I have 4 vintage Sheaffers, all with lifetime nibs and the blind cap/rod at the back. How can I tell if they are touchdowns or vac-fills? Also, I don't even know what the difference is mechanically. Would someone be willing to enlighten me? Thanks!

-Jonathan

Try Richard Binder's website:

http://www.richardspens.com/


go to the reference information on the site and then navigate through the menu that appears. You should see references to both Vacufills and to Touchdowns.


The quick way I always tell is based on what the "rod" that comes out of the back of the pen looks like- a thick "tube" sort of thing is a touchdown tube, a thinner rod is a vac.

Also the PenHero site has some information and pictures

http://www.penhero.com/PenGallery/Sheaffer...uumFilGuide.htm

http://www.penhero.com/PenGallery/Sheaffer...chdownEarly.htm

http://www.penhero.com/PenGallery/Sheaffer...TMTouchdown.htm

Take a look- you should be able to tell soon enough. The model and age can help you as reference too- but a basic visual is the fastest.