For authenticity checking, comparison with the fake articles on StarWalkers published on Fountainpen.de is recommended, e.g. the PDF guides there to typical counterfeit features. Indications of an original are a clean star, the imprint "Germany metal Pix" on the clip, clean workmanship and the serial number engraved directly on the clip (usual on the first series). With the original disassembled, threads on the front part, a removable coil spring and three rings can be found. In general, it is advised to buy high-quality writing instruments from specialist retailers in order to avoid problems of this kind.