I picked this Sheaffer's Snorkel pen up at a local Antique Mall today. NOS, never inked, with instructions and box. From what I have read the M5 on the backside indicates a 14k Med nib.

What years were these produced? And what model would this one be? I payed all of $5. Hope I got a good deal.

Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Bob

Ooh...nice find. Why don't I ever run across NOS Snorkels for $5?

Anyway...according to the PenHero.com website, the Sheaffer Valient Snorkel, (I think that is the model that you have,) was made from 1952 to 1959. Or at least that's the way that I read it.

How is the filler working on your pen? I, myself, just picked up an excellent condition snorkel off of eBay. However, it needs some work to make it fill properly.

Good luck with your new purchase!

TMann

Wow, what a beauty !! I have one that looks identical to it, from eBay, where it wasn't listed nor mentioned that it was a Snorkel. It exposes the snorkel by turning the knob at the end of the pen, I assume yours does too, although you didn't mention that. I cleaned it, flushed and and filled it. This pen writes just beautifully. smooth, and so easy to use. Its one of my daily use pens, along with three Targa and others.
What a wonderful find ! It just goes to show you, there are still some bargains to be found in those antique / junk stores and malls.
I might offer to take it off your hands, should you ever want to double your money. LOL

Hi Bob. I just received a Snorkel purchase from eBay that included that same box. The instructions have a printed date (month and year) on it, like 11-57. The pen will have been made after that assuming its original to the box. Another strange thing about my pen that you'd want to check is that the barrel doesn't have the normal Sheaffer imprint. I'm wondering if that's indicitive of the latest Snorkel pens just before they ceased production.

My guess, based on the box, is that yours and mine are from the last few months of production in the late 1950s.

Regards,

PeteWK

I finally had some time to play with the pen yesterday. Yes, it fills right up with no problems what so ever. I just used water, and tried the squirt test, and it passed with flying colors. I did a dip in some ink and it wrote a smooth medium line.

The imprint on the side is this one:
W. A. SHEAFFER PEN CO.
FORT MADISON, IOWA, U.S.A.
MADE IN U.S.A.

There is also an gold imprint of the original owner , "K. Mayeda" on the side. I believe he/she was given the pen and never used it.

T.Mann, I think you are right on it being an Valiant. From Richard's site, that pens description matched it the best. Looks like 1952-1959.

Although it appears to have never been used, I am wondering if I should replace the O-rings and ink sac. Being that they are 50 years old.

Now comes the decision of inking it, or leaving it in the box as it is. I love to use my pens, so I don't think the decision is going to be a hard one

Bob