Is It Just Me ...?

[DrCodfish]

... Or does this pen have a deformity on the body of the pen down by the lever?

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-1958-BLUE-ESTERBROOK-FOUNTAIN-PEN-2314-B-RELIEF-BROAD-NIB-WITH-BOX-/400792244572?ssPageName=ADME:B:WNA:US:1653

 

Are bulges and such deformities common on pens of this vintage and material?

[gweimer1]

It's not just you. It's pretty apparent in the pictures. I've gotten a pen or two with barrel issues.

 

"nice vintage condition" indeed.

[pajaro]

That bulge might have something to do with the j-bar or with the lever. I was the explanation in a recent thread about j-bars, but I can't remember what the cause was.

 

That pen is already past its optimimum bidding level, IMHO. SJ with 2314-B. Bump in barrel.

[Hobiwan]

The bump or PBS-J (pregnant barrel syndrome, J-Bar location) is caused by the pressure of the "J" part of the J-bar against the barrel, and occurs when that part of the barrel is subject to heat. The plastic weakens and surrenders to the pressure. The fix involves removing the J-bar and applying heat to the area, attempting to get the plastic to reform to original roundness. I've done it with Hard Rubber pens, as well as one or two Esties. It's a chore, and requires more patience than I have these days.

 

Another variation, PBS-LR (lever ring area) occurs at the middle of the lever, where the ring exerts pressure against the plastic to hold the lever in place. Caused by heat or the expansion of the ring due to rust. Same fix as above, applied to the lever area.

 

A note here about newly made generic replacement J-Bars, mentioned elsewhere, but bears repeating. The new ones have the "J" part of the J-bar that opens wider than the original. So they exert more pressure on the plastic. Before installing, I bend the "J" in towards the bar a bit, to reduce the pressure and prevent PBS-J ....

 

The pen as pictured is, to me, a real pretty ... parts pen.

[pajaro]

When Hobiwan says that using heat to reform the plastic requires patience, take that seriously. I have used heat to cautiously reform Esterbrook plastic a couple of times, but also I have gotten a bit too eager to get it done and seen a tiny whisp of smoke develop into a crater. So, it really, really requires patience.

[gweimer1]

How much heat? I have one that has the love handle, and I would love to try and correct it.

[inkstainedruth]

How much of an issue is this sort of deformation for actually using the pen? I don't think any of mine have it, but I'm now tempted to pull them out and look (says the girl with the beater Plum 51...).

I can see it being an issue if you're a C-worder, because that will affect the value. But does it actually affect the performance of the pen, such as how the lever works?

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[pajaro]

The two pens I cratered trying to fix this worked quite well until I decided to make the plastic look better. If it works don't fix it, I guess.

 

How much heat? I was using a heat gun, but trying to feel the plastic to try not to get it too hot. I can't quantify it for you. I had been heating the plastic, then backing off to let it cool. It was improving. Then I must have left the heat on too long, and a thin wisp of smoke unexpectedly came up and it burned a small crater quite rapidly.

[Sasha Royale]

I see it plainly, though it does not appear on any of my dozen Esterbrooks.

I wonder if 1950's models are prone. Anyway, if it does not hamper function,

I wouldn't bother. Pens don't like heat. Besides, slight irregularities are

character.

[pen lady]

Yes, but look at the nib. Assuming it's OK, a broad relief must be a step up from the usual ones.

Edited October 28, 2014 by pen lady

[OcalaFlGuy]

Doing any reshaping type repair with heat is a very high risk repair.

 

The line between hot enough to destroy the pen and just hot enough to affect the repair is Razor thin.

 

The chance of success at first, without practice, is minimal.

 

(I've practiced heat lifting marks out maybe 10 times. If I'm lucky, I can do it 50% of the time without wrecking the pen.)

 

Bruce in Ocala, Fl

[amberleadavis]

So, back to Ruth's question.... Does it effect performance?

[OcalaFlGuy]

So, back to Ruth's question.... Does it effect performance?

 

My experience is that barrel bulge and banana-ing don't usually affect how the pen writes.

 

Both are just recognized as pretty severe aesthetic damage making the pen the perfect parts box candidate. (Harvest the usable parts, use the damaged barrel for heat repair practice.)

 

You can reduce or eliminate banana-ing if you will get the pen to the correct heated temperature for the repair as Quickly as possible for the Shortest period of time (when using heat for a repair). Or, remove the lever and retention ring and J-bar Prior to heating the barrel at all.

 

Bruce in Ocala, Fl

[pajaro]

Even after I cratered a copper transitional trying to undo some bulging it still worked. Lever worked, pen filled, but I put it in the parts box. I should probably use it, though, as a reminder not to do it again.

[amberleadavis]

Thanks guys!