This is a subject I haven't seen much discussed and I wondered what people thought. I have found that using engravers wax or something simlar, I can make a barrel imprint look quite stunning, even when polishing has worn it down somewhat.

I am happy to do this to pens I am keeping, but I wonder if this is considered a proper treatment for pens I wish to sell.

Ray

Actually, I think there is a thread on that around here, but just can't find it right now.

I do this to all my personal pens with a China Marker. I got hte idea because PenHero has many phoots of sheaffers with the imprint improved. I've sold pens like this and never had anyone comment on it. I think PenHero said he used a watersoluble crayon that caran d'ache (?) Makes. I ahve two of these in grey and white as well, but haven't used them much. The china marker generally can wipe out of an imprint.

I use China Marker now only. It wipes on and off very easily. I, too, like highlighted imprints on many pens, especially for photos. Many black pens look great with highlighted imprints. For some reason, marbled and striped pens just don't have the same bling, though I do have a few of them highlighted also. Sheaffers and Mabie Todds look great with highlighted imprints, as do Mandarin Yellow Duofolds.

Thanks Kendall, thanks Jim.

Ray

I use a crayon, of the water-soluble type. It can be removed and does no harm to the pen. You can even find silver and gold colored ones, that reproduce the fill used in the imprint of many vintage pens.