Hello all, i have been given a (...... what i would call) vintage Sheaffer although i have no real knowledge of these pens. I was wondering if anyone could tell me a little more about the pen? i.e. age, model etc etc

It has 14k written on the nib and a white dot on the lid! What is the significance of the white dot and what does the 14k represent? I'm sure this is basic stuff but i've no idea and am really interested!




Pics as follows:










Not the best pics but any help is much appreciated!!

This is a Vacuum-Fil Triumph from the 1940s. It is Marine Green Striated and has a Triumph Nib. I believe it sold for $12.50 new. It looks like yours has a slightly loose clip: the ball at the end should be closer to the body.

The nib has 14 karat gold in it. I beg of you not to sacrifice the pen for its gold content!

The White Dot was Sheaffer's Lifetime guarantee. They would repair it for the lifetime of the original owner. Sadly, you are probably not the original owner. Even if you were, they would just send you a replacement pen-- if they even do this any more!

Hang on to the pen and get it restored by someone who specializes in vintage stuff. There is a link at the top of the Sheaffer Forum for authorized repairs of vintage Sheaffers.

Testing the pen:

You have the plunger drawn out. Did you have any trouble pulling it out? Was it stiff? Test the pen in water to see if it draws any fluid. With the shaft out, put the whole nib in a small basin of water and press the shaft down. You may see old ink start flowing out when you dip the pen. I have never seen a badly clogged Triumph, but it's always a possibility. When the shaft gets to the bottom, it should make a soft click, pop or "guck." Leave the pen in the water 5-10 seconds and see if any goes into the pen.

It should have translucent stripes on the side so you can see liquid sloshing around in it. These may darken with time. Collectors tend to desire clearer ones.

If you didn't draw ink, the filling system will need work. You might see if you can get enough ink in the nib to test it out by dipping it, so you can find out if you want them to work on the nib as well as the filling system.

There's your beastie! Have Fun!

Chris

If restored, this would probably be an excellent pen to write with, also.

Thanks very very much for all the info, with the pen dating back to the 1940's i wasn't too far out afterall with my guess of the pen dating back to the 1950's............ I will definatly have to test the pen but yes, the plunger was slightly stiff and i didn't want to draw it out any further to risk damaging the mechanism. I'd heard that the 14k on the nib represented 14 Karet gold but still wasn't sure so that clears that one up too!

Oh and yes i'm not the original owner lol, although i believe my grandfather was so it's stayed in the family at least!