I bought a used Pelikan Toledo (the smaller size) not too long ago. It writes beautifully,
but the overlay, which should be a dark black and gold, is light grey with gold accents.

Is there a way to restore the black color that I can do? Failing that, is there someone who could restore the pen to its original beauty?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Debbie

Gee, you mean nobody here has any suggestions? I'm flabbergasted.

Debbie

The person to ask is Rick Propas (aka "The PENguin)

Edited because I put the wrong link, see next post

You mean this link http://www.angelfire.com/mac/penguin0/

Enjoy,
/:) Hans.

:doh:

Thank you, Hans and Elaine. I should have thought of that answer myself!

Debbie

Debbie,

Your pen is just as it should be. As you use it, the gray background may darken up a bit and you may polish it with a very soft cloth (flannel) and just a touch of jeweler's rouge (not Simichrome!) even a dab of toothpaste may work. But, lightly.

But the bottom line is that your pen is as it should be.

Congratulations and don't fuss, enjoy!

Are we talking about the M700 Toledo?

Rick,

Thanks for the reassurance. I guess I'm confused why the pens look so much darker in the various photos (and in person when I've seen them at shows or in shops) than the one I have.

No matter. It's a beautiful pen, and one I'm very pleased to have in my collection.

Hans asked if it was the 700 model. The answer is yes.

Debbie

Then your M700 is allright. The M700 is supposed to be as you describe.
You can also see this on this web page.

But if you see a Pelikan 1931 Toledo LE on a penshow, then yes, that pen had deep black and shining gold on the binde.
You can see this on this webpage. Allthough in reality the 1931LE black is even more deeper than it seems from these photos.

Maybe there is the confusion.

Enjoy,
/:) Hans.

Thanks for that explanation, Hans. It makes sense, although the contrast between the gold and silver is even lower on my particular pen than in the picture of the new modern 700. Mine just looks worn to me. Maybe it is!

In any case, I shall continue to enjoy it and be glad I have it.

Best,

Debbie

If you bribng the pen to one of the major pen shows, any of the more experienced folk who dealin these pens can tell you how much wear your pen has, but, regardless, enjoy. They are jewels, especially the 700s.