There are bases that are dry-proofs in the style of 1940 and 1941 but for two differences. The first is that the model numbers are higher than the 1941 catalogue. The second is that clear plastic covering part, or all, of the base is utilized – generally.
The first base would pass as 1941 except for the number sequence is higher than the catalogue. It may also prove my theory as to why the plastic was used. As you see in the close-ups the metal of the base is corroded. It could be that the metal they were allowed to use during the war (1942 first full year for the U.S. - longer war for others) was not durable.
The second and third bases are attractive small bases using the plastic cover over the metal decoration. The round one shows a black bell on a brown socket which is probably a replacement though the pen is brown with a black section so it could yet be intentional.
The fourth and fifth bases are entirely plastic covered. The second of the two has a post 1942 socket but is in keeping with the other all plastic base whose numbering places it very close to 1941 though I can’t rule out 1943 as it did not come with a socket which would have helped place it in time.
Marked by hand is a N608 special round Pedrara Onyx. I find nothing like it in the earlier catalogues and the numbering would place it in 1942 as the last “N” in 1941 is N498. No socket on this for an indication though sockets alone do not provide an absolute proof as these were typically held off of bases until the base was ready to leave Sheaffer which is why there are often earlier bases with later period sockets. Why? Pen have to match the sockets as the socket system changed every few years and earlier sockets would, therefore, be useless for current production pens if a particular base had been in inventory for some time (there are enough bases out there that bare this out).
The last set is a box set in keeping with 1941 though it is not shown in the 1941 catalogue. The base itself is similar to the 1940 K103 minus the opal plastic and the later 1941 M548 in Pedrara though this is done simply in black plastic alone with gold decoration. The band on the socket is tarnished in the same style as pens that are not on brass but, due to material demands on silver which often tarnishes evenly and should polish up nicely.
Lastly, do you have any that have the original sticker as to the model number? I'm trying to compile nformation for the 1942 models as there are no catalogues after 1941. Thanks.
This may be the last one of these for a while as my wife and I will be tending twins as they are due very shortly.
Roger W.
N558 circa 1942
Close-up on metal
G425 circa 1942
Close-up on plastic cover
F563 circa 1942
Close-up on plastic cover
M638 circa 1942
Non-numbered all plastic circa 1942
N608 special circa 1942
Circa 1942 Box Set
Close-up on tarnished band