Restoration of Damaged Waterman Opera Nib

This Waterman Man 100 Opera took a nosedive from a substantial height, and the nib was accordioned as a result:

I restored the shape; here’s the result after the metalworking phase was complete. You can see that the white metal plating (platinum or rhodium, most likely) has been lost during the re-shaping process:

Bent Opera Nib After 1

The final step is the restoration of that plating; in this case, I used platinum, as did Sheaffer when it first introduced this two-tone design in mid-1931:

Restorations like this are quite time-consuming, especially when performed by someone with perfectionistic tendencies, but the results are very rewarding.

Chilton Wingflow Inlay Replacement

A client had a Chilton Wingflow in wonderful condition, except that one of the gold filled inlays had been lost. I fabricated a replacement piece and fitted it.

I started with 14K stock
The replacement, partially shaped
The new inlay, ready to affix
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The completed job

 

Scalloped Line Parker “51” Cap

This cap was sent in by a pen dealer as a throw-in gift with another job; he thought I could harvest the inner components for my parts stock and toss the shell. I took that as a challenge.

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A Sterling “51” Cap with Serious Issues

This cap apparently drank too much, because it got hammered. I brought it up to a presentable state.

DWL_Hammered_51_Cap_Before_125125 DWL_Hammered_51_Cap

Lined Gold Filled Parker “51” Cap Dent Reversal

A relatively humble cap in the “51” pantheon, and having relatively mild damage, but still deserving of an aesthetic overhaul, I think.

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Lustraloy Parker “51” Cap Restoration

This stainless steel cap had some severe scarring. I took care of that, and applied a period-authentic finish (which, by the way, is not produced by simply spinning the cap against an abrasive surface).

MN_Scarred_WB_Before_1_125125sharp MN_Scarred_WB_1

Lined Sterling Parker “51” Cap Restoration

This cap looked like it went 15 rounds with Rocky Marciano. I cleaned it up enough to make it quite presentable.

RZ_Lined_Sterling

Parker “51” “Empire” Cap Dent Reversal

This once-proud “Empire” Heirloom Parker “51” cap had accumulated a variety of dents and dings. Its new owner wanted to bring it back to its original glory, and I was happy to take on the challenge.

Shubin_Empire_Cap_Before1125125 Shubin_Empire_Cap_1