Maker: Sheaffer
This is the standard sized high-end Balance, prior to the switch to names; it would develop into the Statesman (indeed, that later pen’s code was 74T in the lever version– the name might be considered a mere alias). Unlike the Statesman, it was not the same price as its oversize stablemate, costing 50¢ less– a bargain! It bears a white dot and the point is marked LIFETIME; examples made prior to the last quarter of 1931 will not have a two-tone mask.
Production Run: 1929 – 1937.
Cost When New: $9.50 (for modern value, try this calculator).
Size: 13.4 cm long capped, 15.4 cm posted, 12.0 uncapped.
Point: 14k gold with platinum mask.
Body: Celluloid.
Filler: Lever, capacity approx. 1.1 ml, or vacuum filler after 1933, capacity approx. 1.8 ml.
74TC in red-veined grey pearl. Like the preceding flat-top models, these were available with clip or ring fittings, reflected in the suffix of the model number. Colour and clip shape indicate this specimen was made between 1931 and 1935.
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