I often get teased that I buy pens without a nib, the wrong nib, or something else that isn’t quite perfect about the pen like a crack or other issue. Some in general collecting circles, whether the item being collected is a pen, a coin, or other antique, always recommend buying the absolute best condition you can possibly afford, and that a smaller collection of better quality items is more desirable than a larger collection of lesser quality items. While this is true, I think there are a couple of problems with this strategy.
Waterman 0552-1/2 LEC Pansy Panel – Had modern feed in it when I bought it.
First, unless I’m a very rich man, some of the pens I collect would be extremely cost prohibitive in pristine, near mint condition. Here comes the old “user” debate. Why do I need a mint pen if I am just going to use it? Well, quite simply, I don’t. I can save a good amount of money not worrying that the pen has a small wear mark on the overlay. The fact of the matter is I’m not rich, so sometimes sacrifices must be made.
Waterman 56 – has some brassing, and had non-Waterman nib when I bought it. I had the correct one.
Second, with pens you really need to see them in person to get a good idea. Yes, there are plenty of ebay sellers who take great pictures, but some things just need to be seen in person. How does the safety mechanism feel in the hand? Is it stiff? Loose? How about that eyedropper section? Is it easy to remove? You can’t describe that to me well enough unless I have it in my hands. Where am I going with this? Well, unless you’re crazy and go to a lot of pen shows, you will have little chance to see pens in person. Especially when we are talking the best of the best in terms of condition and desirability, I’m not going to buy online. We’re also talking several hundreds of dollars here in some circumstances and there are very few people I trust enough to purchase a pen sight unseen.
Aikin Lambert Hand Engraved Overlay – This had a Sheaffer nib in it when I got it.
So is buying a mismatched pen or one with issues a bad thing? I say no. From a collector standpoint, if I don’t plan on using the pen (yes, I know some cannot fathom the idea), then I don’t have a problem with a rare nib having a crack or missing tipping on one tine. This is an issue that can be fixed. A pen without a nib is also fixable. You just need time and some extra money. Sometimes the hardest to find pens have the easiest to replace nibs because the manufacturers used the same nib in other models.
Wirt # 7 Nib with crack
Pens with smaller parts missing can also be easy to find. What about a super clean pen but it is missing a lever or feed? There are plenty of broken and parts pens out there to help bring your old pen back to life. Now, when it comes to pens missing major parts, that may be a different story. Missing a cap to a Mottled Hard Rubber Moore Safety? Well, I may be looking for a long, long time on that one, but you just never know what may pop up. In the meantime, I have an example of a model 1 Moore. I’m ok with that.
MHR Moore with no cap.
All of this, of course, assumes you did not pay the full pen-in-pristine-condition price to begin with. Always factor in the cost of repairs or probability of finding the correct part into play. In Long Island this year at the pen show I saw one of the rarest Aikin Lambert pens I’ve ever seen. I doubt I would see another ever. However, it had a crack in the hard rubber cap. Hard rubber cracks are not easily fixed, and there is no replacement cap for this pen. In this case, the crack almost doesn’t play into the price of the pen at all. To take my favorite personal phrase into account, “Go find another one”. You won’t.
Weidlich Matchstick Filler – Took me almost a year to find the nib, but well worth it!
So what am I saying here? I use the concept of a “space filler” when I collect old and rare pens. Should I come across a better, or more complete example, then I’m in luck. If not, well, at least I have an example in my collection from which to learn from and examine. Some pens have unique filling systems and I wouldn’t otherwise have bought these pens were it not for the price of the pen. Now I can learn how they work and even be able to repair them should another come along my way.
Snap-Fil Open – Raleigh Pen Show – Missing the clip and chain, but for $25 would you buy it?
Some pens despite their flaws will photograph well. These days the internet is giving us something of an online museum for pens. Nobody will notice the flaw in the pen below.
Relief 4-L – Can you spot the huge flaw? Didn’t think so. Ever seen another? Didn’t think so.
In short, as long as the price is right, don’t worry about minor flaws in pens. If you are regularly hunting you may find that part you need. Besides, the pen really only needs a few pieces for you to write with it. You can still write with a pen that has a cracked cap, a cracked nib, a missing clip, a wrong nib, or a lost blind cap. Bite marks are hidden when a cap is posted. If the pen writes well for you then don’t worry about it not being all original. If it is a trophy queen, don’t worry about tipping on the nib. Most everything can be fixed.
Esterbrook Twist Filler – So rare, I’m glad to even have this pathetic example in my collection.
Just make sure you buy smart and account for the flaws and you’ll be ok. When in doubt, ask a third party. Remember, nobody should be buying pens as investments anyway, so long as you enjoy the pen, everything else will be fine.
Cheers!
Brian