Results 1 to 15 of 15

Thread: Is this Nib Damaged

  1. #1
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2019
    Location
    US
    Posts
    6,790
    Thanks
    642
    Thanked 897 Times in 689 Posts
    Rep Power
    11

    Default Is this Nib Damaged

    I am beginning my search for a Parker Vacumatic. This is from an estate sale. The nib looks like it's been spread apart, but I am unfamiliar with Parker nibs. Thoughts?
    Attached Images Attached Images

  2. #2
    Senior Member Deb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Highlands of Scotland
    Posts
    1,747
    Thanks
    2,349
    Thanked 1,927 Times in 842 Posts
    Rep Power
    12

    Default Re: Is this Nib Damaged

    It needs some work to straighten and realign the tines.
    Regards,
    Deb
    My Blog

  3. The Following User Says Thank You to Deb For This Useful Post:

    Chuck Naill (December 29th, 2019)

  4. #3
    FPG Donor ♕ Chrissy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    11,404
    Thanks
    6,876
    Thanked 10,362 Times in 3,977 Posts
    Rep Power
    24

    Default Re: Is this Nib Damaged

    I would agree with Deb, the tines are spread apart but it should be possible to get them back together and then line them up.
    I think the nib & feed would need to be knocked out first as that would make it easier to push each tine in towards the centre with thumbs and forefingers.
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

  5. The Following User Says Thank You to Chrissy For This Useful Post:

    Chuck Naill (December 29th, 2019)

  6. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Posts
    301
    Thanks
    179
    Thanked 117 Times in 91 Posts
    Rep Power
    8

    Default Re: Is this Nib Damaged

    I’ve seen this repair done by gently crossing each tine over the other and then applying a little pressure to the back of the nib. I have not done this and I expect it would require a very cautious approach. Might be best to seek out the help of a professional nib meister.

  7. The Following User Says Thank You to Blue Note For This Useful Post:

    Chuck Naill (December 29th, 2019)

  8. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    640
    Thanks
    237
    Thanked 312 Times in 163 Posts
    Rep Power
    11

    Default Re: Is this Nib Damaged

    I would try and remove it from the section first before you try and bring the tines together. It's quite a simple repair. But one you can make far worse if you try and do it with the nib attached to the pen.

  9. #6
    FPG Donor ♕ Chrissy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    11,404
    Thanks
    6,876
    Thanked 10,362 Times in 3,977 Posts
    Rep Power
    24

    Default Re: Is this Nib Damaged

    I have fixed nibs by crossing tines over each other, but I wondered if these two were quite far apart to start there and may need pushing in together slightly first.
    Once they are closer together, crossing them over each other is probably the way to go in order to get them aligned all the way down the slit. Then you will need to align them straight across the tips looking at the tines end on.
    Much care is needed but it should be doable.
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

  10. #7
    Senior Member FredRydr's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Carlisle, Pennsylvania USA
    Posts
    4,907
    Thanks
    1,396
    Thanked 6,390 Times in 2,505 Posts
    Rep Power
    18

    Default Re: Is this Nib Damaged

    Based on the photo, the twisted and bent tines are a job for a pro. They appear to be more than just separated. If you do this yourself, beware of separating the iridium tip material from the nib when you manipulate those twisted tines, or the repair will cost more than the value of the nib. Modern nibs are less likely to shed the tipping material than vintage.

    If it was my pen, I would source another Parker nib and set this one aside for later repair (or scrap if it doesn't work out).
    Last edited by FredRydr; December 29th, 2019 at 12:35 PM.

  11. The Following User Says Thank You to FredRydr For This Useful Post:

    Jon Szanto (December 29th, 2019)

  12. #8
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2019
    Location
    US
    Posts
    6,790
    Thanks
    642
    Thanked 897 Times in 689 Posts
    Rep Power
    11

    Default Re: Is this Nib Damaged

    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    Based on the photo, this is a job for a pro. If you do this yourself, beware of separating the iridium tip material from the nib when you manipulate those twisted tines, or the repair will cost more than the value of the nib. Modern nibs are less likely to shed the tipping material than vintage.

    If it was my pen, I would source another Parker nib and set this one aside for later repair (or scrap if it doesn't work out).
    I am no longer considering this pen. The reason is there are just too many available that are restored in the sub $75 range. However, thank you for confirming my thoughts that this nib is not correct. My pen discernment is progressing.

  13. #9
    Senior Member FredRydr's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Carlisle, Pennsylvania USA
    Posts
    4,907
    Thanks
    1,396
    Thanked 6,390 Times in 2,505 Posts
    Rep Power
    18

    Default Re: Is this Nib Damaged

    I haven't expressed an opinion about correctness, just value versus condition.

    You are wise to compare alternatives. It can become a bad habit taking "orphan pens" home without a viable plan.

