The End of an Era

[Deb]

As I've mentioned in my blog I have retired from pen restoration. I hadn't planned to stop so soon but rapidly worsening osteoarthritis in my hands means the work is becoming too painful. I won't disappear or lose interest in pens. I'm still obsessed with all fountain pens, especially British ones. Now that I will have more time I might try to work up some posts on the subject.

It has been around fifteen years since I began selling pens on eBay, then I began my own website. A lot has changed in that time. Some brands that were quite common when I began have become much less so; Macniven & Cameron is an example. Prices of unrestored pens have risen a great deal. That's a good thing as it means that when people come upon old pens in a drawer or during house clearance they are less likely to throw them away or scrap them for the gold nibs.

Though I won't make a drama about it I do regret that this is coming to an end. I always loved the process of restoration. It enabled me to forget everything else and concentrate solely on the job in hand. There is nothing else quite like it. There is a special joy in bringing an old pen back to life. In any case I am still happy to advise on the repair and history of British pens.

[manoeuver]

Deb, I hope you find something just as meaningful to do that is easy on your hands.
This kind of change can be tough or freeing, I wish you good luck navigating it.

[Deb]

Deb, I hope you find something just as meaningful to do that is easy on your hands.
This kind of change can be tough or freeing, I wish you good luck navigating it.

Thank you, manoeuver. It does leave a large gap in my life. I think I will write more.

[Chuck Naill]

As I've mentioned in my blog I have retired from pen restoration. I hadn't planned to stop so soon but rapidly worsening osteoarthritis in my hands means the work is becoming too painful. I won't disappear or lose interest in pens. I'm still obsessed with all fountain pens, especially British ones. Now that I will have more time I might try to work up some posts on the subject.

It has been around fifteen years since I began selling pens on eBay, then I began my own website. A lot has changed in that time. Some brands that were quite common when I began have become much less so; Macniven & Cameron is an example. Prices of unrestored pens have risen a great deal. That's a good thing as it means that when people come upon old pens in a drawer or during house clearance they are less likely to throw them away or scrap them for the gold nibs.

Though I won't make a drama about it I do regret that this is coming to an end. I always loved the process of restoration. It enabled me to forget everything else and concentrate solely on the job in hand. There is nothing else quite like it. There is a special joy in bringing an old pen back to life. In any case I am still happy to advise on the repair and history of British pens.

I just did some clean up the other day on the Conway Stewart I obtained from you a few years back and was curious how things were going. I am sorry about the osteoarthritis. Stay in touch.

[Deb]

Thank you, Chuck. I plan to stay around.

[RobJohnson]

Very best wishes Deb, I agree, the pleasure in taking an unloved pen and turning it into something special is difficult to replace.

I bought a Waterman 501 in grey from you in about 2009, yet another pen I should never have moved on.

[Deb]

Very best wishes Deb, I agree, the pleasure in taking an unloved pen and turning it into something special is difficult to replace.

I bought a Waterman 501 in grey from you in about 2009, yet another pen I should never have moved on.

There are so many pens I wish I had kept! I had an early Onoto with a flexible oblique stub. In a moment of madness I sold it. The chance of getting another like that is very remote!

[RobJohnson]

Very best wishes Deb, I agree, the pleasure in taking an unloved pen and turning it into something special is difficult to replace.

I bought a Waterman 501 in grey from you in about 2009, yet another pen I should never have moved on.

There are so many pens I wish I had kept! I had an early Onoto with a flexible oblique stub. In a moment of madness I sold it. The chance of getting another like that is very remote!

A very memorable comment from you was to the effect that we do not hold any pen for eternity and that at some point they all return to that great pen pond from which others might fish.

[Chrissy]

Deb I hope you find some other way to spend your time that you both enjoy.

[penwash]

I always loved the process of restoration. It enabled me to forget everything else and concentrate solely on the job in hand. There is nothing else quite like it. There is a special joy in bringing an old pen back to life.

I personally can relate to all of that.

And thank you for sharing not only your experience and skills on British fountain pens, but also enthusiasm via your blog and website.

Looking forward to read more of your writing on fountain pens.

[Deb]

I always loved the process of restoration. It enabled me to forget everything else and concentrate solely on the job in hand. There is nothing else quite like it. There is a special joy in bringing an old pen back to life.

I personally can relate to all of that.

And thank you for sharing not only your experience and skills on British fountain pens, but also enthusiasm via your blog and website.

Looking forward to read more of your writing on fountain pens.

Thank you, Will. I'll have to see what I can come up with.

[Deb]

Deb I hope you find some other way to spend your time that you both enjoy.

Thank you, Chrissy. Eachan has his garden. I write. I will do more of that.

[catbert]

Glad to hear you'll keep writing.
I hope you'll treat us to a poem now and then. I enjoyed those.

[Chrissy]

Deb I hope you find some other way to spend your time that you both enjoy.

Thank you, Chrissy. Eachan has his garden. I write. I will do more of that.

That is good to hear.

[Deb]

Glad to hear you'll keep writing.
I hope you'll treat us to a poem now and then. I enjoyed those.

I'm really not a poet,
And sadly I know it.
I try my hand at verse
But it keeps getting worse!

[Deb]

Deb I hope you find some other way to spend your time that you both enjoy.

Thank you, Chrissy. Eachan has his garden. I write. I will do more of that.

That is good to hear.

I'm sure I'll work up something, Chrissy.

[Yazeh]

Are you truly not a poet,
who with loving and caring hands,
makes the Swan sing for eternity and a day?

[junglejim]

Deb--- I am truly sorry to hear about Goodwriters Swan Song. Please know that the Swans I purchased from you are in good hands and are lovingly used, especially Hemingway. That SM1 pen isn't much to look at, but gads it's the nicest writing pen I own.

Hope eachan will be planting more sunflowers for the birds this Spring.

Your penfriend, and always wishing you both All the Best.

[Jon Szanto]

Well, Deb...

The fact that you've done a public post means a great deal. You've hinted as much, and I'm sorry to know that it connects with physical issues. Still, making a clean break can be an affirming move. You've helped so many and you have such a light sweet touch in your writing, so I think we all hope that you'll blend your knowledge with your writing style and continue in the pen world, just not from the workbench and online sales arena.

Any more than that, I'll write to you personally. I'm sure I am not alone in wishing you and Eachan the very best of the days ahead in your new interests. A new dawn for you both.

[FredRydr]

...I won't disappear or lose interest in pens. I'm still obsessed with all fountain pens....

Hug!