Strange Smelling Conklin (Chicago) Glider

[Rustyshackelford]

I recently purchased a Conklin (Chicago) Glider. It was in perfect condition and looks like its rarely been used, if ever. It writes great with a Conklin Cushon nib, but there is one problem - it smells like vomit.

 

A few notes on the smell:

1) It smells like some pens made of vegital resin (think Noodler's Nib creeper). As far as I know the pen is celluloid.

 

2) The smell is comming from section (or perhaps the feed/nib).

 

3) The smell is stronger when it is filled.

 

I've tried washing it with water, I tried polishing it with semichrome, I've tried leaving it out uncapped for a few days. Nothing seems to help. I asked someone who services vintage pens if it could be a result of the celluloid breaking down or aging and he said no.

 

Anyone have any insight as to what is causing the smell and what to do about it?

[Ray-Vigo]

As far as I can tell, it's from some sort of outgassing or decay in the feed or section (or section coloring?). They're great pens but I sold all of mine off because of it. I tried repeatedly to stop the smell. I eventually gave up and sold them, figuring someone else might eventually find an answer. It was not a cleaning issue.

Edited February 21, 2012 by Ray-Vigo

[CrispyBacon_87]

Anyone ever figure this out? My wife and I got two Conklin Duragraphs and they both have the same smell, from the same area of the pen.

 

Sorry for bringing back such an old thread.