Parker 180

[Squeteague]

So I recently found in an old drawer this handsome little pen.

 

 

I had never seen this type of Parker before, but after a little research I found that this was in fact a Parker 180 in the guilloché finish called Écorce (Bark). (big thanks to richardspens.com)

It looked awesome, so I was very happy until a close inspection revealed this:

 

 

...

 

The nib looks to be gold, but the piece that covers it is quite loose and bent away from the nib. It looks like it was clamped on (bitten on...? :hmm1:), judging by the marks on the piece and the plastic feed underneath.

 

Nevertheless I inked it up to see if it wrote and it didn't (who would've guessed...), so I soaked in plain water for about 2 days and yet it still refused to write.

It seems to be blocked very securely and will not budge even with an ammonia solution.

It's a shame, really, because it looks like such an interesting pen - apparently it's made to be written on both sides of the nib for different line width, and everything else is in absolutely mint condition.

 

So now I'm wondering whether to let it rest in peace or find a replacement nib somewhere.

Any suggestions/ideas?

[nxn96]

This is a tough one. The 180 is an interesting, but not overly popular Parker model; as such, I'm not sure how easy it would be to find parts for this pen. You can find some NOS pens on eBay in the $80-100 range, if that helps. You might try posting this on the repair Q&A to see if someone has a lead on parts.

 

It's actually a pretty decent pen; a bit thin in the hand for my taste, but the "gimmick"- the dual nib- works and is a pretty smooth writer.

 

Good luck, and hope this helps.

[Sasha Royale]

Looks like someone tried to disassemble, and used too much force.

The sac is likely destroyed, and in need of replacement. You can't DEMAND that a sick fountain

pen function at your command. Dried ink forms a concrete. How long does it take to liquify

concrete ? If it was neglected in a drawer for years, soak it for weeks. Just water. It

has endured enough harsh treatment. As long as the water discolors, there is ink-cement being

desolved.

 

I have two of these, and I love 'em. Smooth writing, but too narrow for comfort. Kinda rare.

 

I wish you success through gentleness and patience.

[Eccles]

So I recently found in an old drawer this handsome little pen. I had never seen this type of Parker before, but after a little research I found that this was in fact a Parker 180 in the guilloché finish called Écorce (Bark). (big thanks to richardspens.com)

So now I'm wondering whether to let it rest in peace or find a replacement nib somewhere. Any suggestions/ideas?

 

G'day.

I have 4 of these attractive pens in various finishes, 2 with original aerometric fillers and two with more recent slide converters. The aerometric filler will 'unplug' to facilitate soaking the feed system from both ends; even better if you can put it through an ultrasound bath or two. You can also fill a slide converter with whatever cleaning solution you are using and try pumping it through... if you can't get any movement, it might still help to leave the converter and solution in place for a while. You've nothing to lose but time, so let the so'n'so soak as long as it takes.

Conversely, and sadly, it's possible that you may eventually find it easier to buy a scruffy example with intact section/nib and exchange them.

Good luck.

Glenn.

Edited March 15, 2013 by Eccles

[Squeteague]

Thank you all for your suggestions.

 

I think I'll first soak the nib and the section in an ammonia solution for as long as it takes until the blockage clears. The original aerometric filler is in a fantastic condition.

Am I right in thinking that the nib and the section are inseparable?

In the meantime, I'll order an ultrasonic cleaner, just in case. (or persuade my dad to order one )

Edited March 16, 2013 by Squeteague

[Eccles]

My cleaner is similar to this.. .http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ULTRASONIC-CLEANER-ULTRA-SONIC-SONIC-WAVE-JEWELLERY-CLEANER-TANK-BATH-600mL-/300875933352?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item460d9a66a8 and seems quite effective. Really bad encrustation can take a prolonged cycle of soak-clean-soak-clean to do the job, but it's very satisfying to rescue an otherwise moribund pen.

 

Personally, I'm not game to try to separate nib from section in this model, though undoubtedly it can be done; there are members here who are far more experienced/competent to tackle it and may offer advice. However, the same gunk that's stopping ink flow is likely cementing the nib assembly well and truly in place and I'd be getting a proper pen repair person to tackle it... (FX: chicken noises!)

 

I can't see anything on eBay at the moment that's available to Aus and worth cannibalising, but it's worth monitoring.

 

Glenn.