I have been to the FPN many times, but only recently signed up to post so I could research a purchase of a NOS Sheaffer. That's for another time. My first post turns out to be about my 146 which I have had and used for many years. My question concerns a small amount of ink, almost a persperation, that ends up on the section. Cleaned gently and regularly including inside of cap and gets no abuse or rough handle in carry. It has always been so. Is that just what we expect in a fountain pen?

I'm guessing you can fix that with a nib/feed adjustment or new seals in your piston. I have come to expect inky fingers more with vintage pens. Tighter seals, both in sacs or gaskets seem to make a difference; heat might also effect it... but yeah....I kind of expect it with the older pens. Ink "sweat" doesn't happen in my new pens which make up about 1/10th of my collection.

Such behavior is not a uniquely MB thing.

Some might find useful this recent thread in the Pelikan sub-forum on..."Sweatin' to the Oldies":

http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...showtopic=62572

--BAM

Thanks to both of you. Info and references helpful. It's good to know we are not out here alone.