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Socially Correct Correspondence

The Waterman Company, also known as the L. E. Waterman Company or the Waterman Pen Company, is a manufacturing company best known for its luxury fountain pens. The firm was established in 1884 in New York City by Lewis Waterman (1837-1901), who in the early 1880s invented the first truly functional fountain pen (since prior to this they were known to leak frequently). After Lewis' death in 1901, the company was lead by his nephew, Frank D. Waterman, and it was at this point when the business truly became a success as he aggressively expanded the company worldwide. However, by the late 1920s, more innovative competitors had started to gain marker share, and after struggling through WWII, the company finally shut down in 1953. It was the company's French subsidiary, Water-JIF (Jules-Isidore Fagard), that picked up the slack, and would eventually absorbed what remained of the British and American arms of the company. Bic Company acquired Waterman in 1958, later selling it to the Gillette Company (now known as Proctor & Gamble) in 1987, who then sold it to Sanford (now a division of Newell Brands) around 2000. The Waterman Company, now known as Waterman Paris, and located in Paris, Franc, still manufactures luxury fountain pens today.

New York, NY: L. E. Waterman Company, 1929. The booklet was produced by the L. E. Waterman Company, who sold a variety of stationary goods, but is perhaps most well known for their luxury fountain pens. It essentially functions as a 'How-to' guide for what is to be considered socially correct correspondence. The booklet provides the rules and guidelines for addressing letters, writing salutations or closings, proper uses of titles, and the do's and don'ts of letter writing. Additionally there are numerous examples of different types of letters (condolence, congratulations, thanks, or introductions) as well as invites, both formal and informal, and their replies. At the center of the booklet is an 8 pg. color insert which features picture ads for a variety of Waterman's fountains and inks. 39 pgs., plus an 8 pg. advertising insert. Blue illustrated wrappers. Staple binding. OCLC 0 (March 2021). Measures 8" x 4 1/2" General wear.

Price: $150.00

Item #21000309

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