I was just wondering what other collectors want or expect when they purchase a "restored" pen? Does this mean it has a new sac and a quick polish so that it writes and looks decent? Does it mean as close to the same condition it came out of the showroom when it was new?

When I've fixed up pens for sale, I refrain from saying they're restored because my definition of a total restoration would include:

- new sac
- properly installed J-bar
- whole pen cleaning, including polish, remove ink residue from inside of cap, clean crud from under lever, etc...
- disassemble nib/feed assembly and remove any ink residue
- tune nib so that it writes like new

Am I too picky?

Your expectations are pretty close to mine. The only thing I'd disagree with is the re-saccing. I'd only expect a new sac if the existing one was significantly degraded.

Regards

Richard.

I agree with Richard. As a "restored" 1957 Chevy has more than simply scratches removed and a nice shine, so should a "restored" 1957 Parker 51, or other vintage pen.

Donnie

I agree with your definition - restored means something akin to "as new". I'd expect "repaired" to be a specific component fixed like a sac replacement or nib tune.

One foggy area of "restored" might deal with surface condition. Some might expect a completely smooth finish accomplished by whatever means. Others might expect clean/polished with wear defects still evident.

I think the difference between repair and restoration is that when one repairs a pen, one makes it as good a writer as possible. When one restores a pen, one makes it as close to original as possible.
If I bought a restored pen (which I usually don't because I don't want someone else have both the money and the fun :-) ) I would expect it to be clean (nib, cap, surface), in perfect writing condition (new sac, even if the old one looked OK, smooth and aligned nib), and marks of abuse removed (cap dings removed, deep scratches filled). Polishing and engraving removal not necessary, but adds to the value. Of course, it is also OK if the pen is not fully restored, but then the seller should include that in the description.

I guess I never really thought of comparing a restored pen to a restored car, but it makes a lot of sense. I would expect a restored car to be as close to just rolling off the assembly line as possible. I guess a restored pen should be the same!

It occurs to me there is room for a term from the computer industry, refurbished, which I have always understood as akin to:
"Not just like new BUT tanned, rested and ready to go".

"Restored" to me would mean that the pen has been returned to useable, as-new condition.

Repairing means that it's been returned to useable condition - but that's it. It works, but it probably still doesn't look flashy, perhaps it has brassing or scratches or a missing clip or whatever...but it'll write an essay with no problem.

Hi John:

Totally agree. I think that the minimum a buyer expects is that the pen writes correctly, has a normal ink flow, and can be filled up with ink.

Congratulations,

Julio

Hi,

Agree with your definition, but wouldn't expect it to be like new, just looking decent and in full working order.

Andy

If something is broken, and then fixed, it's a repair. I'd classify sealing a lip crack as a repair, not a restoration, although it has nothing to do with pen function.

Replacing a missing part could be either. Putting a clip on a pen might be a repair. Insuring that it's the correct clip for the pen moves it into the realm of restoration.

Polishing and removal of scratches would be restoration. Nothing broken is fixed, and the practice has nothing to do with repair. However, there are some that believe that this practice should be minimal in correct restoration.

When a repair is complete, you've got a pen that works. All parts will be intact and the pen will write, possibly very well. However, it might also be something that could cause a collector to recoil in horror.

When a restoration is complete, you've got a pen that works, composed (mostly) of the correct original parts, or correct substitutions. It can go into a collection as a example of that pen. Full restoration might be something that could cause a writer to recoil as well. For example, I went to some lengths to find the correct nib for a black/ivory OS Grieshaber that had a Sheaffer stub nib on it. The Grieshaber nib is nice, and its installation completed the restoration of the pen, but the nib is nowhere near as fun to write with as the Sheaffer nib was. Nonetheless, that Sheaffer nib is in my parts box, waiting for the right Sheaffer pen to show up needing a nib. With the correct nib on it, that Grieshaber is now worth much more to a collector than it was with the Sheaffer nib, regardless of the effect on the pen's writing capabilities.

So, I actually think the original poster was not picky enough (he didn't specify correct parts), although he may have been a bit too specific. I don't think a properly installed J-bar is really necessary in a piston-filler...