I need help with info on a Parker Vacumatic

[Frederyck]

Hi all, I was gifted a Parker Vacumatic pen by my late grandfather, and I haven't looked at the pen in years. A couple of days ago I found it in a box and thought I'd try to find some information about it. My google-fu stumped me, though, which is why I'm turning to all you experts here! :) I have created a Google photos album with pictures of the pen, the nib and so on.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/iHSvPRiwSn7k45dK9

From what I've found: It's a Canadian made pen, both the nib and the text on the outside mention Canada, so that's a dead give-away. :) The year-number on the pen seems to say "6", but I can't distinguish any dots, maybe. The number on the nib is definitely a "6" though with a dot to the right of the number, at least. I'm not sure if this is relevant, though? The colour of thepen is black-blue-purple or something. I'm not sure how to categorize it.

Was this pen made in 1946? My granddad would have been 25 at this time, so it fits with that timeline, as well as him having been recently discharged from the Swedish army (he served during most of the war guarding our borders). I have found guides to Parker pens that were made in the US, but none for Canadian made ones.

In a very related question - where could I get help getting the pen into working order? The pump doesn't work, which I suppose isn't surprising having been unused for the better part of 30-40 years. I have found one place in the UK, but they're not accepting any more work orders from the EU because of Brexit.

[RobJohnson]

You have done half the work already.

The Vacumatic is a series 3 azure blue, Pen was made in 1946 as you say and made in Canada, all just as you would expect. The pen looks to be in very good condition and it is nice that you have the original box, if you send it away to be fixed, find a different box for the journey.The nib might need straightening, hard to tell from the pic.

Fitting a new diaphragm is not difficult and any specialist will do this for you, here is one company

http://www.classicpenengineering.co.uk/fountain-pen-pencil-repairs.html

I haven't heard the Brexit excuse before, perhaps ask Classic Pen if they are currently repairing pens before mailing it.

[jar]

You don't say where in the UK you are located but you might contact Mora Pen Stylos in Paris to see if they can help.

[welch]

I take it you, Frederyck, are in Sweden. If Classic Pen Engineering, or other UK repair shops, cannot accept your order right now, you might skip over the Atlantic. Ron Zorn does this sort of work, and so do many others.

However, as best I understand the Brexit negotiations, all that might be settled soon. However, you are closer to all that.

[Chrissy]

I just looked on the Battersea Pen Home site (https://www.penhome.co.uk) and they are still doing repair work during Covid-19
I bet they will be able to service this Parker Vacumatic.

[penmainiac]

Hi all, I was gifted a Parker Vacumatic pen by my late grandfather, and I haven't looked at the pen in years. A couple of days ago I found it in a box and thought I'd try to find some information about it. My google-fu stumped me, though, which is why I'm turning to all you experts here! :) I have created a Google photos album with pictures of the pen, the nib and so on.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/iHSvPRiwSn7k45dK9

From what I've found: It's a Canadian made pen, both the nib and the text on the outside mention Canada, so that's a dead give-away. :) The year-number on the pen seems to say "6", but I can't distinguish any dots, maybe. The number on the nib is definitely a "6" though with a dot to the right of the number, at least. I'm not sure if this is relevant, though? The colour of thepen is black-blue-purple or something. I'm not sure how to categorize it.

Was this pen made in 1946? My granddad would have been 25 at this time, so it fits with that timeline, as well as him having been recently discharged from the Swedish army (he served during most of the war guarding our borders). I have found guides to Parker pens that were made in the US, but none for Canadian made ones.

In a very related question - where could I get help getting the pen into working order? The pump doesn't work, which I suppose isn't surprising having been unused for the better part of 30-40 years. I have found one place in the UK, but they're not accepting any more work orders from the EU because of Brexit.

I might get a lot of hate from this but if you’re not of the faint of heart and up for the challenge you could possibly repair it yourself.... I’ve done a couple repairs already and they’re relatively easy but you have to be careful when disassembling the pen.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jon Szanto]

I might get a lot of hate from this but if you’re not of the faint of heart and up for the challenge you could possibly repair it yourself.... I’ve done a couple repairs already and they’re relatively easy but you have to be careful when disassembling the pen.

It isn't hateful to offer honest opinion, which is what I'll do.

You have determined they are "relatively easy" based on doing a couple of repairs. Which means you just haven't come upon a prolematic pen, or cracked a barrel trying to remove the filler, or... any number of issues. Yes, sometimes it does go well and without issue, but beyond needing special tools to do a proper job, do you really want the first restoration on a pen that might get damaged if not done right to be a valuable family heirloom?

