pen, No. 5 Wahl gold nib 657C Sterling silver $9.00

1925 Designs

PenHeroThe one new engine turned design for 1925: Wave, shown in all three offered sizes
(image is from the 1925 catalog)

Wahl introduced one new design in the 1925 catalog, Wave, only offered in silver filled. Chancellor and Zigzag have been dropped. Gold filled ratings are not used in the 1925 catalog. Clips are stamped WAHL at the top. Nibs are stamped WAHL.

The listed designs and prices for 1925 were:


Check: Repeating panels of chevrons on a background of straight lines around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 321AW Yellow gold filled Unknown
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 321AGW Green gold filled Unknown
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 321CW Sterling silver Unknown
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 321DW Silver filled Unknown
Small clip pen, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 421A Yellow gold filled Unknown
Small clip pen, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 421AG Green gold filled Unknown
Small clip pen, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 421C Sterling silver Unknown
Small clip pen, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 421D Silver filled Unknown
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 641A Yellow gold filled Unknown
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 641AG Green gold filled Unknown
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 641C Sterling silver Unknown
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 641D Silver filled Unknown

Checkerboard: A repeating pattern of panels of squares in plain blocks and straight lines repeating around the cap and barrel, offered only on pencils.

Type Model Finish Price
Minature ringtop, No. 0 Wahl gold nib 214AW Yellow Gold Filled Unknown
Minature ringtop, No. 0 Wahl gold nib 214AGW Green Gold Filled Unknown
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 324EW 10K solid yellow gold Unknown
Larger ringtop, No. 3 Wahl gold nib 434EW 10K solid yellow gold Unknown
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 434E 10K solid yellow gold Unknown
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 544E 10K solid yellow gold Unknown

Colonial: A repeating pattern of straight lines around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Minature ringtop, No. 0 Wahl gold nib 213AW Yellow gold filled Unknown
Minature ringtop, No. 0 Wahl gold nib 213AGW Green gold filled Unknown
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 323AW Yellow gold filled Unknown
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 323AGW Green gold filled Unknown
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 323CW Sterling silver Unknown
Small clip pen, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 423A Yellow gold filled Unknown
Small clip pen, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 423AG Green gold filled Unknown
Small clip pen, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 423C Sterling silver Unknown
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 643A Yellow gold filled Unknown
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 643AG Green gold filled Unknown
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 643C Sterling silver Unknown

Dart: A repeating pattern of panels of straight lines with a small curve out that create a repeating arrowhead effect around the cap and barrel

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 322AW Yellow gold filled Unknown
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 322AGW Green gold filled Unknown
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 322CW Sterling silver Unknown
Small clip pen, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 422A Yellow gold filled Unknown
Small clip pen, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 422AG Green gold filled Unknown
Small clip pen, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 422C Sterling silver Unknown
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 642A Yellow gold filled Unknown
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 642AG Green gold filled Unknown
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 642C Sterling silver Unknown

Diamond: A repeating pattern of diamond shapes in a diamond pattern on a straight line background around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 3298BW 14K solid yellow gold Unknown
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 3298BGW 14K solid green gold Unknown
Small clip pen, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 4298B 14K solid yellow gold Unknown
Small clip pen, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 4298BG 14K solid green gold Unknown
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 5498B 14K solid yellow gold Unknown
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 5498BG 14K solid green gold Unknown

Grecian Border: A repeating panel consisting of a continuous wide line with square turns set in a line pattern around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Minature ringtop, No. 0 Wahl gold nib 216AW Yellow gold filled Unknown
Minature ringtop, No. 0 Wahl gold nib 216AGW Green gold filled Unknown
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 326AW Yellow gold filled Unknown
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 326AGW Green gold filled Unknown
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 326CW Sterling silver Unknown
Small clip pen, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 426A Yellow gold filled Unknown
Small clip pen, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 426AG Green gold filled Unknown
Small clip pen, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 426C Sterling silver Unknown
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 646A Yellow gold filled Unknown
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 646AG Green gold filled Unknown
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 646C Sterling silver Unknown

Ripple: A repeating pattern of straight lines with a small curve out that create a ripple effect around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 329AW Yellow gold filled Unknown
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 329AGW 12K green gold filled Unknown
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 329CW Sterling silver Unknown
Small clip pen, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 429A 14K yellow gold filled Unknown
Small clip pen, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 429AG 12K green gold filled Unknown
Small clip pen, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 429C Sterling silver Unknown
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 649A 14K yellow gold filled Unknown
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 649AG 12K green gold filled Unknown
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 649C Sterling silver Unknown

Wave: A panel of straight lines with a small curve out grouped evenly that create a series of two waves repeating around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 325DW Silver filled Unknown
Small clip pen, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 425D Silver filled Unknown
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 645D Silver filled Unknown

1926 Designs

PenHeroImages from the 1925 catalog to illustrate the four known designs for 1926:
left to right, Check, Colonial, Dart, and Grecian Border
(image is from the 1925 catalog)

A review of Wahl Eversharp advertisements and retailer catalogues from 1926 confirm that Colonial, Check, Dart, and Grecian Border were in use on fountain pens that year. Unfortunately, there is no detailed information as to what size and types of pens were offered. Company advertisements in 1926 are inconsistent as to clip markings. Nibs are stamped WAHL.

