Criterion - Needs Sac Restoration - A Few Dumb Questions

[Chouffleur]

I have a Criterion pen that looks much like the one in this corgicoupe post: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/289264-criterion-from-the-pen-show/?do=findComment&comment=3338421

 

It says "CRITERION" on the clip and "FILLER" on the filler lever.

 

The nib says:

 

14KT (or maybe 4KT)

ALC9

O3

 

The sac was just flakes and powder so I'll need to replace it.

 

I have a few questions:

 

1) I can't really see if I've successfully scraped out all of the previous sac - how can you tell that you've done this part correctly?

 

2) There is some rust/discoloration on the barrel where the cap touches it when closed, both on the threaded and smooth sections - Is it safe to remove it and what should I use?

 

3) I'll try measuring in order to determine what size sac to use but it would be handy to know the right size - any idea?

 

4) The nib works as a dip pen - does that mean it's okay?

 

5) If this were the only pen I ever worked on what would be the Minimum Viable Repair Kit - the least number and kind of tools and supplies that I'd need?

 

Thanks for your help.

Edited May 27, 2015 by Chouffleur

[Chouffleur]

Bump

[terim]

I'm sure someone will chime in on your repair questions, but I'll offer a guess that your nib actually reads ALCO, for the Aiken Lambert company. They supplied very nice quality nibs to several pen makers.

Teri

[Chouffleur]

I'm sure someone will chime in on your repair questions, but I'll offer a guess that your nib actually reads ALCO, for the Aiken Lambert company. They supplied very nice quality nibs to several pen makers.

Teri

Teri,

 

Thanks for the information. Can you recommend a good resource on nibs and identifying them?

[redbike]

Regarding your questions, here are my thoughts, based on what I do.

 

1) Get a light source small enough to shine down into the barrel to see if you have removed all of the old sac. That will also let you see the condition of the j-bar, which is the metal strip activated by the lever on the barrel.

 

2) Not sure, need to ascertain whether it's rust, dried ink, or something else. I'd say wet a paper towel, wipe the discoloration and see what you get.

 

3) Use this link to determine correct sac size.

 

4) I think if it works well as a dip pen, the writing surface will be ok when it's filled. Though the filling system must also be functioning properly to ensure ink gets to the nib.

 

5) For just this pen, you need a replacement sac and shellac as the adhesive to attach the sac to the section nipple. This is a helpful reference on replacing the sac.

 

Good luck.

 

jim

[Chouffleur]

All done. Thanks for your help.

 

 

Edited June 5, 2015 by Chouffleur

[terim]

Teri,

 

Thanks for the information. Can you recommend a good resource on nibs and identifying them?

I don't think such a resource exists .... you could write a book just on the variations of the Warranted nib!

[ac12]

Glad you got it done.

Nice pen.

 

When I resac a pen, I look at the barrel and take a guess as to the sac size. Then I slip that sac into the pen and see how it fits, loose then I might need a larger sac, tight then I need a smaller sac.

[kalali]

Let's start with simple question first: Have you removed the secton from the barrel? If not, remove the section first and look inside using a small flashlight to see how clean it is. You can also measure the inside diameter and estimate the sac size.

[Chouffleur]

Let's start with simple question first: Have you removed the secton from the barrel? If not, remove the section first and look inside using a small flashlight to see how clean it is. You can also measure the inside diameter and estimate the sac size.

I finished the job using a #16 sac, That part seems to be okay. I've put an LED flashlight with a flex neck on my shopping list as that whole squinting-while-working-by-firelight approach wasn't working for me. ;-)

 

Thanks.