An Uncommon Early Balance

August 14, 2017

I was happy to find this unusual little set in its original Sheaffer gift box. This model was called the "Petite" and the set was available in this unique gift box in 1930 -- catalog # K74MC (pen) and KMC (pencil). The pen and pencil are both 4 1/8" and this example carries an extra fine point nib.

I would call the condition Very Good. The Radite is a little dark, but quite uniformly so. The plating is unusually good, with brassing found only on the top of the pencil clip and in two tiny spots on each side of the pen's clip ball. The box is a little worn but still in Good condition. These cardboard boxes with red velvet interior are seldom found in good condition. In fact this one still has its original adjustable hold-down string.

August 15, 2017

Great set and box! I love these little Balances, but have never had the good fortune to find a box.

http://www.gergyor.com/images/sheaffer-petite-balances_sept2010.png

Best Regards, greg

August 15, 2017

Nice little collection Greg. I once had a blue Petite but sold it a couple years ago. I also had a black set that was like new--also sold it.

One of the things I like about these Petites is the shape. If you look at the profile and forget they're only 4 1/8" long, they look just like an Oversize Balance.

I think I first saw one of these gift boxes in a Pennant article and have been looking since. I've been collecting vintage Sheaffers for maybe 5 years and have yet to get to a pen show. Maybe next year!

August 17, 2017

Thanks.

I have quite a few more. Though I'm not going at it with a lot of speed, I'm gradually looking for as many of the variants as I can find: ring-tops/ clips x Lifetime/ 5-30/ 3-25 x cataloged/ non-cataloged colors x pencils.

Apparently there are 18 cataloged combinations of color, trim-level and clip/ring-top.

Plus pencils.

Plus Jade (which I have) and Red-Veined Grey (which I don't.) Both of these colors are known to exist, but aren't cataloged.

Discounting the pencils, but counting jade and red-veined (even assuming they only exist in one of the non-WD models) that makes twenty pens.

I don't have them in front of me, but IIRC, I have 13 of those 20. Lots more to find!

greg