I have an Epenco Merlin which I cannot open. It was an eBay purchase last year, and the seller did not know if it was in working order. There is some definite spring to the lever bar, so there might be a sac in it, but I would like to know for sure before trying to ink it. I am afraid of breaking or cracking the barrel. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Lisa

Try the water test first, that way you can clean out any old ink that might have been in there. If it holds water, and expels it, the sac is likely good for a few more writes.
Does it have a button filler, or is it a lever fill? If it is a Merlin (I'm not sure about Epenco Merlins, though some pen historians around here will probably come forth), and a button filler, the section screws off, at least the ones I've seen. Use latex gloves or equivalent so your fingers don't slip.
Good luck,

Andrew

Thanks, Andrew! I'll give it a try.

Lisa