Is This Duofold Worth Restoration

[mitto]

This English duofold is on offer for USD 30.00. Is it worth restoration? And, is it worth $30.00? I have almost no knowlege of vintage duofolds. These are the pics I received in mail.

[Inkysloth]

From a financial perspective, yes, I think it's worth it.

 

Do you like the pen? To me, that seems the more important question.

[mitto]

Yes I do like it. The nib looks bent but can be straightened I think easily. The thing that woories me is the discoloration especially on the cap.

[ac12]

If you plan to use the pen, I would resac the pen and repair any damage.

As for cosmetic restoration, that depends on you. Do you want the pen to look new, IOW polish the scratches out, or do you want it to look old (like an old pen), then leave the cosmetics alone. There is no right or wrong answer for cosmetic restoration.

 

If you plan to add the pen to your collection, and not write with it, you need to think about it from the collection perspective. Many times pens go into collections unrestored, to maintain the aged look, and importantly to not damage the pen any further than it is. Repair and restoration of "collectibles" can ruin its collectible value if not done properly.

 

The discoloration could simply be ink coating the inside of the cap, preventing light from coming through the cap. Or it could be the material discoloring for a variety of reasons. I would ignore the discoloration, because if it is the material, you can't do a thing about it.

[mitto]

If you plan to use the pen, I would resac the pen and repair any damage.

As for cosmetic restoration, that depends on you. Do you want the pen to look new, IOW polish the scratches out, or do you want it to look old (like an old pen), then leave the cosmetics alone. There is no right or wrong answer for cosmetic restoration.

 

If you plan to add the pen to your collection, and not write with it, you need to think about it from the collection perspective. Many times pens go into collections unrestored, to maintain the aged look, and importantly to not damage the pen any further than it is. Repair and restoration of "collectibles" can ruin its collectible value if not done properly.

 

The discoloration could simply be ink coating the inside of the cap, preventing light from coming through the cap. Or it could be the material discoloring for a variety of reasons. I would ignore the discoloration, because if it is the material, you can't do a thing about it.

I totally agree. I would just like to add it to my collection. Restored or not. However, would be happy if it is brought into working condition. Investment has never been an idea for me while buying pens vintage or modern.

[Florida Blue]

It's not a Duofold or English. It's actually a Canadian-made Parker called a Televisor. It was produced to export to Britain and other parts of Europe. It was called the Televisor because it had an ink window in the section. They were produced in the 1930s as a sort of mid-priced line below the Duofold and Vacumatic.

 

The nib and filler seem to be from a different pen, but I still think it's a nice pen.

Edited February 24, 2015 by Florida Blue

[icardoth]

It's not a Duofold or English. It's actually a Canadian-made Parker called a Televisor. It was produced to export to Britain and other parts of Europe. It was called the Televisor because it had an ink window in the section. They were produced in the 1930s as a sort of mid-priced line below the Duofold and Vacumatic.

 

+1. I was about to say the same thing. I love Televisors.

[mitto]

It's not a Duofold or English. It's actually a Canadian-made Parker called a Televisor. It was produced to export to Britain and other parts of Europe. It was called the Televisor because it had an ink window in the section. They were produced in the 1930s as a sort of mid-priced line below the Duofold and Vacumatic.

 

The nib and filler seem to be from a different pen, but I still think it's a nice pen.

Thank you for the valuable informaton. I have bought the pen for Rs.2000.00 ($ 20.00). Still waiting for the pen to arrive.

[LWJ2]

I'd bring it into working order but not do much with the cosmetics other than polishing them gently with a micro-fiber cloth. In my opinion, you have a real bargain. Best of luck with it.

 

Leon