What To Do?

[mariom]

I've just received a very nice 52V in generally good condition apart from the usual discolouration. The only fly in the ointment is a chip in the lip of the cap which sports a substantial hallmarked 9k gold band. I have no issue with the chip itself as it was clearly shown and described in the ad, and no doubt contributed to the AUD$31 price I paid.

 

I'd like your thoughts on how to proceed. As I see it, I have 3 options:

 

1. Enjoy it as it is. It has a very smooth firm EF nib, so this is no hardship.

 

2. Try to find a replacement cap. I've been down this path and plain 52 caps seem to fetch as much as complete pens. I shudder to think what a gold-banded one would go for.

 

3. Gently sand down the cap lip evenly till the chip is eradicated. There's probably 1mm of hard rubber left between the edge of the chip and the band, or at worst I could stop when I reach the band. This is what I'm thinking of doing, but I'm wondering what effect this might have on the stability of the band. If I try, I can just rotate the band, so it's not fixed in place. Should I try to remove it and glue it on before I start. How are they attached in the first place? The band bears the imprint F.D.W, which I believe is the English Waterman's mark, and the hallmark is for London 1925.

 

A picture of the cap can be found at the link below.

 

Thanks for your thoughts

 

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/uploads/imgs/fpn_1522204897__dsc_0461.jpg

Edited March 28, 2018 by mariom

[Left FPN]

If you found another the threading may not match, the colour also and the price high. F.D.W = Frank D Waterman who took over the company early 1900s Leave it as is.

[Chrissy]

I wouldn't sand it down so that it's level all of the way around. It's possible you could get it repaired if you could find someone who could fill the hole. That wouldn't be impossible, but it might be more expensive than finding a new cap without a gold band.

[praxim]

Yes, leave it or, at the least, do not be impatient with it. A previous discussion lighted on the fact that threads were not standard even from one model to another apparently same. A magical option may appear later, while if the pen is posted or the cap held aside I doubt anyone will notice. I have a BHR 1/2v with a similar problem, and to outside casual observers the gap simply disappears when I post the pen.