The New Sheaffer Preludes Are Hitting Dealer Shelves

[FredRydr]

If you mean the new Prelude, they are made in China.

 

Fort Madison. Janesville. Toledo. Newhaven. Hamburg. Hanover. Turin. Just the name of a city is enough to know which pens came from what factories. But "China"?

[Uncial]

I've an old one but it has a normal shaped nib with a snakey looking line on it

[dan in montreal]

Well guess it all depends on how you view this. My very first fountain pen was a Cross Century from the early 80's. I got it brand new back then and had fond memories of it. A couple years back, I went to a pen shop to purchase the modern one. The minute I held it on my hands, the minute I was deeply disappointed! The section felt particularly cheap, looked horrendous in gold (mine had a black section), and the overall pen weight was lower than that of the original (had held one a few days prior).

 

According to friends and reviewers out there, the pen performs quite well and so far, I've been unable to find any notable issues with the Chinese version, but the feel would definitely prevent me from ever getting one, specially so, when I can get a vintage for a little less money.

Quite right. I would however not apply this to all pens made in China for established pen companies. As far as this particular model is concerned, I don't know if the materials of the latest models are of equivalent quality. I still have 3 Preludes, one made in the US and 2 from China - I got them because they were cheap and I was looking for a few reliable beaters. They're pretty much identical as far as materials and tolerances are concerned. The Chinese ones were purchased when Sheaffer was part of Bic. Now that Cross owns the brand, there may be a shift in quality. I won't be able to tell before I actually have one in my hand. Unless the finishes are really interesting and the prices much, much lower, I won't be in the market for another.

[PenHero]

 

Fort Madison. Janesville. Toledo. Newhaven. Hamburg. Hanover. Turin. Just the name of a city is enough to know which pens came from what factories. But "China"?

I'm not sure Cross indicates what city in China. I also don't think they name the factory either.

[PenHero]

Hi Folks!

This is the new Sheaffer Prelude Black Lacquer cartridge / converter fountain pen just released this Summer. It’s about 5 ¼ inches long capped and retails for $85.00. A rollerball pen and ballpoint pen are also available. The cap and barrel are finished in a polished black lacquer with horizontal engravings that create a banded effect. The trim is chrome plated. The cap band is stamped SHEAFFER. Other colors are planned. The stainless steel nib is firm and available in medium and fine.

They should be available at your Sheaffer dealer.

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/SheafferPrelude9164_2048_01.jpg

Thanks!

[pajaro]

I like the old USA Preludes just fine, and I have a Sheaffer Italic nib and section set with a few widths if italics called a Caligraphy set.

[bone215]

I have an older Prelude back 10 years ago (when they were $29.00 on a Black Friday sale.)  I have a medium in matte black with gold trim.

Excellent smooth never faltering Medium nib.

I have beat this pen for a decade with no problems.