Time to win against the bad guys....or at least fight a faker. Picture yourself in a department store, fine writing shop, collectibles show, or swap meet. Someone hands you a fountain pen and tells you it is brand new. Under the brilliant halogen lights, the pen shimmers like a glossy new car. But something starts to bother you. A little voice starts to nag you, "Is this pen REALLY new?" Okay, put on your detective's hat. What are the telltale signs that a pen has been used? • Ink residue anywhere -- OK, that's pretty basic • Scratches visible on the body or cap -- I can spot those • A nib with uneven tips -- I might need a magnifier for this What else have your experiences taught you to look for? Step up and strike a blow against FP fakery.