Maker: Sheaffer.
The Compact was an odd little thing, almost a novelty. It may have been a throwback to the Tuckaway, a pen meant to ride in a purse or perhaps a vest pocket. It may also have been a simple “look what we can do” exercise, celebrating the appearance of the inlaid point and cartridges. It may also be simply the “Comp”, as this is what appeared on the body chalk-marks; as Sheaffer would put things like “Sovereign” into these marks, they clearly weren’t given to contractions.
In keeping with their approach to the PFM and Imperial lines, Sheaffer offered two versions of this pen with different roman numeral designations. The Compact I had steel furniture and point, while the Compact II had gold-plated hardward and a gold point. The latter also had a white-dot on the clip, which at this point in Sheaffer’s career was merely an indicator of a higher quality pen. It was, in essence, a miniature of the Imperial line, and while with the cap posted it is comfortable enough to write it certainly wouldn’t do for someone with hands too much larger than average.
Production Run: 1961 – 1962.
Cost When New: $5 or $10, depending on trim (for modern value, try this calculator).
Size: 12.1 cm long capped, 14.5 cm posted.
Point: Steel or 14k gold, inlaid.
Body: Polystyrene.
Filler: Cartridge, capacity approx. 1.1 ml. No converter made will fit in that short little barrel.
Sheaffer Compact II. This image not to scale with most portraits.
Because it’s out of scale, it is hard to tell how small it is; the clip hints at it. The windows in the barrel appear only in the earlier part of the run.
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