Hi:

Is there a recommended way to remove a filigree or overlay from a hard rubber pen (as the first step to removing dings etc)? Or is this a dot not try this at home type issue.

Thanks for any thoughts.

Gary K.

I think this is work I would want to have done by a professional.... especially if it is a nice pen..

I agree with Tom whole heartedly. Not to many of the repairers do this work. I've had Rick Horne work on a couple for me (thesouthernscribe.com) and he is known for his quality work. The other route you can go is to have a skilled jeweler do the work. Many of the early overlays on pens were done by jewelers in the first place.

Roger W.

Generally, Removing overlays and filigrees from hard Rubber Barrels, is not rocket science, but it does require experience and knowledge of 2 specifics: 1) employing heat...how and how much and 2) some familiarity with physics and the metal involved. Heating the overlay or filigree is the first area of expertise required. The overlay acts a a heat sink and absorbs and dissipates the heat very well, so damage to the BHR can usually be avoided while getting things hot enough to expand and let go of the barrel. Even when the overlay has expanded enough to move it must be slid off the barrel and is still a snug fit and not easy. The trick is to always pull and never push the overlay or filligree off the barrel. And then when replacing same to pull it on and never push it on. It will buckle almost immediately if pushed. There are some specialized technigues for doing the pulling.

But like you all have been saying, this is not a first timers type of project.

Syd the Wahlnut
www.pensburymanor.com
Specializing in vintage Wahl-Eversharp pens
Home of PMBHRPPNo.9 BHR Dye

Syd:

Thanks. I expected that it involved heating the overlay. At some point I may give it a try on a badly damaged pen.

Best,

Gary