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It'ssssSSSSSSssssss uuuUUUUUUP!
Welcome to the December 2009 VACUMANIA.com website update. This month's spread features about 50 pens. I had prepared about 100 so far, but I'm holding back some of the Parker Duofolds and 1940's Sheaffers for focused updates to come during the next few months (I did mention that "World's Largest Offering of 1940's Sheaffers", right?). And, while I'm a bit behind schedule, I have another 100 or 200 Parker "51" pens in the pipeline- including some exotic stuff- for a monster update of that venerable pen. Actually, i'm probably losing ground. I think I have 500 pens ready to head out to restorers or ready to be added to updates, and I find I'm lacking the time to get the darn things going. Hospital work has substantially upgraded during the last couple months, though I'm working on what passes for my organizational skill to try to get everything in order. This month I offer some nice Parker Vacumatic pens, including a hefty range in Burgundy... some of which are not so common. Exotic Lady Sheaffer pens (prototypes, we believe), high-cachet Snorkels, and a charming pile of Sheaffer Balance- including some great oversized pens- are hiding down the page. I even have a modern-ish blue Omas Milord (at least that's what I *think* it is) fresh from a collection purchase. As always, please forgive typos (especially on prices). Oh yeah, thanks to Joel Hamilton, Sean Gosse and Ron Zorn for some excellent restorations. During the last few months, I've picked up some great collections of old pens, and hope to bring a number of updates online by Spring 2010. As always, pens are shown in proper proportion (on flat "catalogue" shots) with sold pens shown with smaller pics. CONTACT ME will open a link to my email in your own email program, or you can email me by cloning isaacson@frontiernet.net into your browser based email page. I do not maintain an e-cart, as each pen below is a unique offering, and it is best we discuss to confirm availability etc, before proceeding to the sale. Shipping in USA ranges $8-11 or so. NYS residents 8.25% sales tax. International Shipping runs about $29 for USPS Tracked Express (necessary when dealing through Paypal) Enjoy the pens. -David 11 December, 2009 
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PARKER VACUMATIC: BURGUNDY VACUMANIA
The Vacumatic is my primary collecting focus and- obviously- the inspiration for the website name, so regularly I try to present nice offerings. Vacs offer a huge range of variants, many quite prevalent, some quite scarce. This Update features several nifty pens, including a hefty array of Burgundy pens, including some that are a more than a wee bit uncommon. With all these red stripes, Vacumatic seemed the appropriate pen to serve this Update's kickoff. |
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Pen 2623 Parker Vacumatic Junior Set-in-Box. $475
Burgundy. Canadian. 1950 3rd Generation Burgundy Pearl. A Late-Only, Canadian-Only Set. |
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| Overall Grade:
Fine-Xf |
Metal: NM | Color: Perfect | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
Exc |
Threads: NM | clarity: NA | |
| Point: | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5 1/8" 12.9 cm |
PRICE: $475 |
| COMMENTS: Ahhh... where to start??? Burgundy Pearl last appeared in USA Parker catalogues in 1940, though 1941 pens are both well known and prevalent, and even rare (I've seen 4 total in ten years hunting) first quarter 1942 single jewel "long" Major and "long" streamlined Standard single jewel are known. Most collectors thus figure their single jewel collections will comprise 5 colors not 6. However, Parker continued Vacumatic production in Canada until 1953, not stopping in 1948 as in the USA. Pens after 1948 of course lack the blue diamond, even in models that once had it. By 1950 Parker created a new 2-digit date code (lopping off the "19" from 195x for the year, leaving the final two digits of the actual year to mark that year). Canada in 1950 reintroduced Burgundy. While these late Vacs thus had some style tweaks relative to most 3rd generation pens, it is thus possible to add red Vacs to one's collection of 3rd Gen Vac Major and Debutante (I know of no Maximas produced this late, in any color), by embracing these late Canadian variants. But, this set is more interesting still... While Parker catalogued Burgundy Vacumatic from 1933-1940, Parker never catalogued during that period burgundy striped pens as either the full sized Junior or as the