An important lesson:
Thanks again for all the kind comments.
I learned an important lesson today.
I made up a few pens to donate to a local women's shelter, who is about to
hold an auction to raise funds. I thought this Jr. Statesman might make a
nice addition to the items up for bid next month.
The lesson?
Never mention the suggested retail value of a good pen while someone
is holding said pen over a stone floor.
I had to replace the top section of the pen. Fortunately, I was able to
remove the parts, but Barons, Gents and Statesmen don't like to give up
their center bands without a fight. I had to 'peel' away the brass tube in
order to get the center band out. The pen came out OK though.