Imperial 444: Converters and cartridges

[oao]

I have a Sheaffer that looks like this:

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/SHEAFFER-IMPERIAL-444-Stainless-Fountain-Pen-NOS_W0QQitemZ400083177697QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5d26d0d0e1

 

From my research it seems to be an Imperial 444 (perhaps somebody can confirm, offer an opinion of quality and give me an idea how much it's worth).

 

I have 3 pump converters which are OK, but I would much prefer a piston converter. A Sheaffer one is available, but it's not clear that it fits the Imperial. Does anybody know?

 

Incidentally, I have seen references that warn against using non-Sheaffer cartridges which may damage the pen or leak. I've been using various other cartridges without any visible problem.

 

Also, at one point a few years ago I got some nibs for the Imperial from Sheaffer repairs. Are they still available somewhere and how much would they cost? Mine seems to have a steel nib and I wonder if there are any gold ones available that I could also use?

 

Thanks.

[terim]

Hello-

 

I have a bit of experience with these, having acquired some NOS 3-pc sets.

 

The generic "444" model has a stainless steel nib and chrome trim; the "444 X" model is the same except the trim is gold plated (that's what I have been selling); and I believe there's a gold nib model designated "444 GX" which also has gold plated trim.

 

I have been selling the 3-pc sets (FP, BP and pencil) for around $50 here, a little higher on eBay. Mine come with the squeeze convertors that Sheaffer provided. I did just now try a Sheaffer piston convertor (which I found in an Award but I'm not sure that it came with it) and it fit just fine in the 444.

 

I think the business about the cartridges is that standard cartridges have a tapered end and you need to make sure it is properly seated on the pointy-thing before pushing down and puncturing .... whereas Sheaffer cartrdiges are blunt ended and fit tightly into the opening.

 

Hope this helps. I don't have much info on the nibs.

 

TERI

[oao]

Thanks.

 

What are the signs of a poor fitted cartridge? Are we talking just an internal leak or damage to the pen?

 

I would like to find a gold nib for the pen (a blue body would be great) but despite some extensive searches I have not found any.

If you come across anything pls let me know.

 

The cheapest I've seen the converter is $7.50. However, I also need one of those piston Dollar Transparent FPs to try inks before I use them in the Sheaffer and I found it only at Swisher, so I will have to order both there. The converter is $10, but I won't pay double shipping. Any idea how much is domestic shippings of items like this?

 

The Dollar would come in handy for trying the Noodler's Baystate Blue, which is known for staining. I already have a 2nd steel nib and with another converter I can have 2 pens, one for Baystate and one for other inks.

[oao]

Btw, do you have a web or ebay site where I can see what you have?

[terim]

Hi-

 

A standard cartrdige will have a little play in the socket, while a Sheaffer one will fit tight.

 

If you are looking for a colored model --you said something about blue -- you'll want to find a 440. I think the 444 is just used for the brushed steel bodied models.

 

I have some postings here on FPN, but my eBay user ID is terim if you want to look at a fuller selection with more photos. Just write me for the FPN prices, as sometimes I am offering pens lower.

 

Sorry, I can't guess about postage. Some sellers bundle a handling fee in with the charge, which should be nominal considering the weight of the items.

 

Good luck!

TERI

[oao]

I did a search on terim and it came up with nothing.

[jar]

I did a search on terim and it came up with nothing.

 

 

try this

[terim]

Thanks for the assist!

[oao]

Mine is all steel with silver, not gold trim.

 

This page http://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/walter/pens/sheaffer.html

says that the Imperial 444's had ""U" shaped cutout in the inlaid nib instead of the more traditional "long diamond" shape".

 

That page shows an Imperial with the long diamond shape, but it is an Imperial Calligraphy which is all black with silver trim. It's not clear whether there was an all steel version.

 

The Imperials were made in the 70's.

 

There were Imperial Triumphs with long diamond nib made in the 1990's. That page shows an all white with silver trim one made in 1998, but it's not clear whether there was an all steel version.

 

So:

 

1. My pen has a long diamond.

 

2. There did not seem to be Imperial 444s with long diamond.

 

3. Judging by the nib, which is not flex at all, my pen does not seem to be a Caliigraphy one.

 

4. If so, it is a Triumph Imperial, but only if that was made in all steel.

 

Perhaps somebody knowledgeable could enlighten us. I am also asking Sheaffer this question.

 

When I look at the end of the Sheaffer's piston converter, it looks the same as that of the Sheaffer pump converters. Since the latter fit my pen, the former should too.

[oao]

Ok, I found this page with a good analysis of the Triumph Imperial

 

http://www.penhero.com/PenGallery/Sheaffer/SheafferTriumphImperial.htm

 

and it's most likely that I have the Chrome version, which is all steel.

 

If so the piston converter should fit.