What To Do, What To Do......

[Uncial]

A couple of years ago an antiques shop was liquidating stock here and I picked up a Montblanc 144 (?) Tsar Nicolai. The nib was fine (in both senses). I had to work on it for quite a while to get it writing. The previous owner had let ink dry in it; probably an entire converter full. It took many, many sonic baths and soakings to shift all of the ink. The problem is, I suspect, that it may have had a cap liner that is now missing because the nib seems to dry up within a day or two. I've since tried a few different inks in it that are known to be 'wet'. After I encountered this problem I was tempted to send it in to Montblanc for a service and nib exchange at the same time. It's such a pretty pen that I'd like to get it writing. I bought it for very, very little money, so anything else I invest in it was expected at the time of buying.

 

The reason for asking here is that I would like to try and establish what the issue might be (or if it is common to this model) before sending it off. I think if you aren't very specific in sending a pen in for a service they might not pick up on the issue, especially if it is to do with drying out after a day or two. It writes beautifully when initially inked. If anyone could let me know if there is supposed to be a liner to the cap then I can rule that issue in or out. It's a push/pull cap rather than a screw cap. There is a very, very small bit of play to the barrel and cap when capped which may also be an issue - perhaps a loose seal? If you have any clues I might look for before sending it in to Montblanc I'd appreciate it.

[meiers]

Photos please.

 

The cap on my 144 does not do a tight fit either. My pen dries out quickly, too. I believe it is a result of the design of the push-pull cap. It does not offer a seal. Air circulates around the capped nib and dries It out.

Edited June 11, 2018 by meiers

[Uncial]

Awww, pity about that, I was hoping I might be able to fix the drying out issue. I'm a little loath to put up pictures of it because I post the pen and it has a slight ring on the gold barrel for posting which I think might make some here weep a little.

 

I wonder if putting some sort of rubber ring insert might be possible?

 

 

(will see if I can get a pic up, but you all better not crucify me)

Edited June 11, 2018 by Uncial

[meiers]

We live for pictures of fountain pens and writing samples!!!

Edited June 11, 2018 by meiers