Sheaffer 5-30

Mottled green pen with gold furniture . Ring set in top rather than a clip.

This is the next step up in Sheaffer's line of the day from the 3-25. It is a rather more substantial pen that its lesser stable-mate (although my experience in that line was a short model, and must be seen in that context). The body is worthy of note, being an example of Sheaffer's "Radite" plastic; this had been introduced in 1924, and had previously been limited to the top-rank pens they made. This is at least a 1928 model-- it may be a '27, which year I do not have a catalogue for, but it does not appear in the '26 listings. It shares with so many early pen plastics the inclination to discolour. This one is at least not unsightly, as some end up looking like overcooked spinach. As with the 3-25, the name contains the pen's original price: $5.00.

Like so many elderly Sheaffers, this is a point so firm one almost thinks it's meant for combat, but is a pleasantly smooth. This nature of point is an outcome of long-term warranties, as a massive point can take more punishment than a thin, flexible one. The Lifetime points are even thicker.

Specifications: Medium unhallmarked gold point. Lever filler. 11.9cm long capped (not including the ring itself), 14.7cm posted.

Condition: The discolouration aside, it's almost as if it were made yesterday. No sign of brassing, and apart from a single scratch on the section never a blemish on the body.

Repairs: Replaced sac with silicone, cleaned feed and polished point.

Location: My collection.

For sale?: No.

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