Montblanc 146 splayed nib? Easy fix?

[copenhagenwriter]

I’m considering buying a pen with the pictures nib.

 

But as is obvious it is splayed. I know that from pictures alone it’s difficult to assess the problem.

 

From your experience- does this look like something that could be fixed? And is it a diy-fix or something that would require a professional?

 

kind regards

 

thomas

[Uncial]

That picture pains me.

Sometimes a sprung nib is a goner. Very hard to know also if what looks like hairs or scratches aren't in fact cracks on a nib. 

[copenhagenwriter]

Yes. I also wonder how these things happen? A very aggressive signature? Or kids playing around with the pen?

 

I have sent the seller off to a shop to have it inspected. Let’s see how that goes.

 

/thomas

[dipper]

That nib does look strange.

 

Notice that the inwards facing edges of the tines are angled outwards at a constant "splayed" angle. That angle runs all the way from the breather hole to the nib tipping. I find it hard to imagine what misuse of the pen could cause such a result.

 

One possible cause could be a powerful downwards impact onto the nib behind the breather hole, distorting the body of the nib. The tines may then be undamaged, but would each point in whatever direction the distorted body was directing them.

 

Looking at the area of the "4810" engraving there is a suggestion of an impact onto the "8". A single photograph can show all sorts of false indications though. That divot on the "8" could be just odd lighting reflections.

 

If the nib has been impacted at the "8" then the nib may be fixable by burnishing out the impact point from the underside and gently reshaping the pen body, without ever touching the tines?

 

But what about the feed .... Has that been crushed?

[BlueJ]

This looks like something a professional nibmeister could repair, if the feed is okay. Or Montblanc could service the pen, for a premium fee of course. An experienced amateur might attempt it too, but if you don't already own the pen, my suggestion would be forget about it and look for another 146 in known good condition. There are always plenty of 146s on the used market.

[JulieParadise]

Depending on the price I would buy it.

 

If the pen costs x and an additional replacement nib costing xx (if all goes wrong and the worst case happens: the original nib is unusable) adds up to an amount I am comfortable with, then I'd give it a go.

 

Two of my favourite pens had scratchy, splayed and bent nibs; you'd be surprised to see how malleable a nib is. Mine came with standard nibs, so I also reshaped them into fine or medium italices/stubs, my favourite grind. 

 

If you cannot repair it yourself, factor in a repair person's fee or, in case of a Montblanc, their service. 

 

Pens in dire condition can be worth it, if their price is just low enough.