Truly heartwarming story about your father-in-law using it to write home. My dad (at 16 shhh!) was on a tanker (USS Tomahawk) in the South Pacific so I understand the garden spot of it. The pen is beautiful either way based on the history and looks like they may have replaced the nib during restoration? Thanks for sharing that beautiful keepsake...gave me goose bumps!

Thanks for the YT link...you were right I thought I was caught in a Spike Lee movie with Charlie Browns Mom narrating and won't go there about the shop. The hour long one was better but never did find out what that release agent was. Vacuum Pump may be a cool idea? Also liked the pigment and turning stuff. Are you thinking of building one or some for yourself? ~PJ