slender short Sub-Deb. Red Striped plastic was reserved for the high line. Thus, one finds burgundy Senior Maxima, Slender Maxima, Major and Debutante. This is true for both USA and Canadian production. However (you knew there'd be a "however", right?), it is clear that Canada, with the reintroduction of Burgundy in 1950, produced the color in both high-line and economy-line models. I own "late" Canadian Major, Junior, Debutante and Sub-Deb in this color. I see far fewer of the economy-line models than I do high liners. Indeed, I've seen/handled in Burgundy perhaps 4 Junior pens and just 1 Sub-Deb, along with perhaps 3 Junior Pencils and so far no Sub-Deb pencil. I've seen well more Majors, and even those often are quite worn (turning up from South America and India). This is a rare set, particularly the pencil. It is for sale only because I do own one other. And, yeah, the box is probably from 1941, but it looked good with the set. |
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Pen 3078 R Parker Vacuum-Filler "Senior" All-Correct
Pre-Vacumatic. Standard Size. Burgundy Pearl 1933 $615 SOLD |
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| Overall Grade: Exc |
Metal: Exc | Color: Exc. | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: Exc |
threads: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Medium | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5 1/8 " 12.9 cm | PRICE: $615 SOLD |
| COMMENTS:
In
1932-mid 1933, before introducing the Vacumatic name, Parker called
it's vac-family pens, Vacuum-Filler. These pre-vacs are uncommon.
This
one is the longest of the three sizes, all of which have the same
diameter. The other two sizes have double cap-bands. Parker did call
this model "Senior Vacuum-Filler" though I note that the pen is same
size as the later "Standard Vacumatic", and I note that no oversized
Vacuum-Filler was produced. This pen is opaque with single-piece
barrel-section assembly, as are all Vacuum-Fillers in typical Burgundy
Pearl. The model, too, should not be confused with the 1936 model
"Vacumatic Senior". Regarding Vacuum-Filler, it is important for collectors to avoid frankenpens, usually a mix of middle-size cap and standard barrel, or vice-versa. This one is all-there with early style clip( "short stack, arrow-on-arrow) , early style nib ("feather together") and early style (chromed) pump. Imprint is much more sharp tha average. A neat pen for the "advancing" collector of the Vacumatic. Oh... yeah. Really smooth wet medium point- a great writer- though this pen should be cherished primarily for its collectable significance. |
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Pen 3079 R Parker Vacumatic Standard $225
1st Generation. Burgundy. 1938 |
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| Overall Grade: Very Good |
Metal: Fine | Color: VG. | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
NA |
threads: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Fine-Medium | Imprint: Faint | Size: 5 1/8 " 12.9 cm | PRICE: $225 |
| COMMENTS:
As most of my pendom acqainteaces know, I am fond of high-line 1st Generation
Vac which feature lockdown filler, triple cap-bands, and all
the luxury features (striped section and end jewels, two tone nib).
The gripping section on Standard is heftier than that found on
the later niche-equivalent, Major. This one has no fatal flaws but is well worn and will make a serviceable user. Cap-bands have moderate (about 30%) brassing. Clip has high point brassing. One ding on cap-band. Cap is bit lighter in color than barrel, noting the barrel has nice color, better than picture shows. Imprint is faint. Plastic has light marks. Nib is an early (1933-ish) "feather-together" Vac nib, which actually is of greater cachet than a 1938-nib, but has just a bit of the two-tone effect remaining. Nice smooth typical fine-medium Vac point. |
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Pen 3080 J Parker Vacumatic Standard $255 SOLD
1st Generation. Burgundy. Canadian 1938 Monster Nib Alert: Flexible Double-Broad+ nib |
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| Overall Grade: User-Grade* |
Metal: Nearmint | Color: Nearmint. | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
NA |
threads: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: MONSTER NIB | Imprint: Nearmint | Size: 5 1/8 " 13.9cm | PRICE: $255 |
| COMMENTS:
As most of my pendom acqainteaces know, I am fond of high-line 1st GenerationVac
which feature lockdown filler, triple cap-bands, and all
the luxury features (striped section and end jewels, two tone nib).
