Modern Aurora 88 Piston: Exploded View

[TomJKT]

 

I find the Riserva Magica useful, even if these pens have a nice big ink window so finding yourself ink-less is quite difficult.

 

You are writing, suddenly notice the reduction of ink flow. A twist of the piston and you have enough ink to complete the page/letter/notebook entry.

 

It would be extremely useful on those piston filler with no ink window (Omas 360, for instance), but I think nobody else have it (patent reasons?).

 

Here are a few pics of my 88s. I got the g/t one as NOS back in 1993. I think it is a very early production.

The chrome version is recent, the only differences I can see is the nib design (I prefer the old one) and the section lip (I prefer the new one).

On the chrome version the "Aurora" engraving on the cap band is opposite to the clip, while on the gold onne it seems to be in a random position. Funny enough, this cap has been repaired in Aurora (shattered cap's dome, had to ship them to have a new one installed.

 

Nibs are F for the old one and M for he new one, the first one has a bit more "personality" (the so called Aurora-feedback), the second is quite neutral. I prefer the old one (both for look and handling).

 

Note: the second pic is the result of a small accident (the pen moved during the long exposure), but I liked the result...

 

 

You do not happen to have an Aurora Optima as well to show both compared? I got one of these and it's hard for me to imagine the difference in size to the 88. Or else, what are the measurements of the 88?

Thank you!

[enricof]

 

You do not happen to have an Aurora Optima as well to show both compared? I got one of these and it's hard for me to imagine the difference in size to the 88. Or else, what are the measurements of the 88?

Thank you!

 

This review has some measurements, it's in the M800/MB146 range (but seems smaller for some reason).

 

I have no other Aurora pens, what other comparison could help you (I have a few pens from other brands )?

[hari317]

The pdf file of the original post along with pictures and updates can be downloaded at the link below: if there is a problem in download, pls contact me back channel at the email address in my signature and I will email it to you.

 

https://ia601504.us.archive.org/24/items/ModernAurora88PistonExplodedView/ModernAurora88%20PistonExplodedView.pdf

Edited March 2, 2018 by hari317

[A Smug Dill]

hari, thank you very much for this most informative thread and detailed pictures!

 

I did a couple of very stupid things (which no doubt would have voided warranty as far as the manufacturer is concerned), and consequently had to open up one of my modern Aurora piston-fillers to fix the problem I created, and I used this tool to help unscrew its piston unit from the barrel:

fashioned from a humble paper clip, after reading somewhere on FPGeeks that another user has successfully done just that a couple of years back (and thankfully wrote about the experience). It was that, or ship the pen back to Aurora in Italy, and I dread to imagine the total cost of shipping both ways and the repair bill, not to mention what I expect will be two to three months' wait before getting the pen back.

Disclaimer: I am not recommending the tool or technique for opening up an Aurora, or pretending it's without significant risk. Anyone thinking about doing just that should weigh it up against the other options such as using a proper tool available for (possibly overseas) vendors for the better part of $100 including shipping, or going through Aurora and/or its local authorised distributor and just pay the repair bill, and decide with which option they're most comfortable.

[hari317]

Thanks for sharing. Over at the MB forum many have had success with the paper clip tool, I had to fashion a tool with a fruit fork once, since the situation demanded it. https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/218891-repairrefurbishment-of-a-70s-149/

 

So in my view there is always a risk when you attempt repair DIY, used properly any tool can work. Patience and knowing when an approach is not working is the key.

 

Well done on your repair.