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S.M.K
1
Oct 20, 2019
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Hi, I've just seen your posting, and these are beautiful implements. I am no connoisseur of this type of pen; in fact, I've almost never used one. However, I do have a few fine examples from my granddad, and I'd like to gift them to my wife, and my daughter, who would appreciate, and really use, such a thing. However, I honestly don't know how these various models really are supposed to work, and for some, it seems that over time the internal bladder? (I'm assuming) is dried out and cracked, etc. Could you please point me to some sources of usage and repair info? You've really done such an impressive job, and inspired me to try. Thank you. Sincerely, Stephen
Oct 20, 2019
jeff006
17
Oct 20, 2019
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S.M.KStephen, you honour me with such words ... I think the MOST important thing we can do to keep beautiful handwriting, and the beautiful instruments that are best for creating it, is to make it fun and remember its part of our culture and heritage. Did you know that most western countries no longer teach cursive writing ("running writing") as a standard part of the curriculum? I know I'll have to teach my son (he's only 19 months old) myself. The French and Welsh folk make aspects of their language mandatory in schools, even if (or because) they are becoming less "necessary" in a world of iPhones, texts, emails and, well ... etc. etc. Enough of my rant ... You might be at the start of a life obsession ... it's a double-edged sword. I suppose it is my duty of care towards you to give you the best start! Firstly, the simplest to the most complex fountain pens generally rely on perishable materials, and it's usually the rubber ink sac. Some of these pens are so complex one has almost to be an engineer to understand the mechanism, and yet it's a rubber sac that represents the "weakest link". It would be most helpful if you could post up a photo of the pens you have. Even if it's just one or two photos, with the pens all lined up next to each other, I'll know what you've got. Interesting fact: in WWII, fountain pen production in the UK dropped because many of the factories producing plastics (there are a vast variety of different plastics and resins from this era, which each company worked hard on to have patented as unique) were commandeered by the military for production of explosives and other weaponry components. Two VERY famous pens, of superb design and quality, emerged from the late war era and immediately after the war ... the Parker 51 (the shape being compared to the P51 Mustang fighter plane, although history tells us the likeness is coincidental!) and the Eversharp Skyline (I have four of these, and they are reputed to have some of the best writing nibs ever produced ... I agree, they are heaven to write with and their art deco design is unmistakable). Both pens had their initial models produced in 1941. The Skyline was supposed to be the first fountain pen which wouldn't leak at altitude due to pressure changes ... it failed in that promise but is still one of the most beautiful pens to write with! http://penhero.com/PenGallery/Eversharp/EversharpSkyline.htm The Parker 51 was often known as a doctor's pen (yes, I'm a doctor, so I write ALL day long) because it's hooded nib was very firm and one could press quite hard on it. In those days, medicine prescription paper was thick, and in triplicate or quadruplicate ... so a super-flexible nib was in danger of a ham-fisted doctor's heavy hand. But the beautiful flexible nibs made by Watermans (eg. the W5) are the real stars of this vintage showroom! This all depends on the writer, their preference and their style (and skill). Everyone's choice of "Grail Pen" is very personal. I love a flexible nib with spring, or a 0.8 or 1.3mm stub nib (a quick google search will explain that). As far as ), MODERN pens go, I think Pelikan must be considered amongst the very best (the M1000). Vibntage pens ... wow, how can you choose from such a range? I'd say Watermans, Eversharp (the Doric, and the Skyline), Parker, Stylomine (a bit harder to come by) and the Aurora 88. The most common, and most likely pens in your collection, are based on an internal rubber ink sac which is compressed by a lever on the side of the pen's body (barrel) and then ink is drawn up into the sac when the lever is released and the vacuum caused by the natural re-expansion of the rubber sac sucks it up due to negative pressure. Put simply, you squeeze the sac, let it go, and ink sucks up as it expands. BUT DON'T EVEN TRY THAT IF THE LEVER (OR OTHER MECHANISM) IS STIFF AND DOESN'T SEEM TO DO WHAT IT SHOULD. Never force anything. These pens are actually very robust, but forces applied in wrong directions will quickly break them. Ink sac replacement is usually a simple and standard part of maintaining a fountain pen, so don't think you have a dud if the sac needs replacing. There are better men than me to advise you, and thankfully they have written VERY detailed books:
  • Fountain Pens; the Complete Guide to Repair & Restoration by Frank Dubiel. Don't even hesitate. This book may save your pens, your sanity, and possibly some very rare pens. BUY IT. This will be your bible:
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Stephen, have I helped? I hope so ... it's 1:47AM down here (I'm in Australia), but how could I ignore such a gracious request for help! Throw away your ballpoints, gel points, sharpies, whatever ... fountain pens are EASY to live with and are truly beautiful. Cheers, Jeff
Oct 20, 2019
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