  14. #10
    Senior Member Deb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Highlands of Scotland
    Posts
    1,747
    Thanks
    2,349
    Thanked 1,927 Times in 842 Posts
    Rep Power
    12

    Default Re: Is this Nib Damaged

    Quote Originally Posted by Chuck Naill View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    Based on the photo, this is a job for a pro. If you do this yourself, beware of separating the iridium tip material from the nib when you manipulate those twisted tines, or the repair will cost more than the value of the nib. Modern nibs are less likely to shed the tipping material than vintage.

    If it was my pen, I would source another Parker nib and set this one aside for later repair (or scrap if it doesn't work out).
    I am no longer considering this pen. The reason is there are just too many available that are restored in the sub $75 range. However, thank you for confirming my thoughts that this nib is not correct. My pen discernment is progressing.
    I think that's wise. That nib is bent in two planes and would take quite a bit of time and effort to get right. As you say, there are better examples for the same price.
    Regards,
    Deb
    My Blog

  15. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Deb For This Useful Post:

    Chuck Naill (December 30th, 2019), Jon Szanto (December 29th, 2019)

  16. #11
    FPG Donor ♕ Chrissy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    11,404
    Thanks
    6,876
    Thanked 10,362 Times in 3,977 Posts
    Rep Power
    24

    Default Re: Is this Nib Damaged

    Quote Originally Posted by Chuck Naill View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    Based on the photo, this is a job for a pro. If you do this yourself, beware of separating the iridium tip material from the nib when you manipulate those twisted tines, or the repair will cost more than the value of the nib. Modern nibs are less likely to shed the tipping material than vintage.

    If it was my pen, I would source another Parker nib and set this one aside for later repair (or scrap if it doesn't work out).
    I am no longer considering this pen. The reason is there are just too many available that are restored in the sub $75 range. However, thank you for confirming my thoughts that this nib is not correct. My pen discernment is progressing.
    I think that is very wise too.
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

  17. The Following User Says Thank You to Chrissy For This Useful Post:

    Chuck Naill (December 29th, 2019)

  18. #12
    Senior Member Deb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Highlands of Scotland
    Posts
    1,747
    Thanks
    2,349
    Thanked 1,927 Times in 842 Posts
    Rep Power
    12

    Default Re: Is this Nib Damaged

    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    I haven't expressed an opinion about correctness, just value versus condition.

    You are wise to compare alternatives. It can become a bad habit taking "orphan pens" home without a viable plan.
    Ah, that's what explains the pens in that dusty box over there...
    Regards,
    Deb
    My Blog

  19. #13
    Senior Member FredRydr's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Carlisle, Pennsylvania USA
    Posts
    4,907
    Thanks
    1,396
    Thanked 6,390 Times in 2,505 Posts
    Rep Power
    18

    Default Re: Is this Nib Damaged

    Quote Originally Posted by Deb View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    I haven't expressed an opinion about correctness, just value versus condition.

    You are wise to compare alternatives. It can become a bad habit taking "orphan pens" home without a viable plan.
    Ah, that's what explains the pens in that dusty box over there...
    You mean the viable plan box?

  20. #14
    Senior Member Deb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Highlands of Scotland
    Posts
    1,747
    Thanks
    2,349
    Thanked 1,927 Times in 842 Posts
    Rep Power
    12

    Default Re: Is this Nib Damaged

    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Deb View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    I haven't expressed an opinion about correctness, just value versus condition.

    You are wise to compare alternatives. It can become a bad habit taking "orphan pens" home without a viable plan.
    Ah, that's what explains the pens in that dusty box over there...
    You mean the viable plan box?
    One day...
    Regards,
    Deb
    My Blog

  21. #15
    Senior Member Scrawler's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    1,263
    Thanks
    1,818
    Thanked 1,254 Times in 562 Posts
    Rep Power
    13

    Default Re: Is this Nib Damaged

    Quote Originally Posted by Deb View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Chuck Naill View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    Based on the photo, this is a job for a pro. If you do this yourself, beware of separating the iridium tip material from the nib when you manipulate those twisted tines, or the repair will cost more than the value of the nib. Modern nibs are less likely to shed the tipping material than vintage.

    If it was my pen, I would source another Parker nib and set this one aside for later repair (or scrap if it doesn't work out).
    I am no longer considering this pen. The reason is there are just too many available that are restored in the sub $75 range. However, thank you for confirming my thoughts that this nib is not correct. My pen discernment is progressing.
    I think that's wise. That nib is bent in two planes and would take quite a bit of time and effort to get right. As you say, there are better examples for the same price.
    It also has a crack in it.

  22. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Scrawler For This Useful Post:

    Chrissy (December 31st, 2019), Chuck Naill (December 31st, 2019)

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •