Fellow collectors,

I've been discussing with Sheaffer's USA distributor about a reintroduction of the Targa as a regular production pen line (not as a one-off special edition). The Targa is one of Sheaffer's iconic pens, having a nearly quarter century run, and was offered in more finishes than many other pens ever made.

Sheaffer is very seriously considering re-introducing the Targa and would like input from pen collectors as well as those not familiar with this pen.

Click to view attachment
Sheaffer Targa in sterling silver

Please consider the following as possibilities:

1. The Targa is reintroduced as the same pen - no changes in size, nib unit, materials or style. Classic and new finishes are part of the line. It's essentially a reissued classic.

2. The Targa is updated - same size, nib unit, materials and style but some updating changes made, so the pen is clearly the same pen, with possibly an updated cap top or clip, for example.

3. The Targa is rethought - visually the same concept, but the pen could be longer, wider, made of resin, etc. Think Parker 100 to the Parker 51.

Second, where would you position the new Targa?

1. Wide range, priced from low cost steel nib pens in the top of the Prelude price range through super high end solid gold pens (essentially as before).

2. Between the Prelude and Legacy in price ($100-$300 price range).

3. Super premium, in terms of finish and availability ($300-$1000 and up).

Your comments are really going to be brought back to Sheaffer, so please consider this as an opportunity to give feedback on bringing back one of the prized pens of the last 30 years.

Thanks!

Cheers,

Jim Mamoulides
www.PenHero.com

I voted "What's a Targa" even though I know what a Targa is. I would have preferred an option for "Not the Targa."

I can think of a number of other Sheaffers I'd prefer to see brought back. However, they have different filling systems and I suppose Sheaffer prefers to bring back a cartridge/converter pen. How I would love to see a new take on a Snorkel or PFM. Maybe they could figure out how to combine the best features of a Snorkel and a Piston Filler so we could have a pen as easy to work with as a Pelikan but still keep the nib out of the ink bottle as a Snorkel did.

I'd prefer a pen with a more classic look. Wider. Less blingy. Bring back the Connaisseur, a Balance with a lever and sac filler system, a new PFM, something truely classic.

Targa? I just don't get excited about the Targa.

Nevertheless, I'm pleased Sheaffer is interested in what the FP using and collecting community thinks. I'm fairly sure my opinion about the Targa is a minority one.

Andy

Dear Andy,

The lack of a "no" vote is a bit tongue in cheek.

I think Sheaffer is serious and is in the process of gaging interest. They have the tooling and they want to know what the collector world thinks. How traditional or radical should they be.

Your comments are definitely noted!

Cheers,

Jim Mamoulides
www.PenHero.com

I heard a similar rumour and am so hoping for Targas to come back into my life. Mine are all in various stages of mild to serious leakage due to the age of the inlaid nib so I use them at home only. I would love a new one (the only inlaid nib pens I like are the Targa and my desk pen).

It would be swell if they brought back the Targa Slim, too, so all of those people who have lost their converters don't have to refill old Scrip II carts... I have one, but I don't know what I will do if the rubber dries out. I belong to the "don't fix it if it ain't broke" camp and can't think of one single way to improve the Targa. Sigh. Looking lovingly at one right now...

As for price, leave it exactly the way it was before. Sheaffer will sell alot more pens if a person can pick up the cheapy, get hooked, then "have to have" the next one up, then the next etc. I am also in the "get what you pay for" camp. Also, if the Targas end up being over priced because they used to be cool, Sheaffer may be a target for attacks from the "paying for image" bashers.

Oh joy! Can't wait!

Kath

I don't own a Targa. I have lots of Sheaffer pens but the Targa never appealed to me. Of course I said the same about the Parker 45 until I got one then I became somewhat of a fan. I like pens with some girth to them and the Targa always looked too skinny. Also, if they came back it seems a price point for the regular ole run of the mill Targa should hit closer to the $50- $75 range. Just my humble opinion.

I loved the Targa and between 1979 and 1986 I sold many of them. At that time I managed a college bookstore. I sold chrome Targas to students and gold Targas to parents and faculty. Targa sets became even more popular than Cross sets as gifts at Christmas and graduation. I bought my last Targa when Arcamax had closeout bargains about 5 years ago. Would I buy a new Targa? In a heartbeat!

<cross-posted on the Zoss list>
Well, this is welcome news. The Targa is one pen that merits a "do-over". The finished on the post-Eaton, pre-Bic Targas were just awesome and a well-thought out re-introduction would add some real distinction to a pretty saggy line right now (an interesting start with the Valor, but cheapie and looking long-in-the-tooth Preludes, really dumb looking LEs (the new Legacy "roaring twenties" is hideous) and - sad to say - boring finishes in the Legacy Heritage line (bring back good stuff like the Pd/linear matte finish - now THAT'S entertainment!)


> 1. The Targa is reintroduced as the same pen - no changes in size,
nib unit, materials or style. Classic and new finishes are part of the line. It's essentially a reissued classic.

This would be nice to see, but I'm not sure what kind of traction this would get in the market, i.e., why buy a "new" Targa when you can pick up the same - and USA made - thing on eBay for a fraction? If the same exact design were re-issued, it would HAVE to be in the special finishes only - green moiré, anyone? - to set it apart from the old school Targas.

> 2. The Targa is updated - same size, nib unit, materials and style
but some updating changes made, so the pen is clearly the same pen, with possibly an updated cap top or clip, for example.

Now we're talkin'. Setting the pen apart enough from its predecessor to make it "new" would remove the 'ho-hum' factor of a straight reissue, and allow Sheaffer to make it in "standard" finishes (black laque, etc.)

> 3. The Targa is rethought - visually the same concept, but the pen
could be longer, wider, made of resin, etc. Think Parker 100 to the Parker 51.

I don't know. If I had more confidence in Sheaffer's current design team, I'd go with a re-think, but with their current track record, a rethought Targa is more likely to be like the Waterman Charleston to the Waterman Hundred Year. Blech.

So, I would probably go for 2, and add some "new" finishes as well (linear matte, platinum inlay, etc.)


> 1. Wide range, priced from low cost steel nib pens in the top of the
Prelude price range through super high end solid gold pens (essentially as before).

Nope. Keep the Targa as a gold nib pen, but offer more of the nib units as the Pd-plated variety. If you want a steel nib, get a Prelude.

> 2. Between the Prelude and Legacy in price ($100-$300 price range).

Where does Sheaffer want to put it? Do they want the Valor to be their top-of-the-line pen? The Legacy? Both the Legacy and Valor are similarly priced (except for the Legacy precious metal finishes, which are higher.)

> 3. Super premium, in terms of finish and availability ($300-$1000 and
up).

3. is the winner here. For pricing, I would position the line as follows: Prelude<Valor<=Legacy<Targa, as this just seems to make the most sense to me. Valor's an elegant, gold nibbed resin pen for those younger folk eyeing a Montblanc Meisterstuck, perhaps; the Legacy is a big-ass power pen for a more traditional crowd (but make the damn thing LIGHTER!); and the Targa would be the 'statement' pen, the one that everyone goes 'oooh' at (at least silently) when it emerges from the pocket. Again, it will depend on the redesign. If it's a straight reissue, it would have to be done in special finishes only (Masterpiece! Spiral laque!) to garner that super premium status. If it's updated or redesigned totally, the design would have to be super premium indeed to command that place in the line.

Nick T.

Hi All,

The Targa left me a little cold when it was introduced, but in recent years I've come to appreciate its architectural integrity, its superb balance and its brilliant writing performance.

The pen was very much a product of its time: all-metal pens were "in" (others have observed that weight was often equated with quality during that era), as were so-called "jewelry" finishes.

I would love to see the Targa return, but I'm not sure I would want to see a slavish recapitulation of the previous model range. I think a reintroduced Targa should again be a product of its times: that is to say, these times. And today, beautiful patterned resins and celluloids are deservedly popular. Sheaffer should have manufactured the resin-barreled Legacy prototype (forgive me, I know I've made that case before); and the gem-like, elegant Prelude Compact ballpoint shows how lovely a resin-barreled full-sized Prelude fountain pen would be. The combination of the resin barrel and the metal cap, in each case, is stunning.

So I say: make the reintroduced Targa the resin-barreled/metal-cap Sheaffer (besides the Opalite Crest) that actually gets into production. The metal cap (I might add a contrasting cap band in the manner of the old Sentinel) would pay homage to the Targa's jewelry heritage, and the resin barrel would be utterly contemporary.

Click to view attachment

(And an all-metal model or two, for Targa purists, would probably make sense as well.)

