Giovanni ask for some of us to help new pen collectors. I am always glad to pass on what I know about vintage pens and have done so in person, on the phone and by e-mail for many years.
I can write up textual descriptions of vintage fountain pen repairs and take some photos. I have walked a lot of people through repairs on their pens by e-mail, usually to a successful end.
It would be helpful to have the questions posted before trying to answer any questions! I would like to know what specific and general questions you have.
I mostly work on American, Canadian and English pens, but have worked on French, Italian and pens from other countries as well. Also, David Nishimua and Richard Binder have excellent repair info and identification sections on their websites.
I can instruct on what tools are needed for specific and general vintage pen repairs, lever fillers, Parker Vacumatics and button fillers, Sheaffer's Snorkels, Conklin twist/piston fillers and others. I can tell you about the tools needed, specific and general. How to install a simple ink sac or a Vac diaphragm, usually without screwing up the job. Also, I can tell you about some of the pitfalls of pen repair. How to buy pens without insulting the seller. What to look for when buying pens.
I will point out that I do not work on German twist/piston fill pens or Sheaffer's rod/piston fill pens. I know how to work on them, but prefer to send them out, it is easier and less crazy making. Also, I know very little about modern pens.
I have been restoring old pens for about 28 years, have restored literally thousands of pens and mechanical pencils. I am always glad to help fellow pen collectors, when and however I can.
I no longer do custom pen restoration and repair work, I only work on my own pens and mechanical pencils for my collection and for resale. If you need a pen restored, I can refer you to a couple of good pen repair folks I know and trust.
I also have quite a few books on pens and other writing instruments that cover pens from several countries. I don't have the Montblanc books, so you are on your own there. Much of what I don't know or have in the forefront of my brain I can many times look up in a pen book. I have suggestions for a couple of very good starter books that will not empty your wallet.
Got pen questions? Ask them!
If you do not want to post your question in public, you can always e-mail me backchannel at:
michael@northwestpenworks.com
Or I can post your question, and possibly my answer, anonymously to Pentrace, which can be helpful to others.
Disclaimer - This is not about me, it is about trying to help fellow pen collectors.
Who else out there wants to help out on the newbie project? I'm not sure if this is opening a big can of worms or not! LOL!
Michael
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