I had several pens inked but none was a Swan so I thought I would amend that. I had a very pretty green marbled pre-war no-number Swan that I hadn’t used in a long time – if ever. I filled it and it was a disaster. The semi-flex nib would only write with pressure and not very well even then. It seemed very likely I would have to strip it down and find out what the trouble was but I thought I would try the soapy water trick first. One drop of Fairy Liquid in a small glass is enough, then a good flush followed by a rinse.
It gave me a good line for a paragraph then reverted to hard start and skip. I disassembled it, reset the nib and widened the nib slit a fraction. Success! It’s a perfect European fine with some flex.
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Wish I could say the same about a stub-nibbed Sheaffer TM in my collection. Despite my best efforts it will not fill properly, nor will it write consistently. One day the mystery will be solved.
Which filling system?
It’s a Touchdown, but behaves in reverse to the usual manner: the vacuum comes when the plunger is drawn out, not in. I’ve checked all parts and nothing is missing or in poor condition. Your guess will be as good as mine.
Sorry, I’m no expert on Touchdowns. Maybe someone else will chime in here. Failing that, take it to Fountain pen geeks. You’re sure to get some help there.
Don’t worry, Deb, I’ve done that several times, all to no avail. One of the mysteries of the universe?