As for the price point, I'm not sure that an entry-level Targa is necessary, but I wouldn't make an issue of it. I certainly wouldn't produce it as a limited-edition super-premium item either. Maybe the new Targa could slot in about where the modern Crest lived.

No matter what, I'm thrilled to see Sheaffer embracing its history, and reaching out to the collector community for feedback. Where do I place my order?

Cheers,

Jon

I'd love to be able to buy a new Targa which was lighter and made of resin.

A range of prices and nib options (italic calligraphy nibs esp.) would be nice.

William

Posted on PT YB also, but reintroduce it as it was, but add an O/S version.

I don't know Sheaffer pens that well, and I never knew the Targa, but I can say I'd definitely be interested if:

1) it were "rethought" to be wider and possibly heavier (looks way too thin for my preferences); and

2) it were offered in different finishes at different price levels so I could get my feet wet with a low-end model.

I do have a Sheaffer Fashion pen, and although I count it in my total number of pens, I don't have the intention to use it again because it's so skinny it practically hurts to use. I will either save it for my daughter or sell/give it away. I need a good, wide pen.

I think the Targa range should start around $80 and go up - not all the way to the top (precious metal barrel), but to a nice gold nib. Metal is all very well, but a good quality plastic or resin pen would balance out the line well. Sure, keep the metal option open for those in to that sort of thing, but try the plastic, too. Something simple, clean, and bold (but not in-your-face) is what I would buy. I guess what I'm trying to say if that Sheaffer has the high-end luxury metal part down well, but something a bit more sedate would be desirable. Well-machined and well-designed plastic will not look or feel cheap.

In my opinion it wouldn't be a Targa if the cap didn't match the barrel. Other pens may have a metal cap on a plastic barrel, but never a Targa!

Bill has it right.



Targas are not lightweight pens. While I find the slim Targa a bit too slim, the standard Targa's width seemed just perfect to me. One of the reasons that I buy so few modern pens and so often use pens from the 1930s and 1940s is that I find many modern pens too large for comfortable use. I write lengthy letters and journal entries with my pens. IMHO oversize pens are good for short notes and signatures only.

I like the design of the Targa but would prefer it to be made of a high quality plastic material: I fdound the stainless steel body and cap to give a very 'cold' impresion.

Denis Boisclair
Cheshire, England.

I voted, but I will observe that I would enjoy either option one or two, and would prefer the wide range of prices and materials, rather than an exclusively high-end pen.

I voted update, mainly because I agree with the earlier comments about distinguishing the new from the old. I wouldn't try too hard though; maybe a new tassie (?) design and a different pressing on the end of the barrel. A hinged and sprung clip like the Waterman Carene would also be nice, but still retaining the double bar look of the old.

As for price, I'd like to be able to buy one, so I think starting at the $100 mark for a basic flighter model, but possibly going through the $300 dollar ceiling to allow for specialist versions and finishes for those with richer interests. Do you think Shaeffer might introduce a novel or differentiating filling system?

Antony

I like the original. Slim, but not too slim to be used.

Coincidentally, I've been searching for a budget priced slim (with a F or XF nib and converter) for a coworker FP convert for whom we determined it would be the perfect pen.

Would be great if they'd add an OS version too.

-Tom

Bring it back, but start small. Sheaffer seems to be a name that's disappearing off the face of the planet, if you're not a pen collector. In my neck of the woods, many of the major retailers aren't even stocking Sheaffer any longer (which makes it difficult to get my Skrip Blue-Black fix).

The new Targa should be the same size as the full-sized original, but with a resin body and a stainless steel nib. Also, go for an interesting resin finish (striated blue or mottled/marbled black come to mind), not solid black. Future models can include higher-end finishes and gold nibs.

And it should be the replacement for the staid Prelude line. Thus, the new Targa, out of the gate, should be their $50-$70 pen that catches folks eyes, garners attention, and can hold it's own in terms of premium display space in a retail outlet.

The new Targa must be the introduction to the Sheaffer icon that is the inlaid nib. Sell a few of those to the casual buyer, and it should become easier to get people interested in the $300 Valor.

Crazy talk, I know. But I honestly think that for Sheaffer to make a comeback, it needs to find a way to attract new, casual buyers -- the folks that walk into the mall and are looking for a gift that looks great and isn't too expensive. Not gonna tap that market with the Valor (incidentally, I think this is why the Waterman Expert and Hemisphere does so well with those not in the know).

Speaking as a Sheaffer fan on sabbatical (long story), there aren't enough of us out there to warrant the approach of the high-end Targa or Balance or Triumph reintroduction, and make it profitable or worthwhile for Bic.

To be honest the Targa has never really had the appeal for me that some other Sheaffers have and as a result I only have 2, a stainless steel one and one of the Imperial Brass versions, although they write very well (as do most Sheaffers I own) they just don't seem to get used very often.

If it was reintroduced, I would like it to be a bit 'fatter', possibly in a nice Lapis Lazuli colour a bit like the Parker 75.

Andy

This pen, jade green barrel and section, inlaid nib, and gold cap. That would be it.
Enjoy,
Hans.

I hated them. I think they're cold and stark, tubular and not graceful at all. They don't deserve inlaid nibs! Bring back: ANYTHING BUT TARGA! The only thing worse than a Targa is that crummy cartridge pen called Valor.

Out of all the pens they should bring back I'd say bring back the Imperial, that pen was a beauty. It was cheap and looked wonderful with the inlaid nib.

Brad

I vote "No", bring back something else instead.

1) Targas were/are too thin for me.
2) With their straight tube styling they look like the FP equivalent of the stick ballpoint.
3) The painted on finishes (sorry lacquer) did not say "quality" to me. Maybe I've just seen too many chipped ones for sale at antique stores.

Option one or option two, and I'll buy one.

Hallo

I have 2 Targas. I like the balance and the nib. Its simply a pleasure to write with them.

I would like to see it reintroduced in a wide range of finishes with both cheap and
expensive models. I think it should be marketed in a similar way to the Parker
Sonnet.

If there are any "re-introductory" offers please let me know. Since I am hard up
at the moment (I'm scared to check my bank balance), think of me as a client
for the Targas with a fine nib in the $40-60 range

Yours

Chaim Seymour
Israel

The Targas that I've seen were too slim for me to want to use as a regular writer, but I haven't seen a lot of them. If they release a Targa II, I'd like to see somewhat wider bodies. I would prefer a wider range of styles and prices. There should be stainless steel and 14K nibs available. The Targa was nice, but, too me, not among the most exciting Sheaffers made. I would be inclined to buy one, if I found one that caught my fancy.

I know the Targa LOOKS cold, but it is oh so wonderful in the hand. Even the stainless version just seems to hug my fingers back. I hope it returns.

This is my first post on this forum, and what a wonderful possibility! I have been a fountain pen freak for years, starting with three s/s Targas with s/s nibs (one full size, 2 slim). For work-related reasons, I had to give up fountain pens for about 8 years, and during that time my three Targas evaporated (I still hope I will find them somewhere in a still-packed carton in the attic, but hope grows ever dimmer).
Anyway, by the time I reached a point where I could start using fountain pens, mine were AWOL. Several years passed, and then I discovered eBay. Over the last 2 1/2 years, I have accumulated 5 Targas in various finishes. (The process is even slower because I prefer an XF nib.) I am not a collector; I use my pens daily, and smile at them every time.

Back when I was in elementary school (1960s), we were required to use cartridge pens starting in about 5th grade. It got a little inky sometimes, but some of us got hooked and stayed hooked. Now kids barely use a pen at all any more - keyboarding is the essential skill, not penmanship.

So - if Sheaffer does bring the Targa back, it should consider the impecunious who can't afford to spend $300 and up for a pen. At that point, you're selling to the choir. Offer a less expensive Targa (possibly resin? Naah - stick with the brushed s/s for entry level) with a s/s nib for $50-$75 or so, get 'em hooked on fountain pens in general and Targa in particular, and then have the more expensive finishes available for higher prices. I know that when I bought my first Targa, I thought about it for weeks before spending that much money on a single pen. I couldn't have bought the Regency Stripe or the blue lacque I use now. If SHeaffer doesn't provide an entry level Targa, us hard-core fountain penners will eventually die off - and there will be no new ones in the pipeline.

Started out to be 2 cents, turned out to be at least $1.25 -

njomd

Wow Jim what terrific news. Just when I was depressed about the demise of the FM plant we have this news. I'm glad to see Bic wants to keep the "brand" in the forefront and not just use the name. I have recently purchased 3 Targas. A sterling p/p set and a fluted goldplated fountain pen and I really love the pens. I lwould love to see a new Targa with maybe some slight updating but stay true to the original design. I too would love to see them bring back the snorkel or the other classic filling systems instead of the old cartridge/converter afterthought. The snorkel was revolutionary and should still be in production IMHO.

