Recommendations For Best Value Sheaffer?

[suharsh]

I bought my first Sheaffer (even though I have owned and used Sheaffer inks for last 15 years) VFM fountain pen recently. Love the body, the grip .. ink flow wasn't consistent ... but with a little bit of nib tweaking and using a wet ink solved the problem.

 

I want to buy a couple of more Sheaffer pens. Below is something about myself and what I like about a pen:

 

1. I usually look for best value rather than most expensive or the cheapest.

 

2. In a fountain pen ... looks don't matter to me.

 

3. The pen I like to most is Parker 51 (and therefor have dozens of Hero and Wingsung models too).

 

4. The hold / grip matters to me the most in the pen. I have smaller hands and relatively thin fingers. So prefer thin to medium necks / hold.

 

5. Don't like metallic grips.

 

6. Nib size anywhere between Fine to Medium. Don't like broad or above and don't prefer x-fine either.

 

7. Price range $40 to $100 USD is ok.

 

Sheaffer fans - if you could please recommend me any Sheaffer keeping above in mind.

[mitto]

Sheaffer Imperial iv, vi and viii in the touchdown models and Sheaffer triumph C/C pens.

 

Sovereign and Strling Silver diamond pattern in both touchdown and C/C versions also fall under the criteria you have set forth.

 

 

The Targa is also a very good C/C pen and has numerous versions especially the ones with the 14k gold nibs.

[suharsh]

Sheaffer Imperial iv, vi and viii in the touchdown models and Sheaffer triumph C/C pens.

 

Sovereign and Strling Silver diamond pattern in both touchdown and C/C versions also fall under the criteria you have set forth.

 

 

The Targa is also a very good C/C pen and has numerous versions especially the ones with the 14k gold nibs.

 

Thank you very much. I will check them out.

[Happy Harry]

The early '50's TM TD is a good option as well, all models in the range write well and easy ( or cheap ) to restore. The later Snorkel is very similar just longer and more work to restore. In both fine and medium the most common nib size.

[suharsh]

The early '50's TM TD is a good option as well, all models in the range write well and easy ( or cheap ) to restore. The later Snorkel is very similar just longer and more work to restore. In both fine and medium the most common nib size.

 

Thanks for the information.

[lisadan]

I second the Targa. There are many versions, with plenty in your price range.

The classic model is relatively narrow, and the discontinued slim model, if found, is very narrow. However; slim cartridges and converters are not that easy to come by, as Sheaffer abandoned the slim pens line several years ago, and discantiued the slim converters and cartridges as well.

[ink-syringe]

Peyton Street Pens still has those fantastic Imperial II Deluxe TD pens for a decent price. I L O V E mine. Would fit your criteria perfectly.

 

Twice in the last year I scored restored Admiral snorkels for under $50. Great pens. Overlooked imo.

[catbert]

+1 for the Imperial II Deluxe.

 

The 440 (Imperial) - also at Peyton Street - is another neat pen. Inlaid nib, c/c.

 

A Vigilant might suit. Military clip, vac-filler. Relatively large 14K Lifetime nib on a small slim pen, and a delight to use.

[suharsh]

Thanks to all of you ... just spent $100 on a Targa

 

It is the slim version, GP medium nib and comes with converter so that is good. The other two possibly for Christmas (unless it arrives early )

 

So if Sheaffer no longer makes new pens ... where are the cheap VFM models coming from? Does BIC make them or these are existing inventories?

[FarmBoy]

Touchdowns and Snorkels are underpriced. They are in general good pens, relatively easy to find and restore.

[suharsh]

Fortunately I had the box from the VFM that I had bought .. it says ............... made in ......'China'! So I guess it must be BIC or whichever entity that now owns the Sheaffer brand rights. It is a good pen though for the price of $15.

[samba]

You should pick up imperial 440,444,444xg,targa[both gold & steel versions] and also prelude.They are all excellent writer and would fit your budget.Thanks and Regards.

[woleizihan]

$100 for slim Targa sounds a little expensive for me.......... Hmmmmmm, I just sold my NOS slim Targa (fp/bp/mpencil) set two weeks ago..... for $62................on Ebay..............

[marcelo]

The Prelude thicks all the boxes. I have been writing with mine for a week and am still amazed by all its qualities for such an honest price.

[estie1948]

The Sheaffer Balances (lever-fill, easily restored if not already restored) of the 1930's were especially streamlined with very nice nibs. While I haven't bought any since the 1980's, they seem to be forever undervalued. You must watch for them, but they do turn up at on-line pen dealers for $80 or less every once in a while. I know of one fully restored that sold recently for $110 including shipping and insurance. Personally, I would much rather have had the Balance for $110 than a slim Targa for $100.

 

As a die hard Esterbrook man, it is hard for me to say, but the Sheaffer Balances are excellent, well made fountain pens.

 

-David (Estie).

[sciumbasci]

Current Sheaffer models in your price range would be the Sheaffer 100 and the 300. Although they are all but "best value". They are just Chinese pens dressed up as Sheaffers.

[eliweisz]

I second Imperial II Deluxe TD.

​Sheaffer Craftsman Touchdown is a great pen - you still can have it for $50 or less.

[marcelo]

Current Sheaffer models in your price range would be the Sheaffer 100 and the 300. Although they are all but "best value". They are just Chinese pens dressed up as Sheaffers.

Didn't know that!

 

What about the Preludes? Made in China or USA?

[estie1948]

Didn't know that!

 

What about the Preludes? Made in China or USA?

I don't believe there are any Sheaffer pens made in the USA. Sad fact of life.

 

-David (Estie).

[marcelo]

I don't believe there are any Sheaffer pens made in the USA. Sad fact of life.

 

-David (Estie).

Really?! I was sure what I got was a fountain pen Made In USA... Edited September 12, 2016 by marcelo