It was a dangerous thing joining this network. Thinking of getting another fp, and toying with the idea of getting a vintage, I decided to sign up here. Now no less than 4 vintage pens are winging their way to my post box!!
The CS was the first to arrive (along with a 1940s Parker that writes like a dream - but this is the wrong forum for enthusing about that!)
Not being acquainted with CS, I'm not sure what to expect.
The pen is fitted with a medium nib and for those who know the brand, please tell me – should it squeak when writing?
The ink flow is not very good, rather scratchy. I thought it was because I had only dipped it but it is exactly the same after being filled.
I don’t really mind if I find out that I should not be abusing a pen in its retirement by forcing it to write. Such a veteran probably deserves to spend its days reposing on velvet.
But... If there is the slightest chance that we could have a great writing relationship, I wouldn’t mind trying..

Thanks :-)
Nicole P

It shouldn't be squeaking - it should be laying down a buttery smooth line.

The flow problem is probably what's causing the squeaks - it's not getting the lubrication it needs to write properly. A good cleaning may do the trick, otherwise you may need to adjust the flow or get the nib and feed out for a proper cleaning. You may also want to try another ink or two in it as well - sometimes that makes a world of difference, and a couple inks have cleaning agents in them that help preserve the ink and can sometimes help clean out a stubborn pen.

I have had squeaky nibs on various pens before both brand new and vintage. If your CS is in good mechanical shape I would not put it out to pasture as it should be enjoyed!! I would try a thorough flush with luke warm water with 2 or so drops of dishwashing detergent to about an ounce of water. Thoroughly flush out the pen with luke warm, NOT hot water until there are no more suds or ink color coming from the pen. Make sure that your pen is not casein, a material that is softened in water. Most likely your's is a resin, but some new as well as vintage CS pens are made from casein, a natural protein material that is water soluable. Ink the pen with a good, smooth writing ink, such as Waterman's blue and test the pen. If it still sqeaks , I have fixed this with a little nib smoothing by making little circles on an old fashioned brown paper bag. Do some push-pulls also. Make sure to slightly rotate the nib from side to side to smooth the entire little ball of tipping on the end of the nib. There are a lot of more agressive ways to smooth a nib but this method won't get you into trouble or damage the nib. This may well fix the problem. If not, a nib adjustment may be in order and I won't suggest you do this yourself. Also go to nib-meister Richard Binder's web site and you will find some really useful information about nibs. Hope this helps!!