Sheaffer Imperials

[J English Smith]

While I have always heavily leaned towards Parker, I have been adding a few Imperials steadily to my collection over the past year. I had a burgundy VII with a touchdown filler, then bought two new old stock c/c filling 330s from Terri at Peyton via eBay, and have recently bought another nice NOS burgundy, this time with a chrome cap, also c/c. All of the nibs are superb and so easy to write with for extended periods of time. My only complaints are that the XF 330 is very very fine, definitely needs a lubricating ink to write comfortably on most papers, and that the 70s Sheaffer converter does not have much capacity, I have taken to using cartridges and using small hypos to refill with my ink of choice. Now it's a real challenge whether Parker is going to be in my daily rotation or Sheaffer...I love the simplicity of these pens, and the inlaid nibs are just so enjoyable.

 

I have a few older Sheaffers too, but the 70s models are the sweet spot for me...

[jar]

Neat. They were a staple for many during the 70s as well. Now maybe you can try one of the Legacy series pens.

[OcalaFlGuy]

JES, it sounds like you need a Sterling Crosshatch TD fill Imperial.

 

Bruce in Ocala, FL

[J English Smith]

Actually, I have one of those crosshatch vermeil Imperials, Bruce, NOS, uninked, but it is also a c/c rather than the touchdown.

 

That one was bought by my father in law years ago - one of the few "virgin" pens I own. Gold pens aren't my thing, usually, but I can't make up my mind to use that or sell it. So I keep it as is.

 

Back in the 70s, I liked the Parker crosshatch on the 75 and disliked the diagonal crosshatch on the Sheaffers. I've mellowed a bit.

 

But yeah, I would probably have broken down by now if it was a Touchdown. That burgundy Touchdown came out of that same batch.

 

I sold a Tektor tip/Fountain/Ball pen trio set in the straight lines gold pattern a while back. Wonder if he ever found a refill to fit the Tektor...hmmm.

[OcalaFlGuy]

I have the Gold Filled Crosshatch Imperial, it's too nice to sell but too gold to be a daily user, C/C filler too.

 

While I'd like a Sterling Imperial, I haven't held one and am concerned a bit it'd be too hefty for me.

 

Bruce in Ocala, FL

[jar]

I have the Gold Filled Crosshatch Imperial, it's too nice to sell but too gold to be a daily user, C/C filler too.

 

While I'd like a Sterling Imperial, I haven't held one and am concerned a bit it'd be too hefty for me.

 

Bruce in Ocala, FL

 

Too hefty or "can't put it down"?

[reprieve]

I recently bought a NOS sterling Imperial c/c filler from Ron Zorn. It's the diamond/crosshatch pattern. It has a juicy, super-smooth (almost too smooth if that's even possible) broad nib. I inked that sucker up as soon as it arrived and it has barely left my hand since. It has become one of those pens I just can't take out of rotation; it runs out of ink, it gets refilled immediately rather than cleaned and put away; it's carried in my pen case every day.

[OcalaFlGuy]

I have the Gold Filled Crosshatch Imperial, it's too nice to sell but too gold to be a daily user, C/C filler too.

 

While I'd like a Sterling Imperial, I haven't held one and am concerned a bit it'd be too hefty for me.

 

Bruce in Ocala, FL

 

Too hefty or "can't put it down"?

 

 

My concern is that's in genuinely too hefty. I just got an Argentinian 51 Flighter that I know is a bit heavier than the U.S. (Earlier) Flighters. It's a pretty pen but a bit too heavy for me for an away from home pen. I also felt the Legacy was heavier than I'd like. I'm not sure about a PFM, I've never tried one.

 

Reprieve, you DO realize you aren't helping don't you.

(Little incidental for you; I don't know of he's changed or not but Mike doesn't grind

Sheaffer inlaid nibs at a show. He told me he wanted to take it back to the shop and pull the feed before he ground. Richard ended up grinding 2 Imperials for me in Atlanta.)

 

Bruce in Ocala, FL

[Mags]

Can you post a picture of this style pen. I am having a hard time trying to visuallize what they look like. Thanks everyone.

[reprieve]

Here's a quick shot of my c/c sterling Imperial next to my Parker 51 Flighter. Weight-wise (and this is unscientific, of course, because I don't have a kitchen scale), I think they're about the same. I can't feel much difference at all while holding them in my hand, though the Flighter is better balanced when posted.

 

 

Also, here's a great review of this model pen by Malcy with much better photos.

Edited May 24, 2012 by reprieve

[nxn96]

I too am very much a Parker fan, but I whenever I'm looking for a non-Parker to rotate in for a change of pace, Sheaffer Imperials always seem to stay in use the longest. Probably the only pen I've sold/traded away that I really regretted doing so afterwards was an Imperial. Even though the "replacement" I bought later is as good as what I sold, that original Imperial still sticks in my mind as a reminder to think twice about what I divest.

[OcalaFlGuy]

I have Way More Imperials than I really need.

 

But, I also have what I think is the best justification for that. (Not that I really need that for any pen purchase...)

 

The problem is that beautiful wondermus inlaid nib (section). They gave me the heebiejeebies.

 

Unlike most any other nib, seriously pronging an inlaid nib is going to be fatal much more often that with an open nib. And, replacements are rarer than glow in the dark hen's teeth. And, the nib can't be removed for repair or retipping.

 

So, to me, a serious nib issue with an Imperial is much more likely to mean the end of the pen's use than with any other pen. We can't let that happen now, can we?

 

Let's just say I have a few back-ups...

 

Bruce in Ocala, FL

[J English Smith]

Ah, Bruce, you had to throw 51 Flighters into the mix. I still don't have one of those...one of the things I try not to think about!

[OcalaFlGuy]

All I did was mention them, it was Reprieve that had to come out with the 8x10 color glossies! She's the troublemaker.

 

('Scuse me while I wipe the drool up here...)

 

Bruce in Ocala, Fl

[reprieve]

Hey now, someone requested photos! I'm just here to help out! :ph34r:

[J English Smith]

I'll try to put up a photo of mine later...all those pretty nibs all in a row!

 

Bruce, you do make a good point re the irreplaceable and delicate nature of the inlaid nibs, it's one design aspect perhaps less than ideal, but on the other hand, they look so good you just have to live with it.

[dickydotcom]

I have the Gold Filled Crosshatch Imperial, it's too nice to sell but too gold to be a daily user, C/C filler too.

 

While I'd like a Sterling Imperial, I haven't held one and am concerned a bit it'd be too hefty for me.

 

Bruce in Ocala, FL

I have one and don't notice it as any heavier than most pens. I bought it with a slight ding in the bottom and the lettering on the cap ring is a bit worn. This was a plus because it was much cheaper than a mint one and so is a daily user. It is in currently rotation and that brings me to a question.

It is quite a wet writer, but last night I was using it and just before it ran out it was a bit dryer and had the a really good line variation on the flex.

Would it be an easy fix to get it to write like this all the time?

 

Dick D

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/dickydotcom/sonnett.jpg