Montblanc 139 ink window cleaning

[mcannad1]

Anyone have any good tips on cleaning a dirty ink window in a Montblanc 139? I'm hesitant to dissemble due to the rarity/value of the pen.

[christof]

the best method is to remove the piston and the section...

https://live.staticflickr.com/7153/6789203427_3c5d538a20_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/bkWrDv)MB_L139_disassembled von -C.M.Z- (https://flic.kr/p/bkWrDv)

this way you can easily polish the inside of the barrel. but be careful with the stripes, they disappear when the polish job is done to excessively.

[FredRydr]

The 139 is easier to disassemble than the modern 149.

[mcannad1]

Christof does everything just unscrew or is there any shellac that I need to heat up and then reapply once I reassemble the pen?

[christof]

I recommend to apply dry heat in any case. the section was originally sealed by a kind of resin. I also recommend to start with unscrewing the piston since the joint between section and barrel is more delicate.
C.

[mcannad1]

Thanks for all of the help! Should I apply any silicone grease or anything to the piston threads when re-assembling?

[FredRydr]

Thanks for all of the help! Should I apply any silicone grease or anything to the piston threads when re-assembling?
No. Use only the thread sealant.

[724Seney]

the best method is to remove the piston and the section...

https://live.staticflickr.com/7153/6789203427_3c5d538a20_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/bkWrDv)MB_L139_disassembled von -C.M.Z- (https://flic.kr/p/bkWrDv)

this way you can easily polish the inside of the barrel. but be careful with the stripes, they disappear when the polish job is done to excessively.

The improvement in the clarity of the ink window is most impressive! Congratulations!!
What did you use / do you recommend as the polishing material?
Thank you!

[christof]

I use Simichrome for polishing pens. But as already said, be careful - the stripes are delicate…

[724Seney]

I use Simichrome for polishing pens. But as already said, be careful - the stripes are delicate…

Thank you @christof

Do you use the Simichrome both on the exterior surfaces AND inside the barrel as well?
Any tips for the best ways to assure the work is done "delicately?"

[christof]

I only use Simichrome for inside polishing if this is really necessary. Check every few and slight strokes if the stripes will disappear. If so, stop immediately.

[FredRydr]

Years ago, I sent to Brad Torelli a copy of the (Nazi-era) Simplo/Montblanc patent for applying stripes, and he fashioned a tool to re-stripe the interior surface of barrels.