The gripping section on Standard is heftier than that found on
the
later niche-equivalent, Major. This one has a black gripping
section, which is wholly correct for pens of this sort from Canada. User Grade: Nice color and clean trim, save for some cap-band wear, this one has nice color and clarity, though with a faint imprint. The key problem is a hairline cap-crack (below the cap-bands at the lip), which has been solvent welded, though is still a bit noticeable. Cap cracks are a significant condition issue. Thus, this pen grades Fine*/User-Grade, recognizing the flaw. MONSTER NIB: Heck, the nib is worth couple hundred. One-in-one-hundred, though exotic nibs admittedly crop up more often amongst Canadian pens. I probably should toss the nib in a black pen and put a typical nib in this one, and might yet pop a clean cap on this pen to bump the ol' price, but for the moment this is as it returned from the restorer. |
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Pen 3109 S: Parker Vacumatic "late" 3rd Generation 1952 Canadian
Burgundy Celluloid $275 |
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| Overall Grade: ExtraFine |
Metal: Exc | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: Fine |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: Superb | |
| Point: Fine | Imprint: Extra Fine | Size: 5
1/8" 12.8 cm |
PRICE: $275 |
| COMMENTS:
Burgundy Pearl last appeared in USA Parker catalogues in 1940, though
1941 pens are both well known and prevalent, and even rare (I've seen 4
total in ten years hunting) first quarter 1942 single jewel "long"
Major and "long" streamlined Standard are known. Most collectors
thus figure their single jewel collections will comprise 5 colors not
6. However, Parker continued Vacumatic production in Canada until 1953,
not stopping in 1948 as in the USA. Pens after 1948 of course lack the
blue diamond, even in models that once had it. By 1950 Parker created a new 2-digit date code (lopping off the "19" from 195x for the year, stamping the final two digits of the actual year to serve as date code). Canada in 1950 reintroduced Burgundy. While these late Vacs thus had some style tweaks relative to most 3rd generation pens, it is thus possible to add red Vacs to one's collection of 3rd Gen Vac Major and Debutante (I know of know Maximas produced this late, in any color), by embracing this late Canadian finding. Many late Canadian pens, often returning to the USA from southern continents, are heavily worn and rather sun-fried. This one is quite nice. Superb color and superb barrel clarity (poorly shown in the pic), the trim is free of brassing. Imprint well better than average, still a bit light here and there. Fine Point. |
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Pen 3111 R: Parker Vacumatic "late" 3rd Generation 1952 Canadian
Burgundy Celluloid. FLEX Nib (fine up to broad) $215 |
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| Overall Grade: Fine |
Metal: Extra Fine | Color: Mint | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: Good-VG |
Threads: Exc | clarity: Mint | |
| Point: Fine FLEX | Imprint: WEAK | Size: 5
1/8" 12.9 cm |
PRICE: $215 |
| COMMENTS: Burgundy Pearl last appeared in USA Parker catalogues in 1940, though
1941 pens are both well known and prevalent, and even rare (I've seen 4
total in ten years hunting) first quarter 1942 single jewel "long"
Major and "long" streamlined Standard are known. Most collectors
thus figure their single jewel collections will comprise 5 colors not
6. However, Parker continued Vacumatic production in Canada until 1953,
not stopping in 1948 as in the USA. Pens after 1948 of course lack the
blue diamond, even in models that once had it. By 1950 Parker created a new 2-digit date code (lopping off the "19" from 195x for the year, stamping the final two digits of the actual year to serve as date code). Canada in 1950 reintroduced Burgundy. While these late Vacs thus had some style tweaks relative to most 3rd generation pens, it is thus possible to add red Vacs to one's collection of 3rd Gen Vac Major and Debutante (I know of know Maximas produced this late, in any color), by embracing this late Canadian finding. Many late Canadian pens, often returning to the USA from southern continents, are heavily worn and rather sun-fried. This one is... ok. It has superb color and barrel clarity. The trim has bit of edge brassing. Imprint below average with about half of it gone. Nib a bit rough here and there, but has smooth highly flexible point that can go from Fine to Broad. |
