Italian Pens Problem

[jchch1950]

Hi,yesterday I opened my safe box to see some of my more beloved pens. In there there is a mixture of German,American,Japanese ,French and Italian pens. I was shocked to see three pens damaged. First an especial edition of Omas sold by selected dealers in Rome, the material deformed and the gold plated fittings all corred. The second one an Aurora with special silver design in two parts without any reason. The third one is a Visconti the clip fell down and the gold plating all oxidezed. None of the other pens (many) had any visible problem. Maybe some of the more knowledgable members can have some opinions about this terrible and expensive discovery. Thenks.

[Koyote]

Perhaps they got sad from lack of use?

 

OK, seriously, it's hard to know what went wrong without detailed photos and descriptions of each pen and it's problems. My only suggestion is that you send them back to the manufacturers for service.

[cattar]

Dampness. Mixed metals. Storage in plastic. Could be many reasons.

 

How are the pens stored?

Is there humidity control?

Are the pens touching each other or touching metal or plastic?

Are they stored with other items made of metals or plastics?

Are they inked?

[tryphon]

My guess is that one of the pens is made of celluloid (either cellulose nitrate or cellulose acetate) and it decayed. The decaying process releases corrosive gas (often nitric acid) that destroys the pen, including its metal parts. I have seen this many times, unfortunately! In recent years, some Italian celluloid (red or reddish color) was improperly mixed and is self destructing at an alarming rate. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done to stop the rot. Keep all celluloid pens apart from the other pens, as the outgassing can quickly destroy components near the rotting pen.

The picture shows a new old stock German pen and the effect of the celluloid rot, even on the metal parts:

 

http://s26.postimg.org/72dk9bzo9/Rk1.jpg

[cattar]

That is so sad.


Dampness or acid paper will have a similar effect.
Also add to the list on storage questions above,
Are the pens stored in paper or paper boxes? Are the papers or boxes archival or acid free?

[jchch1950]

Tryphon I think you are right.so be carefull with italian pens or better I will stay away from them. Thank you for the comments.

[tryphon]

Truth is, the problem affects also pens not made in Italy. Many prestige pens made in other Countries used Italian celluloid. The good news is that acrylic pens (mostly called "resin" pens) are immune from this type of problems.