should I replace this nib?

[edteach]

I have a Parker Vacuumatic I just finished restoring. The nib is fine but its a replacement. I need the slender vac nib. Found one for $34 The one that came with it is sold 14k gold but not a Parker. Thanks for opinions.

[PAKMAN]

I would put a proper Parker nib myself.

 

[edteach]

I think I will replace it. Its 38 shipped for the nib. Parker slender. https://www.ebay.com/itm/204497012148

[Penguincollector]

  I would. Those Vac nibs with the arrow are the pièce de résistance of a stunning pen. 

[mitto]

Replace it. 

[Mr.Rene]

15 hours ago, PAKMAN said:

I would put a proper Parker nib myself.

 

Hi Mitto,

any idea where to get those Parker Vacumatic spare nibs ?

Regards

[VacNut]

If you are in the US, check in with Rob and Rita at Fivestarpens. You can check with Mark at vintage fountain pens in the UK. You may need to check several times as nibs aren’t always available.

 

The $38 is about half the value of the Vac. You may want to factor in that cost on your next Vac purchase, if the pen is not complete.

[mitto]

On 8/20/2024 at 10:26 PM, Mr.Rene said:

Hi Mitto,

any idea where to get those Parker Vacumatic spare nibs ?

Regards

 

Well, I personally look for lot(s) of broken / project pens for my supply of P 51 spares includong spare nibs. In the recent past I purchased, from a local bender, a P51 Vacumatic lot of 13 pens with 9 good nib, 4 good caps and all 13 godd barrels, hoods and fillers for a very very good price. 

 

Also, I purchased  a 16 pens P61 project pens lot from eBay. UK with all having good (broad and double broad) nibs. Some had good barrels, hoods - along with the self flying ARROWS. - and good cappilary and aerometric fillers. 

I never buy a loan nib. 

Best of luck. 

[VacNut]

The nib is a common replacement part. It is the most used and worn out part of a pen. If you intend on collecting more vacs, you should consider spare pens for parts.

 

Unfortunately those parts that are needed are typically the parts that are worn on the spare pens. (I imagine every Vac Collector has bins full of barrels, caps, and sections.)

 

Parker made just replacement nibs but that was over 80 years ago - although they are periodically available.

 

Vac nibs are a great design and fit the aesthetics of the pen, but admittedly they aren’t always the best writers. If you are a purist, try to find a replacement nib. If the pen is a daily user, you may consider writing with the existing nib to see if it suits your hand.

 

Either way, enjoy the pen.