I just purchased an M200 translucent barrel from a German seller thru eBay. When I got my M200 I noticed that inside the barrel there is liquid. I was dismayed because it was advertised as new.

Later on I thought , could it be a lubricant for the piston? Outside the piston where the ink should go, it was dry. I know because I unscrewed the nib to check.

Is this common with all M200s? Does the pen come lubricated? If your answer is no, then the pen that I got is not brand new. I would have to fix this with my seller.

I will appreciate your response.

Jo

I had a similar situation with a M200 I recently bought - I immediately contacted the seller who advised me it is lubricant for the piston.

I also had some condensation in the piston area, which you may also see.

I also had some clear liquid in the ink chamber, it was slightly oily, and again was lubricant. I was told this is also the sign of a new pen, and that an ink chamber which is totally clean can mean the ink chamber has been cleaned of previous ink, or has been on display for a long time, and the lubricant has dried up.

I don't know if these are true.

I examined my M200 and it was mint. It is a (discontinued) totally clear year 2000 Demonstrator - not a Amber, Blue, Red etc...so absolutely everything is crystal clear and it was perfect, so I couldn't see how it wouldn't be brand new.

Maybe this is helpful, maybe not - maybe some more knowledgeable users will advise us.

The looks of the pen is mint condition. No scratches anywhere so I assume it's new. I still have not heard from my German seller. I bought the pen because it's discontinued. I ordered two M200, 1 black and 1 gray transparent.

Now, I don't know if I want to keep both or sell the gray one in the future. I might not use the gray one at all.

If we get a couple more replies, I'd think that will confirm your answer. Thanks.

Jo

It is very likely that what you are seeing is the lubricant for the piston.

Thanks for your help. You cleared my doubts.

jo