I was just daydreaming the other day about how good it would be to see regular production Balances, Targas, Flattops etc but with levers, snorkels etc so your email is kind of surreal. Ever since the 7th grade when my mom bought me a Sheaffer ballpoint for back to school have I been a fan of the brand and now all it's history. I just started collecting again so this comes at a great time; so far besides the 3 Targas I've purchased a Legacy I, a modern Balance and 2 vintage Balances.

I say bring on the Targas!! And don't stop there!!!

Thanks for sharing.

BTW how long do you think the nibs will continue to be made in Iowa?

Thanks,
Jimbones

My vote was to bring back the Targa but perhaps in the spirit of the original and not necessarily exactly like the Targa appeared for 2½ decades. Keep in mind that Sheaffer introduced the slim Targa which reflected the spirit of the original but was different. Remember, also that Sheaffer produced the Targa in a wide variety of finishes and materials; and with both the superlative gold inlaid nib and a steel inlaid nib. An Australian pen I saw a photo of had an opal on the cap end. Nice variation.

Further variations on the theme are quite consistent with Sheaffer's original design.

I consider the Targa to be one of the best pens ever made -- by anybody, anywhere, any time. The real joy of a Sheaffer Targa is the quality of workmanship and materials. It's a solid pen that works year after year after year.

Let me emphasize to Bic that production of pens at places other than Fort Madison leave a lot to be desired. Quality control is unacceptably poor.

Bic will need to deliver consistent quality if the Sheaffer Targa line is to be re-introduced.

All,

Thanks for the great responses!

I've passed this and other responses back to Sheaffer for their review. They are serious about the Targa and I hope to hear more in the coming months.

As to the nib unit, Sheaffer is still making them in Fort Madison. No one else has been able to do it.

Cheers,

Jim Mamoulides
www.PenHero.com

[quote name='PenHero' date='Oct 4 2007, 04:13 AM' post='385325']
All,


As to the nib unit, Sheaffer is still making them in Fort Madison. No one else has been able to do it.

Jim-
I always liked the Targa- It's incredible (and wonderful) to learn the inlaid nibs are still made in FM. I wonder if Sheaffer is training new workers to keep the skills alive?

Jim A Williams

I'm a bit late to the reply - but I would be very interested in an 'entry level' Targa. Better yet, I'd love to see a reintroduction of the Triumph Imperials that were manufactured during the 1990s. (I have a couple of '440s' that I use as daily writers, and would love to know that I could replace - or simply have similar on hand - in case of accidents, etc.)

I'm not much of a collector/high end type of user - but I do so love the imperial styles, even in the lower end/entry level models.

Sheaffer Targa needs no changes. It was and still is the perfect pen. I am very sure that Sheaffer would make a lot of money by reintroducing this masterpiece which is very presentable, affordable and reliable. Surely, they can sell one of these for less than $100.00 and still make money.

Sigh.
Triumphs are nice but:


What if they brought back the thinner snorkels with the Triumph nibs (not the big PFMs)?
I would get really excited about that!

I am addicted to the snorkel pens, too. I am collecting as many as possible. I would like to see the snorkel be remade. The snorkel is the coolest pen. I hate cartridge/converters and don't buy them.

I would buy all the Targa models that would be produced of course if they would market it with a resonable price.
Targa was always my favorite inlaid nib model and second only to the Snorkel as my favorite Sheaffer pens.

The Targa was a superb writer and quite a looker.
I won a brushed steel one (1001 me thinks) in a poetry contest in 1984

I would love to have another one!

I would like some updated targa, with the same basic models: steel, gold trim, matte black, chrome but since FP have become more a luxury item in the last years a lacquer/gold version or some special editions will probably make sense as well.

As per the price range I think they can have the standard in the 100-200 range and some premium ones in the 300+ range

I really like my 1983 steel Targa. It has always been my "workhorse." C. S.

Hi All,

I recently had the chance to chat with a semi-official source about the prospect of the Targa's return. The conversation wasn't "confidential" per se, but since I haven't asked for permission to share the substance of it, I'll pass the following along as unsubstantiated rumor, and without attribution. If anyone out there has more authoritative information, I'd love to hear it.