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Pen 3159 Parker Vacumatic Major "Injector" Pencil $150 SOLD
Canadian. Burgundy. Likely Manufactured Only Couple Months |
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| Overall Grade:
Exc |
Metal: Nearmint | Color: NA | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: NA |
Clutch: Exc | clarity: NA | Plastic: extra fine |
| Point: NA | Imprint: Exc | Size:5 5/16" 13.2 cm | PRICE: $150 |
| COMMENTS: In the USA Injector Vac Pencils were made probably only early 1939, maybe late 1938, too. They were done only to match high-line pen models, though in Canada we also find such pencils with trim to match economy-line pens. This one is a clean Major pencil with strong imprint (no date code) and with clean trim. The top jewel is black, though I would expect (at least for USA-made pens) for it to be striped. On the other hand, the pen that came with this pencil also had black jewels, so... go try to figure those rascally Parker-Canada people. | |||
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Pen 3161 Parker Vacumatic Senior Maxima Pencil $185 SOLD
Burgundy Celluloid. 1937 |
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| Overall Grade:
Excellent |
Metal: Exc | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: NA |
threads: Exc | clarity: NA | |
| Point: NA | Imprint: Exc | Size:
5" 12.9 cm |
PRICE: $185 |
| COMMENTS: Senior Maxima was one of the first three pens to mark the appearance of the 2nd Generation Vacs, appearing in ads August 1937 and found at the earliest with 2nd-Quarter-1937 date codes. The first Senior Maxima pencils were derived from the earlier 1st-Generation Standard pencils, different only in cap-band. Early Sr. Max pencils use the wide (1.1mm) lead and feature a lead-eraser cartridge within. This one is quite clean. Nice color. No brassing. Sound imprint. | |||
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Pen 3084 Parker Vacumatic Standard Pencil Black 1937 $70
Match to First-Generation Pen. |
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| Overall Grade:
Extra Fine |
Metal: Exc | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: NA |
threads: Mint | clarity: NA | |
| Point: NA | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5 " 12.9 cm | PRICE: $70 |
| COMMENTS: Early pencils are found far less frequently than later generation product. This 1937 example has the three rings on the cap (not split with barrel) and has the short ferrule, all appropriate for a late first generation pencil. Matches the Vacumatic Standard pen, of which many examples can be found on the website. | |||
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Pen 3099 NB Parker Vacumatic Major 1946 $135 (Shipping January)
3nd Generation Black Celluloid |
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| Overall Grade: Excellent |
Metal: Exc | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: Exc |
Threads: Exc | clarity: Exc | |
| Point: Fine | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5
1/8" 12.8 cm |
PRICE: $135 |
| COMMENTS: 3rd Generation Vacumatic Major and Junior are excellent "first" Vacs for collectors, offering good size at relatively affordable price. This one is quite clean with no brassing, with excellent transparency, and with excellent imprint. | |||
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Pen 3126- S Parker Vacumatic Major 3rd Generation 1947 $140
Azure Blue Celluloid |
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| Overall Grade:
ExtraFine |
Metal: Exc | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
Exc |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: Minimal Red | |
| Point: Fine | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5 1/8" 12.9cm |
PRICE: $340 |
| COMMENTS: 3rd Generation Major and Junior offer nice combination of good size and reasonable price, making for popular "first Vac" status. This one has nice color and smooth fine point. Not much barrel clarity left. | |||
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Pen 3130 -TB Parker Vacumatic Major. 3rd Generation $160
Emerald Pearl Celluloid |
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| Overall Grade:
Exc |
Metal: Exc | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
Exc |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: Bright amber. | |
| Point: F | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5 1/8th" 12.9 cm |
PRICE: $160 |
