Leboeuf Repair Questions

[Marcwithac]

I have a LeBoeuf Unbreakable with a great #8 nib. The pen has been sitting in my collection for years and has never been restored. To my knowledge, all it needs is a good cleaning and new sac, although I would also like to tighten up the clip. So two questions for the experts:

 

1. Does anyone know whether the section is friction fit (in which case, I'll assume that it may have been shellacked) or is screwed on? I have tried gently nudging it both upwards and counterclockwise, but it didn't budge.

 

2. I would appreciate advice on how best to bend the clip closer to the cap without damaging either the clip or the cap.

 

Thanks,

MRP

[kirchh]

I'll defer to others on the section-fitting question, but I would advise having a pro deal with the clip to avoid creating a possibly irreversible distortion in the clip shank. It's very easy to do a poor job of it, but it takes practice and the proper tools to do a perfect job, and pen like this deserves a perfect job.

 

--Daniel

[FarmBoy]

Clip is not easily fixed as Daniel indicated. I'd be tempted to remove the inner cap to take the clip off the cap but that has risks of a different type.

 

Most likely slip fit-sleeve, button, lever filler? Barrel will be brittle and likely shrunk just enough to make it very tight.

[Marcwithac]

Thanks for the responses. Like any LeBoeuf, this is a prized pen so I will probably take your advice and leave it to a professional. In answer to FarmBoy's question, it is a lever filler (see additional photo). If I'm going to send it to a pro for the clip, I might as well have the pen cleaned and resacked professionally as well.

[gregamckinney]

Fortunately, these pens have a metal tube inside (it is what makes them "UNBREAKABLE,") so the risk to the barrel is lessened.

However, pulling the section can still be as challenging as some stubborn pens can often be. I've resacced two of this model/ size. One was easy, and one was a B.

As the OP has concluded, with the wise conclusion to have a pro handle the clip issue, it makes sense to have a pro take care of the rest of the work too.

Best Regards, greg

[Marcwithac]

As a follow-up, I would be appreciate any recommendations (including self-recommendations) of pros with the skills and experience to repair this pen.

Thanks.

[gregamckinney]

There are a number of great restorers out there, but if I pick a couple with whom I'd trust my most treasured LeBoeufs, Joel Hamilton is at the top of the list. Ron Zorn is near the top too.

 

Best Regards, greg