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This is an Australian-marked ‘Micro-crafted’ refill from a Sheaffer (Aust.) Fineline Ballpoint that was produced in the early-1950s. The ‘Micro-crafted’ refill was initially produced by Sheaffer USA in their Stratowriter in 1946 and later used in the Touchdown, Fineline and Snorkel (non-retracting) ballpoint models. This refill is unusual because the ink is contained in a plastic sac inside the aluminium casing. Here are some photos of a dismantled ‘Micro-crafted’ refill showing the ballpoint section, ink sac and aluminium sac protector/casing. The ballpoint section contains the ball, has a screw thread that screws into the ballpoint section/barrel to secure it in the pen, and a base where the sac and casing are attached. The aluminium casing is secured by four crimps that engage in a groove on the upper part of the section base. The black plastic sac is secured to another groove lower on the base by several wraps of thread. The sac in the picture is stiff but flexible; similar in feel to a plastic drinking straw. I was able to squeeze out the ink and clean the sac using denatured alcohol without damaging it. The blue ink in this refill now has a consistency like putty or dough but I was able to dilute it with denatured alcohol and make some ink swabs. When diluted the colour is similar to Diamine Sapphire Blue fountain pen ink. The ‘Micro-crafted’ refills were sold in a plastic protective case and cost 6 shillings and 9 pence (6/9) in Australia in 1953.