Hello everyone,

I need to pick the brains of the Sheaffer experts.

I just won this auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...4.cWAT.m240.lVI


and I have 2 questions.
1. Did I pay too much?
2. How much should I expect to have it refurbed?

Thanks for any input!

Felix

If you have to ask if you paid too much then you did (just joshing ya!). No, the price is fine - nice looking pen. These cost a bit more to repair as it is not an easy repair but, restored it will be a sweet pen.

Roger W.

Thanks for the feedback Roger. I have alway wanted one of these, I just love the nib.

Felix

This pen is a variation of the touch down filler. It has a metal rod that you pull up. insert it in the ink and push down the rod. It fills at the bottom of the stroke. these pens need a seal on the plunger and at the end of the barrel in front of the blind cap. Your best bet is to get an expert to do this job for you. I don't know how much it will cost but the price you paid is a good one for this pen.

Thanks for the info!!


Felix

Note that this system is not properly termed a variation of the Touchdown filler, which is quite different in design, and which arrived about 15 years later.

--Daniel

I think you have the makings of a fine buy. It could cost about $40 to get the filling system in order, but then you'd have a classic Balance in a very desirable color all for about $80. That's a good deal. Of course, you're always taking a chance because you can never see if, for example, there is a hairline crack along the barrel's threads where the section screws in. This could undermine the whole project! But assuming that all is as it seems, you've done well. Bravo!
Gerry Berg

It looks like you got a Carmine striped Balance Vacuum Filler. These are nice pens. I believe 1939 through early 1945 or so would be your vintage based on the color and clip.

I agree with the others. You bought a full size Balance in a desirable color and filling system for $40. If the pen is as nice as it looks, you've done well. Sure you will probably have to restore it, but it will still be well worth the price.

I want to thank you all for you knowledge and advice. I look foward to having it refurbished and using it!! Sheaffer addicts are the best!!


Regards,

Felix

The Balance series, I think, ranks up alongside the Parker Duofolds, Sheaffer Flat Tops, Waterman 52s, and Parker Vacumatics as one of those older pen series that offer something for everyone. They made tons of Balances over the course of their life and if you look, you can find a pen that really is suited to you as if it was made just for you. The double wonder of them is that many do not command bank busting prices (especially common standards and slims). The rigid nibs are friendly to the modern hand, while some flex nibs were indeed put on them as well (have to look for these if you want them). These pens are great for collectors as they have a lot of nice variety, and great for users because they can be found at good prices while offering very nice quality. You've made a nice pick- and I think you'll find that you may want to acquire more of these Balances as time goes on- they really are a great series.

I've got a slim black Balance in shop at the moment and I can't wait to get it back- it's a great pen.

I'll add one comment about the seller you bought it from. I purchased some pens from this group recently and they were in very decent shape. If your pen is in the shape mine were in, you're good to go IMHO...

Dave

You should check if the nib/feeder is in good condition. I see it a little tilted.

I had this pen bookmarked. Can't remember if I actually bid on it. I try not to pay over $35 for a model like this on the Bay and as a result I win very few of them. Did get a green one today for $32 and I condider that a great deal if everything is as advertized. Completly restored I would expect something like this to go on eBay for about $100. I've seen lower. I've seen higher. The red is probabably the most desireable color. In the hands of a dealer it would probably go in the $150 to $250 range. I usually try to restore my own. I've actually got a twin in my to fix box now awaiting a new rod. Figure that the lever filler of the same model will go for a bit more. It is more desireable because it is much easier to restore and maintain. On the other hand the vac filler holds a ton of ink if restored properly. By all means send it to someome who knows how to restore these things properly. DON'T give it to anyone that is just going to stuff a rubber plug inside. Those seldom last long. Hope this helps.

Ray

Nice pen, price not bad. As I am in the UK, if I needed it repaired I would send it fountainbel (who posts here) to have oe of his cartridges fitted.

As others say if it isn't repaired properly it won't last long, I have one I bought on ebay from a USA seller bought as repaired, it works fine fills and holds a good amount of ink, but the piston is quite tight and jerky to use (unlike the one fountainbel repaired) and I do wonder how long it will last.

Andy