Bent Nib

[CS388]

This looks to me like it may have been dropped and landed point-first - or stabbed into a wall(eg) - but I'm just guessing.

 

It's a Montblanc 149. It writes well but very wet - too wet for me, and I like a wet writer.

 

My question is: Do you think that the nib has been pushed up into the section (there isn't much of it protruding beyond the feed) - or has it simply been shortened by the kink?

 

Thanks.

 

 

As always, I offer apologies for my lack of photographic ability. If you require a different angle or view, please ask - but be aware of my limitations, I'm currently using a camcorder through a loupe!

[jbb]

This doesn't exactly answer the specific question you've posed but increasing the space between the tines can reduce how wet a pen writes. Sliding a piece of paper between the tines or pressing down hard to splay the nib a bit might accomplish this. I guess if you flattened out the bump in the nib the tines might go back to a better distance from each other.

Edited September 13, 2010 by jbb

[Ron Z]

The nib should be flat against the feed for the nib to write properly. I suspect that when the hump is flattened out, the nib will extend beyond the feed as it should. The flow issues will also be cleared up.

[ag273n]

that can still be fixed by straightening the nib, but scratches would probably show, better bring it to a nibmeister.

[CS388]

This doesn't exactly answer the specific question you've posed but increasing the space between the tines can reduce how wet a pen writes. Sliding a piece of paper between the tines or pressing down hard to splay the nib a bit might accomplish this. I guess if you flattened out the bump in the nib the tines might go back to a better distance from each other.

 

Thanks jbb, I think that flattening out the bump is the priority. Once achieved, I'll give your suggestion a go if it's still too wet.

 

 

The nib should be flat against the feed for the nib to write properly. I suspect that when the hump is flattened out, the nib will extend beyond the feed as it should. The flow issues will also be cleared up.

 

Thanks Ron Z, this is what I was hoping, but glad to have a more informed opinion and explanation. Much appreciated.

 

 

that can still be fixed by straightening the nib, but scratches would probably show, better bring it to a nibmeister.

 

Thanks ag273n - not too worried about scratches. Would love to take it to a nibmeister, but am living in desperate poverty ever since I joined FPN and decided that other things were more important than the mortgage. I jest, of course, but funds are thin on the ground, so nibmeisters will have to wait.

 

Thanks again to all for replies, very helpful, deeply grateful. CS

[Ernst Bitterman]

Getting that bend out is going to be a non-trivial exercise-- the point will have to come out for a start, just to be able to apply pressure from the correct angles. I should say that if you're not comfortable with dismounting the point, it might be an idea to set the pen aside until you're in funds to send it to someone. You can devote some surplus food money to the enterprise if you remember that there's plenty of nutrients in road gravel, and it's just lying around for anyone to pick up.

[hari317]

I think that is a late 50's to mid 60s 149, a valuable pen. I think you should get the nib straightened by a professional. YMMV.

Edited September 14, 2010 by hari317

[CS388]

Right. Well that changes things. Better put my hammers away, then.

 

Ernst, thanks for reply. Gravel is tempting but the dentist bills offset the savings. Sand may be better? Or, with the current resurgence in solid fuel, we could send the children out as chimney sweeps.

Have messed around with pens for years, but never anything as iconic as this - you could be right, I'll look into the nibmeister route and see what it yields.

 

Thanks Hari, had no idea of the year but had realised it was of some age. Currently still flushing out ancient ink, then will put it to one side and reconsider the situation.

 

Thanks again to all for replies (including watch_art) - much appreciated.

[hari317]

 

Thanks Hari, had no idea of the year but had realised it was of some age. Currently still flushing out ancient ink, then will put it to one side and reconsider the situation.

 

 

Maybe Oxonian can do the job? i am curious to know the type of filler on this one? is it the press fit one?

[CS388]

 

Maybe Oxonian can do the job? i am curious to know the type of filler on this one? is it the press fit one?

 

Not sure, hari. It could be, can't see any slots for a removal tool. Resin threads. Dusty picture included.

 

 

 

Thankfully the piston (and all other aspects) working fine, just has the nib issue.

Thanks for Oxonian tip. Don't know any UK nibmeisters. Yet.

Edited September 14, 2010 by CS388

[hari317]

Thankfully the piston (and all other aspects) working fine, just has the nib issue.

Thanks for Oxonian tip. Don't know any UK nibmeisters. Yet.

 

Yes, that is the "friction fit" piston filler unit, holds more ink than the contemporary resin 149s(see Niksch's pinned topic on 149 pistons). I think you have a nice, desirable pen in your hands. In Europe, Horst Max Schrage might be able to do a complete overhaul of your pen. You might want to enquire with Oxonian if he is equipped to overhaul this type of filler, it needs a special puller tool, probably self made.

 

Best,

Hari

[CS388]

Thankfully the piston (and all other aspects) working fine, just has the nib issue.

Thanks for Oxonian tip. Don't know any UK nibmeisters. Yet.

 

Yes, that is the "friction fit" piston filler unit, holds more ink than the contemporary resin 149s(see Niksch's pinned topic on 149 pistons). I think you have a nice, desirable pen in your hands. In Europe, Horst Max Schrage might be able to do a complete overhaul of your pen. You might want to enquire with Oxonian if he is equipped to overhaul this type of filler, it needs a special puller tool, probably self made.

 

Best,

Hari

 

Thanks Hari.

 

I have contacted Oxonian and we're going to go ahead with the nib work. I'm very happy about this, thanks again for the recommendation.

 

Re the piston filler - no overhaul required at present as the pen is good working order - apart from the nib, of course.

 

Cheers, CS

[hari317]

Great, good luck! and keep us posted when you receive it back.