| COMMENTS: 3rd Generation Major and Junior offer nice combination of good size and reasonable price, making for popular "first Vac" status. This one has nice color and smooth fine point. | |||
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Pen 3165 -NB Parker Vacumatic Standard 1936
$260
Golden-Pearl Celluloid |
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| Overall Grade:
Exc |
Metal: Exc | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
Exc |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: Modest Amber | |
| Point: XF-F | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5 1/8" 12.9 cm |
PRICE: $260 |
| COMMENTS: I'm fond of first generation pens, as the chunkier-vs-later contour yields a larger look and feel (objectively larger gripping section) than later similar niche pens. Early high line Vacs pack the "luxury" features which add charm to the series: two tone nib, striped end jewels and gripping section, and triple cap-band. This one is excellent all around. Sharp color, trim, imprint, two-tone nib effect etc. Very fine nib (I call it FIne-to-Extra-Fine) that is remarkably smooth for such a narrow point. | |||
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Pen 3166 Parker Vacumatic Major $ 195 DETAILS PENDING
Golden Pearl Celluloid |
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| Overall Grade:
Extra Fine |
Metal: Exc | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
Exc |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: Exc | |
| Point: F-M | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5
1/8" 12.9 cm |
PRICE: $ 195 |
| COMMENTS: Double Jewel 2nd Generation saw frantic evolution. This is the final iteration of the 1937-1941 pen. | |||
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Pen 3174 - NB Parker Vacumatic Junior 1946 $170
3rd Generation. The standard-size non Blue Diamond model. Azure Blue Celluloid Smooth Extra Fine Point |
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| Overall Grade:
Excellent |
Metal: Exc | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
Exc |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: Exc | |
| Point: XF to F | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5
1/8" 12.9 cm |
PRICE: $170 |
| COMMENTS: The 3rd Generation Vacumatic Junior and Major make excellent "first Vacs" for collectors, offering decent size and affordable price, differing from each other only in trim style and nib contour. This one pops. Bright blue celluloid. Great clarity. Nib that pushes Extra Fine line (narrower line certainly than most of the fine points). Very fine points often are scratchy. This one is not. Rather, it is very smooth. | |||
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Pen 3181 -NB Parker Vacumatic 3rd Gen Major. 1945 $ 145
Emerald Pearl Celluloid. Fine Point |
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| Overall Grade:
Extra Fine |
Metal: ExtraFine | Color: Extra Fine | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
Exc |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: Minimal | |
| Point: F | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5
1/8" 12.9 cm |
PRICE: $ 145 |
| COMMENTS: 3rd Generation Major and identical size/shape Junior make excellent "first Vacs", offering good size at reasonable price. This one packs a firm smooth fine point nib. Excellent point for daily scribble. | |||
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SHEAFFER SNORKEL:
Included in this Update are a few Snorks of quite high cachet. These include a Demonstrator, Fern and Periwinkle. |
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Pen 3092 R Sheaffer Snorkel Dealer Demonstrator 1952 $495 SOLD
First Yr/First Style with solid-gold Snorkel |
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| Overall Grade: Extra Fine |
Metal: Exc | Color: Nearmint. | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
NA |
Clutch: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Medium | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5 5/8 " 14.2 cm | PRICE: $495 |
