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Thread: Conway Stewart 58

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    Default Conway Stewart 58

    So, I have just been given a Conway Stewart fountain pen. My first of this brand, which is a little odd because they seem to pop up on the 'local online auction site' (TradeMe) from time to time, suggesting that it was a brand favoured here in New Zealand.

    Anyway, the lever doesn't lift, so I guess the sac has met its maker.

    Here is a quick shot of the pen.



    I may be mistaken but I think people call this material pattern 'cracked ice'. It's very similar to the Moore pen I sold to Jon Szanto a few years ago.

    The nib is marked 'Duro Conway Stewart 14ct Gold' and the number 58 - which I am guessing means it is model #58. The nib, when dipped, appears to be stubby/italic. The tipping seems okay, but could be just worn flat.

    Problems.

    1. The cap lip has a very tiny nibble - hardly noticeable given the pattern!
    2. The sac is dead.
    3. How is the section removed?
    4. Is this material actually casein?
    5. How is the nib removed?

    Obviously I want to get this restored - will do it myself if it's not too risky - and there maybe a guy here in NZ who could do it (would save on shipping costs at least). Any advice welcome, as always.

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    Junior Member johnmc2's Avatar
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    Default Re: Conway Stewart 58

    Message sent: also note that this isn't cracked ice, I call this pattern "grey hatched". It's a celluloid pen, and the section is friction fit, although they can be very tight and I use a gentle dry heat to remove it from the barrel. The weak point of vintage Conway pens is the lever, the lollipop end can easily break off if it's forced.

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    Default Re: Conway Stewart 58

    Fantastic! And message replied.

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    johnmc2 (January 29th, 2021)

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    Senior Member Malcolm's Avatar
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    Default Re: Conway Stewart 58

    That's a really nice gift. To me, the Conway Stewart 58 is a classic.

    The pattern looks to me, to be Green Hatched?

    The section is friction fit, I usually coax mine out using section pliers...very gently. Can be done by hand too.

    I leave the nibs as they are, unless there's an issue with them. A good flush should be sufficient. If the nib needs some work, then use a knock-out block.

    Being a Duro, the nib is likely quite stiff.

    Lovely looking pen.
    Malcolm

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    Empty_of_Clouds (January 30th, 2021)

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    Default Re: Conway Stewart 58

    Thanks. Despite my years of pen use I am probably the least knowledgeable person here when it comes to vintage stuff. Had no real idea what the material is, or what the pattern is called. So it's good to learn something there, though no doubt I'll have forgotten it again in a few weeks (getting old, see).

    Anyway, the pen will be heading to @johnmc2 where hopefully it won't present any hidden challenges!

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    Senior Member eachan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Conway Stewart 58

    Conway Stewarts are very simple repairs. Unlikely to be any hidden challenges. If you would like to see more of the CS patterns and styles, the late Jonathan Donahaye's site is very good.

    http://conwaystewart.wesonline.org.uk/csbook/cslist.htm

  9. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to eachan For This Useful Post:

    da vinci (February 1st, 2021), Empty_of_Clouds (January 30th, 2021), Malcolm (January 31st, 2021), Yazeh (January 30th, 2021)

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    Senior Member mizgeorge's Avatar
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    Default Re: Conway Stewart 58

    Nice looking pen. A straightforward re-sac is more than doable for a novice, but getting the things you need to do it may well end up costing as much as having it done for you if you're not planning on doing any more.

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    Default Re: Conway Stewart 58

    The Conway Stewart 58 is a lovely pen - I've a collection of all the styles bar 2 (Blue Hatch and the semi-mythical Grey Herringbone) . As other have said these are really easy pens to repair. Its a size #18 sac you'll need

    ETA: I see you are sending it on for repair

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