Help with pearl eyedropper ID and repair

September 10, 2006

Found this interesting pen today. It seems to be a lovely eyedropper, slip cap with mother of pearl slab sides. It is broken in half. I wonder who might be able to fix it for me? I also wonder if it's worth fixing.

The pen is not marked that I can see. The nib says " Solid Gold 14K Hard Iridium"

Any advice on identification and possible repair would be appreciated.

September 10, 2006

It's not really fixable, and I doubt it would be worth it even if there were some magical way to restore hard rubber. On the other hand, I am very much interested in acquiring it, as I have the barrel half of one just like it but no cap. I found a cap that I could stick on it and used it for an illustration in my site's glossary:

mother-of-pearl The iridescent inner layer of a mollusk shell, frequently that of an oyster. Mother-of-pearl is sometimes used as an overlay by itself as shown below, or combined with abalone, on pen barrels and caps. See also abalone.

http://www.richardspens.com/images/ref_info/glossary/frankendropper.jpg

I'm sorry for so blatantly posting a WTB message, but I'm not very sorry, at least not if I can snag that pen.

September 10, 2006

Hi Richard, Your blatency is forgiven.

I will mull it over. Still hoping there is some way to fix it, even if it's not exactly kosher. I don't really need it to be usable, just in one piece in my collection.

Here's a photo that shows the mother of pearl a little better.

Paul

September 11, 2006

you may be able to find a brass tube in a hobby shop to use as a sleeve inside the two halves, sort of a connector and super glue together. it may not be usable but it couldhold up for a display piece

September 11, 2006

The idea of a brass tube intrigues me as they come in bother western and metric sizes and one should come close to fitting. It might still require some sanding by hand to fit right. Have no idea if it would work at all as these pens are not my specialty.

September 11, 2006

Where abouts in the world are you based Paul?

Henry Simpole in London UK (pen dealer, maker and restorer) might be able to do it for you though you would have to decide whether the cost would be worth it. He has certainly produced great result for me with internal brass sleeves on vintage pens.

Unfortunately, he is 'not a computer person' though he is a fine craftsman. PM me if you want contact details for him.

Financially, I think Richard's offer makes sense. Screw him hard and he might come up with an exciting trade for this pen so you can still add a new piece to your collection!!

Andy

September 11, 2006

Andy, thanks for the advice. I'm sure you are right. I have sent you a PM.

Here's a crazy idea: What if I remove the pearl panels and gold rings, and send the broken hard rubber barrel to someone with a lathe to turn a reproduction out of rod stock? Would that be crazy? Who could accomplish this?