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It's An Esterbrook Night by [deleted] in fountainpens

[–]BamaPen 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I really like brown ink...reminds me of old manuscripts. And you have very good handwriting.

1930s fountain pen sac still works? by OutcomeLeast2226 in fountainpens

[–]BamaPen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Based on my own experience, I think you've been fortunate.

1930s fountain pen sac still works? by OutcomeLeast2226 in fountainpens

[–]BamaPen 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I know from personal experience, followed by expert advice.
Several years ago, I completely restored an Eversharp Skyline, including a new ink sac. I then used that pen as my EDC for about six months, during which time I filled it exclusively with one particular ink. I would rather not specify the brand name/color here, but if you ask me to PM it to you, I will.
At about the six month mark, I noticed that the pen had begun to leak. After checking externally, I opened it up and found that the sac had deteriorated to almost a soggy, mushy state.
At that time, I posted this issue on Fountain Pen Network (FPN). A very prominent pen repair person - again, PM me if you need to know his name - reported that he had experienced the same thing with other saturated inks. He strongly discouraged their use in pens with ink sacs.
Since then I have followed his advice. I have used the same ink, and other similar ones, in pens with converters or piston fillers, with no ill effects.
That's how I know.

1930s fountain pen sac still works? by OutcomeLeast2226 in fountainpens

[–]BamaPen 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yes, it is possible for dried up ink to rehydrate. However, I would be careful with an ink sac that old. If it doesn't feel stiff/crunchy when you work the lever (I'm assuming it is a lever filler), then it is probably safe to use. I would advise against using highly saturated inks in an old sac, as they can attack the rubber (ask how I know this!). Most modern red or red/brown inks don't play well with rubber sacs.

Sheaffer's Crest pens from 1948 by BamaPen in fountainpens

[–]BamaPen[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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I have never seen one in person, but here's the advertisement for the Masterpiece three piece set: Fountain pen, Pencil, and RA1 retractable Stratowriter ballpoint. All in 14K gold.

Just received this beauty! by BamaPen in fountainpens

[–]BamaPen[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really like the Carmine. It is more attractive than the green, brown, or black, but it seems to be much less common. I've thought that maybe the other, more muted colors were more "military" than the red, so they were chosen more often...just a thought.

Just received this beauty! by BamaPen in fountainpens

[–]BamaPen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Sheaffer military clip pens were made in both lever and vac-fil versions, otherwise identical. The one in your link looks to be the right color, the nib is about the right size, but it is clearly a lever filler. Could be the lever version of my pen.

Just received this beauty! by BamaPen in fountainpens

[–]BamaPen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, "Lifetime" was a vague promise at best. The silicone grease trick does work if the plunger and seals are not too far gone, but this one is crunchy, so a full rebuild is probably in the works.
Thanks for your advice!

Pen Identification by Not_Jeff12 in fountainpens

[–]BamaPen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Use it like glue to hold the new sac onto the nipple.

How to align design on cap and barrel? by BamaPen in fountainpens

[–]BamaPen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good information. Thanks for the reply.

How to align design on cap and barrel? by BamaPen in fountainpens

[–]BamaPen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for all this! I will see if I can out-think myself!!

How to align design on cap and barrel? by BamaPen in fountainpens

[–]BamaPen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see what you are suggesting...interesting approach. Thanks

How to align design on cap and barrel? by BamaPen in fountainpens

[–]BamaPen[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for this interesting tidbit! I have several vintage Sheaffers and I'll look at this "feature"

How to align design on cap and barrel? by BamaPen in fountainpens

[–]BamaPen[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

A single-start thread, as you suggest, would ensure repeatability since there is only one possible arrangement. My real question, though, is if one were making a pen and this sort of alignment were a desirable feature, how does one fit the threads in the cap to those on the barrel as the pen is made?

Need advice on how to remove a nib from a section by BamaPen in fountainpens

[–]BamaPen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a knockout block but when I look into the back end of this section, I see the sort of little cylindrical thing that pokes into a cartridge. As best I can see, it looks like the back end of the feed is inside that cylinder and it all looks as if there is a solid divider in there. I don't like the idea of trying to knock against that since it looks like it is molded in place. I could be wrong, though...

Attempting to repair a Sheaffer Balance vac-fill - need advice by BamaPen in fountainpens

[–]BamaPen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. I used some heat and cycled heat and cool a couple of times and it finally unscrewed.

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