Vintage fountain pens combine mechanical condition, material stability, historical variation and collector demand. Document first, identify second, and intervene only when construction is understood.
1. Mint claims require restraint
Mint claims require restraint should be evaluated in context rather than as a single yes-or-no feature. Record what you can observe, distinguish confirmed facts from assumptions, and avoid operating an unfamiliar mechanism merely to test it.
2. Separate cosmetic and mechanical condition
Separate cosmetic and mechanical condition should be evaluated in context rather than as a single yes-or-no feature. Record what you can observe, distinguish confirmed facts from assumptions, and avoid operating an unfamiliar mechanism merely to test it.
3. Disclose repairs
Disclose repairs should be evaluated in context rather than as a single yes-or-no feature. Record what you can observe, distinguish confirmed facts from assumptions, and avoid operating an unfamiliar mechanism merely to test it.
4. Describe brassing, scratches and imprints
Describe brassing, scratches and imprints should be evaluated in context rather than as a single yes-or-no feature. Record what you can observe, distinguish confirmed facts from assumptions, and avoid operating an unfamiliar mechanism merely to test it.
5. Use photographs as evidence
Use photographs as evidence should be evaluated in context rather than as a single yes-or-no feature. Record what you can observe, distinguish confirmed facts from assumptions, and avoid operating an unfamiliar mechanism merely to test it.
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