How Do I Fill This Piston Filler Pen?

[djmike523]

Hi guys... Picked up my first fountain pen; its an Aurora Archivi Storici 022 (Its a vintage 88 from what I hear).

Pen looks nice

But....uh... how do I fill it? I watched the only video I could find on youtube / google; a guy filling a piston filler with a fully exposed nib. Seemed very simple.

Only problem is, the Aurora is a partly covered nib. I tried to barely have the tip in the ink, but, it didn't really draw any up (view window still completely clear / no ink inside is visible).

Before I do something that may be unreversable error -submerge the nib and the barrel area covering the nib- I would really appreciate some help.


Thanks, gents!

 

[DavyRay]

It can't hurt piston fillers to submerge the nib (and more) in the ink. All you have to do is wipe off the excess ink after filling it.

When you twist the filler mechanism, do you see the piston moving in the clear window section? If so, it should be working. The only maintenance I know of with a piston-filler is to disassemble, clean it, and re-apply petroleum jelly to the cork seal once every few years.

 

[superbleu]

Submerge the whole nib into the ink and twist the end of the pen this should move the piston towards the nib, and you should see bubbles come out from the pen nib. Then twist the other way slowly and let it sit for 10-20 seconds then pull out and wipe off the pen with a tissue.

Also try not to use red or brown inks, they tend to stain more than other colors if you want to retain the clarity of the ink view windows.

 

[HokieGeek]

That's a nice pen. Congrats! I'll second what davy and blue said. Pistons are pretty reliable and there's no problem submerging the nib. Good luck!

 

[djmike523]

Thanks for the input, guys!

I know fully sumberging the nib is OK, but, just to make 100% certain before I do it: it's OK to sumberge in ink ~ 0.3" of the barrel that sheaths most of the nib?


Thanks again

 

[Taipei Personality]

Yes, perfectly okay and expected. This may be helpful - http://www.vintagepens.com/filling_instructions_vintage_pens.shtml

 

[Uncle Erik]

Don't worry about dunking the pen. It'll be fine. I've got an Aurora and many others that take a drink while submerged. They're fine.

 

[djmike523]

Question answered!

I was quite nervous because of the way the ink stained my hand after being on it for only a brief moment , and didn't want to stain the barrel as it looked slightly porous.

Can't wait to get home, submerge nib AND barrel , then, begin writing checks to pay the bills

Heck, at least I'll be doing it in style!


Thanks again!

 

[Sparq]

Let us know how she writes!