Which One?

[wwhite99]

My very first fountain pen was a gift to me upon graduation from High School. The year was 1958 and the pen was a Sheaffer Snorkel, I don't remember model name, nib size or any other details. I kept the pen about 15 years, then it got lost, traded, forgotten or some other disappearing act. I have never owned another Sheaffer. If you read my first post, I have been off and on with Fountain Pens several times and am now extremely interested in acquiring a few more pens to do letters, notes, journaling and financial record keeping (I already have the green eye shade). I would like to acquire a Sheaffer to honor that first pen. I currently own a Mountblanc Writers Edition (1996 - got the year right this time), a Visconti Homo Sapiens, several Lamy's (including a 2000) two TWSBI's a Pilot 823 and an older Pelican Duo Highlighter. No Parkers or Sheaffers. After thinking and reading, I have decided to not pursue acquiring a working Snorkel, as at this point I don't have the inclination to keep an older pen working. So, I would ask for suggestions about a new Sheaffer to add to my rotation. So far, I have preferred medium nibs (except the extra fine for financial work) and bottle ink capable pens. I think I would like to stay away from a limited edition, as my bank account is being taxed by this new obsession. I realize this is limited information, but would like to ask your opinion on a Sheaffer pen to add ( color preference is Red, as that was the color of the Snorkel (I think). Thanks for your help.

 

Walt

 

[Florida Blue]

Hi Walt,

 

You might want to look at the Heritage/Legacy Heritage or the Valor. I think both pens were made in red, but the red Heritage and the Valor are now discontinued. They both have the famous Sheaffer inlaid nib and the older Heritage pens came with a Touchdown filling system. The newer Legacy Heritage pens and the Valor are cartridge or converter fill for bottled ink.

 

Although, you can find a nice restored burgundy colored Snorkel for probably under $100. As long as it has been properly restored a vintage pen shouldn't need much upkeep.

[Joe in Seattle]

Just a thought with my two cents – to honor that early Schaeffer buy a full-size Schaeffer balance in whatever color you like. The balance pens come with excellent nibs and are lever Fill. These are rarely troublesome.

[bernardo]

I like the looks of the Sheaffer 300...

 

 

There's also a cool Ferrari version:

http://www.penherostore.com/catalog/Ferarri9503_2_Giftbox.jpg

Edited August 24, 2014 by bernardo

[wwhite99]

Well, I guess this is the end of the story, but probably not. I spent the last several weeks looking at new and old Sheaffer models (thanks to all of you that posted ideas) trying to reconnect with that original snorkel. Last week, I gave up and bought a snorkel. Its a black one in terrific condition, the insides have been reconditioned and I just feel good about having it in the collection to honor that first pen. One of the outcomes of this "project" is I have several Sheaffer pens on my "would love to have list" so while I have accomplished my objective to reach out in history to that first pen, I will always look forward to what else is available. Thanks for your help and advice.

 

Walt

[LamyOne]

Hello Walt,

 

I am really glad you were able to find a vintage Snorkel you are pleased with.

 

However, I would like to add my two cents: if you should ever consider a modern made Sheaffer, my recommendations are the Prelude and the Sagaris; particularly the Prelude, it is the ONLY Sheaffer to offer a lifetime warranty, (even their $28,000 gold Cenntenial Edition only comes with a three year warranty). I would wager to say as far writing pleasure and reliability, the Prelude is your best bet.

 

Best regards,

 

Chris