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Thread: Reliable Pen repairers in UK

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    Default Reliable Pen repairers in UK

    re the title I would like to find reliable people that can fix my vintage pens if problems arise. I've used one, not happy at all, I wrote a few others never got a reply. So pretty depressing landscape in UK. Suggestions? Thank you

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    Default Re: Reliable Pen repairers in UK

    Fountain pen repairers are a pretty disappointing landscape within the UK.
    I know of and have had a good result from Battersea Pen Home but am not sure how vintage they go back and repair.
    Others can be found in a Google search but I haven't had experience of their repairs. I couldn't recommend the only other UK repairer I've ever used.
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    Default Re: Reliable Pen repairers in UK

    Exactly my situation, the guy I used has cost me more in shipping his repaired pens back and forth for the job badly done than I spent to buy the pens. This is why I now seek only vintage pens with sacs to replace and no fancy filling systems. Although I repaired a Vacumatic by myself. My broken Omas Gentleman was sent to a good repairer in Belgium and now works perfectly, but the problem is the Omas quality that is crap IMO

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    Default Re: Reliable Pen repairers in UK

    My favorite is Classic Pen Engineering but have had nothing back from him in terms of 'are you still in business'? So I have given up on him.

    I haven't used Carneil Pens but Peter Crook was involved in the Onoto book so cannot be a twit.

    I wouldn't use Peter Twydle at the Fountain Pen Museum or Vintagefountainpens.co.uk again, neither delivered the goods.

    Penfriend say that they do repairs, I presume that someone has taken the Penfriend Limited name. The pen prices at Penfriend would fly past the ISS so take care if you chose to use their repair service

    https://www.penfriend.co.uk/repairs

    I have used David Wells at Old Pens for Conway Stewart work and would be happy to do so again.

    eta I think David teaches pen repair for the Writing Equipment Society so technically, he must be pretty good.

    www.old-pens.co.uk

    Years ago Laurence Oldfield did some work on a Parker for me, he took so long that I had forgotten where I had sent the pen, it was a surprise when the pen came back. Laurence now does work on Fords and Swan Visofill and not much more.

    I would hope that one or more UK pen repairers might step up in response to this thread and sell themselves a little including credentials and service warranties.
    Last edited by RobJohnson; January 1st, 2021 at 05:28 AM.

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    Default Re: Reliable Pen repairers in UK

    I found it interesting that you mention an experience with Peter Twydle, as he is the only other UK pen repairer I've used. I mentioned my experience in this thread
    Laurence Oldfield did a FP repair job on The Repair Shop but I wasn't sure whether he was still doing repair work or not. If he was then I would recommend him.

    In the event that I had a pen that only needed a sac replacement then I would probably just do it myself.
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    Default Re: Reliable Pen repairers in UK

    I would recommend Classic Pen Engineering too but I haven't heard from Derrick for some time. I do hope he's OK. Technically most proficient is Eric Wilson but he limits himself to projects that interest him now. Laurence, too, as Rob says, doesn't do general repairs any more. Peter Crook's involvement in the Onoto Repair book was actually quite limited. He came in for some criticism here some years ago but so far as I am aware his work is OK.

    There are probably others I don't know about. I'm not in a position to need the services of a restorer. It's only natural that the repairers and restorers around my age are retiring now. I hope that new repair men and women will come forward as a result of the training courses the WES have done.

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    Default Re: Reliable Pen repairers in UK

    Quote Originally Posted by eachan View Post
    ...training courses the WES have done.
    Now that’s impressive. Was that in a workshop setting?

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    Default Re: Reliable Pen repairers in UK

    Eachan, is Eric Wilson known as "eckiethump" over at FPN? I've seen some of his miracle repair work that was posted by FPN member 'chunya".

    Sorry, took a while to find the post by chunya


    Linky: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/f.../?hl=whytwarth
    Last edited by junglejim; January 1st, 2021 at 10:35 AM. Reason: added linky
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    Default Re: Reliable Pen repairers in UK

    Quote Originally Posted by junglejim View Post
    Eachan, is Eric Wilson known as "eckiethump" over at FPN? I've seen some of his miracle repair work that was posted by FPN member 'chunya".
    Yes. He's in Edinburgh.

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    Default Re: Reliable Pen repairers in UK

    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by junglejim View Post
    Eachan, is Eric Wilson known as "eckiethump" over at FPN? I've seen some of his miracle repair work that was posted by FPN member 'chunya".
    Yes. He's in Edinburgh.
    Thanks Fred!
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    Default Re: Reliable Pen repairers in UK

    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by eachan View Post
    ...training courses the WES have done.
    Now that’s impressive. Was that in a workshop setting?
    I think that WES have done workshops, online training via webcam and produced DVDs.

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    Default Re: Reliable Pen repairers in UK

    I've had Peter Twydle repair two Parker Victories for me. Nib fittings only as I replaced the sacs myself and the pressure bars. Not going back to him in future, not impressed by his service at all. I'll have to buy a nib removal tool

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    Default Re: Reliable Pen repairers in UK

    Quote Originally Posted by junglejim View Post
    Eachan, is Eric Wilson known as "eckiethump" over at FPN? I've seen some of his miracle repair work that was posted by FPN member 'chunya".

