Author David Moak presents what is arguably the most authoritative history to date of this well known pen maker, the family of John Mabie, and their business associations.

The history begins with a biographical sketch, published in 1882 stating that John Mabie, born June 19, 1819, in New York City, entered the work force at the age of nine, due to the death of his father…

This biographical documentary continues to weave the family history, mergers and business events that reads like an exciting novel. What elevates this book to more than a history of writing instruments, is the story of a 180 year adventure of a family and their associations in writing instrument development.

The various ventures of the Mabie family are documented, from its first business in 1843 to the closure of Mabie, Todd & Co. in 1941. The chapters discuss the family beginnings with Rauch & Co., Bard Brothers & Co. and Smith and Todd. Continuing with Mabie Knapp & Johnson, Mabie Knapp & McGovern, Mabie Todd & Bard and Mabie Todd & Co. Many of these associations and others are not common knowledge to today’s collectors, and are explained with actual accompanying document reproductions found at museums, libraries and private collections.

Cardboard advertising sign for Mabie, Todd & Co. gold pens - 1860's

David Moak presents his research with a fascinating approach to the layout of his material.

Far be it for this to be viewed as dry factual data, Mabie in America makes for a very enjoyable read. With well placed actual document reproductions, patents and contracts woven into the text and illustrated with detailed explanation of events, personalities and consequences, this reader has found this compilation a literary and visual treat.

Beautifully illustrated with over 280 detailed full color images of rare Mabie Todd and Swan pens, many are actually full size or larger. This history will also serve as a valuable reference source for collectors. Illustrated in detail are pen barrel and cap imprints from the early 1854 Mabie pencils proceeding with Mabie Todd & Co. dip pens and nibs, first generation Mabie, Todd and Bard full overlay eyedroppers, Swan pens, Eternal and Fyne Point pencils.

Sterling eyedropper.

The vivid illustrations detail a progression of vintage ink bottles, pen boxes, display advertising ephemera and print advertising. Arranged in chronological order, this alone makes for a valuable reference.

Mr. Moak’s research uncovers little-known and surprising facts relative to patent development. For example, “As far as lever-fillers, MT & Co. didn’t exactly jump on the band wagon. It only took L.E. Waterman a year to figure out a way around Sheaffer’s 1912 patent (by making a lever box). Apparently, the first lever device used by MT & Co. was a compound lever system patented in 1918 by Tagiro Tanimura, a Japanese citizen living in Wyoming. This lever system required no spring.” The accompanying patents are also illustrated.

The research and development of this publication in itself is a remarkable achievement. The author has shown by example of this work, that no matter the level of one person’s knowledge or that of others in the field it may never be sufficient to stand alone. If published material is to remain as a serious and reliable reference source, patience, diligence and professional research efforts are necessary. As David Moak states…”Usually the intent of pen books has not been historical research, but general information for all pen collectors on many makers. We have all benefited from these efforts. However, this book is an attempt to move away from recording anecdotal oral history towards presenting material that is fully documented. One reason this is possible is due to the narrower scope of Mabie in America.”

The pens themselves are a valuable source of information and David was able to benefit from examples offered by several collectors. David has chosen to complete his own exhaustive research citing over thirty-five bibliographical sources, has researched family histories and a multitude of sources listed in the very ample accompanying Appendices, many complete with links for the reader’s further inquiries. He has even gone to the extent of writing to every single Mabie family name in various New York directories. Remarkably, this has resulted in contact with great grand children of George Mabie, who have provided vintage photos and records that are included in this documentary.

David further explains, “My first break was learning that there was a contemporary biography of John Mabie. My second was locating a copy. That gave me a history of sorts to check up on and the possible names of companies to check out. Research proceeded from there.”

Worthy of mention is the clever and reader-friendly navigation of this material. It’s obvious that a lot of thought went into designing a CD that is easy to use.

I have found this documentary production to be most worthy and highly recommend this as an addition to any pen library. For the serious collector a valuable resource. For the novice or casual pen collector, this is an adventure story that will surely inspire and motivation for further participation in the hobby.

Author David Moak is a classical guitarist and long-time collector of Mabie, Todd (& Bard) pens and related items. He and his wife Mary Jane also collect Dunn and Peter Pan brand pens. Any reader with an item or information that he or she would like to share in the next edition is encouraged to contact the author at info@mabie-todd.com. You can order"Mabie in America - Writing Instruments from 1843-1941" or get more information at www.mabie-todd.com. The CD costs $30.

Text © 2003 Len Provisor Photos © 2003 David L.Moak.