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Mabie Todd : Sos... Save The Bird!
#1
Posted 23 March 2015 - 11:50
http://www.ebay.fr/s...omble1962&rt=nc
What about a "save Mabie Todd" thread that would willingly accept other maker's fans? I think I'll start a thread right now and send this heathen a link.
Sponsored Content
#2
Posted 23 March 2015 - 12:22
I too wondered if this vandal might not be an innocent, so I trawled through his/ her depressing eBay offerings and all the pens of all makes that offer gold nibs have had them stripped. This is a big seller and I think the evidence is there. However, this person does have the right of reply, so I've sent an email with a link to the new FPN thread. If this wee soul isn't the culprit then maybe he/ she/ it can say so, and just maybe give us a clue as to who is butchering such things. As you say, as scrap gold nibs have a pathetic value, if whoever is doing it had an ounce of brain matter they would discover what a complete pen's worth. Dumbo!
Really these pens and other butchered things, such as gold and silver pocket watches, are our heritage (I dislike that over-used word, but it fits here). Such beautiful things have often survived two World Wars and everything else we've put in their way, only to fall prey to petty, mindless greed.
#3
Posted 23 March 2015 - 13:49
I've seen something this morning that puts me in a campaigning mood. One butcher by the name of Womble1962 is apparently stripping gold nibs from fountain pens, (and doubtless anything else he/ she can get at) and selling the remains " for parts or repair" I think that this heathen, heid banging philistine, who sells the purist dross, should be bombarded with messages. See:
http://www.ebay.fr/s...omble1962&rt=nc
What about a "save Mabie Todd" thread that would willingly accept other maker's fans? I think I'll start a thread right now and send this heathen a link.
Excellent idea( and thank you for the moment of 'solidarity'(not really the word I want, but can't think of a better one)I got on seeing this......
"his heathen, heid banging philistine"
Gaun yersel'

Alex
#5
Posted 23 March 2015 - 17:26
I am regularly in despair with the modern world; it is not clear however to me that this individual is removing the nibs from these pens; it could easily be some other cretin could it not?
Either way it is most depressing - for the pens and the fact that there are so many stupid people.
Cob
#6
Posted 23 March 2015 - 18:55
I am regularly in despair with the modern world; it is not clear however to me that this individual is removing the nibs from these pens; it could easily be some other cretin could it not?
Either way it is most depressing - for the pens and the fact that there are so many stupid people.
Cob
It's not that clear to me either Cob, yes indeed it could be some other cretin, but then this person is offering quite a selection of ruined pens and if 'Womble1962' is not the culprit, it might be wise to make a suitable comment about how desperate Womble1962 is to find a good refuge for these battered pieces. This is the fountain pen version of FGM and I can't stand it.
Womble1962 if you are out there, (you do have this link) do please explain, if it wasn't you can you please tell us where you purchased or found these maimed works of art?
#7
Posted 23 March 2015 - 19:03
Another way of looking at it is that these nibless pens may be bought by someone who eventually teams them up with penless nibs, such as these for example. It's like a dating service for Swans
#8
Posted 23 March 2015 - 19:26
Another way of looking at it is that these nibless pens may be bought by someone who eventually teams them up with penless nibs, such as these for example. It's like a dating service for Swans
Excellent Goudy - and matches perfectly your avatar.
I have a few Swan nibs - and a lot more wrecked barrels and caps so I shall have ot watch these mutilated pens.
Cob
#9
Posted 23 March 2015 - 20:03
Whatever, they could indeed resurrect orphan nibs, I certainly hope that they do. All we need is some better information about these victims from Womble1962, then we might know what we could buy... rather than just a fistful of 2 or three toothless wonders.
Come on Womble, give it to us here on this thread why don't you? You'd be very welcome and could make some dosh.
Don't be shy, give it a try
Wet-Noodle's Dating Agency
Won't make you cry.
#12
Posted 23 March 2015 - 22:42
Here's an "off topic" - no Swans today; I have been working on Onotos! They are both ancient, but the really old one is the ultmate wet-noodle! EF - BBB - no problem..
And if Womble wants to remove my nibs, he'll get more than a thick ear!
Cob
Edited by Cob, 23 March 2015 - 22:43.
#13
Posted 23 March 2015 - 23:06
Love that "1000". One day...
(Hey, a man can dream, yes?)
Well I have one up on eBay at present, and I have, apart from the one shown above, three more. They all have different nibs; two are the plain version - no bands and two of the pens have normal - i.e. not over/under feeds.
How's the Swan?
All the best
Cob
#14
Posted 24 March 2015 - 00:13
Cob - broke and penny less I'm now following an Onoto or two. By the left... Quick march! Onoto, Onoto... It's a long way to Tipperary.... Oh boy, that 1000 is to lust after init?
#15
Posted 24 March 2015 - 06:47
"I use that wonderful ink too" I tried again "A German company make it with an alternative form of oak acid and old coffin nails".
"No, no, says my wife, THEY MADE IT THEMSELVES!" I poured a cup of tea, and thought "This is how WWI started."
#17
Posted 05 May 2015 - 22:55
I wonder if Mabie Todd produced the alloy themselves, or had various different mixes to produce different nib flexes? And finally, who has an ex-fabulous flexible but broken nib that could be analysed?
My 3261 #3 nib is a strange one, it has loads of flex from very fine to very broad but not that much in between. It's willing but stiff and a mile away from my ex-Cob 100/60 which by comparison is a trampoline.
#18
Posted 06 May 2015 - 10:25
Interesting question. You could try a patent search for MT's alloy formula, but, as this thread points out...
Formulas? Written in chalk on a slate...don't want any paper around due to
safety. It is always a work in progress with vintage nibs - take a handful of
vintage nibs from anyone's parts drawer and you'll have a couple hundred
divergent alloys! Manufacturers changed their alloy from time to time -
especially those in Europe (due to war, inflation, economic or company
problems) whereas Parker and Sheaffer are remarkably consistent over the
decades (excluding Parker UK). Large Swan nibs tend to be consistent overseas
though. The numerous formulas are needed IF one is to change a nib to a flex
nib WITHOUT causing any change in the original nib imprint.
#19
Posted 06 May 2015 - 12:11
I have read that when repairing cracked nibs one must be careful to heat-sink the tines as they are heat treated. From this I deduce that flexibility may in part be ascribed to the heat treatment applied as much as to the alloy. Additionally of course one must factor in the thickness and shape of the nib too!
Cob
#20
Posted 06 May 2015 - 14:11
I have read that when repairing cracked nibs one must be careful to heat-sink the tines as they are heat treated. From this I deduce that flexibility may in part be ascribed to the heat treatment applied as much as to the alloy. Additionally of course one must factor in the thickness and shape of the nib too!
Cob
One of the factors in the production of flexible nibs, is the craftsman's skill in tempering the metal. You are correct that shape and alloy are also factors, but heating a nib incorrectly is the one thing we can all do. If you heat a nib to the point the temper goes, you will have a soft thing that will not spring back. There are very few craftsmen left who can fix that for you. There are a few who can gold solder, or weld them, but their services are expensive. I have a friend who has recently obtained the equipment for gold soldering, and I have given him some old Watermans to practice on.
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