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Vintage DIY-ers interest check

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Anyone in the community collect (and repair) vintage pens for use? I find it is often the next step in fountain pen collecting, but it took me about 10 years into the hobby before I built up the courage (and had the income to devote to it). I started with a lot of cheap and broken lever fill pens off eBay and now hunt specific brands and types. However, there’s just something elegant and satisfying in bringing an old pen back to life and pushing it back into service! My latest was a pair of wartime Conway Stewarts, which are uncommon pens here in the US but some of my favorites.
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jeff006
17
Sep 12, 2019
Hi AtlantaTom ... your post caught my eye because I've found it a natural "reverse evolution" for fountain pen users to start yearning for the sublime writing experience ... which in my view (its just one man's opinion, of course) is to found in exploring the original items. I wrote a whole separate post about it yesterday morning! I'm not sure how to link you to it 🧐 I service and repair all my vintage/antique pens ☺️
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AtlantaTom
133
Sep 14, 2019
Hmm. May just need to buy it restored to be safe :)
jeff006
17
Sep 14, 2019
AtlantaTomI feel bad now! ;) ... hey, as long as you've got a really understanding lass (girlfriend/fiance/missus'), and SOLID savings for extensive therapy, you'll be fine. But I would, if I had a choice, buy one already in working order than a cheaper one with the idea I could service it. Mine originally worked perfectly, for years, but eventually needed a full work over. Once I'd done it I felt satisfied, but it's a LOT of time and there were moments I doubted the value of perservering (don't get me wrong, I LOVE my pens and DID persevere to the end!). There is a lot of technical guidance available on servicing a PFM (or other snorkel Sheaffers) with existing parts intact, but there are some parts I found to be almost never intact. No-one, anywhere in the world, had a PFM snorkel (or a bevelled snorkel for any snorkel model), but flat/straight-end snorkels were available with luck. Only the second last photo here even mentions the feed line INSIDE the snorkel (without which the pen is useless), but if you've got the snorkel and these delicate parts, the rest is a bit easier and divorce much less likely! My humour on this is a bit dark ... don't be put off as these are some of the finest pens in the world, but purchase carefully and pay a bit more for a well-serviced and functioning one:
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BenGun
0
Jul 6, 2019
I too enjoy writing with older fountain pens. It is good to think items made 50 plus years ago can still be of service, and a lot cheaper than modern pens in many cases. They were made to write with, and not simply to display.
MkeGeek
2
May 13, 2019
Multiple Esties, Sheaffers, and a Few Parkers.
Nice find - a CS has been on my list, but they are challenging to hunt down in the States. I tend to run to the US brands - Parker, Sheaffer, and Waterman, with some Esterbrook and Eversharp. P51s are definitely a favorite.
AtlantaTom
133
May 4, 2019
WayTooManyHobbiesSheaffer are great to restore; less challenging that the vaccumatic Parkers. Aero 51s are less daunting!
Pedro.Pajares
3
May 1, 2019
hi! I haven’t reached that point, yet. However, I have an old pen (25+ year) with a tip I can’t make it work. It has quite sentimental value since it was a present from my parents after graduation. I’d love to know how to fix it.
Pedro.Pajares
3
May 5, 2019
Thanks, I haven’t thought about it. Is there any model in particular I should try?
AtlantaTom
133
May 5, 2019
davegerberThis is the wrong place for your question. I suggest you move it to the Watch Community.
RayF
22213
Apr 6, 2019
That's a real Conway Stewart!
AtlantaTom
133
Apr 6, 2019
RayFAnd only $40 including the new sac :)
RayF
22213
Apr 6, 2019
AtlantaTomIcing on the cake!
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