Sheaffer Imperial Inlaid Nib Repair

[Gojira]

A former colleague gave me an old Sheaffer Imperial with an inlaid 14k broad gold nib that has been damaged. The tines are slightly spread apart and no longer align, with one tine bent slightly higher than the other. I've managed to get the tines aligned with some degree of success but the tines are still pretty far apart, resulting in very wet lines. My colleague exerts quite a lot of pressure on his pens due to a nerve problem, which I assume to be the cause of the nib damage.

 

I've tried forcing the tines togther with my fingers but they just simply spring apart. Does anyone here have any ideas on how to solve this problem? The pen is quite pretty (electroplated gold guilloche body) despite the amount of abuse it has taken and it would be a shame just to let it sit unused.

 

[Ron Z]

To close the tines, you need to press down, and then cross the tines under each other, one at a time using a thumb nail. You will have to play a bit to get them lined up precisely. It's the crossing under that closes the gap in the slit, more so at the tip of the nib.

[Gojira]

Thanks very much Ron. I'd be sure to try this out.

 

[Gojira]

Quick update. I don't have much free time but managed to try out Ron's suggestion. Crossed the tines a few times only and managed to narrow the gap considerably! It still needs more work but the nib has definitely improved dramatically. Dipped it and found the line to be less wet and more consistent instead of the previous paintbrush-like feel.

 

Once again, thanks Ron!