Hello all,

I have a CS 57 on its way to me as we speak: my very first vintage CS, amending a grievous omission in my collection.

While I'm a CS novice, I've learned enough to know that the 57 is not, perhaps, the best representative of the charms of the brand. Still, I've been assured that this one is in fine shape, and that it has an excellent nib. On the other hand, I've also been forewarned that its sac will need to be replaced.

My question: what's the proper procedure for replacing the sac in the pressac filler? (I've repaired lots of lever fillers, but I haven't ventured into other systems.)

Thanks! I hope that this humble CS will be the first of many.

Cheers,

Jon

I have a 57.

I resacced mine - it was very easy. The metal cage around the sac should slide off, unless it is shellaced. Then it is a simple resac job.

I forgot all about this pen! It was the first pen that I ever resacced... and I just don't use it.

And yes, it has a great nib!

James, many thanks! Sounds like a repair that's within even my modest skills.

Now I'm looking forward to the pen's arrival with even greater anticipation.

Cheers,

Jon

The body on mine is discolored in strange ways... so it sits in a drawer. Maybe I'll send it to the Marketplace?

If you fall in love with yours, let me know if you want a back-up!

Hello James,

A belated update on the CS 57.

Regrettably, the pen arrived with several cracks running through the section threads, and a chunk fell out of the cap lip the second time I placed it on the barrel. In fairness, the nib, as promised, seems to be a wonderful writer - a soft, broad, left oblique.

So for now this specimen is reposing quietly in the junk box donor-pen archive. If nothing else, I'll find a new home for that nib (and the search for my first real vintage CS goes on....)

Thanks again for your help!

Cheers,

Jon

That's a sad story Jon and unfortunately one I can relate to all too well.

My best buying experiences with CS vintage pens have been with Dr Barry Rose at Writetime. He is a true gent and sells well restored pens at reasonable prices. No affiliation etc.

Sorry to hear of your experience, presumably the sum involved was not significant.

While not as satisfying as owning one the 'Classic' models (or, indeed, one of the rare and desirable models!) there is little wrong with CS57s, merely style. As you have found, they can be first class in writing. Its regrettable that to buy a modern pen equipped with a gold nib such as this, for regular use, would cost so much.



Greg

Gentlemen,

Thanks for your kind thoughts (and recommendations).

I am not at all deterred in my tentative explorations of the world of vintage CS. One can visit websites and read reference books, but sooner or later one has to lash out and actually buy a pen or two. The learning process always involves a few errors along with the trials.

This particular disappointment, thankfully, did not entail any significant financial loss. And I'm sure I will find a happy new home for the 57's nib.

In the meantime, I'll wander through the Writetime site. A preliminary look tells me that a more thorough investigation is in order!

Cheers,

Jon

Sorry to hear that the pen was damaged, but at least it wasn't too expensive and it'll give you all the excuse needed to find a nice vintage CS. I'm sure you'll have fun investigating Writetime, I've enjoyed browsing there and one day I will actually be tempted to make a purchase.

My only pressac filler CS is a 69 which has a very nice nib, but also has an annoying habit of suddenly dumping all of its contents on a page without warning. It needs a new sac at the moment, must get round to that at some point but it never seems the highest priority as that pen could never be described as a thing of beauty.