How Rare?

[BillZ]

I have a Man200 Rhapsody that I believe is the Model 16215 Red Ripple. How rare is it? I got it pre-owned so I know nothing about it.

[Left FPN]

Not rare. One has just yesterday sold on ebay for £72.

 

I have moved all my models because of the 'problem'.

Edited September 21, 2015 by Force

[ENewton]

What is the problem? Is there anything the original poster can do to increase the likelihood that the pen will see many years of pleasurable use?

[Left FPN]

Some, not all, suffer barrel shrinkage. We had a topic a while back where a few reported this and could not remove the section. One having to go to Waterman, who as far as I recall, also could not remove it. One pen in my collection had a tight thread so I decided to move them all on as they were not being used by me anyway. I am not sure that anything can be done to prevent the problem. You either get it or not.

[BillZ]

Thanks for telling me about this as I have trouble unscrewing the section from the barrel to change cartridges. I tried putting a dab of grease on the threads but was of little help. At least it appears that I might get my money back if I decide to try to sell it.

[Left FPN]

I have just enquired about one for auction on ebay, a Caviar, and the seller replied saying the section is difficult to screw into the barrel.

 

While they still screw together, being engineering based, my only suggestion/comment/fix would be to lap the section to the barrel with very fine lapping paste, even maybe a polish like T Cut. The abrasive part would penetrate the softer material. the barrel plastic, while abrading the brass thread on the section. I have never done this so please try it at your own risk...had I had my pens still I would have tried on the tight one.

Edited September 22, 2015 by Force

[sidthecat]

It's a bit like the Wahl Doric Disintegration Problem. I have one that's fine, but others have simply fallen apart.