I think the point is that just any old pen might be fine for a first time repair... maybe. But the last pen I'd attempt to make my first fix would be a pen that had a high degree of sentimental value, one that is not simply another pen, but a pen of personal importance. At this juncture, it is well worth sending to a qualified repair person to put it back in order. Many other pens can go in the "I can do this myself" queue.

[RobJohnson]

There is also the issue that if we don't support the expert pen repairers then they might just go away and do something else.

We have all seen many a good pen ruined by a well meaning amateur and with this special vacumatic having a personal connection, an heirloom piece, then personally I would make sure that it is being done properly.

[proteus]

penmainiac,

I liked your honest well meaning comments.

Perhaps try to remember that Frederyck has only just arrived here seeking help to restore a pen that is clearly very important to him.

Not everyone here has the confidence to restore these early Parker pens themselves.

__________________________________________________ ______________________________________________


Frederyck,

Given all the assistance offered.

Where are you going to send your pen to be restored ?

[Frederyck]

Thank you all for your information and ideas. I did check out some information about doing self-repairs on the pen, but gathered quite quickly that it was well beyond my skills, even though I am an engineer. :) Regarding looking for help repairing it, the reason I mentioned the UK and Brexit was that the Battersea Pen Home has this text on their website

"The UK's Brexit transition phase ends on 31 December 2020. It is unlikely that we will be able to continue accepting repairs from EU countries after this date due to VAT and potentially import duties being levied on entry to the UK and on the return to the EU country. The situation is still evolving and we will post updates here when the scale of charges becomes clearer."

I am not based in the UK, but rather in Sweden, but I'll be checking out all your suggestions!

[Chrissy]

Thank you all for your information and ideas. I did check out some information about doing self-repairs on the pen, but gathered quite quickly that it was well beyond my skills, even though I am an engineer. :) Regarding looking for help repairing it, the reason I mentioned the UK and Brexit was that the Battersea Pen Home has this text on their website

"The UK's Brexit transition phase ends on 31 December 2020. It is unlikely that we will be able to continue accepting repairs from EU countries after this date due to VAT and potentially import duties being levied on entry to the UK and on the return to the EU country. The situation is still evolving and we will post updates here when the scale of charges becomes clearer."

It might yet not come to that. Even though the last chance for a deal was meant to be last Sunday, talks are still ongoing.
Anyway, even if there is no deal, Battersea Pen Home will be able to accept a pen for repair if it's valued at less than £135 and no import tax should be levied on a pen coming into the UK just for a repair service. That's never been the case even for pens sent here for service from outside of the EU. The main prospect is whether you will be charged import tax on the cost of their service when it returns to you in Sweden.

[proteus]

Chrissy,

What a good reply.

[penmainiac]

I might get a lot of hate from this but if you’re not of the faint of heart and up for the challenge you could possibly repair it yourself.... I’ve done a couple repairs already and they’re relatively easy but you have to be careful when disassembling the pen.

It isn't hateful to offer honest opinion, which is what I'll do.

You have determined they are "relatively easy" based on doing a couple of repairs. Which means you just haven't come upon a prolematic pen, or cracked a barrel trying to remove the filler, or... any number of issues. Yes, sometimes it does go well and without issue, but beyond needing special tools to do a proper job, do you really want the first restoration on a pen that might get damaged if not done right to be a valuable family heirloom?

I think the point is that just any old pen might be fine for a first time repair... maybe. But the last pen I'd attempt to make my first fix would be a pen that had a high degree of sentimental value, one that is not simply another pen, but a pen of personal importance. At this juncture, it is well worth sending to a qualified repair person to put it back in order. Many other pens can go in the "I can do this myself" queue.

My apologies, I was just trying to put forth another option that might even make the pen more memorable.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RobJohnson]

Thank you all for your information and ideas. I did check out some information about doing self-repairs on the pen, but gathered quite quickly that it was well beyond my skills, even though I am an engineer. :) Regarding looking for help repairing it, the reason I mentioned the UK and Brexit was that the Battersea Pen Home has this text on their website

"The UK's Brexit transition phase ends on 31 December 2020. It is unlikely that we will be able to continue accepting repairs from EU countries after this date due to VAT and potentially import duties being levied on entry to the UK and on the return to the EU country. The situation is still evolving and we will post updates here when the scale of charges becomes clearer."

It might yet not come to that. Even though the last chance for a deal was meant to be last Sunday, talks are still ongoing.
Anyway, even if there is no deal, Battersea Pen Home will be able to accept a pen for repair if it's valued at less than £135 and no import tax should be levied on a pen coming into the UK just for a repair service. That's never been the case even for pens sent here for service from outside of the EU. The main prospect is whether you will be charged import tax on the cost of their service when it returns to you in Sweden.


https://fpgeeks.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=57878&d=1608084838


If this pub sign was correct it will be the only target that has actually been hit.

