Sheaffer Balance Photo Thread 1928-1942

[PenHero]

Hi, Folks!

I thought it would be interesting to post two Sheaffer Balance Blue pens c1931-1932 so you can see the color difference in a discolored pen and one that is in pretty good color shape.

http://penhero.com/Temp/SheafferBalanceBlue_1280_05a.jpg

Sheaffer only took one shot at blue in the Balance line, with this marbled blue released in 1931-1932. The color name is simply, “Blue,” though many collectors call this material “blue and black.” Examined in bright light the colors are actually a marble of different shades of blue, though on discolored pens the darker blue will appear black. This blue marble was offered on the lower rank non-White Dot Balance pens, including these two “thin” standard size pens here down to the “petite” size. There is a matching pencil for both size fountain pens, as well as ringtop pens and pencils, and a very chunky, short ringtop golf or handbag pencil. Non-discolored pens are sought after by collectors.

I understand this pen was listed in a Christmas 1932 price list and some other 1931-1932 price list / catalog information exists. I would love to have copies to update my article on them.

Thanks!

[Roger W.]

Jim;

 

I get a chance I will shoot you a copy of the information. Ones with iffy color I've always thought of as having a "muddy" appearance and a good one having some purple to it.

 

Roger W.

[MKeith]

WOW!

[PenHero]

Hi, folks!

Sheaffer introduced the Ebonized Pearl finish in 1934 claiming that for the "first time in fountain pen history, genuine pearl has been actually inlaid in lustrous ebony-black radite."

http://penhero.com/Temp/SheafferAutographBalance_1280_02.jpg

The Balance Autograph would be the top of the line with this finish, adding a 14 karat gold clip and wide cap band to the largest Balance model. The Autograph pen and pencil set sold for $30 in 1935, with $1 of the price being included for engraving the owner's signature on each instrument. The pen was offered in both lever and Vacuum-fil versions for the same price. In the 1936 catalog, all Autograph pens are black only.

This finish is very desirable by collectors and in an Autograph model would fetch a pretty high price. Discoloration will affect the price.

Thanks!

[duchour]

Still beautiful and 14k!

[mitto]

Very beautiful pen.

[Pepin]

I have no idea real shells are in there. Interesting. Truly precious resins...

[PenHero]

Hi, Folks,

I've always been fascinated with the Sheaffer Balance Ebonized Pearl because Sheaffer claimed that the material was made of genuine pearl inlaid into black radite. The material was introduced in 1934. Using real mother of pearl would account for the color variations seen if you look at enough of these pens. This one shows a green hue in the pearl chips. Sheaffer claimed that the pearl would never fade because it is covered by a thin sheet of clear pyroxylin.

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/SheafferBalanceEbonizedPearl_1280_01.jpg

This is an earlier example, c1934-1935, because it lacks the Visulated section introduced on lever fill pens in the 1936 catalog. It's probably a D3TC, given the size, which sold for $3.50. The nib is probably a later replacement as the correct nib would be marked 3.

I have a few more I can post. How many different ones can we all put together?

Thanks!

[JonSzanto]

Jim, I saw your post elsewhere. Also a big love of mine. I haven't been in the pen game as long as you, but early on I wanted to find an OS in this, and I knew it would be a long chase (for good quality and not over-the-top price). I finally found one of the great pen purchases of my life, a one owner pen who had used it since new and then it was passed to his son, who didn't use it. He may have been one of the most careful owners ever. Here's a shot or two, including partnered with a new favorite, an Aurora 88. I think the 80 years between them doesn't show too badly!

http://i.imgur.com/LEgOLGch.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/JjtXtrTh.jpg

Edited June 28, 2017 by JonSzanto

[PenHero]

Hi, Folks!

Thought I would post another Sheaffer Balance Ebonized Pearl. This one is a Junior model D2V. It's a smaller pen, about 4 7/16 inches long with the cap on.

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/SheafferBalanceEbonizedPearl_1280_02.jpg

The D2V appears in the 1937 and 1938 catalog, the last year Ebonized Pearl was used. The trim is chrome plated. Sheaffer says the unhallmarked Junior nib is solid gold, possibly less than 14 karat. The pen sold for $2.75 and was also available as a Vacuum-fil pen.

Thanks!

[PenHero]

 

Jim, I saw your post elsewhere. Also a big love of mine. I haven't been in the pen game as long as you, but early on I wanted to find an OS in this, and I knew it would be a long chase (for good quality and not over-the-top price). I finally found one of the great pen purchases of my life, a one owner pen who had used it since new and then it was passed to his son, who didn't use it. He may have been one of the most careful owners ever. Here's a shot or two, including partnered with a new favorite, an Aurora 88. I think the 80 years between them doesn't show too badly!

Wow - very nice!! What a great find and a story to go with it!

[jar]

I have a couple and not too long ago took a shot I call Splendor in the Grass.

 

http://www.fototime.com/C0F3328C3304E0C/large.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/7B20DDE5F05AEB0/large.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/B89ABB3EF75EC39/large.jpg

The transparency of the Plunger Filler is really amazing.

[PenHero]

http://www.fototime.com/7B20DDE5F05AEB0/large.jpg

The transparency of the Plunger Filler is really amazing.

 

That pen barrel looks amazing! Thanks!

[JonSzanto]

I hadn't realized until about a year ago that the vac-fill variants actually had transparency! Here's a 'trick shot' of one of mine:

 

http://i.imgur.com/g2zBYTul.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/9bkn5VOl.jpg

[PenHero]

I hadn't realized until about a year ago that the vac-fill variants actually had transparency! Here's a 'trick shot' of one of mine:

http://i.imgur.com/9bkn5VOl.jpg

 

What I like about this shot is it really shows the "spiral" nature of the translucent section of the barrel. Nice!

[PenHero]

Hi, Folks!

Thought I would post a couple of older pictures of a very nice Sheaffer Balance Ebonized Pearl Autograph c1935-1936.

In the 1935 catalog there are two finishes offered on the Autograph, Black or Ebonized Pearl. The pen retailed for $18.00 regardless of size, and three sizes were offered. This example would the largest, 85TC, except for one detail - the section.

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/SheafferBalanceEbonizedAutograph_1280_01.jpg

What's interesting about this pen is the Visulated section. Sheaffer's 1936 catalog announced the new ink view section window feature but has no mention of the Autograph being offered in Ebonized Pearl. My view is Sheaffer was in the business of making pens and either this is a pre-catalog offer or a run of remainder stock to get rid of it. If someone has more detail that bridges this from the 1935-1936 time more specifically, I would be intersted!

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/SheafferBalanceEbonizedAutograph_1280_02.jpg

The Autograph featured a 14 karat gold hallmarked clip and cap band and the pencil also had a 14 karat gold hallmarked pencil tip.

Thanks!

[Brian-McQueen]

Here is a dead mint Sheaffer Junior in Ebonized Pearl

 

 

And a closeup picture showing how the barrel is spirally seamed. You can also see how the chips were inlaid and then a light coating of plastic placed over them.

 

[3rdlakerobert]

Here is a dead mint Sheaffer Junior in Ebonized Pearl

 

 

 

Amazing to see an Ebonized Pearl in this condition. I've wondered what the pen looks like without the discoloration we always see in survivors. What a pen!

[mitto]

Beautiful Ebonized Pearl pens. I want one.

[PenHero]

 

And a closeup picture showing how the barrel is spirally seamed. You can also see how the chips were inlaid and then a light coating of plastic placed over them.

 

 

Amazing photo! Thanks!