Ep 20. Vintage Fountain Pen

In season four, episode 20 of The Repair Shop, the team is tasked with restoring a vintage fountain pen. The pen has a rich history, having belonged to the owner's grandfather who was a writer and journalist in the mid-20th century. However, over time, the pen has deteriorated and needs some serious TLC to be brought back to its former glory.

The first step in the restoration process is to carefully disassemble the pen. The team examines each part closely, noting any damage or wear and tear. As they work, they discuss the history of fountain pens and the role they played in the art of writing. They note that fountain pens were once the preferred writing instrument for many writers and journalists, but they fell out of fashion with the advent of ballpoint pens and other modern writing technologies.

Once the pen is disassembled, the team begins the long process of cleaning and repairing each individual part. They carefully clean the nib, which is the part that actually touches the paper when writing. They note that the nib is crucial to the performance of the pen, as it is responsible for delivering the ink in a consistent and smooth manner.

The team also works on the pen's cartridge filling mechanism. They note that this mechanism can be prone to clogging and other problems over time, which can make it difficult or impossible to use the pen. They carefully clean and repair this mechanism, making sure that it is working properly before reassembling the pen.

As the team works on the pen, they discuss the importance of preserving these types of vintage items. They note that there is something special about using a pen that has a history and a story behind it. In a world where everything is disposable and replaceable, they believe that it is important to preserve these types of items for future generations to enjoy.

Once the pen is fully restored, it is time for the owner to try it out. They carefully insert a fresh ink cartridge and begin to write. The team watches with bated breath as the first words appear on the paper. To everyone's relief, the pen works perfectly! The owner is thrilled with the restoration and notes that the pen feels like a part of their family history.

As the episode comes to a close, the team reflects on the importance of their work. While they may just be repairing old objects, they know that what they are really doing is preserving history and memories. The vintage fountain pen may seem like a small thing, but to its owner, it is a cherished reminder of their grandfather and a bygone era of writing.