[Jon Szanto]

My apologies, I was just trying to put forth another option that might even make the pen more memorable.

No offense taken, and that is actually a very nice sentiment. For anyone who already had the skills, tools, etc to do this, I think you are spot on. Especially for the 'hobbyist-repairperson', fixing a pen you will use or keep for yourself does lend another level of appreciation and import. I just think in this case that it's like the doctor's Hippocratic Oath: "Before all else, do no harm."

[grainweevil]

If this pub sign was correct it will be the only target that has actually been hit.

History shows us the EU Commission's habitual negotiating strategy is to take talks to down to the wire and hope the other side are worn down enough to give in. I recall reading somewhere that diplomats pack extra shirts in anticipation of it. Only extremely credulous optimists and, apparently, the media would have expected otherwise.

Aside from that, Covid is having a rather damaging effect on deliveries all over. Given that this is a pen with family connections I think I'd wait for things to settle back into a little more normality before sending it anywhere lest it get lost in the mêlée. It's waited 40 years - a couple more months won't worry it. :)

[proteus]

Frederyck

For what it is worth…………

One of the very best UK Parker pen restorers of this type of Parker pen is Peter Twydle
Taught by his father, a master pen restorer.
If you want the best there is in the UK this is your answer

http://www.penmuseum.co.uk

[Ron Z]

Many of the Canadian pens are identical to the US made pens. There are exceptions, but in general their models tended to follow the US when issued. As noted, there are exceptions, which is why most of us don't get flustered when we see something that is a bit weird, and then see the Canadian imprint on the barrel. The Parker Vacumatic book by David Shepherd and Dan Zazov has lots of good information. There are bound to be some articles and copies of ads in the library in the Pen Collectors of America library, as well as past issues of The Pennant, and Pen World, though you may need to be a member to access those files.

The Azure blue is one of the more sought after colors, and on a par with, if not a bit ahead of red. A great pen, and well worth having it restored.

[Chrissy]

Frederyck

For what it is worth…………

One of the very best UK Parker pen restorers of this type of Parker pen is Peter Twydle
Taught by his father, a master pen restorer.
If you want the best there is in the UK this is your answer

http://www.penmuseum.co.uk
Very sadly, I might have to slightly disagree with you there although only on a technicality. :(
I once sent a reasonably valuable pen to him to be serviced and he did a good job servicing it.
However, he returned it to me completely uninsured, by RM 2nd class Signed-for mail, just stuffed in a "jiffy envelope" or "bubble mailer", with no other packaging. Although he was lucky and it arrived without being damaged I complained about the packaging (or lack of it) and the uninsured service. He said that was his usual practice unless his customers paid more for a different service. Obviously he wouldn't do the same when he returned a pen to Sweden. Well, at least I hope not.

For the UK only how about Laurence Oldfield?
In the EU does fountainbel still do any servicing?

If I had a pen that needed a service of any type I hope that I would be able to enlist the expertise of Ron Zorn to do it for me.

[Fermata]

Frederyck

For what it is worth…………

One of the very best UK Parker pen restorers of this type of Parker pen is Peter Twydle
Taught by his father, a master pen restorer.
If you want the best there is in the UK this is your answer

http://www.penmuseum.co.uk
Very sadly, I might have to slightly disagree with you there although only on a technicality. :(
I once sent a reasonably valuable pen to him to be serviced and he did a good job servicing it.
However, he returned it to me completely uninsured, by RM 2nd class Signed-for mail, just stuffed in a "jiffy envelope" or "bubble mailer", with no other packaging. Although he was lucky and it arrived without being damaged I complained about the packaging (or lack of it) and the uninsured service. He said that was his usual practice unless his customers paid more for a different service. Obviously he wouldn't do the same when he returned a pen to Sweden. Well, at least I hope not.

For the UK only how about Laurence Oldfield?
In the EU does fountainbel still do any servicing?

If I had a pen that needed a service of any type I hope that I would be able to enlist the expertise of Ron Zorn to do it for me.

Two similar bad experiences, I would not recoommend Peter Twydle at all.

