Flat-Top(?) Id Please

[joshdavis]

Hello,

 

I inherited this pen from my English grandfather. It's a Sheaffer with what appears to be a golden nib. The cap's top is flat with a golden circle. Can anyone identify it for me? I'd love to get it back into working shape but haven't the faintest idea what to buy for it, and unfortunately the days of going to a pen shop to get it inspected are over. It's safe to assume it needs a new ink cartridge and perhaps a nib, though I can't seem to get it off nor do I know which kind to get.

 

Thanks for any help!

 

[northstar]

Its a Sheaffer Targa.

 

http://www.sheaffertarga.com/fountainpenlist.htm

Edited December 31, 2015 by northstar

[corgicoupe]

It certainly is a Targa, and probably only needs a good flushing in cool water. Very doubtful it needs a nib. Sheaffer cartridges or a Sheaffer converter is all that is required. A wonderful pen. I have two that I bought new 30 years ago.

[joshdavis]

Its a Sheaffer Targa.

 

http://www.sheaffertarga.com/fountainpenlist.htm

It appears it's a Model 1003 from 1980. I will contact them to ask where to find pieces. Is the website trustworthy? It looks like it hasn't been updated since the mid 90s.

 

Thank you for your help!

[joshdavis]

It certainly is a Targa, and probably only needs a good flushing in cool water. Very doubtful it needs a nib. Sheaffer cartridges or a Sheaffer converter is all that is required. A wonderful pen. I have two that I bought new 30 years ago.

 

Thank you my friend. I will try your recommendations. Do you literally just take it apart and let cold water flow through it for a few minutes? Any choice place to get a Sheaffer cartridge?

Edited December 31, 2015 by joshdavis

[mariom]

It appears it's a Model 1003 from 1980. I will contact them to ask where to find pieces. Is the website trustworthy? It looks like it hasn't been updated since the mid 90s.

 

Thank you for your help!

 

I don't think you should confuse the fact that there aren't any models after the mid-90s with the site not having been updates. The Targa hasn't been produced by Sheaffer since the 90's.

 

Have you unscrewed the barrel and had a look inside? Quite possibly there's a cartridge or converter inside. If so, pull it out and pop the nib section into some cool water to soak. If ink runs out into the water, keep soaking in changes of fresh water till no more comes out. A gentle blow (after most of the dried ink is gone...) through the open end will help clear things.

 

If there's a converter ( likely a stainless tube with a rubber sac inside and a press bar ) then clean that out as well by filling and flushing with water. It's possible the rubber may have perished, but I have several of these and all are still going strong after 30+ years. If it's a cartridge, any standard Sheaffer cartridge will fit, or you can flush and re-fill the one you have with ink - make sure it's designed specifically for fountain pens - and a blunt needle syringe.

 

Good luck - these are great pens.

[mitto]

One of the best Sheaffer C/C pens. Enjoy using it. If there is no converter with the pen buy modern Sheaffer piston converter. These are easily available.