Help With Pen Id(Craftsman?)

[shadow91]

First I'd like to say that these are the sellers photos not mine. I just received the pen today and it writes well. I just ordered the polishing kit from fountainpensacs.com to try and brighten it up a bit, looking forward to that fun little project. I would like, if at all possible, to get a firm ID on this pen. I believe it may be a craftsman but I noticed some TD's look similar as well. Also is there anyway to date a pen? This is my first vintage pen if you can't tell.

 

Thanks, Hector

[risingsun]

Presuming its a TD, it is the Craftsman model of the TD TM. 1950-51.

Good overview here:

http://www.richardspens.com/?prof=td_tm

Edited November 1, 2014 by risingsun

[Happy Harry]

Yes, a Craftsman from the period mentioned, the TD version was only made during this period. Sheaffer nib numbers tell you the model which is helpful, 33 is a Craftsman whether it be some time in the '40's or in this case early '50's. Do note while a TD it's not a member of the TM TD line which starts with a model called the "Sovereign".

[shadow91]

Thanks for the information. Great article too. I notice that after about four pages or so the pen runs dry. Is this normal, or should I hold it in the ink for longer than the recommended ten seconds?

 

Thanks,Hector

[risingsun]

Should write for more than four pages... Has the sac and O-ring (i.e. the whole filling system) been recently serviced/replaced?

[shadow91]

No. I was thinking of sending it off to thewritepen.net to get it done. Unless it is simple enough to do myself that is.

 

EDIT: So I've disassembled the pen and noticed that there seems to be no sac, and I think what should be the o-ring is ripped(the tooth pic is pointing to it). Any idea what size sac these take?

Edited November 2, 2014 by shadow91

[risingsun]

Parts kit for the TDs here:

http://www.vintagepens.com/catill_nibs_parts.shtml#sacs

[shadow91]

So the TD repair kit should do the job?

[risingsun]

Yep, though you will need some shellac for attaching the sac, talc, and silicone grease for lubing the O-ring (all good general pen repair items to have anyway). Plus you'll have an extra TD TM kit and two fat TD kits as well, and we all know you'll be on the hunt for more TDs once you've successfully fixed your first one. ;-)

Edited November 2, 2014 by risingsun

[risingsun]

Repair instructions here:

http://www.richardspens.com/?refp=repair/touchdown

[shadow91]

Thank you very much. I will post progress pics along the way. Going to start with a nice polishing!