Apparently there are some issues complicating the revival of the Targa. Specifically: introduction of steel-nibbed pens seems unlikely, since it is feared that the use of the existing tools to manufacture steel nibs would quickly wear them out (personal observation: this inclines me to think that Bic is ruling out fabrication of new tools as old ones wear out - which doesn't augur well for the long-term lifespan of any new Targa). On the other hand, the exclusive use of gold nibs would dictate a price point to which there has been some resistance among the trade - particularly in the countries (the U.S. is not among them) that comprise the largest Sheaffer markets. It sounds like a gold-nibbed Targa II might not fit comfortably into the all-important marketing "slots" into which products must be sorted.

In light of the foregoing, there has apparently been some discussion of making any new Targa a "magnum" version - a bit longer than the original. The idea seems to be that a bigger pen might be seen as justifying the price at which it would have to be sold. But my source didn't sound confident that this alternative would win over the trade.

Finally, my source seemed to rule out the notion of a resin-bodied Targa - not as a design choice, but as a matter of cost. Apparently a resin barrel would be significantly more expensive than a metal one.

Anyway: there it is, for what it's worth. Not the best possible news for Targa fans...but do regard it, at this point, as rumor.

Cheers,

Jon

DRP and Bill Sexauer combined provide the basis for the answer I would like to give: (variations in girth, nib-material, and finishes not only acceptable, but desirable, cap and barrel matching)

Certainly a reissue of the Targa('s) would be welcome. As to size, I think that a size comparable with the Connaisseur would be a welcome addition, though the regular size suits me fine. Pens tend to have gained in size in the last decade so I guess there is demand for a somewhat bigger pen, although I think it would be wise not to increase the weight n accordance with the size.
One of my daily writers is a regular sized sterling Targa.

I am all for a wide range reintroduction and an added bigger size would also constitue a basis for LE Targa's. Why not?
A bigger size would also provide room for some form of ink-sucking filling system other than the converter that holds hardly any ink. This would probably increase the price considerably, but in combination with a limited edition this would not constitute to great a problem.

Main concern for any reintroduction: build quality!

I have a bunch of Targa sets, several sterling silver 1004 slim, several 1006 full size, 1005 slim and full size, an a "black lacque" full size. These are among my Parkers, Lamy's, Cross, etc.

First, they just plain work. The B.P. is no better thana any other b.P., but I mostly use roller ball.

The thing that I like best, after the fact that they work, is that so many barrels and caps are interchangeable. I can switch out the black caps and put on the gold for a different look. I bought a 1006 B.P. with a gold clip and stuck it on a 1006 pencil to use with my similar roller ball.

It's just so nice.

Parker never seemed to do this, except that I just got a Parker 95 B.P. and pencil set in gold plate, and the caps do fit the set in black for the kind of dressy look.

>>RSM

This is my first post at The Fountain Pen Network. My visit has been prompted by my losing the Sheaffer Targa I've had for over 20 years. I took it to a local store here to be serviced and they sent it to Sheaffer. I said that the pen had sentimental value (it was given to me by my wife when we were first courting, wrote my first manuscript with it) but instead of just changing the barrel they changed the whole pen! They sent back a "new" Targa, but the later version. Yeuk! One of the things I loved about that pen was the weight. It was really heavy in the hand. This one they are offering me is noticeably lighter, and I don't like the new styling, not to mention issue of sentimental value. We're talking about the 1003 in Matte Black finish and gold nib. It seems that the later version might even be a completely different alloy.

Needless to say, I love the original Targa and would love it if they brought it back. I've written with a Touchdown and a Diplomat and neither feel as nice in the hand.

I'm glad a found this place. I'm a real lover of fountain pens.

Can you get your original pen back? If so send it off to an independent pen doctor to be repaired.

Please let me know if it was sent to Hampton-Haddon for repair. We took over the repair service for Sheaffer in March. PM me with your real name
and the approximate date the pen was sent in and what work you requested. I'll look for your original, we keep all of the parts after a repair for
situations like this. We can return your original to you, you'll just need to cover the shipping/handling. There should be no weight difference, there
was no change in the allloy that Sheaffer used (brass). The finish on your original pen cannot be restored so you received a replacement part.

Hope this helps!

David MacDougall

i mite have a matte black lying about somewhere.

d

I'm not too hot on the Targa. I much prefer the Connaisseur and wish they brought that one back as a Sheaffer equivalent to the Parker Duofold. I dream on.