Old Epenco Lever Filler - Ink Sac Size?

[boybacon]

Hello for the THIRD time, o mighty experts on fountain pens

 

Today, in my newbie buying frenzy, I spent $8.00 on this Epenco lever filler. It's DEFINITELY a gold plated nib

 

The ink sac came out in 1 piece (well, two if you include the "collar" attached to the nib/feed section). The clip has "EPENCO" on it (along with some corrosion), and the band on the cap is faceted (kind of cool! Also a little corrosion). Lever is gold plated, also with a little corrosion. I really like the color and condition of the celluloid body, which is why I purchased it. The nib is losing some of it's gold plating and is stamped "EPENCO" over "NEW YORK" over "US PATS" over "2054306" and "25054307" over "MADE IN USA"


I have only two questions for this one.

 

Question #1: Any idea how to remove the "collar" of the old in sac shellaced into place on the nib/feed section?

Question #2: What's the best way to determine the sac size for this one? The old sack is as hard as a rock, and I'd like to keep this pen as a writer.

[kirchh]

 

Question #1: Any idea how to remove the "collar" of the old in sac shellaced into place on the nib/feed section?

Question #2: What's the best way to determine the sac size for this one? The old sack is as hard as a rock, and I'd like to keep this pen as a writer.

1 - A little heat and some scraping.

 

2 - Test different sizes until you find one that fits.

 

--Daniel

[boybacon]

Thanks, Daniel. Is it worth restoring to a writeable condition, do you think? I'm new to fountain pens, and really new to old fountain pens.

[boybacon]

This pen ended up taking a #20 ink sack. I used a little Flitz polish on the barrel and cap, and it really brought out the depth of the plastic/celluloid. It's a very pretty brown with just a hint of orange. It writes with a fine line, and not much variation. It's a little scratchy which I half expected for what I paid. I'll post some photos and a review when I get a chance. Maybe tomorrow I'll have some free time.