Received 2 new pens from Montgomery Pens, both clearly described as new. Prior to inking the pens I ran clear tap water through both. To my surprise blue ink came out of both nibs.
My assumption is the nibs have been dipped or inked. The only explanation I can imagine is there is a factory testing process that might have left ink in the nib.
The pens, a Waterman Carene and a Parker Sonnet look and write well.
Anyone have any insight?
-Jay

I know it's not uncommon to find ink in new Lamys from factory testing, but I haven't experienced this with Watermans. I can't speak for Parkers as I don't own one.

I think both Waterman and Parker test their mid to higher end pens, but I can't vouch for it with complete certainty.

I know Waterman tests their Carenes (maybe random testing). But there's no way to tell if the ink was from a company-test or elsewhere..

I have a Sonnet and it hadn't been tested when I bought it. I would have thought if the maufacturer tested it they would have flushed it before shipping it to a retailer.

I heard Parker and Waterman dip-test pens equipped with gold nibs, i.e. not gold-plated. Both my Carene Deluxe and Sonnet released some blue ink when I first flushed them.

-Mike

It might be montgomery pens that was responsible for the ink. They might have tested it themselves before shipping it to you.

I just wouldn't sweat it if the bodies of the pens are without blemish...

If you are satisfied with them, keep them but if it's going to bother you, give them a call and ask them about it.

Thanks to all! I am satisfied with the pens and they are here to stay.

Is there a problem with testing the pen first before shipping?

In fact I think doing so before sending it over to you saves you, the customer, from getting a "lemon" pen along with the hassle of returns/repairs and the frustration and aggravation that ensues.


Shahrin

I've got a great Carene from Montgomery [my sea green shimmer]. I believe Waterman tests their pens before they ship. I know many dealers test their pens as well. I'd rather they did so I don't have to ship them back when they don't perform correctly.

This is a case where both sides are right.

It is indeed a good thing that sellers test pens before they ship them. And it is also a good thing that sellers allow potential buyers to "dip" pens in the store to see if they like the way the pen writes. Both practices do, however, take away the pen's "virginity". I realize that some collectors are hard over on having a perfectly pristine "virgin" pen, but I don't have much sympathy for that mentality. It seems to me to be like owning a car and not driving it.

On the other hand, a good seller will thoroughly clean a pen before boxing it up and handing it over (or shipping it) to the buyer. At Fahrney's, they take the pen into the back room and put it through a sonic cleaner -- even if I'm the only one who has ever touched the nib to ink! They simply won't let a pen out of the store unless it is clean. Clean, however, does not equal virgin.

I agree. Testing before shipping is a good thing.

I asked Montgomery Stationer if they tested the pens and this is the reply:

sorry maybe someone inked it in our store send it back with copy of invoice we will reship


- montgomerystationery

If it's writing beautifully, why worry?

In this regard, I really like Richards Binder's policy. He provides the valuable service of dip-testing and adjusting all pens his ships to customers, UNLESS specifically asked not to dip-test.

Put me down for dip, test, ship. I have had too many pens arrive from the dealer like a virgin and find they wrote like a sturgeon!

Somebody's been sniffing his ink again!

I will not use them in a box
I will not use them with a fox
I would not use them on a boat
I would not use them with a goat...

Also, if you've got a good magnifier, take a close look at the furniture (metal accents) and nib. Do you see any micro scratches? If none, then the pen is very likely brand new. If it was returned and all someone did was test dip it, then there's not going to be really any difference from this pen and a replacement. IF the pen is in great shape and writes well, KEEP IT! Don't risk the possibility of getting a replacement that needs nib attention due to quality control issues (it does happen).