The Matador Thread

[como]

@Marcwithac The part on the lower left photo which looks like a plunger. The top of that part (looks a bit like a mushroom top) should either be unscrewed off or in case of cheaply made one, pulled off by friction. I would heat this part a little, then try to unscrew it (because the motion of unscrewing is ok in either case of threaded version and friction fit). Good luck!

[Marcwithac]

Thank you, Como.  I previously tried both unscrewing that piece and gently pulling it, but it showed no signs of movement.  I will go back and apply some heat to see if that helps.

[como]

11 hours ago, Marcwithac said:

Thank you, Como.  I previously tried both unscrewing that piece and gently pulling it, but it showed no signs of movement.  I will go back and apply some heat to see if that helps.

@Marcwithac Maybe you need to heat it a lot. Could be that it was screwed close with shellac. Some old pens have very stubborn threads or friction fit closure and need to be heated repeatedly. Also helps if you use a rubber pad to try to get a better grip on the “umbrella/mushroom hat”. Don’t force too much, small part, it may break if not properly heated first. I can’t see well on the photo. Is the top a tiny bit deformed? This part is usually made of ebonite. Maybe you can try to unscrew the second umbrella (under the top), as we don’t know if the top unscrews or the second top unscrews. Usually it’s the former but you never know. 

[Marcwithac]

So, heat worked like a charm.  And your suspicion was correct.  The entire top part (which holds the cork) unscrewed.  Thanks again for your advice.

[como]

2 hours ago, Marcwithac said:

So, heat worked like a charm.  And your suspicion was correct.  The entire top part (which holds the cork) unscrewed.  Thanks again for your advice.

Bravo! 👏