Known 1926 Designs:

  • Check: Repeating panels of chevrons on a background of straight lines around the cap and barrel.
  • Colonial: A repeating pattern of straight lines around the cap and barrel.0
  • Dart: A repeating pattern of panels of straight lines with a small curve out that create a repeating arrowhead effect around the cap and barrel.
  • Diamond: A repeating pattern of diamond shapes in a diamond pattern on a straight line background around the cap and barrel.
  • Grecian Border: A repeating panel consisting of a continuous wide line with square turns set in a line pattern around the cap and barrel.

1927 Designs

PenHeroThe three of the new engine turned designs for 1927:
left to right, Wedgewood, Niagara, and Oxidized Grecian Border
(image is from the 1927 catalog and a 1927 advertisement)

A review of Wahl Eversharp advertisements, a single Wahl catalog page, and retailer catalogues from 1927 confirm that Colonial, Dart, and Grecian Border continued in use on fountain pens that year. Four new designs were offered, Wedgewood, Niagara, Oxidized Grecian Border, and Tinted (only in rose pink). Tinted appears twice in company advertisements in the May 7 and June 4, 1927 Saturday Evening Post and is called "pink brocaded." Oxidized Grecian Border appears in a company advertisement in the August 27, 1927 Saturday Evening Post. Unfortunately, there is no detailed information as to what size and types of pens were offered. Company advertisements and a catalog page from 1927 show a new clip design. Nibs are stamped either WAHL or WAHL Signature.

  • Colonial: A repeating pattern of straight lines around the cap and barrel.0
  • Dart: A repeating pattern of panels of straight lines with a small curve out that create a repeating arrowhead effect around the cap and barrel.
  • Grecian Border: A repeating panel consisting of a continuous wide line with square turns set in a line pattern around the cap and barrel.
  • Niagara: 12K yellow gold filled with engine turned coral shapes cut into the base metal.
  • Oxidized Grecian Border: The Grecian Border design is oxidized black on plain silver plate finish on the cap and barrel.
  • Tinted: Engine turned straight and ripple line patterns cut into the base metal and then overcoated with a translucent enamel. Only rose-pink enamel is known for 1927.
  • Wedgewood: 12K yellow gold filled with engine turned straight and ripple line patterns cut into the base silver metal.

1928 Designs

PenHeroNew engine turned designs for 1928 (left to right):
Colonnade, Console (pencil), Lakeside, four Tinted designs, and Ring Colonial
(image is from the 1928 catalog and an advertisement)

Wahl introduced four new designs in the 1928 catalog and advertisements, all of which go beyond simple engine turned metal tubes. Colonnade adds black enameled panels as part of the design on the yellow gold filled pen. Lakeside is a yellow gold on sterling silver that the engine turned design is done on the exposed silver underneath. Lakeside is described as made using a champlevé technique where the cap and barrel are engraved with repeating panels of a wave pattern that is overlaid with tinted blue enamel in the December 15, 1928 Saturday Evening Post, likely added after the catalog was printed. Only one size is known, added to the list below. Console is a set of repeating panels of bell and flower shapes around the cap and barrel. Unfortunately the catalog I have does not have the Console pen page, so I can only list the design below. The last new design is Ring Colonial, where the Colonial design is "stopped off" with black enameled bands. The designs carried over from 1927 are Grecian Border, Tinted, and Wedgewood. There are two Tinted pens, one gold on silver and the other sterling silver, with straight and ripple cut line panels cut through the gold or into the silver which is then overlaid with blue-green or rose-pink enamel. Model numbers extensively changed. Company advertisements and the catalog from 1928 show a the same clip design as 1927. Nibs are stamped either WAHL or WAHL Signature.

The known designs and prices for 1928 were:


Colonnade: A stacked ring design with cut out black enamel tinted panels repeating up the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib X7332 Yellow gold filled $6.00
Small clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib X7364 Yellow gold filled $8.00

Console (pencils, but not the fountain pen shown in the 1928 catalog): A set of repeating panels of bell and flower shapes around the cap and barrel.


Grecian Border: A repeating panel consisting of a continuous wide line with square turns set in a line pattern around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Minature ringtop, No. 0 Wahl gold nib 216AW 12K Yellow gold filled $5.00
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 646A 12K Yellow gold filled $8.00
Oversize clip pen, No. 6 Wahl gold nib 766A 12K Yellow gold filled $10.00

Lakeside (not in the 1928 catalog): Described as a champlevé technique design where the cap and barrel are engraved with repeating panels of a wave pattern that is overlaid with tinted blue enamel. Other sizes and models may have been made.

