John Holland pen help

[saraw946]

Hello everyone,

 

I’m reaching out to inquire about pen restoration services. I have a very old pen and a mechanical pencil that were gifted to my great uncle in 1917. Both were made by John Holland.
 

Unfortunately, my mother accidentally broke the upper tip (barrel?) of the pen a million years ago, and the piece was lost. 

 

I’m wondering whether there is anyone in this country (US) to restore these, including fixing the broken tip of the first one. I presume they could find the same or similar material and kind of fit it? I am not looking to create something perfect, just a working pen because I like it.

 

Someone once told me the pen does not have a nib? I think it does, but I am really clueless about pens. I am attaching photos of the John Holland pen and pencil. It would be great if someone could tell me what they are missing and what could be done with them.

 

Thank you very much for your help and advice!

[Sailor Kenshin]

It does not have a nib.  That part sticking out is the feed.  You might possibly find a replacement for the nib.

 

A moderator could move this topic to Repairs... might get more responses.  Good luck and welcome aboard.

[saraw946]

Thanks. Do you think the tip in the back (barrel?) can be fixed?

[VacNut]

Great family story…

Unfortunately the pencil was not made until the early 1930’s. Perhaps only the pen was given at that time?

 

The pen may be repaired by a splicing a replacement end reinforced with a sleeve and hiding the joint underneath the gold overlay, but it will not likely match the brown-black of the pen. The entire pen could be re-blackened to a more uniform color, but that would require removing the overlay.

The pen can be repaired, but it may be difficult to find a restorer willing to take on the challenge. You may get lucky if you can convince them the pen has great sentimental value.

 

I would be curious to see the opinion of others.