what is a sheaffer 444 really?

[terim]

Wow, Hugh! This is just the configuration I was "denying." I think Sheaffer was pretty inconsistent in this era.

 

TERI

 

 

 

Yet another 727 and this one has a sticker that clearly says 727!! They really do exist. Again these are not Imperials...

 

Regards

Hugh

[Hugh200au]

Wow, Hugh! This is just the configuration I was "denying." I think Sheaffer was pretty inconsistent in this era.

 

TERI

 

 

 

Yet another 727 and this one has a sticker that clearly says 727!! They really do exist. Again these are not Imperials...

 

Regards

Hugh

 

"pretty inconsistent" sums it up Terri !! I wouldn't be surprised if a few more model numbers found in the Imperials turn up in this "ladies mens" configuration (it could be that by this time they had used up every possible 3 digit combination....). I've started writing down the various 3 digit configuration, but as some models appear identical apart from the number it will, at best, be a guide. I came across a 708, blue plastic barrel and a gold lame finish cap...stunning ( but I was too tight to buy it..)

 

Regards

Hugh

[PenHero]

I've done a little bit of detective work on this subject, perusing what limited price lists, advertisements and catalogs I have from the 1970s, and though Sheaffer is not 100% consistent, here is a kind of general guideline for 1970s era Sheaffer Triumph and Imperial pens:

 

1. Imperial vs Triumph nibs

 

• Imperial models generally have 14 karat gold nibs and the diamond shaped cutout:
  http://penhero.com/PenGallery/Sheaffer/Pics/SheafferInlaidNibs06.jpg
  Imperial nibs
   
  
• Triumph models generally have stainless steel nibs (with some exception - keep reading) and the rounded V shaped cutout:
  http://penhero.com/PenGallery/Sheaffer/Pics/SheafferInlaidNibs07.jpg
  Triumph nib (ignore the cap)
  

 

2. Triumph and Imperial Model Numbers - How they work

 

• The number refers to the finish type: 444 is a brushed chrome finish - this is a brass pen with chrome plate finish - these are not stainless steel pens
  
• Letters after the number modify the trim type or nib type: X means the pen has gold plated trim, G means the pen has a 14 karat gold nib
  

 

3. Triumph and Imperial Model Numbers - types of finishes (note that these are not available on both Triumph and Imperial

 

• 
   
  The following are Triumph Models
   
  
• 330 is plastic cap and barrel with chrome plated trim
  
• 440 is brushed chrome cap, plastic barrel with chrome plated trim (sometimes also Imperial II)
  
• 444 is a brushed chrome finish cap and barrel
  
• 506 is bright chrome plated cap and barrel with chrome plated trim
  
• 550 is plastic cap and barrel with gold plated trim
   
  The following are Imperial Models
   
  
• 770 is lined gold plated cap and plastic barrel with gold plated trim
  
• 777 is lined gold plated cap and barrel with gold plated trim
  
• 797 is fluted gold plated cap and barrel with gold plated trim
  
• 827 is barleycorn gold plated cap and barrel with gold plated trim
  

 

You can see a very complete list at SheafferTarga.com:

SHEAFFER IMPERIAL FAMILY OF FOUNTAIN PENS

[Hugh200au]

Hi Jim, Do any of your catalogues show the range of ladies ( or that style) pens with the skripsert nibs? What I'm finding is some of these pens with corresponding numbers to the Imperial and Triumph and am starting to wonder how many "duplicate" number models there really are. The pen in the OP is a 444, but clearly not an Imperial, so what is it called? I wouldn't think a "Lady" designation would really suit, and I doubt it would have been sold as such. It's getting too complicated....

 

Regards

Hugh

[PenHero]

Hugh,

 

That's on my to-do list. I don't have enough information yet, but hope to this year.

[terim]

We just acquired almost 50 pens from an old Sheaffer distributor on the east coast.  They are stickered 444 to indicate just what Jim says above -- brushed chrome finish with gold trim.  They have the long clip and more slender form that I associate with Stylist, so that is what I am going to call them. They have the steel conical Triumph nib (some of which are marked Palladium Silver and some are not) that we also found on Imperial II and III pens, however the section is longer.