Nicknamed "The Dolphin", this appears to be an effort to make a pen which appears to have an inlaid
point, which are a signature of Sheaffer's high-end pens to this very
day, without needing quite so much skill in the making. The designation "800" was an indication of cost, which was
something Sheaffer had been doing now and then since the 1930s.
There were three trim grades for this shape of pen, the 500 being
the least fancy with a steel point and cap. The 800 had
a gold point, gold-plated fittings and a matching plastic cap, and the
1000 a gold cap. At each level, you would pay a small premium to
get a cartridge-filler version, except the 1000 which was only available in that format-- it was the cool new technology of the time, so it cost more. In no case is that point actually
inlaid, either, but the mock-inlaid effect is pleasing all the same,
somewhat distracting from the weirdly prognathous profile of the thing.
A very full examination of this pen can be found at in the
Gallery at PenHero.
So, what's it like? It's funnier looking in person than in the
picture, and the point is extremely firm. This is a very modern
pen, lacking some of the liveliness of the older vintage pens,
but it writes very smoothly indeed. I got this one not long after I got a 500,
and the chance to compare was useful. There is not a huge
difference, apart from width, in the way they write, despite the other
having a steel point. The cap on this one looks like it belongs
to the pen, while the 500's looks a little bit like it doesn't quite
fit-- although the satin-finish steel is very attractive compared to
the yet-more-plastic of this one. This was the era were plastic
was laudable, of course.
Specifications: Medium nib? Possibly broad, certainly very wet. Touchdown filler. Spring-loaded clip. 13.6cm long capped, 14.2 posted.
Condition: Plastic is very good; not mirror smooth as a mint pen
would be. One short and very thin scratch emerging between the A
and E of the imprint. Cap much the same, with a small scratch
just under the clip. Strong,
deep imprint on body. Sac and seals fully functional.
Repairs: O-Ring seal replaced and greased. Sac examined
with an eye to replacement, but is currently in fine shape-- talcum
powder applied to lubricate its action.
Location: My collection
For sale?: No.
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