I have a question that has arisen recently as a result of some purchases on ebay. What does one do with broken gold nibs? For instance, I purchased two Waterman 52's for parts, but the nibs on both have one slightly broken tine - one on the left, one on the right. When I log on to nibs.com, I see that for a new Waterman #2 New York and a new Waterman #2 reg. us. pat. off., the prices are cheaper than if I were to have these nibs re-tipped for $60.00 or so by a nibmeister.

My question: are the broken nibs worth anything? Can they be melted down and used to re-tip other nibs? Are re-tipped nibs better in some ways than new nibs, as far as smoothness or writing ability or options? It seems like such a waste to me that these nibs should lie around languishing in a drawer somewhere, when they might be used in a more productive fashion.

Thanks for any help and/or advice.

Todd

Todd,

Even broken nibs have value. You have correctly noted that for common nibs it is easier and less costly to purchase a good nib than it is to have repairs made. If you want exotic or have a rare nib then repair is the better option.

Now for broken nibs---often, the person you purchased a good or repaired nib will take the old nib as a partial trade. When having 51 and Vac nibs retipped (to non-standard sizes), it is common to get a "core refund" if you send in a usable but broken nib.

I've also been known to purchase a few broken ones for practice repairs so there is value in them for learning nib work as well. Don't toss them out, find someone that will take them and do something with them.



Todd