    Sorry, took a while to find the post by chunya


    Linky: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/f.../?hl=whytwarth
    One and the same, Jim. Eric did many repairs of difficult pens for us at one time and we remain firm friends. He has restricted the sorts of repairs he will do now, just as Laurence Oldfield has done. I'm a big fan of Eric's work. He's quite the miracle worker.

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    Default Re: Reliable Pen repairers in UK

    Quote Originally Posted by eachan View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by junglejim View Post
    Eachan, is Eric Wilson known as "eckiethump" over at FPN? I've seen some of his miracle repair work that was posted by FPN member 'chunya".

    Sorry, took a while to find the post by chunya


    Linky: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/f.../?hl=whytwarth
    One and the same, Jim. Eric did many repairs of difficult pens for us at one time and we remain firm friends. He has restricted the sorts of repairs he will do now, just as Laurence Oldfield has done. I'm a big fan of Eric's work. He's quite the miracle worker.
    He fixed a crack through the threads on a Wyvern cap for me, it was an important pen, alledgedly ex-Goerge VI, the pen would have been scrap without his skill.

    No contact with him for some time though.
    Last edited by Fermata; January 1st, 2021 at 12:22 PM.

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    Default Re: Reliable Pen repairers in UK

    Quote Originally Posted by eachan View Post
    Technically most proficient is Eric Wilson but he limits himself to projects that interest him now. Laurence, too, as Rob says, doesn't do general repairs any more.
    I'm just reading this, and would like to stress, I do not limit my work intake, I just don't advertise, so I don't get over committed. There are few UK repair people, who send me their more awkward projects, knowing my love for a "wee" challenge.

    The past few Writing Equipment Society Magazines have articles by me, giving a flavour to the sort of depth of pen work I involve myself in.

    Laurence Oldfield sends customers my way, after telly appearances he gets a lot of enquiries. I am also registered as the repair person for Conway Stewarrt in the UK and very approachable.

    Eric Wilson aka Eckiethump :-)

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    Default Re: Reliable Pen repairers in UK

    Quote Originally Posted by eckiethump View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by eachan View Post
    Technically most proficient is Eric Wilson but he limits himself to projects that interest him now. Laurence, too, as Rob says, doesn't do general repairs any more.
    I'm just reading this, and would like to stress, I do not limit my work intake, I just don't advertise, so I don't get over committed. There are few UK repair people, who send me their more awkward projects, knowing my love for a "wee" challenge.

    The past few Writing Equipment Society Magazines have articles by me, giving a flavour to the sort of depth of pen work I involve myself in.

    Laurence Oldfield sends customers my way, after telly appearances he gets a lot of enquiries. I am also registered as the repair person for Conway Stewarrt in the UK and very approachable.

    Eric Wilson aka Eckiethump :-)
    Hi Eric. We get a lot of requests for pen servicing and repair, which we don't do for other people. We would be more than happy to refer them on to you but when Deb raised this with you last February in Facebook you didn't seem to want that. Perhaps you could clarify.

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    Default Re: Reliable Pen repairers in UK

    Quote Originally Posted by eachan View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by eckiethump View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by eachan View Post
    Technically most proficient is Eric Wilson but he limits himself to projects that interest him now. Laurence, too, as Rob says, doesn't do general repairs any more.
    I'm just reading this, and would like to stress, I do not limit my work intake, I just don't advertise, so I don't get over committed. There are few UK repair people, who send me their more awkward projects, knowing my love for a "wee" challenge.

    The past few Writing Equipment Society Magazines have articles by me, giving a flavour to the sort of depth of pen work I involve myself in.

    Laurence Oldfield sends customers my way, after telly appearances he gets a lot of enquiries. I am also registered as the repair person for Conway Stewarrt in the UK and very approachable.

    Eric Wilson aka Eckiethump :-)
    Hi Eric. We get a lot of requests for pen servicing and repair, which we don't do for other people. We would be more than happy to refer them on to you but when Deb raised this with you last February in Facebook you didn't seem to want that. Perhaps you could clarify.
    Sorry, I can't remember that, or why I would give such give off, such a feeling ? I'm more than happy to take on any work referred by you.
    Eric

    Eric

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    Default Re: Reliable Pen repairers in UK

    Eric is simply the best, in every way. Period.

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    Default Re: Reliable Pen repairers in UK

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    Default Re: Reliable Pen repairers in UK

    Quote Originally Posted by MarcoA64 View Post
    re the title I would like to find reliable people that can fix my vintage pens if problems arise. I've used one, not happy at all, I wrote a few others never got a reply. So pretty depressing landscape in UK. Suggestions? Thank you
    If your pen is under warranty or if you're looking for authorized repair services, consider contacting the manufacturer directly. Many pen brands have authorized service centers.
    Specialized Pen Shops:

    Some specialized pen shops and retailers may offer repair services or can recommend reputable repair professionals. Check with local pen stores or those with a strong online presence.
    Online Communities:

    Participate in online forums and communities dedicated to pens and writing instruments. Members often share their experiences and recommendations for reliable pen repair services.
    Local Craftsmen or Artisanal Workshops:

    Seek out local craftsmen or artisanal workshops that specialize in pen repairs roof installations Bloomington. They may not be widely advertised but could provide quality services.
    Reviews and Testimonials:

    Look for reviews and testimonials from other pen enthusiasts who have used repair services in the UK. Online reviews or recommendations on social media platforms can be valuable.

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