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Mb 136 Broken By Customs

siamackz

By siamackz
in Montblanc

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siamackz Collectors Item

siamackz

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See pic. Thats what it looked like before I packed it in cardboard, then tissue, then PVC pipe. When Brad Torelli opened the package he saw a pen with a broken off barrel and no piston filler DRP knob. I guess US customs opened it, tried to turn the knob, broke it, and sent it to him then. There were no pieces in the package either, as per Brad. What a day. Luckily, its just a pen!

fpn_1541601267__3cb518c7-832d-46d2-976a-

My Vintage Montblanc Website--> link

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Doug1426 Vintage

Doug1426

Posted
Posted

Maybe it's just a pen to you, but to customs, it was probably a challenge.

 

personally, I've never had a problem with pens going through customs, and hopefully never will. Sorry this happened to you.

"History Teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives." Abba Eban

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siamackz Collectors Item

siamackz

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Thanks guys. It was going to be my first 136. I waited more than a year looking for a good opportunity, everything aligned, and then I bought it. There were many risks taken along the way, but this was not one I had accounted for. It was a sad start to the day, but having bought and sold about 200 pens over the past two years and never having had a problem I guess this freak incident was simply the law of probability doing its job ;)

My Vintage Montblanc Website--> link

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zaddick Donor Pen

zaddick

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How frustrating and unfortunate. At least Brad can make something usable out of it if not original.

 

Sorry for your loss.

If you want less blah, blah, blah and more pictures, follow me on Instagram!

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CS388 Antique

CS388

Posted
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Tragic! Sorry to see that.

 

Regardless of the customs officers' level of skill or knowledge, they should at least include an explanation of how the item has arrived in the condition it is in - ie. broken.

Even if there is no outcome, you should file a complaint, on principle.

(Include your before and after photographs.)

 

Yes, just a pen, but still an annoying event!

 

Here's to better luck in the future!

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PAKMAN Ancient Artifact

PAKMAN

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So sorry this happened!

PAKMAN

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carlos.q Antique

carlos.q

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PVC pipes in packages have recently received a lot of bad press.

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siamackz Collectors Item

siamackz

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Thanks All! Ill keep you posted on if we manage to source a barrel and bring this pen back from the dead

My Vintage Montblanc Website--> link

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dennis_f Vintage

dennis_f

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Why?

 

...I've sent and received several hundred pens that way....and still do.

 

C

 

 

Over the past few weeks an individual in the US was mailing pipe bombs inside manilla envelopes to notable American Democrats. The manilla envelopes and their contents physcially match the envelope and the PVC pipe the OP had mailed his pen in.

 

The individual was captured by the FBI, but at least one other envelope appeared after his capture (having been mailed before he was caught).

 

I'm not saying this is why the OP's package was opened, I'm just explaining the PVC comment made by CarlosQ.

D

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carlos.q Antique

carlos.q

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Over the past few weeks an individual in the US was mailing pipe bombs inside manilla envelopes to notable American Democrats. The manilla envelopes and their contents physcially match the envelope and the PVC pipe the OP had mailed his pen in.

 

The individual was captured by the FBI, but at least one other envelope appeared after his capture (having been mailed before he was caught).

 

I'm not saying this is why the OP's package was opened, I'm just explaining the PVC comment made by CarlosQ.

D

Absolutely correct. I hope this incident does not signal the beginning of a new policy directed at opening envelopes and packages with PVC pipes. But then again I would not be surprised.

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BillH Collectors Item

BillH

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Which brings me to ask if anyone can post a source for the clear plastic screw-together pen tubes that some of the sellers on eBay use? We might all go that route if customs/P.O. rules and practice change...

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working." -Pablo Picasso


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BillH Collectors Item

BillH

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And, because I could hear you all shouting "G**GLE IT!!", I did just that. No, I'm really not a lazy ol'geezer, I just play one on the internet. :rolleyes:

 

https://www.gopens.com/Vintage_Pen_Parts/Vintage_fountain_pens_shipping_Tubes.php

https://www.indy-pen-dance.com/Screw-Pen-Shipping-Tube.html

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working." -Pablo Picasso


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siamackz Collectors Item

siamackz

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Those transparent cases look nice!

 

In this instance though, I dont think it would have helped because even if they opened the package it would have been OK. But they decided to turn the piston forcefully and thats what broke it.

 

But yes, maybe avoiding pipes is a good idea

My Vintage Montblanc Website--> link

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christof Collectors Item

christof

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Over the past few weeks an individual in the US was mailing pipe bombs inside manilla envelopes to notable American Democrats. The manilla envelopes and their contents physcially match the envelope and the PVC pipe the OP had mailed his pen in.

 

The individual was captured by the FBI, but at least one other envelope appeared after his capture (having been mailed before he was caught).

 

I'm not saying this is why the OP's package was opened, I'm just explaining the PVC comment made by CarlosQ.

D

Thank you. Didn't know this.

c.

What's Up At Christof's: http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/353841-whats-up-at-christofs/?p=2337615

 

 

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Nicholas Green Rare

Nicholas Green

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They should absolutely be held accountable for that!

 

That's an example of gross incompetence and it shouldn't be tolerated!

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jar Ancient Artifact

jar

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Which brings me to ask if anyone can post a source for the clear plastic screw-together pen tubes that some of the sellers on eBay use? We might all go that route if customs/P.O. rules and practice change...

They are called "Evidence Tubes". Come in a variety of sizes. I switched to them several years ago after having a few shipments "Opened for inspection" and none would have been going through Customs.

 

 

 

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