I own a beautiful PFM V with a cap that reads "Made in Australia" and a nib that reads "USA". I've been bugged by this notion that the cap just doesn't belong on the pen. I've wanted to find a mint condition cap that is "Made in USA", and, find a nib that is Australian, so that things will be right and I'll have two "perfect" and "pure" PFM Vs.

Recently though, I've seen at least one other PFM that has the same configuration as mine, which makes me wonder:

Were some PFMs produced with parts from different sources? If not, does this matter to many collectors?

Does anyone know where might I be able to buy matching parts so the pens will eventually be correct?

Is this being too obsessive, and should I leave the pen alone? I use it everyday, and writing with it brings far more joy than selling it as a collectable at this point.

Thanks.

Sorry, I don't know enough about Sheaffers made in Australia to answer your question.

For PFM parts, I would suggest trying this link:

GoPens.com Sheaffer PFM Parts

I have no afffiliation to GoPens except as a satisfied customer. I've actually seen these parts for sale at a pen show in Portland a couple of years ago---quite impressive!

If it all fits correctly, and this is a pen you use and not one you keep in a glass case, I would say don't worry and just keep enjoying it.

Thanks Maja and david for the information and advice! It's great to know there are resources out there, and especially nice to be able to read informative pen stuff on FPN.

If you want the info, go straight to the source -- which in this case would be someone in Australia such as Peter Ford.

I don't know much about Sheaffer's Australian operation, and it's possible that the factory there didn't make nibs -- or didn't make nibs for every model.

Excellent idea, David!
Peter Ford can be reached through the http://www.vintagepens.com.au website
(Melbourne Vintage Pens)

I have a PFM III that was bought new in the UK, and its nib is marked "AUST." The cap is also marked "Made in Australia."

Back in those days, there were things like Commonwealth Preference, the Sterling Area, and tight controls on import and export of gold, all of which might have had something to do with the setting up of an Australian operation.

Best

Michael

EDIT: typo

Well, this is going to be a fun adventure! I'll be sure to contact Peter Ford, and hopefullly learn more and more about PFMs and Australian manufacture. In the meantime, I'm really enjoying writing with my PFM V. It's quite nice, with both the "new" and "old" Skrip! Thanks to everyone.

Hi! I had similar problem! Though not PFM! An Imperial 440, made in Australia and nib says USA. I posted for identification. Got help to identify, so now I know which model I was using since early 80's!
But nobody had any idea that Sheaffers had a manufacturing unit in Australia!
Most of the Sheaffers available in India are from Australia though!
There should be a detail discussing about it IMHO!