Servicing A Soviet Fountain Pen.

[RHFB]

Recently a friend of mine brought me a fountain pen he had bought at a flea market in Tbilisi, Georgia.

 

The pen has CAKKONBAHUETTN (the N is actually inverted) on the clip and resembles a Parker 51 Vacumatic.

 

I have managed to dismatle most of the pen but am unable to remove the plunger mechanism as I do not have the appropriate tool (split nut). In fact, I am not even sure if it can be removed or if it even has a rubber diaphragm because when I look into the barrel from the section end, I can see daylight at the other.

 

I decided to clean the barrel using ear buds but left behind the cotton end from one. I tried getting it out using a stiff wire but have only managed to make matters worse by sending it further back into the hollow plunger. Another reason why I am quite certain there is no diaphragm. Incidentally, the plunger is spring loaded, though I am unable to see the spring whilst looking through the section.

 

Funnily enough, before dismantling the pen, I was able to draw water into the barrel.

 

Any tips on how I could remove the offending bit of cotton?

 

I would also be interested in learning what kind of filling mechanism this is and about this brand.

 

Thank you.

[Glenn Atkins]

Bend the tip of a really long, small needle into a small hook.

 

Glenn

[Flounder]

You can make a C ring / split nut to match the blind cap threads from metal epoxy putty (see here).

 

I think this may be a soviet accordion filler of a type I think I once read about on raven's march.

 

edit - have a look here, seems a similar set up to yours. The blind cap threads look to be moulded directly into the barrel ( so need for removal), which is a neat touch and very efficient in a soviet kind of way.

 

Important edit - I meant to say NO need for removal! Please don't shear off your threads because of my sloppy typing folks!!!!

Edited May 20, 2015 by Flounder

[grainweevil]

You can make a C ring / split nut to match the blind cap threads from metal epoxy putty (see here).

 

Ah, I was wondering about something like that the other day; you've saved me a search, thank you!

 

And I agree, it looks very much like my Soyuz accordion filler. I wonder if it also has a left-hand threaded barrel.

[RHFB]

Thanks Glenn. I tried something similar with a straightened extra long paper clip but without success. Will wait for the cotton to dry and then try picking at it again.

 

Flounder: Take a bow. I think you hit the nail on the head with the accordian filler, I have been wet heating the barrel so as to break the bond and now feel confident I am on the right path. Many thanks.

[Flounder]

I think what I like most about this design is the clear button!

[RHFB]

Grainweevil, it is indeed a left handed thread. The moment I tried that, it opened up with ease.

 

The plunger button slips off the rubber accordian, so now I will be able to remove the cotton with ease as well.

 

Thank you very much gentlemen.

[RHFB]

A couple of pics for your reference.

[RHFB]

Cleaned (sans ultrasonic cleaner), polished and ready for assembly.

[grainweevil]

Well huzzah! I really get a kick watching the ink appear in the button when I fill mine; I'm a gal of simple pleasures.

 

Cheers, Al

[Flounder]

OP, I take it that is the original accordion (are replacements available?), looks very fresh!

[RHFB]

Flounder, I wouldn't know if this is the original accordian but it probably is considering the sorry state the pen was in.

 

No idea if spares are available either. Not that it would do me any good.

 

I had the pen in my shirt pocket whilst walking the dog tonight and am afraid I lost it when I took a spill on the pavement. Forgot to wear my specs....

 

Will have another look in the morning.