Any Diamond Clips That Aren't Painted Blue?

[rachels]

I have a slender maxima from 1937 that has a diamond on the clip but it is not blue. I'm curious if the paint just chipped away or if there were any that were purposefully made with just a gold diamond.

 

[mitto]

Paint chipped away.

[Beechwood]

Very nice pen though, with or without the blue.

[pen lady]

Just out of interest, what are the ethics of repainting the diamond? It's not hard to do with model-making paint.

[mitto]

Just out of interest, what are the ethics of repainting the diamond? It's not hard to do with model-making paint.

It is understood that the paint could and would be washed away with use / cleaning. While at the same time it was meant to be a symbol of lifetime warranty. So I don't think ethics would not allow the repainting.

[Beechwood]

Not sure what you would be gaining Pen Lady by painting in the diamond, to my eyes the pen looks just as good without it, personally I would not discount the pen because it has lost its blue.

[AAAndrew]

It's your pen, and painting it with model paint is definitely reversible. Paint away. It's not like you're cutting it in half lengthways to show the inside mechanism. If you like it better with the blue, then go for it. I like the blue diamonds blue as well. And I've seen a fair number where the blue is partially or fully gone.

[Manalto]

Here's a discussion of restoring the blue diamond to its authentic color, with some tips on technique as well.

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/93653-restoring-the-blue-diamond/

[pen lady]

Hmmm. I ask not for my own pens (big 'ol Vacs and 51s are not what I crave), but for pens that I'm repairing to resell, as, I believe that a pen with a complete blue diamond is worth more than one where the enamel is missing. Vintage and antique restoration is a murky pool to be swimming in isn't it?

[Beechwood]

You will have many different opinions, I have owned 50+ vacs and it wouldnt matter to me whether the blue diamond was there or not, each to their own.

[mitto]

Hmmm. I ask not for my own pens (big 'ol Vacs and 51s are not what I crave), but for pens that I'm repairing to resell, as, I believe that a pen with a complete blue diamond is worth more than one where the enamel is missing. Vintage and antique restoration is a murky pool to be swimming in isn't it?

If restoration with customised non-Parker parts is not unethical why should repainting the diamond be?

 

Only a question for consideration , that is.

Edited July 15, 2015 by mitto

[Manalto]

Vintage and antique restoration is a murky pool to be swimming in isn't it?

 

Indeed it is. As you can see from the comments here, although you asked about value, there are those who are unable to restrain themselves from giving their individual opinions.

 

From previous discussions in other forums, I've learned that in general, Americans have a reputation for overdoing restorations and undervaluing the patina of age in an attempt to restore an item to like-new condition, while Europeans are more inclined to retain the character of a piece. Exceptions to this tendency abound. My feeling is that, unless an item is truly rare and a valuable piece of history, you have no ethical responsibility for authenticity and it is yours to do with as you will. If you think the blue diamond should be black (or red, etc.) have at it. Your sacrilege will be scorned by some and celebrated by others. If your goal is remaining true to the original design and materials, there are plenty of people who can help with the effort.

Edited July 15, 2015 by Manalto

[mitto]

Indeed it is. As you can see from the comments here, although you asked about value, there are those who are unable to restrain themselves from giving their individual opinions.

 

From previous discussions in other forums, I've learned that in general, Americans have a reputation for overdoing restorations and undervaluing the patina of age in an attempt to restore an item to like-new condition, while Europeans are more inclined to retain the character of a piece. Exceptions to this tendency abound. My feeling is that, unless an item is truly rare and a valuable piece of history, you have no ethical responsibility for authenticity and it is yours to do with as you will. If you think the blue diamond should be black (or red, etc.) have at it. Your sacrilege will be scorned by some and celebrated by others. If your goal is remaining true to the original design and materials, there are plenty of people who can help with the effort.

+1

[Manalto]

I just realized that I'm just as guilty as those I mention who can't resist giving their individual opinions, with no consideration to Pen Lady's question about value. My suggestion for pens you wish to sell would be to offer the pen in the condition in which you received it. Restoring the ink filler and storage system is the exception and increases value. I've noticed many of the better sellers don't do cosmetic restoration (unless requested), presumably to offer the buyer the choice.

[mitto]

I just realized that I'm just as guilty as those I mention who can't resist giving their individual opinions, with no consideration to Pen Lady's question about value. My suggestion for pens you wish to sell would be to offer the pen in the condition in which you received it. Restoring the ink filler and storage system is the exception and increases value. I've noticed many of the better sellers don't do cosmetic restoration (unless requested), presumably to offer the buyer the choice.

 

Yes , Manalto. I quite agree with you. But coming back to the specific issue of repainting the blue diamond , I think repainting the diamond and telling the same to the buyer wouldn't mean denying him the choice to once again wash away the (re)painting , in a matter of minutes if not seconds , from the diamond if in case he so wishes.

Edited July 15, 2015 by mitto

[Vintagepens]

If your pen is truly from 1937, that's the wrong clip anyway. The Blue Diamond wasn't introduced until a few years later.

[Florida Blue]

If your pen is truly from 1937, that's the wrong clip anyway. The Blue Diamond wasn't introduced until a few years later.

 

Good point. The OP's pen would have had a clip with the feathers as the Blue Diamond clip didn't come out until 1939.

 

Perhaps the date code is actually a 9.

[rachels]

 

Good point. The OP's pen would have had a clip with the feathers as the Blue Diamond clip didn't come out until 1939.

 

Perhaps the date code is actually a 9.

 

Hi. OP here. I think the blue diamond was introduced in 1938....but yeah, 1937 was a little early for it. That's why I thought maybe they did the diamond then but didn't start filling it in until later. I have attached some more detailed pics including the date code.

 

Thank you all for your replies! I love reading the debate and figuring things out.

 

Okay--I don't know how to add pics (besides linking a URL which these aren't) without having an original post, so may start a part two of this topic unless someone can tell me how to upload from computer in this post.

 

Edit: couldn't post photos in comment, started new thread--see link below...

Edited July 16, 2015 by rachels

[rachels]

Here is the link to the follow up post that has additional photos: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/293872-any-diamond-clips-that-arent-painted-blue-part-2/

[FarmBoy]

Painting the diamond is not a big deal nor is a sac or a breather tube. A reproduction barrel or tassie is a different story.

 

I would say it differently, old time collectors prefer unrestored or repaired to work pens, new collectors users prefer shiny sticks and modified nibs.