Search the Community

Hi, I'll be going on my monthly pen hunt in a few days and I wanted to try out the world of vintage pens. Which vintage pen would you recommend to a first time vintage user?

I figured there are so many pros on here, and tinkerers, this has probably been done. Any feedback on long term use of the Kaweco short standard international cartridge jammed onto the feed. The fit was nice and tight and the flow started right away. May be sacrilegious but I was jonesing to use it again with nary a correct cartridge or converter at hand. Thoughts?

Hello! I was scouring the internet today, until I happen upon this pen; I have absolutely no idea what it is. I know it's a Sheaffer, but I have never seen this type of nib. Does anyone else know?

Hi there, Can anyone tell me if my Sheaffer Targa 1005 can be combined with a converter. If so, which will work/fit best? Thanks, Sigrid

Recently I acquired my grandparents' writing desk from the late 1800s early 1900s. Along with a couple of tintypes and an old letter was a 1920s (?) Sheaffer fountain pen. No surprise there as I mostly knew of my grandparents writing with fountain pens. Almost always. Since finding the Sheaffer a few months ago I've spent time off and on looking online for a similar pen. No luck yet. The biggest difference I see between mine and all of the others I've seen is that mine has a black blind cap. The most helpful information came from http://newpentrace.net/article090701114.html If you can point me in the right direction and/or tell me more about this pen, I'll be eternally grateful. And, what are the chances of having it repaired and a correct cap located? Thank you so much! Imprinted information below the pics. This image most accurately shows the barrel's material and color. Imprinted: W.A.SHEAFFER PEN Co PAT.AUG.25-08-FORT MADISON,IA.U.S.A. DEC.10-12-JAN.27-OCT.20-NOV.24-14 Imprinted: SHEAFFER'S --------- LIFETIME REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. 815517 The flat, terminal end of the blind cap is chipped. Any thoughts on how / why that could happen. It seems like an odd place for a fountain pen to chip. The color is off in this photo, but the nib appears to be in good shape with no dents, dings, or bent tines. I've enjoyed and learned a lot from reading through many of your posts. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Recently got this and a Duofold from a colleague. The nib is in excellent condition and writes quite well, but the internal sac has crumbled to dust. Would it be possible to buy a new sac for this in India? If not, what are my sources online for buying parts for this? I think this is a Sheaffer Triumph but I might be wrong and more information on the pen is always welcome.

Hi all. I have a striated Sheaffer vac filler (short pen about 120mm capped, not a Tuckaway kind of short, but also not a Balance long either.). I think it might be a Statesman but the question is more generic: The vac fill unit: If I pull the plunger back and then push it forward, sometimes, against a light source, I see a piece behind the plunger that moves loosely forward, and it can be pushed to the back of the pen again if I pull the plunger back. Does anybody know what I'm talking about? What is this piece, and what effect does it have? The pen still creates a vacuum and fills, but also if I pull the rod back, little ink droplets come out on the rod too, and I'm not sure they should. What is the best way or tool to disassemble this particular pen. Best regards

http://inks.pencyklopedia.pl/wp-content/uploads/Sheaffer-Skrip-Blue-kleks.png I present test ink Sheaffer Skrip Blue with a very nice blue color resembling the bright side of the stone lapis lazuli. The ink very well with a pen. Writing is a pleasure. Very good parameters, a good drying time - is essential. Sheaffer everything meets. Bravo. Manufacturer: Sheaffer Series, colour: Skrip Blue Pen: Waterman Hemisphere, nib "F" Paper: Image Volume (80 g / m2) Specifications: Flow rate: very good Lubrication: good Bleed through: unnoticeable Shading: noticeable Feathering: unnoticeable Saturation: good A drop of ink smeared with a nib http://inks.pencyklopedia.pl/wp-content/uploads/Sheaffer-Skrip-Blue-kleks.jpg The ink smudged with a cotton pad http://inks.pencyklopedia.pl/wp-content/uploads/Sheaffer-Skrip-Blue-wacik.jpg Lines http://inks.pencyklopedia.pl/wp-content/uploads/Sheaffer-Skrip-Blue-kreski.jpg Water Resistance http://inks.pencyklopedia.pl/wp-content/uploads/Sheaffer-Skrip-Blue-woda.jpg Ink drying time http://inks.pencyklopedia.pl/wp-content/uploads/Sheaffer-Skrip-Blue-wysychanie.jpg Ink drops on a handkerchief http://inks.pencyklopedia.pl/wp-content/uploads/Sheaffer-Skrip-Blue-chromatografia1.jpg Chromatography http://inks.pencyklopedia.pl/wp-content/uploads/Sheaffer-Skrip-Blue-chromatografia2.jpg Sample text http://inks.pencyklopedia.pl/wp-content/uploads/Sheaffer-Skrip-Blue-txt.jpg Sample text in an Oxford notebook A5 (90 g / m2) http://inks.pencyklopedia.pl/wp-content/uploads/Sheaffer-Skrip-Blue-Oxford.jpg Sample letters in a Rhodia notebook No 16 (90 g / m2) http://inks.pencyklopedia.pl/wp-content/uploads/Sheaffer-Skrip-Blue-Rhodia.jpg

