Gold Seal Doric Flat Top Blaze Orange Color Top - Warning Sign?

[Stuart07]

Hello all,\I just received a Doric in tan/Gold (not transparent barrel) with triangle cutouts in wide gold band going to cap lip edge. Other than it having a standard Eversharp nib and feed (not adjustable or gold seal nib) the very top of the cap, about 1/8 inch is a glorious sunset orange kind of color. There are no cracks or crazing evident, just a really bright orange - really lovely looking but I understand this is not really a good thing. This is supposedly the beginning of decomposition/breakdown of the celluloid?? The orange color also appears a bit lower down on the cap rear - same kind of color, also no sign of cracking or crazing...just the color.

 

My question is, given what I have described, how long will it likely take before cracking/crazing starts to appear and the cap starts to fall apart, if ever? Also, did these pens ever come new with a skyline type feed/nib or are these obvious replacements? The section is visulated and the nib does not have the ink shutoff feature. I am assuming this one is the beginning of the second generation of Dorics with slightly peaked ends?

 

Many thanks for all suggestions and replies.

 

Stuart07

[GTOZack]

yes sometimes discoloration and smoothness, oilyness or even off color is called fluorescenting, could crumble anytime

 

and ive heard of seen such pen in this condition last for about 10 years before the bits just *crunch* off like crackers . but it could be anwhere from a year to 15? 20? ud have to ask richard binder and his posse they are

 

experienced at identifying such condition in order to gauge restoration risks

Edited March 6, 2014 by GTOZack

[Stuart07]

Good idea, Zack. Thank you very much.

Stuart07

[jonveley]

Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat if you want to preserve it for much longer. When not in use, storing it in a cool, dry desk drawer is your best bet. There is no known way to stop or reverse the crystallization process once it starts, but you will likely enjoy many more years of it before the inevitable powderization occurs if you are careful with it.

[Stuart07]

Thanks for bringing in a small ray of hope for this sad situation.

 

Stuart07