Omas Lucens

August 31, 2019

I probably erred by originally posting this in the Repair Q&A sub-forum.

So, I am taking the liberty of reposting it here.

Thanks everyone.

I have recently acquired a 30's-40's Omas Lucens which, after a few flushes with distilled water, has shown itself to have a spectacularly clear & clean barrel. There are, however, a couple of spots of residual dried ink which remain on the interior of the barrel even after lots of flushes with distilled water. I am sure they are areas of residual dried ink and not staining of the celluloid.

I know if I disassembled the pen I could get at them.... but the pen's mechanics are perfect and I'd really prefer to not take it apart.

The repeated flushes with the distilled water have been 95% effective in removing the residual ink in the barrel but the few pesky areas remain. I've been reticent to flush the barrel with anything other than the distilled water.

Is there anything I might try adding to the distilled water which will be safe for the pen's celluloid and internal mechanics?

For cleaning sections/feeds/nibs, I'm certainly very comfortable & experienced using a solution of distilled water with very diluted Dawn & ammonia...... but I'm not so sure I should be filling the barrel with it.

Any thoughts or recommendations??

Thanks everyone!

August 31, 2019

The other question I raised which is most certainly more appropriate here has to do with the color of the translucent barrel.

I am accustomed to the Lucens and Extra Lucens barrels being more of a dark reddish-orange translucent color. This one is quite yellow in its translucent appearance.

A comparative photo is attached.

What is the experience of others?

August 31, 2019

The yellow is closer to the original color. The top pen is ambered celluloid with age and use.

Edited August 31, 2019 by zaddick

August 31, 2019

The yellow is closer to the original color. The top pen is ambered celluloid with age and use.

Thanks for your input.

I agree but, in addition to the very certain barrel translucent color changes resulting from age & use, I'm wondering if there isn't more to the story?

I'm still thinking there was some variation in the colors when the pens were originally produced.......

I've seen at least one which has never seen a drop of ink and it was more reddish-orange than yellow. And, all the photos of these specific pens in Dolcini's book are likewise reddish-orange.

Not disputing what you've said Zaddick...just looking to better understand the total picture.

September 1, 2019

I've used a 90% distilled water, 10% vinegar solution in my Lucens with no ill effects.... it won't "instantly" clear the ink residue your seeing, but will help break it down a little. Aside from dismantling the pen, being patient and giving some time for the residue to dissipate is probably your safest option.

September 8, 2019

Just use the pen and the problem won't be a problem anymore. These old OMAS are excellent writers.

December 13, 2019

The other question I raised which is most certainly more appropriate here has to do with the color of the translucent barrel.
I am accustomed to the Lucens and Extra Lucens barrels being more of a dark reddish-orange translucent color. This one is quite yellow in its translucent appearance.
A comparative photo is attached.
What is the experience of others?

Hello All-

I have remained interested in better understanding this matter and I have some interesting news to report.

I have pursued the question about the color difference in the transparent barrels of my two Lucens FPs, speaking with a couple of world's authorities on the history of the pens from the House of Omas. It turns out that what is pictured does not represent the spectrum of colors that occurred with age and use. In fact, the yellow color represents an earlier version of the pen and the orange a later version.

Both are gorgeous, of course, but it is so gratifying to now know they represent a timeline in the production of these iconic pens.

Reference: Dolcini Book p. 31-32