Discover an exceptionally rare and intriguing writing instrument: the Swan 4460 (1060) Torpedo fountain pen. This vintage masterpiece, likely a prototype from 1948 and officially restamped for 1949 production, boasts a unique faded '1060' imprint alongside its '4460' designation. Crafted from striking black xylonite celluloid with elegant 3-band gold trim, this 4-leverless, #4-sized nib Swan stands as one of the largest flexible-nibbed pens of its era, predating the common adoption of rigid 'Eternal' nibs.

At its heart is a remarkable #4 Gold Artist nib. This very long-tined nib, while having slightly less snapback than some, still delivers a wonderful writing experience. It offers an impressive maximum tine flex of 2.00mm, starting from a significantly thin 0.25mm without pressure – comfortably within the Extra Fine range. This provides an extraordinary 8x line variation, surpassing even other artist nibs with wider maximum spreads. The nib also bears a mysterious 'K' imprint, whose meaning is yet to be fully deciphered, adding to the pen's unique allure.

This artist nib is ideal for intermediate to advanced calligraphers, offering very little feedback and the ability to produce incredibly fine hairlines, especially when flourishing with side strokes. With a 0.25mm line for regular writing, its versatility is outstanding. Often described as a 'budget-friendly Waterman Pink nib' (at half the price), it even features a larger grip section (9.36mm) compared to the Waterman 7 Pink's 8.67mm. A writing sample comparison is available in the gallery to showcase its capabilities.

This exquisite pen is presented in Mint condition, retaining its factory '1060' hidden imprint, and has a restoration grade of B+. It measures 136.3mm in length and features a 14k gold nib. This Mabie Todd Swan 4460 Torpedo offers a blend of historical significance, unique characteristics, and exceptional flexible writing performance.