Sure there are excelent threads about Sheaffer'S Autograph. This other topic is a small tribute to one of the men whom made them possible; Dana M. Bushong. http://s28.postimg.org/47v3i5ivx/Dana_Bushong_1948_sign_Lazard.jpg http://s27.postimg.org/xwpyky4qr/Dana_Bushong_pen_autographer_Lazard.jpg http://s18.postimg.org/5dn8rsfu1/Dana_Bushong_Sheaffer_ad_Lazard_autograph.jpg http://s8.postimg.org/lpna4mvf9/Dana_Bushong_autographer_ad_Lazard.jpg http://s22.postimg.org/54xr4rydd/Dana_Bushong_Sheaffer_ad_Lazard.jpg http://s21.postimg.org/5ulymp2d3/Dana_Bushong_Sheaffer_Lazard_autograph_briefcase.jpg http://s17.postimg.org/ehmpu3973/Dana_Bushong_90th_Lazard.jpg http://s16.postimg.org/lg8k7awdx/Sheaffer_wall_counter_case_Dana_Bushong_Lazard.jpg

Hello, i'm new in this forum. I've got several sheaffer's pen and pencils. I can't find any information on this desk set : Do you know if this set is an original Sheaffer ? Is the pen is the right pen in this set ?

Hi Sheaffer Fans, I'm wondering if this pen is a Sheaffer Balance. Trying to increase my PIQ (Pen I.Q.), as well as identify this modern Sheaffer. I am in love with the Sheaffer Balance and continue the easter egg hunt for them. I'm thinking NOT, but not sure if my observations bear this out. Also, I have not been able to identify what Sheaffer model it might be, so a few of your brain cycles on this would be appreciated. Other resources to assist in identification would also be greatly appreciated. My observations: Seems like the right shape (although not as 'pointy' as the Balance on the ends, seems LESS Balanced! ), Clip seems to be different than the Balance pictures, with the White Dot on it - not on the cap directly It is a matte black - and cannot find any reference or example of this finish offering as a BalanceNib looks like SS w/ , marked Sheaffer M (Seems like it could be a "low end" offering)Thank you for any assistance in increasing my PIQ, and figuring out what model this pen is. Regards, George

This just...made me cross my legs and squirm. I had to share the laugh. Someone selling a Lady Sheaffer that has had a clip forced onto it. Talk about finish-ruining. Also, it's in just the orientation to beg for a capful of ink when removing it from the pocket for use! https://www.ebay.com/itm/392257655364 Cheers! Matt

I got an old Sheaffer (?) FP at on online estate sale last week and I need help identifying it, its missing the fill lever but has the pressure bar. There is an imprint labeled P & F in the cap. Thanks Mark Hooton

Hello, I bougth on eBay a Sheaffer pen... I was expecting a ink sac type but this one is more complicated to fix. I was told on Reddit that is a Sheaffer Statesman so I was advised to reach Mr Gerry Berg to assist with the repair. I sent him an email but no answer so: Anyone has his contact info or the name of another person that can help me with this repair??? I'm located in CONUS.

Hello everyone. So I was a little curious about something, and it doesn't seem to come up at all, but on the Sheaffer Stylist, were ANY of the nibs solid gold rather than plated? Since the nibs are not hallmarked, I'm not very sure, and old stylist advertisements never talked about the nibs being solid. Can anyone confirm this? I was thinking since the Sheaffer "Dolphin" imperial is solid gold, perhaps the stylist might be as well( as the dolphin is not hallmarked either, but old advertisements mention it being solid 14k). Thanks and have a good day.

