9 replies to this topic

[BrianMcQueen]

I just ran across an eBay lot as it was ending, and happened to notice what appears to be a Waterman safety pen. Given the limited items in the ebay auction for size reference, can anyone help me identify it before it shows up?

eBay Auction Link

Edited by BrianMcQueen, 27 February 2012 - 01:32 AM.

[Jiffypens]

Looks like a baby model to me, nice score!

[BrianMcQueen]

Wow. I just found another auction (LINK) as it was ending and put in a bid. I won this one too! Two new Watermans won within a half hour's time!

Edited by BrianMcQueen, 27 February 2012 - 01:32 AM.

[plmadding]

It just makes me wonder how many fantastic pens are thrown out each day by people who, like this seller, considers them junk.

[BrianMcQueen]

It just makes me wonder how many fantastic pens are thrown out each day by people who, like this seller, considers them junk.

One fantastic pen being thrown out is one pen too many. What I really wonder is this: If I hadn't won this auction, what would the person that did win it do with the pen? And vice-versa, maybe I was bidding against a cuff-link collector who wonders what I'll do with those...

[Teej47]

Both pens appear to be in excellent shape as well. Great catch, Brian!

Tim

[BrianMcQueen]

Well, the safety turned out to be a 42 1/2V. And it's in spectacular shape! It's right at 3.5" long, capped. Here's some eye candy of it both assembled and disassembled. Is the gold top to the cap original? It cuts into the imprint. The imprints and chasing are really clean and crisp. Just a little discoloration, too. Now, I need to find a way to redo the seal on the bottom.

[BrianMcQueen]

The other pen is a 52. It's in decent shape, but the nib is a little bent up toward the tip. The tipping is still intact, so it shouldn't be too hard to fix it up. Also, there is a chip out of the cap lip The barrel is good! Anyone naked Theo Koffman? If so, let's make a deal...

Edited by BrianMcQueen, 03 March 2012 - 03:54 AM.

[BrianMcQueen]

Does anyone know a good place to get a replacement cork? Or maybe o-rings can be used? Edited to say: Looks like David Nishimura sells o-ring specifically designed for this. I'll be ordering some.

Edited by BrianMcQueen, 05 March 2012 - 04:06 AM.

[BrianMcQueen]

Update: The O-rings I ordered from David Nishimura are now installed in the pen and they seem like they will do a great job. They were a very tight fit, but after some fidgeting with it for a little while, they installed well. I was a bit nervous about breaking something during re-assembly, but it all worked out really well. This is the first safety pen I've repaired, and I found it very fun and somewhat easy. It's definitely easier than a Vacumatic repair.