Search the Community

I dove down the rabbit hole of 1970s inlaid nibs. To my knowledge, only three sizes were available, fine, medium and broad, on Sheaffer 330s, 440s and 444s. Sometimes the nib size is indicated on the nib unit (printed in yellow or moulded into the plastic), but more often there is no indication other than a sticker on the body that the original owner removed when they bought the pen decades ago. So far, so good. But recently I acquired two 444s, one unmarked but sold as a fine, and the other clearly marked as a B. They don't match my preconceived nib sizes. The fine is closer to what I consider an extra fine (0.4mm), but that's fine with me. However, the B is what I consider a double broad (BB), or even a triple broad stub (BBB), with 1.0mm downstrokes and 0.7mm side strokes. I was very surprised. I was expecting something more like : Fine (~0.4 mm) Medium (~0.5 mm) Broad (~0.7 mm) Maybe I'm wrong and there were more than 3 nib sizes: Extra fine (~0.4mm) Fine (~0.4 mm) Medium (~0.5 mm) Broad (~0.7 mm) Stub (1.0 mm) Where can I find a reference that lists the nib sizes that were originally offered on these pens?

Hi guys, I need a little help with choosing which vintage Sheaffer Imperial to buy! Recently I've been looking on eBay and am quite intrigued by the vintage Sheaffer pens with the inlaid nibs, they're absolutely gorgeous! Anyway, I've spotted three good deals and am having trouble deciding which is more worth it. I would like to hear your opinions! 1) Sheaffer Imperial 330 NOS, Black, Fine steel nib. £59 (Also comes with ballpoint pen) The price is attractive to me especially as there is both a fountain pen and ballpoint included, and they are both new old stock.However I have been told the weight of the pen is not ideal as it is cheap (?) plastic, can anyone weigh in on this?Comes with converter. 2) Sheaffer Imperial 444 Flighter, Chrome, Fine steel nib. £70 The price is higher for this one and I'm not sure if it's worth it, but the metal body does look good and it should weight better.Converter is not included.The description says the pen is "unused" and there is still a sticker on the barrel, but there is no box, and also an "imperfection" on the barrel.In working condition. 3) Sheaffer Imperial Touchdown VI (I believe), Gray, Fine 14k nib. £? (Auction, I'm aiming for lower than £50) 14k gold nib is a steal if I can win at a low bid.Filling mechanism is interesting, can anyone vouch for how good / bad it is?Used. Has a few scratches that are not very noticeable but there none-the-less.In working condition. So those are the three I'm looking at, can anyone give any advice? Thanks!

Did Sheaffer make a pen that has all three of the following characteristics? 1. Body shape similar to a 330, 440, or Imperial II, either plastic or metal cap 2. Conical nib 3.Cartridge/converter fill This would be my ideal Sheaffer but I am not aware of such a model. Thanks for your assistance.