Onto Black Chased 5601 Barrel Material Id

[Cluedoh]

Hi all,

 

 

I have acquired a black chased Onto 5601/46. I aim to renew certain parts, however before any heat treatment I need to know what the section and barrel are made of is it Vulcanite,Rubber or celluloid?

I know the dating of these pens is slightly tricky owing to records being destroyed during the blitz. If I can unscrew the section I will be in a better position to order parts as I’m on the last lesson at the WES workshop in a few weeks time and will be able to work on it there. I would rather have the parts in anticipation. The other tools Dave Wells has.

The pen does not fill and the filler knob does not tighten to fit flush with the barrel. I’m anticipating that it will need a new cork seal and a washer, nib straightened (14k 3ST) etc. etc etc.

The eagle eyed of you will have spotted the non standard clip which will be replaced. What is the correct clip for the pen?

See my not so good images!

Thank you in anticipation,

Cluedoh

[Cob]

Hullo, I ought to know the answer to this as I have recently restored 3 4601s and a number of other Onotos.

 

The simple way to check is to polish the barrel with a little metal polish - Autsol is great; look at the cloth: if it has gone brown then you have Vulcanite/Ebonite/Black Hard Rubber (all the same thing). In fact rubbing BHR often gives a sort of sulphurous smell - another clue. I am pretty sure that they are in fact celluloid, but I am not 100% certain so please do the checks before plunging anything into water.

 

I cannot tell if your cap band is supposed to be gold or nickel plated. Anyway the clip should be like the one on the 4601 below which I restored last week.

 

Cob

 

[Cluedoh]

Hi Cob,

Thanks for the reply.

I tried the metal polish trick but the cloth didn't go brown, nor smell funny. It might be celluloid!

 

The clip and cap band are yellow metal. Mine by the way is the 5601 not 4601. It has a longer and tapered section.

Thanks for info.

 

Regards,

Cluedoh

[Cob]

Hi Cob,

Thanks for the reply.

I tried the metal polish trick but the cloth didn't go brown, nor smell funny. It might be celluloid!

 

The clip and cap band are yellow metal. Mine by the way is the 5601 not 4601. It has a longer and tapered section.

Thanks for info.

 

Regards,

Cluedoh

Yes I know it's a 5601; the cap has the narrow top and will have the same clip as the 4601 but will be gold plated then.

 

Cob

[Effin1]

I agree celluloid but plunger knob and clip screw are BHR. I managed to turn mine brown trying to clean celluloid.

[Cob]

Here's a 5601 showing the gold plated clip

 

Cob

[Cluedoh]

Thanks once again for the help