Pitting In Gold Nib...?...newbie Questions

[Ed333]

I recently purchased a Waterman Expert from a known and well-regarded seller, with full disclosure of pitting in the nib, and photos demonstrating same. I got it at what I thought was a reasonable price, as a utility writer, plus I like the Waterman snap-on caps for note-taking at meetings. With my newbie un-aided eye, I don't really see anything, although I saw it in the photos. I am aware that future resale value will probably be affected, but that is not why I bought it. My questions:

1- how did this likely happen?

2- do I need to worry about it, e.g., will it spread or further deteriorate

3- should I try to do anything about it?

thanks, Ed

[Bo Bo Olson]

I have no idea. I didn't know gold pitted.....gold plated yes.

Does it say 14K, C ?..........or GT or GP?

 

Looking it up I saw gold tone= gold plated so it is not gold.

[jekostas]

I recently purchased a Waterman Expert from a known and well-regarded seller, with full disclosure of pitting in the nib, and photos demonstrating same. I got it at what I thought was a reasonable price, as a utility writer, plus I like the Waterman snap-on caps for note-taking at meetings. With my newbie un-aided eye, I don't really see anything, although I saw it in the photos. I am aware that future resale value will probably be affected, but that is not why I bought it. My questions:

1- how did this likely happen?

2- do I need to worry about it, e.g., will it spread or further deteriorate

3- should I try to do anything about it?

thanks, Ed

 

As far as i know the Waterman Expert series has never used gold nibs. As the nib is just gold plated steel, it can pit and corrode when exposed to moisture for long enough.

 

As long as you keep the nib relatively dry and clean it shouldn't be an issue.

[Ed333]

Yes, it is gold plated (partially) steel.

[Left FPN]

Mk1 & Mk2 nibs are mild steel.

 

Your pen (shown in the Waterman Forum) is a Mk2.

 

1. It likely happened through using certain types of ink that corrode steel. Being left inked for many months or years added to the problem.

 

2. You do not need to worry but if 1. is maintained it will continue to corrode.

 

3. It has already corroded so there is nothing, other than replacing the nib section with a NOS part, you can or need do.

 

The latest Mk3 Expert has a stainless steel nib.

[Bo Bo Olson]

One can always just rub the gold plate off and not worry about it....you would be the only one that you know....more than likely, that knows the nib should look gold and not 'silvery'. If so, who cares.

[praxim]

Use it. There is no current remedial action you need to take. It will last at least until the nib corrodes through to the feed. That will take a lot longer than it took for any pitting, especially that which is hardly visible. Do not bother with polishing. The nib is gold plated so polishing will remove further protective plating from the mild steel underneath. Just keep it reasonably clean, and do not store it for months wet and untended.

 

This post includes opinions.