Cleaning Cassein

[publishing guy]

A friend innocently soaked a beautiful old Parker that I believe is made of Cassein (I would have guessed it was BHR, but I've never seen a reaction like this.) As you might suspect, the pen was almost completely discolored -- a very white, cloudy look -- all over. It kills me to think he may have destroyed this pen, and it seems like I should have warned him about soaking. I really want to find him a solution.

 

Does any of this sound familiar? Does anyone have solutions?

 

Help, please.

Edited December 21, 2012 by publishing guy

[Xof72000]

 

Not sure there is a solution ...

 

Taken from the "Conway stewart" website :

Special Care and attention of pens and pencils made from Casein

 

Casein is a protein derived from milk which following a 6-9 month pressure and curing process results in a beautiful, hard, lustrous material. This material was used extensively in pen making prior to the advent of modern resins and has been re-introduced by Conway Stewart on a range of models. Casein is a natural material and as a result has some properties that must be carefully handled. Firstly casein is water soluble - it can be wiped clean with a slightly damp cloth but if left submerged for any time it will begin to dissolve. Secondly the material contains pores which can swell and shrink when subjected to changes in heat and humidity. This can affect the fittings of the bands and so is best avoided in areas of extremes of temperature or humidity.

[kirchh]

A friend innocently soaked a beautiful old Parker that I believe is made of Cassein (I would have guessed it was BHR, but I've never seen a reaction like this.) As you might suspect, the pen was almost completely discolored -- a very white, cloudy look -- all over. It kills me to think he may have destroyed this pen, and it seems like I should have warned him about soaking. I really want to find him a solution.

 

Does any of this sound familiar? Does anyone have solutions?

 

Help, please.

It would surprise me if the pen were an old black Parker and it was casein (note spelling). More likely it is hard rubber, and it experienced the typical fading that occurs when such items come into contact with water.

 

You can search the board for reblackening; there's been a good deal of discussion about it.

 

--Daniel

[publishing guy]

Thanks.