First experience was a Conway Stewart 388, it came back broken in half, he had simply put the pen in a padded envelope. I pointed this out and had the reply, 'don't blame me, damage is down to the Royal Mail'

Second time was a Parker thrift time pen. It had cost me £200 but needed a service. I sent it to him in a WES plastic mailing box. He kept the pen for almost 6 months, changed parts for inferior non matching parts and sent the pen back in a padded envelope, I asked about the WES box and was told that he had no record of that but if I wanted a plastic box it would be an extra £5. I asked why it had taken so long, his reason was that he had a photographer booked and wanted a pic of my pen for his new book, sure enough it is in his book.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fountain-Crowood-Collectors-Peter-Twydle/dp/1847971148

Would not use this man either,

https://www.vintagefountainpens.co.uk/repairs-and-restorations.html



Laurence Oldfield does not do pen servicing any longer, not sure about Francis, a Vac service may be a bit below him, in the nicest possible way

[Frederyck]

Thank you all, again for your information and help! I will definitely wait until after the Christmas rush to send the pen anywhere, so whatever happens with Brexit will probably be known by then. I'll keep you updated with my progress!

[Frederyck]

The Vacumatic is a series 3 azure blue

Looking at pictures of this model, it definitely seems like my pen. Would I be correct to assume that I have a "Junior" variant of it, as there are two thin golden bands on the bottom end of the cap instead of a larger single band?

[RobJohnson]

The Vacumatic is a series 3 azure blue

Looking at pictures of this model, it definitely seems like my pen. Would I be correct to assume that I have a "Junior" variant of it, as there are two thin golden bands on the bottom end of the cap instead of a larger single band?

The best answer is probably, if the length is 128mm then that would change to most likely.

The word Junior isn't the best, it implies something less than Standard or Major. I would forget that thought straight away.

I have asked a few repair people about doing work outside the UK, only one has come back to me with the line 'wait and see' I find this a bit odd to be honest.

When the Brexit dust has started to settle come back and I am sure that we will find someone to help.

edit

I have been looking to see if I can find someone in Sweden that may be able to help you and found this website

https://www.penshop.se/

The site contains telephone numbers and an email address for contacts.

God Jul!

[Ron Z]

The Jr and Major pens are identical in size and have many interchangeable parts - barrels, pumps, blind caps, clip screws and jewels. The caps can be swapped out but the Jr cap isn't "correct" because of the bands and clip.

The big difference is in the nib - the Jr nib being smaller, which means that the feed is smaller and the ID of the section is smaller. The Major has the blue diamond clip and so had a lifetime warranty, the Jr does not, and of course the bands are different. But the overall quality? Essentially the same.

[amk]

Another way to go:
Buy twenty vacs on ebay as cheaply as you can.
Repair them all.
THEN
you're ready for grandad's pen. And Europe may have gained a professional repairer :-)

[grainweevil]

And Europe may have gained a professional repairer :-)

With nothing to do because he's already bought all the Vacs on Ebay... ;)

But yes, that'd certainly be a solution of a sort. Trouble is then you find yourself being asked to repair other people's grandfather's pens, which can bring a whole new level of pressure. I once, and only once, agreed to sharpen a friend's grandfather's Disston dovetail saw. Aside from the expected difficulty of hand filing 20ppi of neglected teeth in Disston's file-resistant steel, the pressure of not screwing up his grandfather's saw had me vowing never again. Of course Frederyck is likely made of sterner stuff than I. In truth limp celery is made of sterner stuff than I. :o

[Chrissy]

And Europe may have gained a professional repairer :-)

With nothing to do because he's already bought all the Vacs on Ebay... ;)

But yes, that'd certainly be a solution of a sort. Trouble is then you find yourself being asked to repair other people's grandfather's pens, which can bring a whole new level of pressure. I once, and only once, agreed to sharpen a friend's grandfather's Disston dovetail saw. Aside from the expected difficulty of hand filing 20ppi of neglected teeth in Disston's file-resistant steel, the pressure of not screwing up his grandfather's saw had me vowing never again. Of course Frederyck is likely made of sterner stuff than I. In truth limp celery is made of sterner stuff than I. :o
I understand that concept perfectly. I've had ceramics to restore that I have felt the same way about restoring.
I even had my best friend's father's Parker 51 Vac to restore, and that's the only one I've ever done! However, I cheated slightly by buying a ready made brass vac fitting with filler on.
I'm no celery fan at the best of times so that's no comparison for me ;)

[proteus]

Chrissy,

Many thanks for your reply - Peter Twydle.

That was a wake up call.

[Frederyck]

I have contacted the Swedish site recommended above, but they answered that they don't do repairs on this type of pen. However, they said that there might be a few people who might be able to help me here in Sweden, so we'll see if anything pans out from this.

[Nethermark]

Björn Arebom from Pennspecialisten in Malmö (https://pennspecialisten.se/) used to do fountain pen repairs. Unfortunately, his website seems to be down, so I don't know, whether he still is in business. I visited his website last fall, and everything was ok then. Maybe you could phone him.