April 2008 Newsletter
Melbourne Vintage Pens
in this issue
 
Travelling Ink Bottle Cases

Often referred to as "Travelling Inkwells", Parker called theirs a "Safety Container". During the first half of the 20th Century, cases were made in a number of materials, the earlier ones in wood, then Bakelite, and later Aluminium.

Made by a number of Pen and Ink manufactures to hold their bottles, they usually bear the company's name. Most are found without their corresponding bottles, but this is not an impediment to collecting if you don't intend to use them.

We have recently acquired a small collection including Swan, Stephens and Onoto.

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Dear *******,

Another update to the web site has just been posted. Amongst the additions are two small collections of unused Parker 51s and Sheaffer Targas, as well as Travelling Ink Bottle Cases and a general top up of most pages.
Pen Shows

Our first pen show of the year was the LA Pen Show in February. The show was well attended as usual, and will no doubt continue to be successful despite rumblings of conflicts between a number of dealers and the show operators.

We combined the show with a short holiday taking in Grand Canyon and Zion National Parks, plus visiting our friends the Kolbergs in Las Vegas.

Ebay

We've just started another season of Ebay auctions. We're happy to accumulate and combine lots to reduce shipping costs.

Parker 61 Capillary

The Parker 61 is a very elegant pen, but the capillary version has a reputation for unreliability that it doesn't deserve. The secret to success with this model is to use a low sediment ink such as Quink, and don't let it dry out.

Parker 61 Capillary Cleaning

Dried out capillary systems can usually we resurrected to full working order by forcing cold water, or a solution of Cloudy Ammonia (sometimes called Household ammonia) through the system with a rubber bulb (ear bulbs, for ear irrigation, available from your pharmacy). If using Ammonia solution, make sure you flush with plenty of water afterwards.

On no account should a Parker 61 be cleaned ultrasonically, as it will dislodge the arrow decoration.

When finished, shake well to remove water, and preferably leave open for a day or two, allowing any remaining water to evaporate.

Quotations

Computers can figure out all kinds of problems, except the things in the world that just don't add up.

James Magary

phone: INT+61 3 5258 5198