Australian Sheaffers

[Ray-Vigo]

I'm a big Sheaffer fan, but one of the areas I've never known much about is the production they apparently did in Australia. Where was the factory and when was it operating? Were the models they were making the same as the ones we know in the US, or were they different? How widely available are these pens in the US? Sooner or later I'd love to add one to my group as something a little different.

[ticoun]

as far as i know, aussie sheaffers are the same models, and these are quite rare in america.

[Hugh200au]

Hi Ray,

The factory was in Melbourne ( suburb of Heidelberg). The earliest models I've seen are snorks , so I assume they started sometime after '52 and '73 rings a bell as an end date ( with a lot of ????). The models appear the same, but snork production continued up to '62 ( again with ?) . The quality appears very good but you do see a combination of US and Aust. parts ( ie Aussie nibs, US barrels ) , the numbers I've seen may (?) mean they came this way rather than a later mix and match. Strangely these Aust. made pens are rather difficult to find here!! , most seem to have been exported to the UK.

 

Models seen: snorks, tip dips, PFMs, Imperials and Targas plus one unidentified model.

 

While not certain I think a member of the Sheaffer family lived in Melbourne ( although not a Sheaffer surname) as my mother in law remembers a family member going to school with one of her children.

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_e33wutrLGt0/S5gwX239FUI/AAAAAAAAACk/q2JuRHSHj6U/000_0142.JPG

 

An Australian Crest, the case is correct as this is a later one from the barrel imprint. Like you I'd like to add some more Aussies to my little collection but they are hard to find, good luck.

 

Regards

Hugh

[robx]

Peter Ford at Melbourne Vintage Pens (no affiliation etc., only a satisfied customer) always seems to have some Aussie-made Sheaffers for sale on his site. He may also be able to help with history.

 

Rob

[Nonsensical]

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150594989911

Here is an Australian-made Sheaffer for sale.

[Readymade]

I've always wondered too. Haven't been able to find any info whatsoever on Sheaffer's Australian operations. (and since we're at it - how about the Canada operations?).

 

Of the vintage Sheaffers I've come across a significant number seem to be Australia-made, and I assume that's because of Singapore's proximity to Australia and history as a British colony.

[ticoun]

I've always wondered too. Haven't been able to find any info whatsoever on Sheaffer's Australian operations. (and since we're at it - how about the Canada operations?).

 

Of the vintage Sheaffers I've come across a significant number seem to be Australia-made, and I assume that's because of Singapore's proximity to Australia and history as a British colony.

 

canadian sheaffers were made in ontario, and often had features that aren't found on any other sheaffer pen, like(i remember seeing one somwhere on this forum) a full size sheaffer balance junior...