Waterman Citation. The Work Continues...

[missuslovett]

I recently bought a Waterman Taperite Citation with the intention of repairing it, chortling to myself at the bargain I'd found. Of course, the vendor knew better! The little wretch may have all its parts and nice bright trim but it turns out the insides are glued together by a combination of - er - glue, shellac and thick black ink.

 

Of course, this wasn't obvious at first because I couldn't get the damn thing open. It has taken weeks of patient soaking, gentle heating and manipulation and I finally cracked it (not literally, thank God) yesterday. How did he get so messy? I know now that Taperite's are especially hard to wheedle apart - a factoid that would have been more useful to me before I bought it - but I offer this as hope to all those who similarly toil. Yes! It can be done!

 

Mr. Waterman is now in his component pieces, drying after a bath, awaiting reconstructive surgery. He should be a handsome beast when I'm finished but I'm not in any hurry to try that again! Any tips and tricks would be welcome.