Kadett 55 (Kaweco-fabrikat)

Apologies for cross posting, but I'd really like to try to get a bit of advice before I start this one.

I just got this pretty pen.

Attachment 63847

There's clearly a piston problem as the knob just turns with no discernible movement. I'm happy to start dismantling, but would love to have some idea what to expect in there. If anyone knows how the nib/feed is fitted that would be useful too - I'd like to try to get some liquid in there to see if it can't be cleaned up a bit as well.

Attachment 63848

The 'Rexor' nib is obviously not original (the pen's marked EF and this is a nicely flexible F), but not a brand I've come across before, so any information on that would also be very gratefully received.

Many thanks to anyone who can help.

I have serviced pistons on Kaweco Dia and Sport piston fillers, but not the Kadett.

With these old German piston fillers, the most important part is to determine where the piston assembly can be unscrewed. Both the Dia and Sport piston assembly are unscrewed from somewhere near the end of the barrel (before the blind cap). So try to see if you can see any seams on the barrel.

Your barrel has the greenish part, so the seam could be where the green part meets the black part, but not necessarily so. Try unscrewing with gentle force, some heat and a lot of patience.

Good luck!

PS: I am assuming that you know your way around vintage pens and know what I mean when I say "gentle force" :D

Vintage KAWECO can be found with a very wide range of different piston mechanics. I will have a look in my spares box if I'll find a matching one to take a picture for you. Would be helpful to see a picture of the blind cap of your pen...

Sorry, that was a rubbish picture at the beginning - it should have included the blind cap, but I realised far too late that I hadn't framed it well!

Here is the blind cap - I think it's just a pin removal job, and should be straightforward, but was curious as to whether anyone had come across this model before.

Attachment 63904

And yes, I'm very happy with the concept of 'gentle force!!)

Thank you both for taking the time to reply - I'm very grateful :)

If the piston just need a new cork or seal, on some pens, it's unnecessary to disassemble the pinned parts.

Well guessed Will! The cleanup shall now commence :)

Attachment 63909

Thank you.

I'm still curious about the nib if anyone has ever come across one before.

I see, you already were successful. Great!

The pistonhead of vintage KAWECO is sometimes fixed with a pin which is difficult to see. This pin has to be removed for changing the seal.