In the last few months I have been asked repeatedly to appraise maki-e fountain pens. I am happy to do this for free, and often I can do it from photographs, which is infinetely safer than sending the pens themselves. You may mail photographs or send digital images by e-mail attachments.
Some people have sent me actual pens in the mail to be appraised. Please, if you do this, make sure that the pen is marked to be appraised only. I have had no problems or lost pens, but it always makes me feel nervous when people trust me with such treasures as Dunhill Namiki fountain pens.
For more guidelines send an e-mail with the handy Mail Form :