Hi,

I'm relatively new here and I won this auction:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...N:IT&ih=016

First question is did I get a good deal? I think I did because I see at least 4 Sheaffer Lifetimes in there and 2 Sheaffer Snorkles. according to Fountain Pens Past and Present by Paul Erano. What do you think?

Secondly I ordered some materials on repair since I see that a few of these will need repair. So I have some questions. I read that when you get a vintage pen you need to remove the section and feed and so forth and do proper cleaning. My first question is: Should I try the pen first and if it works, dont mess with it mechanically, or should a proper cleaning always be done?

Also, should I be ordering repair supplies now or should I wait to receive the pens? Also what's the best way to clean grit and grime off the fountain pens?

Any and all comments would be appreciated and thank you in advance.

Replacing the sacs in the Snorkels can be a little difficult. I would suggest getting a copy of "Da Book" (repair manual) which is often referenced here.

If you want to try yourself, here is a tutorial on Snorkel disassembly.

I thought I would be able to repair a few snorkels myself, but I found it very daunting and gave up before it started. Maybe consider enlisting one of the experts? Perhaps you could offer one or two of the pens in exchange for restoration work on the others.

I see what looks like at least 4 Sheaffer Vac fillers that would cost about $35.00 ea for restoration...
Sheaffer Snorkels at about the same price $35.00 each...
The two lever fills would run about $30.00 each

I don't doubt that you might be able to get a group price for having them all restored properly...
If you have never done restoration before and are looking to hopefully resell some of these pens to recoup what you wish to keep, I would recommend having them done professionally...
I recommend Richard Binder or Ron Zorn for these pens... both are doing fantastic work on Sheaffer Vac fillers...

As for whether you got a good deal or not... I would not venture to guess... you are the one who has to decide based on restoration cost plus what you paid minus what you think you might get selling some (if that is what you are planning).

Before giving up on the idea of doing it yourself, do a search on this forum for "snorkel" and read it all, including links to other sites with further information. It's difficult but not impossible to DIY without an experienced person lurking by your shoulder. Just make sure you know what you're poking at-- there's some fiddly little bits in there that you don't want to break, and can't see until the thing is entirely apart.

A snorkel is a daunting job, and it's rather annoying overall, but there is the balancing sense of achievement when you get it all back together and celebrate by squirting something across a room.

I had two heirloom snorkels that needed sacs and seals. I read everything I could find about the procedure on the Internet, bought Da Book and read that. Then I went to a flea market and bought another Snorkel and a couple of Touchdowns. I replaced the sacs and seals in the Touchdowns first, just to get the hang of sac protectors and Touchdown tube seals. Then I rebuilt the spare Snorkel. The work went reasonably smoothly without needing my full vocabulary and the Litany of the Saints. The spare pen worked well after I finished with it, so I had spare parts in case something went wrong with one of the heirlooms. I used more time and care with the heirloom pens and the work with them went well: nothing bent or broken. They all work properly now.

If you are reasonably handy, have re-saced pens before, and, after studying the Snorkel, think you can refurbish one, you probably can. Otherwise, send 'em to a pro.

Paddler