Modifiche

<noinclude>{{Infobox_Brand|Blackbird}}</noinclude> [[Image:1927-Swan-Models.jpg|thumb|100px|A [[Swan]] advertisement for the ''[[Merle Blanc]]'' brand]] The ''Blackbird'' brand was introduced by [[Swan]] before 1914,<ref>no precise date is known, we refer to this date which is quoted in [https://www.penexchange.de/forum_en/viewtopic.php?t=6332 this article] where it says that the oldest found (with [[eyedropper filler]]) is prior to this, which is the year of the foundation of ''"Mabie Todd and Co. Limited"''.</ref> to distinguish its economic production. The pens, as well as by name, were identified, as the the main brand versions, by the stylized logo of the bird from which they get the name (i.e. the blackbird).  

<noinclude>{{Infobox_Brand|Blackbird}}</noinclude> [[Image:1927-Swan-Models.jpg|thumb|100px|A [[Swan]] advertisement for the ''[[Merle Blanc]]'' brand]] The ''Blackbird'' brand was introduced by [[Swan]] before 1914,<ref>no precise date is known, we refer to this date which is quoted in [https://www.penexchange.de/forum_en/viewtopic.php?t=6332 this article] where it says that the oldest found (with [[eyedropper filler]]) is prior to this, which is the year of the foundation of ''"Mabie Todd and Co. Limited"''.</ref> to distinguish its economic production. The pens, as well as by name, were identified, as the the main brand versions, by the stylized logo of the bird from which they get the name (i.e. the blackbird).  

Generally ''Blackbird'' pens follow the models used by the main brand, of which they share the colour numbering and part of the [[Numerazione Swan|numbering scheme]], but are distinguished by the prefix BB, and at least initially, by the use of only the unit number corresponding to the nib. These pens are generally produced with the simplest of the available filling systems (mostly [[lever filler]]), although in parallel to the model [[Visofil Pen|Visofil]] was also introduced a model, the [[Blackbird Topfiller]], with a similar filling system (see patent {{Cite patent|GB|514513}}).  

Generally [[Blackbird]]s follow the models used by the main brand, of which they share the colour numbering and part of the [[Numerazione Swan|numbering scheme]], but are distinguished by the prefix BB, and at least initially, by the use of only the unit number corresponding to the nib. These pens are generally produced with the simplest of the available filling systems (mostly [[lever filler]]), although in parallel to the model [[Visofil Pen|Visofil]] was also introduced a model, the [[Blackbird Topfiller]], with a similar filling system (see patent {{Cite patent|GB|514513}}).

The same brand seems to have been used (as ''Le Merle'') for production destined to French market. There is also <ref>as reported in [http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=181229 this topic]. </ref> a different name found on a exemplar bearing the engraving: ''LE MERLE BLANC'', ''MADE BY THE "SWAN" PEN PEOPLE'', ''FABRIQUE EN ANGLETERRE'', and the same name, ''Merle Blanc'' also appears in the advertising on the side.

The same brand seems to have been used (as ''Le Merle'') for production destined to French market. There is also <ref>as reported in [http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=181229 this topic]. </ref> a different name found on a exemplar bearing the engraving: ''LE MERLE BLANC'', ''MADE BY THE "SWAN" PEN PEOPLE'', ''FABRIQUE EN ANGLETERRE'', and the same name, ''Merle Blanc'' also appears in the advertising on the side.

==External references==

===External references===

* [https://www.penexchange.de/forum_en/viewtopic.php?t=6332] Article on the history of the brand

* [https://www.penexchange.de/forum_en/viewtopic.php?t=6332] Articolo sulla storia del marchio

* [http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=181229] Discussion on FPN

* [http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=181229] Discussion on FPN

* [http://www.penpractice.com/page12.html] Article on a specific model  

* [http://www.penpractice.com/page12.html] Article on a specific model  

* [http://www.penhero.com/365_2010/365_011510.htm] Article on a specific model

* [http://www.penhero.com/365_2010/365_011510.htm] Article on a specific model

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===Notes===  

==Notes==

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{{CategorizeBrand|Inghilterra|Secondary brand}}</noinclude>

{{CategorizeBrand|Inghilterra|Secondary brand}}</noinclude>