OcalaFlGuy

So saith Commander Skunk of the Lost Planet Airmen.    

Bruce in Ocala, Fl 

I don't think that "quintessential" Necessarily means the model that had the most sales.

In the car world for example, I would say the '56 or '57 are The quintessential Thunderbirds.  

I suspect there were other years though with higher sales figures.

Bruce in Ocala, Fl

I've seen a "slat" of stiff cardboard laid across the open top of the cleaner with a hole punched into it to hold the pen at the proper depth. (By friction fit in the hole)

Bruce in Ocala, Fl

Even Richard Binder says the fit and finish of the aforementioned H-100 closely matches that of the P-51 AND it has a "proper" metal connector.

For $30 retail.

To me that is sufficient evidence the Chinese have The Ability to REPLICATE a P-51 for $50 retail.

It is not my intention to offend any Chinese members here with my next point. If you don't like it, FIX IT, don't come after me for making the valid point.

I have some exposure to doing business with the Chinese.  They will do Anything and Everything that is Beneficial To Them that they can get away with and will try More that they won't be able to get away with if left to try, even if that is harmful to people or detrimental to the product being made. Ask Matel Toys for just the start of any needed back-up on that.

For a Hero 51 to happen would require extensive, Constant, in country, in plant QA/QC supervision by Parker to ensure that tolerances and standards were being adhered to. 

Bruce in Ocala, Fl
 

• Finally if the plated nib is in contact with the metal tank of the USC itself or maybe a HARD plastic basket, the friction/abrasion could wear through the thin plating.

 

IMO, THIS ^^^ is the culprit for Most of the gold wash damage "from sonication".  Sonicate the nib such that the only thing touching it is solution. Otherwise you are basically "sanding on" the thin wash at tens of thousands of times per second.

Also,

DO NOT sonicate Esterbrook Transitional caps. 

The screw in jewel retention ring is made from the same material as the pen and is Only friction fitted within the outer cap.

IMO, The sonicator CAN compromise that friction fit such that the retaining ring is no longer immobile and turns freely as you attempt to screw the jewel into it.

Resetting that retaining ring is a major PIA that Starts with taking the rest of the cap apart.

Bruce in Ocala, Fl