- We
restore vintage pens to the condition we believe they were in when new,
save for the nib. Part of the fascination of vintage pens is
the
nib and its characteristics fashioned over time by a previous owner or
owners. Unless we state otherwise in our description of a
vintage
pen, we warrant that the nib is of a quality that can be
used.
- Give
the nib time to settle down. Often, this takes two or three
refills of the pen. What may look like simple 'plastic'
components are in fact hard rubber components which have been
cleaned. The process of cleaning hard rubber often disturbs
the
'surface tension' characteristics of important components of the
pen. Sometimes, a little time to re-establish the match
between
ink and components is required. Part of the magic of vintage
pens
is the interaction of good ink with the hard rubber section and feed of
a pen. Always use good quality ink. Under no
circumstances
should drawing inks be used in pens regardless of attractive
colours! In our experience, Conway Stewart inks produce good
results in most pens. There is nothing wrong with Parker's
"Quink" inks so long as they are manufactured in Britain, France or the
USA. We prefer Diamine and Conway Stewart
Inks.
- We
'leak test' (with water) every vintage pen we sell. We use
water
so as not to contaminate (with an ink colour) a new sac or filling
system fitted to a pen. We then dip test the pen for writing
ability and nib smoothness. But, we often find that our hand
differs from yours! What we think is an acceptable writing
standard for a nib, may not agree with you. If that is the
case,
we ask you to contact us and if necessary, return the pen to us in
order that we can smooth or re-grind the nib or, sort out the problem
to suit you. Please note that some nibs cannot be re-ground
and
many have limitations in terms of re-grinding. We do not
re-grind
nibs to an entirely different style. That is the work of nib
specialists we can refer you to.
- If
a pen needs to be returned to us, we are happy to do whatever
reasonably needs to be done to satisfy your wishes but, please do not
expect us to bear the costs of freight – either from you or,
on
return to you. If you need to return a pen to us for any
reason,
please empty it of ink, flush it with water and let it dry thoroughly
before sending it to us. Pack it carefully using bubble wrap
or
styrene beads and in a strong cardboard box. See our Packing Instructions in our
Repair/Restoration page. Please do not send a
pen in original packaging to us. Place little trust in postal
services or other couriers in terms of care of small
packages. Thus,
insure it – both ways! We do not insure pens in
transit. That responsibility is entirely yours.
- Unless
fittings are of solid gold (which we will specifically state), they
will generally be gold plated. Over time, gold plating will
wear. For that reason, we often use a light coating of
shellac to
protect the plating on the clips (and sometimes the levers) of vintage
pens. Don't incessantly polish a vintage pen and
particularly, do
not use metal polish, methylated spirits or a petroleum based product
on any part of a pen. We do not generally polish vintage pens
prior to sale – polishing removes important imprints and
plating
and, no matter how much care is taken, eventually destroys the
character and patina of a fine writing instrument.
- If
treated properly, vintage pens will last 'another lifetime' but,
they must be treated carefully to ensure they retain both their value
and appearance. We are happy to provide recommendations as to suitable,
practical, leather (or other) cases that suit your particular
needs. Please, don't post the cap on vintage pens when
writing
with them. Regardless of the quality of a vintage pen, one
way or
another, a posted cap when writing will eventually, permanently mark
the top of the barrel. If you have queries or questions,
please
contact us.
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