Targa marked "125 years 1866-1991"

[rogerb]

I just got a mint stainless-bodied Targa, with what appears to be a smooth Medium GP nib? It's 'gold-coloured' but only has Sheaffer USA, a circled R and a tiny stamped symbol which I can't make-out (a tree, a scorpion??) on it, so I assumed it's not 14/18Ct.

 

But the interesting thing to me was the cap which has, on the end an 'extra cap' marked "125 years 1866-1891". No papers, of course.

 

Can anyone throw any light on this? Just interested .

[rogerb]

This little symbol on the l/h side of the nib, on closer inspection, looks more like the letter 'S' on top, with what seems to be "PF" underneath?....not 100% sure, my 10x loupe (and my eyes) can't figger it!

It's a full-size Targa(not a slimline)....writes really nicely, too!

[jar]

I just got a mint stainless-bodied Targa, with what appears to be a smooth Medium GP nib? It's 'gold-coloured' but only has Sheaffer USA, a circled R and a tiny stamped symbol which I can't make-out (a tree, a scorpion??) on it, so I assumed it's not 14/18Ct.

 

But the interesting thing to me was the cap which has, on the end an 'extra cap' marked "125 years 1866-1891". No papers, of course.

 

Can anyone throw any light on this? Just interested .

 

I assume that you meant 1866-1991.

 

Sounds like a corporate pen, my guess is some company celebrating its 125th anniversary. It was NOT Sheaffer though as they got started IIRC in 1912.

 

The problem is determining the company. The inscription is in English so it is most likely an English, American, Canadian or Australian company.

 

 

 

[rogerb]

Yes, that was rather the the conclusion I'd come to, as W A Sheaffer wasn't born until 1867, I think, so it wasn't a celebration of his birth. A bit of a needle in a haystack job!

 

The nib marking is a bit puzzling, too.

[rogerb]

Yes, that was rather the the conclusion I'd come to, as W A Sheaffer wasn't born until 1867, I think, so it wasn't a celebration of his birth. A bit of a needle in a haystack job!

 

The nib marking is a bit puzzling, too.

 

I've edited the date, as you pointed-out, thanks.

 

It looks as if I paid a little over the odds, thinking it might be an 'interesting' pen, witha gold nib.....but it was being sold in aid of Cystic Fibrosis research, so I don't mind.

Edited March 14, 2009 by rogerb

[Univer]

Hi Roger

 

With respect to the engraving, another vote here for some corporate anniversary commemoration.

 

With respect to the non-solid-gold nib: there were, apparently, gold plated nibs fitted to some Targas in some markets; here's an old thread in which the issue was discussed. (I've never seen such a nib in person.)

 

Cheers,

 

Jon

[sexauerw]

I've seen a pen like that before on eBay but didn't buy it. It was a corporate anniversary pen, I'm thinking Bank of England but I'm not absolutely positive. I just looked up when the Bank of England was founded and it was indeed 1866.

[rogerb]

Sorry, double post

Edited March 14, 2009 by rogerb

[rogerb]

I've seen a pen like that before on eBay but didn't buy it. It was a corporate anniversary pen, I'm thinking Bank of England but I'm not absolutely positive. I just looked up when the Bank of England was founded and it was indeed 1866.

 

Thanks for the input...I think the B of E was founded in 1694...the search goes on!

 

How about The Royal Aeronautical Society or the ASPCA?

 

[Silvermink]

Nestlé, maybe? They were founded in 1866 and there seems to be a "Nestlé 1866-1991" book: http://cgi.ebay.de/Jean-Heer-~-NESTLE-~-12...309123003r24369

 

DFDS was founded in 1866, too.

Edited March 17, 2009 by Silvermink

[rogerb]

Ah, well, having done my bit for the charity, I'll forget about it, unless someone happens to know which company produced a Targa to celebrate their 125th!

 

Thanks for the ideas....Nestlé, DFDS, RAeS, or ASPCA, or.......?

[rogerb]

Ooops, did it again...sorry.

Edited March 17, 2009 by rogerb

[chipa]

Hi,

Might be a little bit late answer...

 

I just bought an exactly the same targa pen from ebay with the original box and cards.

It says "Presented with the compliments of the directors on the occation of the company's 125th anniversary. Britannic Assurance"

It's a British company base on Birmingham.

 

image:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0es1v1dhlmq11ll/targa.jpg

Edited June 11, 2012 by chipa

[akrishna59]

lord, this is like sherlock holmes solving a case. but very interesting reading.... thanks.

 

rgds.

 

krishna.

[rogerb]

Thanks, chipa .... my curiosoity is satisfied

[Bravey]

Hi, I just came across this forum, and I know it has been a while since anyone posted in this thread.

 

I have one of those pens, I'm not sure what you have exactly. I have the pen, in a presentation box, with a cardboard sleeve (with the Britannic logo and the 125 crest) and inside the box (with the pen) is a card saying "Presented with the compliments of the directors on the occasion of the Companies 125th anniversary".

 

I worked for the company at the time and everyone was treated to a family day out as well as receiving the pen as a gift.

 

I hope this gives some background.