Thank you!
I love the public resource of the Waterman numbering system, and ill do a little bit more self-teaching using that. Regarding un-authorized sharing of pictures without permission, i dont do very often, and when i do i try my best to remember who the image is from and to ask to use the image. I truly dont want to be known as someone who every image someones shares with me over email, PM, etc; who would be publishing it in a book with no prior acknowledgement to the photographer, as a photographer myself, id hate for that to happen.
My goal in the hobby is to learn what i can about some smaller brands as well as digest as much as i can about Parker and Waterman, not to forget at least have some surface knowledge on Sheaffer, etc. I also want trust to be able to sell something for what it is, and to get over that this pen could be worth this if this is done to it. Obviously we'd all like are items to be worth x, but it just aint always going to happen. I also need to learn more regarding custom pens, and soon enough (car...) ill be driving down to see a pen turner who ive collaborated with over the last year, and ill be meeting in person with him to design a pen and ill be contributing some other aspects to the project, cant share to much.
Id also like to get some basic repairs down, (i think it's the easiest, but still haven't done it)) putting a sac on, fixing pistons, and for sure buffing and polishing a pen. Alot to learn, and i truthfully need someone who will able to take my sarcasm, and smart-alike remarks, though when im doing business, those are few and far between i believe. Someone who can teach me what they've learned over the years, and pass on to someone who will be able to care, cherish, and pass on the lasting memories in which i learned from these experts.
Admirable.
And, if true... it is approachable.
Most of my suggestions above stand.
While this Board is dedicated to answering the most basic questions along with (we hope) challenging questions. But, use of resources already out there is a good thing. I do suggest you scan David Nishimura and Richard Binder's website reference sections. For restoration, get Marshall's book. There might be new edition about out. Buy a bunch of junkers and have some fun trying to do sacs and nib/feed tweaks. That will serve you better than trying to do deals. Enjoy browsing ebay to learn prices of a sort, without worrying about whether you think you could flip the pen, if it arrived intact. Don't pretend to own pens you don't own. Don't fail to sell pens you put at auction. And so forth.
-d