Sheaffer 1920's 18K White Gold "Flat Top" Questions & Facts w/pics Hi everybody, great to be on this forum, looking to date range this Sheaffer in my collection and get opinion on a few questions, I have and any correction to the info I have below. Regarding the #2 nib: Was there a hard start date to the nibs reading “lifetime”? Or, is this nib lower cost, therefore no life time warranty? Was there a hard cut-off date to the earlier heart shaped breather hole? Regarding the clip: As you see, there is no Sheaffer name embossed on the clip, is this because this didn’t happen until a certain point or, that this, being a high end pen did not usually have that for more subtle appearance? Regarding the model: Would a model number exist on this? Is it an “18” of a type as I see referenced on www.pensacs.com or 1 part of a 2 piece and very high end “Gifties” set in the 1920’s? The Gifties, may have been only 14K I think. So, more custom order with in house jeweler’s doing engraving? It looks like the only 4.5 inch model made. Has anyone seen this pattern? I’m thinking date as 1925-27 based on clip style and barrel motif at this point. The facts as I know them so far: All-metal barrel and section lever-filler, “Flat Top” in solid white gold (this version, 58.5% gold and 41.5% palladium I believe), reading 18K on barrel, cap, clip. Assuming the lever bar is also 18K.Hand engraved jeweler’s craftsmanship on barrel and cap with what I would describe as an Art Deco, geometric, leaf and sunrise motif. Right for the era and unusual on a Sheaffer? And, in my opinion a departure from the very ornate scroll work golds that are seen.Stylized hand engraved monogram at top of cap reading “B”.What appears to be a simple rectangular blank “cartouche” on barrel for further engraving.Cap reads above opening, in pre 1932/33 logo, in two lines, Sheaffer’s, Made in U.S.A.Cap has two fine breather holes incorporated into the leaf design and “hump” clip with ball tip.Round nib reads in two lines Sheaffer’s, No. 2, assuming 14K and a contrast to the gold used in the barrel for reference.Heart shaped breather hole.4 5/8” (4.5”?) long x 3/8” diameterWeight 0.026gCondition: (With full transparency as I know it.) Excellent used condition, clean, unrestored.Exterior - surface has fine scratches consistent with normal use on a 95 year old pen.Exterior – As 18K gold is a soft material there are some dings, the two most visible are on barrel end and the other is on side edge of cartouche. A minor few others that would need strong light to view.Exterior – very faint discoloration around breather holes that I assume was caused by ink aspirating from holes over the years. Removable I assume by a professional product or jeweler.Interior – Unknown but all seems intact, original ink sack has long ago turned to dust.Lever - still has a solid springiness and snaps into place.Nib – Excellent, no damageAny further facts you may know would be greatly appreciated. Please ask any questions as well. I can post more pics too if needed. I just took photos of this that last few days and can’t believe how difficult it was to photograph pens and especially a shiny one! Kudos, to all the beautiful photos on this site. I’ve got to figure out a method for taking pics . I’m very pleased to know that this site exists with so much info and knowledge from all you and thanks in advance. Sincerely, Dave

I know that this topic is already kind-of discussed in various places on FPN but I can't seem to find a straight answer. My question: I would like to find a nice water resistant or proof, good performance on cheaper paper blue, black or blue-black ink safe for my vintage Sheaffers (Touchdown and Snorkel). I've been using some vintage Watermans B/B that I picked up a while ago, but it's too pale and doesn't perform very well on cheap paper. I wanted to try Namiki Blue, but I read some other reviews that people don't recommend it in vintage pens-- It's a shame. It's one of my favorite blues. Would some of the modern IG Inks ( Diamine Registrar, Rohrer & Klinger, Mont Blanc, etc....) be ok to use? Any or all suggestions would be really appreciated.

Hurry, get your free Skrip bottle before the stock runs out!* A 1930 ad little or nothing known and that illustrates to us about the commercial utility that Sheaffer´S gave to their old truck. Dedicated to RedRinger, FPN member, whose yesterday post about these old ads has given me the idea for this topic. *Although Sheaffer´s commercial dept. doesn´t anything for nothing...

This is a post radite Lifetime black, chased in its characteristic ribbon band from 1923, hard rubber.

I am trying to restore a sheaffer snorkel and after taking the barrel out of the untrasonic cleaner i noticed a very thin crack in the middle of the barrel. It runs about a quarter of the length. Iv done some research and i have a few questions about what to use and how to do it. Can i use super glue or any other sort of plastic glue to seal the crack or do i need something specific? all the repairs i have seen have been from the outside but there is suggestion that it will not look very good on a black barrel, could i try just applying it to the inside to let it seal the crack but not fill it as i think this may give a better result? unfortunately i cannot get a good photo of the crack but i will try again when i can get some better light

How do I go about repairing this Craftsman? I managed to easily take out the nib unit, but am stuck on taking out the packing at the base of the barrel. Also, what parts would I need to make it function again?

