S T Dupont Montparnasse Section Retractor Lubrication

[DavidD62]

I recently acquired a lovely vintage S T Dupont Montparnasse in black Chinese Lacquer finish. This pen features a section that is drawn inside the barrel of the pen by means of twisting a lever that folds out from the base of the barrel. While everything operates correctly, the action of twisting the lever feels uncomfortably stiff. The level of resistance is the same whether the section is inserted or completely removed from the barrel.

 

Is it common for this mechanism to have considerable resistance? Is it possible to lubricate this mechanism somehow? If so, what is the appropriate lubricant? When I obtained the pen, there was dried ink in the original converter. Might there simply be dried ink inside the barrel that could be removed by soaking in water?

 

Thanks!

Edited June 15, 2018 by DavidD62

[praxim]

While I have not tried it with mine (no apparent need) it appears that the mechanism works on the screw thread and finger guides visible on the internal part, your third picture, the part on the left. I suggest a tiny bit of pure silicone grease on each.

Edited June 15, 2018 by praxim

[DavidD62]

I will give that a try. Thanks for the suggestion!