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. Restored does not mean cosmetically perfect
Restored does not mean cosmetically perfect 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. Unrestored does not mean original in every part
Unrestored does not mean original in every part 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. Service documentation has value
Service documentation has value 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. Projects need contingency budgets
Projects need contingency budgets 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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