Cracked nib on MT Blackbird - repair?

[paulkeenan]

Hi, I'm a first time poster on FPN (based in the UK) but I was hoping that the collective expertise could advise me on something. As part of a bundle of stuff that I purchased recently, I was delighted to find a Mabie Todd Blackbird. Black celluloid lever fill (nickel trim from the look of it but 14ct nib), so I'm guessing late 1930s or early 1940s from what I've read. Anyway, I cleaned it up and fitted a new sac BUT I have discovered that there was a crack in the nib that only became clear once I inked it. You'll see it in the attached photo - upper left of the breather hole. So, my question is: can the nib be repaired (i.e. here in the UK) or should I replace it? The nib in it appears to be a Conway Stewart, rather than a Blackbird, but I wasn't confident enough in my ability to remove it without further damage to check any further details.

 

Any advice on (UK) solutions would be welcome.

 

Paul

Edited April 10, 2025 by paulkeenan

[Beechwood]

The crack isn't the only problem with the nib. I would try and source an MT Blackbird nib, if you have the skills to fit a new sac then replacing the nib should be okay.

 

There are people in the UK who can do this work but they know how to charge and you might find that the cost of the repair and two way postage will exceed the value of the pen.

 

 

[paulkeenan]

Thanks for this. So the nib is probably not salvageable then? I'll have a look at replacement nibs to gauge price. I'm guessing that MT and Conway Stewart nibs in the relevant size will work?

[Dillo]

There are people who can weld the crack back together and fix the tipping, but in this case, it may be better find the nib you need.

[Beechwood]

On 4/11/2025 at 11:06 AM, paulkeenan said:

Thanks for this. So the nib is probably not salvageable then? I'll have a look at replacement nibs to gauge price. I'm guessing that MT and Conway Stewart nibs in the relevant size will work?

 

Short answer, yes. If you can I would park the idea of a Conway Stewart nib, if you are going to try and source a nib then it is better that you try and find the real thing.

 

Nibs are not that easy to find, perhaps try eBay or if there is a pen show near to you then you will certainly find something for your pen

 

https://ukpenshows.co.uk/

 

As I mentioned before, your pen has a modest value on the second hand market, you could probably replace the entire pen for one in good working condition for the price of repairing your Blackbird including a new nib.

 

That may not be a consideration for you but I thought I should make you aware.