Hi All,

There's NOS...and there's NOS. The term has acquired a somewhat elastic meaning on eBay over the years, so it's rare to find something that is truly New Old Stock - as in 'Reach through that time portal and grab me one of those desk sets, thanks.'

This is as near as I've ever gotten to that sort of time-capsule desk set find. I apologize in advance for the number of photos, but I'm hoping you'll enjoy looking at a set that's basically in the same condition you would have encountered in a mid-30s stationery store.

This set arrived, lamentably, without a label on the bottom - no evidence that there had ever been one - so I can't cite a model number or an exact year. I'm confident that Roger, if he stops by, will be able to supply that missing information - thanks, Roger!

One thing I do know, thanks to Roger: this set dates from 1935-9, because it incorporates the section "key" meant to actuate the dry-proof socket mechanism. For more info, you really ought to visit his website: http://www.sheafferflattops.com

On to the photos:

Photo #1 shows the original box for the set. There's a large compartment inside for the base, and a smaller one for the disassembled pen as well as the socket.
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Photo #2 is a view of the base with the socket installed. As with "NOS," the term "flawless" is one that's become a bit devalued nowadays. That said, I hope this shot captures the essentially flawless condition of the set.
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Photo #3 is here only to show off the mirror-like surface of the base. I hope you can see the reflection of the socket (it's clearer in person), and I hope you can see the frontmost surface of the base reflecting the grain of the wooden desk on which it's sitting.
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Photo #4 is a close-up of the interior socket mechanism, looking brand-new. An interesting contrast to the woefully deteriorated specimens often encountered.
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Photo #5 shows the assembled pen. I haven't cleaned or polished it. The section "key" is clearly visible. (By the way, the sac is still pliable, although I have no current plans to ink the pen.)
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Photo #6 is a merged image (and I apologize for not getting the relative sizing right), showing the nib and the feed of the pen. Nice to see one of these feeds so brilliantly shiny. The section "key" is visible here as well (twice).
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Photo #7 shows the entire unit: base, socket and pen. Sorry about the distracting background.
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Anyway...there it is. For me, it's intensely interesting - maybe even moving - to see and handle a set in such pristine condition. I would dearly love to stroll into that 1930s stationery store; but since they don't seem to be making much progress on that time machine thing, this is as close as I'm likely to come. I hope you enjoy seeing it too.

Cheers,

Jon

absolutely stunning

Jon;

Just stunning! I think we may have discussed this being the N168 from the 1938 catalogue.

Roger W.

Hi Roger,

Absolutely - I just didn't want to jump the gun and give it a number, since you hadn't actually seen the photos at that point.

Glad you like it. It's the least I can do to return the favor you do us every week with your beautiful sets.

Cheers,

Jon

Very nice!!

Splendid! That's very nice! I love the art deco look to that desk set. Wow.... The only desk set I have thats near NOS is actually my only desk set, but it is a Snorkel desk set with its original box. Its been used, but hey, it has the box. Thanks for showing us that!

Evan