Type Model Finish Price
Medium clip pen, Wahl gold nib Unknown Gold filled / blue enamel $10.00

Ring Colonial: The Colonial design with a pair of wide rings cut in a repeating pattern up the cap and barrel. The three cuts are filled with black enamel.

Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib X7132 Yellow gold filled $6.00
Small clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib X7164 Yellow gold filled $8.00

Tinted: Engine turned straight and ripple line patterns cut into the base metal and then overcoated with a translucent enamel. Blue-green and rose-pink enamel was used.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib X3218G Gold filled / blue-green enamel $6.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib X3218R Gold filled / rose-pink enamel $6.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 3219CG Silver / blue-green enamel $5.00
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 3219CR Silver / rose-pink enamel $5.00

Wedgewood: Engine turned straight and ripple line patterns cut into the base metal.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 3213P 12K yellow gold filled over silver $6.00
Medium clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 6413P 12K yellow gold filled over silver $8.00

1929 Designs

PenHeroA page from the 1929 catalog showing Diamond and Hand Engraved designs

No new designs were introduced in 1929, and the offerings were reduced to only four designs. It did mark the return of an old friend, Diamond. Lakeside, Tinted and Wedgewood were dropped. Grecian Border continues its long run. Company advertisements and the catalog from 1929 show a the same clip design as 1928. Nibs are stamped either WAHL or WAHL Signature.

The listed designs and prices for 1929 were:


Colonnade: A stacked ring design with cut out black enamel tinted panels repeating up the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 5273W Yellow gold filled $6.00
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 7473C Yellow gold filled $8.00

Grecian Border: A repeating panel consisting of a continuous wide line with square turns set in a line pattern around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Minature ringtop, No. 0 Wahl gold nib 5114W Yellow gold filled $5.00
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 7414C Yellow gold filled $8.00

Diamond: A repeating pattern of diamond shapes in a diamond pattern on a straight line background around the cap and barrel.

Type Model Finish Price
Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 5297W 18K solid green gold $35.00
Small clip pen, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 7297C 18K solid green gold $37.50
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 7497C 18K solid green gold $55.00

Ring Colonial: The Colonial design with a pair of wide rings cut in a repeating pattern up the cap and barrel. The three cuts are filled with black enamel.

Small ringtop, No. 2 Wahl gold nib 5271W Yellow gold filled $6.00
Large clip pen, No. 4 Wahl gold nib 7471C Yellow gold filled $8.00

Wahl machine turned pens have become a focus niche, with some collectors seeking complete sets of the patterns across all the pen lines, including hard rubber pens, which also carried some of the same patterns as the metal pens. Other collectors focus on just the pencils, in their various sizes and designs, or the ringtop pens, tiny jewels, which also came in several styles. Wahl pens and Eversharp pencils were very popular and durable so many good examples exist today, allowing for the possibility of a large and varied collection of quality writing instruments.


Acknowledgments

Thanks to Sid Saperstein for providing 1927-1928 catalog reference material.

Thanks to Matthew Greenberger for providing several of the pens photographed in this article and help with some of the patterns.

Thanks to Scott Miller for providing a Niagara Pattern photo for reference.

Thanks to David Nishimura for data on pattern names.

References

Advertisement, The Saturday Evening Post, December 8, 1923, pages 122

Advertisement, The Saturday Evening Post, June 4, 1927, pages 187

Advertisement, The Saturday Evening Post, May 7, 1927, pages 102

Advertisement, The Saturday Evening Post, August 27, 1927, pages 110

Advertisement, The Saturday Evening Post, December 15, 1928, pages 110-111

Eversales The Wahl Company, Chicago, IL, 1927

Eversales The Wahl Company, Chicago, IL, 1928

Eversharp and Wahl Pen, General Catalog No. 100 The Wahl Company, Chicago, IL, 1921

Eversharp and Wahl Pen, General Catalog No. 101 The Wahl Company, Chicago, IL, 1922

Eversharp and Wahl Pen, General Catalog No. 103 The Wahl Company, Chicago, IL, 1924

Eversharp and Wahl Pen, General Catalog No. 104 The Wahl Company, Chicago, IL, 1925

Eversharp, Cornerstone of an Industry by Jonathan A. Veley, Total Printing Systems, Newton, IL, Copyright 2024 by Jonathan A. Veley, pages 57, 62, and 87

Fountain Pens of the World by Andreas Lambrou, © 1995 Zwemmer, London, United Kingdom

Wahl-Eversharp, Christmas Catalog The Wahl Company, Chicago, IL, 1926

Wahl-Eversharp, General Catalog The Wahl Company, Chicago, IL, 1927

Wahl-Eversharp, General Catalog The Wahl Company, Chicago, IL, 1928

Wahl-Eversharp Personal-Point Fountain Pens, General Catalog 298 The Wahl Company, Chicago, IL, 1929

 

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