This pen is contemporary with these vacuum-fillers.
Sheaffer was apparently mindful of some customers' distrust for
innovation, and even a decade into the use of the vacuum-filler, one
could buy lever-filled versions of their pens. Half a century
later, it is nice to stumble on one of these, which have the
interesting dimensions and writing properties of the vacs without the
misery involved in refitting them to restore function.
This pen is not altogether representative of Sheaffer's output at
the time. The most obvious revision has been a bit of a stealth
job on the trim. Only the threaded ring at the joint retains its
original finish, while clip, band and lever are all darkened as if
blued. This alteration in finish seems to be laid atop the gold
rather than some unusual effect of brassing. It might even be a
recent alteration, as it puts me in mind of the fad in the 1990s for
removing chrome from cars, although it could also be a result of oxidation of wartime silver-based hardward.
The other revision is in the point. I would call it a stub, but
it lacks any tipping material which leads to the belief that it is not
the way the point left the factory. It was probably a broad pen at
least, though, as the end of the point is not disproportionate, not
startlingly foreshortened. Whoever reshaped it did a very nice job,
too, as it's as smooth as one could hope for.
Specifications: 1mm stub 14K gold point. Lever filler. 13.0cm long capped, 14.9cm posted.
Condition: Quite
good, apart from the alterations noted above. The plastic is
smooth and barring a small scuff by the clip unmarked. The
ink-window is clear and close to the original colour, being a slightly
yellow green
Repairs:
Replaced sac with silicon to preserve the window. I contemplate
buffing away the darkening on the metal-work, but it's not interferring
with function.
Location: My collection
For sale?:
I'm not a great fan of broad points, but if I find myself required to
make signatures it is the very thing. If it appeals to you
deeply, it won't hurt to make an offer:
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