News

I couldn't resit, although I did try, buying a 'New Parker 51' or 'Parker 51 reimagined' as they are often referred to:   Despite the screw thread, shiny cap, and modern arrow clip the overall likeness to the original is quite strong.  Not so 'in the hand', it just doesn't feel like a Parker 51. But, in fairness, if compared to the host of other '51 clones' it is a winner, and so it should be.  It is, after all, made by Parker.

A nib block is an invaluable tool for straightening pen nibs, a common task when restoring vintage fountain pens.  Most blocks consist of two curved surfaces, one for working from the inside of the nib and the other for working from the inside.  A range of hand tools is useful to apply pressure to the nib in the required area with the correct amount of pressure. I bought the kit pictured above from Mike at: vintagepensacsandparts.com, it is a good quality product at a very reasonable price.  Successful use of a nib block is, on the face of it fairly straightforward...

A knockout block for removing a reluctant nib from a section is an essential pen repair tool.  It consists of a solid block with a number of holes of differing sizes to accommodate a range of nib sizes. A range of punch sizes to fit the section bore is also needed.  The picture shows a very substantial and versatile block which will last a lifetime and more.  As you are only ever going to buy one of these it is best to buy a good one. The photo is a block supplied by The Pendragons at Thependragons - Vintage fountain pen...

Ideally a conservative pen restorer should have very little, if any, use for abraders.  In practice it is quite different.  When dealing with a pen that a previous owner has inexpertly repaired or needs a certain type of repair it is often necessary to use an abrasive technique. If, however, a 'showroom finish, is the aim or the pen has deep scratches or dentition marks that need to be removed then an 'abrasive technique' is unavoidable. It is up to the restorer to decide what level of restoration is appropriate with respect to the surface of the pen body and the general...

Restoring vintage pens often involves the use of pliers, not one set but loads!  There is a good deal of gripping, gentle twisting, bending and compressing involved, often in very confined spaces hence the variety.  Pliers, and there is no singular term, are capable of exerting much more pressure than that applied by the hand.  This is, after all, what they were designed to do but great care is needed when manipulating old, often brittle and delicate components.  Never, ever, ever, use naked jaws of a pair of pliers on a barrel. cap, or section of a pen.  Thousands of...