Morning all! I need some help identifying this Sheaffer I just restored. I'm thinking this is a 1946-48 Valiant, but I'm not quite sure. It's a triumph nib, but uses a lever fill. Opaque black plastic body and cap with gold trim if pictures don't come out right on your screen. Distinguishing features 1) Multi-threaded section (took a few tries to get the lever lined up correctly. 2) Opaque section (no ink-view). 3) 3/8" gold filled cap band. 4) Length caped is 5 1/4" 5) Price mark is "1250" 6) Of course, amazing Triumph nib in 14k with "Lifetime" marking. 7) Barrel girth is wider than contemporary Sheaffer pens I have like the Statesman. 8) Lever moves VERY smoothly - just enough resistance to tell it's actuating the bar, but no ratcheting, friction or other "unpleasantness."

To celebrate the act of writing, here are photo reviews of two 'slim' pens (under 10 mm around at the grip). Notice that, with slip-on caps, 'threads' at the grip are not an issue, so the pens are equally smooth to hold. Also, though the pens may vary in size and shape, they are all about the same in girth, so the feeling of control as one grips the pen is about the same. Performance in this case it seems to me is in the nib itself. Both pens are aging beauties but are still manufactured (the Hastil) or available (the Fashion). The pangrams used are courtesy of Wits 'n Wisecracks: 251 Pangrams for Everyday Use by Millard Port, via Amazon Books. Enjoy this holiday excursion into thinness.

Hello FPN! (first post) I present to you Sheaffer Intensity in "cornflower" color. The pen is discontinued, AFAIK, but maybe someone will find this useful. http://myroslava.net/z/sheaffer_intensity/sheaffer_intensity_cornflower_1.jpg It has a medium nib and is a very wet (and reliable) writer. That said, the images that were available of it on the website where I bought it made it look better than it is. I hadn't expected the stark contrast between the turquoise stripes and the metallic ones. Also, the metallic stripes on the body do not align with the more widely spaced ones on the cap: http://myroslava.net/z/sheaffer_intensity/sheaffer_intensity_cornflower_2.jpg To add insult to injury, the cap also has a metallic stripe that is wider than the rest of them. I suppose it is there for engraving or something, but the end result is a very haphazard, untidy design. http://myroslava.net/z/sheaffer_intensity/sheaffer_intensity_cornflower_3.jpg The section is metallic. All unpainted metal parts are, naturally, a fingerprint magnet. http://myroslava.net/z/sheaffer_intensity/sheaffer_intensity_cornflower_4.jpg So, looks-wise, it's a disaster. But I like the way it glides over the paper, and the way it can be left inked-but-unused for several weeks without much dry-out. The Sheaffer converter has reasonable capacity, and the pen doesn't need to be "primed" as the amount of ink in the converter decreases. Other negatives are the metal threads on the body coming against the plastic ones inside the cap—don't know how long it will last. Also, on the rare occasions when I take the pen out into the wild, the cap tends to unscrew slightly all on its own, with the pen in its own pen pocket and not just being banged around in the bag; and sometimes the barrel also unscrews from the section. The unscrewing is more pronounced when I clip the pen over the edge of the pen pocket. Maybe that is also due to the fact that I'm afraid to screw it together _too_ tightly, because of the metal-on-plastic thing. So, the pen is really unsuited to what we pen freaks want from our pens in all but one way: it writes very well. Well, there is a second way, half-ways: it does show that what you are carrying is not everyone's regular pen, and it is machined well enough that it doesn't look like a cheap Chinese attempt at bling. But bling it is, and nonsensically designed bling at that. Maybe that's why it was discontinued. I've so far mostly kept it inked with Diamine Aqua Blue, in keeping with the turquoise theme of the pen. However, this ink, once a bit dried-out, becomes more aggressive, sort of eating through paper that had heretofore endured ink pretty well. So, as this pen cannot be a daily writer and ink is bound to stay there for some time unused, I plan from now on to relegate it to desk duty for infrequent color-marking with something like Diamine Cerise.

I'm still new to fountain pens, and it started with two old Sheaffers from my grandmother. However, I don't know what they are. While I'm pretty sure the teal italic is a No Nonsense, I have not the slightest clue about the red one. Anyone know for sure? Side note: is this an ebonite feed? It's got tiny lines from machining, and it has a matte "finish." The lines are hard to see in the photo. They're probably about as wide as a playing card is thick.