I bought this 144 Solitaire fountain pen in stainless steel which was described as 'hardly used' for about $135.

When I received the item pen it was not in the condition I expected. Nothing terrible but the black of the star was chipped, there was a small ding just below, a couple of pin-pricks on the clip and the bottom of the barrel was a bit rough.

The nib was in good condition but the pen came without filler. Still a good deal at $135 or should I send it back to the seller?

The price you paid is ok, but it really depends on how you feel about the pen. It may cost close to $100 to get it up to par, is the pen worth 235 to you?

I would contact the seller and get try to get a partial refund. If the person stated "barely used", then thats what it should be. Looks pretty used to me...

Seems like a good deal to me. Those are pretty hard to find!

If you are disappointed, ask for a partial refund, if the seller won't budge, just keep the pen.

mmmmmm that cracked star would really get to me mate. Would you have bought it had you had prior knowledge of the damage and if so at what price?

Very difficult that 'condition' thing. When I describe something as 'mint' it is just that but I have put good sums of money into pens and been very dissapointed when the box is opened to see a sub standard item that someone has described as 'as new' etc.

As a footnote I would buy that pen from you at what you paid for it if you cannot live with the condition but my first line of attack would be to get a firm quote for the repairs then contact the seller to sort something out. I find most people are fair but his description was a bit economical with the truth which concerns me.

Good luck and pm me should you wish to sell.

Regards

Ian.

Many thanks to all for your contributions. It is always good to get the views of more experienced and knowledgable forum members on these matters

I will call in at a MB boutique next week sometime to see if I can get an idea of the repair costs, then contact the seller to see if I can sort something out.

Thanks once again.

G.