| COMMENTS: The Thin Model (TM) Snorkel introduced in 1952, gave the Parker "51" quite the run for the money. These two competitors dominated the American quality pen scene throughout the 1950's. The Snorkel's filling mechanism in 1959 would find its way into the big Sheaffer PFM series. Demonstrators are amongst the most high-cachet Snorks. The pen essentially is a Valiant (white dot, two-tone gold Triumph nib), but of course done in clear plastic. The tube itself is solid gold, something collectors attribute to early pens only. No cracks. Freshly restored. The only weak points? The black paint used to obscure inner cap adhesive largely is gone (which, ironically, favors visualizaiton of the guts), and the typical slight internal stress marks are present by the clip insertion, which seems to happen once pens have had their clips moved. Nice Demo. Typical Triumph nib upturned in the famous "Waverly" tradition, it writes a nice smooth line. | |||
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Pen 3093 R Sheaffer Snorkel Valiant. Periwinkle. Late 1950's $270 SOLD
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| Overall Grade: Exc |
Metal: Nearmint | Color: Nearmint. | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
NA |
threads: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Medium | Imprint: Nearmint | Size: 5 5/8 " 14.2 cm | PRICE: $270 |
| COMMENTS: The Thin Model (TM) Snorkel introduced in 1952, gave the Parker "51" quite the run for the money. These two competitors dominated the American quality pen scene throughout the 1950's. The Snorkel's filling mechanism in 1959 would find its way into the big Sheaffer PFM series. PdAg Triumph (conical) nib, as expected for this model. Periwinkle is one of the 6 "tough" colors in Snorkeldom, arguably ranked just below Fern for scarcity. Nice smooth upturned "Waverly"-style two tone gold nib. Medium point. | |||
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Pen 3111 R: Sheaffer Snorkel Sentinel. 1950's FERN Green $285 SOLD
Sentinel = White Dot Metal Cap with 2-tone 14k "Triumph" Nib. Plump Medium Point. Smooth Wet Writer. |
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| Overall Grade: Extra Fine |
Metal: Exc | Color: Nearmint. | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: Exc |
threads: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Medium | Imprint: Fine | Size: 5 5/8 " 14.2 cm | PRICE: $285 |
| COMMENTS: The Thin Model (TM) Snorkel introduced in 1952, gave the Parker "51" quite the run for the money. These two competitors dominated the American quality pen scene throughout the 1950's. The Snorkel's filling mechanism in 1959 would find its way into the big Sheaffer PFM series. Fern is the rarest of the six "tough" colors, with the caveat that Fiesta Red, while more common overall than Fern, is overwhelmingly rarer with matching plastic cap. Very nice pen suffering only a bit of a light imprint. Nice medium point. | |||
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Pen 3137 Sheaffer Snorkel Crest Gray
1950's $95
Mint Stickered Unrestored. SEMI-FLEX Medium NIb |
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| Overall Grade:
Mint |
Metal: Mint | Color: Perfect | .CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: Mint |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Med Semi-Flex | Imprint: Mint | Size: 5
5/8" 14.2 cm |
PRICE: $95 |
| COMMENTS: The Thin Model (TM) Snorkel introduced in 1952, gave the Parker "51" quite the run for the money. These two competitors dominated the American quality pen scene throughout the 1950's. The Snorkel's filling mechanism in 1959 would find its way into the big Sheaffer PFM series. Mint pen has not met ink. Has nib-grade sticker still on gripping section. Nib is not marked for flex, but is at least semi-Flex (probably pushing full-flex for this era, but not as flexible as a flex 1920's pen, and the nib does not have "flex" code markings. May not be returned if inked or dipped. Can be resaced- with some delay in shipping- for additional $30. | |||
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Pen 3103 S: Sheaffer Snorkel Valiant. 1950's Pastel Green $105 SOLD
Valiant = White Dot Model with 2-tone 14k "Triumph" Nib. Plump Medium Point. Smooth Wet Writer. |
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| Overall Grade: Nearmint |
Metal: Nearmint | Color: NM | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: NM |
threads: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Medium | Imprint: NM | Size: 5 5/8 " 14.2 cm | PRICE: $105 |
| COMMENTS: The Thin Model (TM) Snorkel introduced in 1952, gave the Parker "51" quite the run for the money. These two competitors dominated the American quality pen scene throughout the 1950's. The Snorkel's filling mechanism in 1959 would find its way into the big Sheaffer PFM series. Clean which writes verrrry nicely. | |||
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SHEAFFER Thin Model (TM) Touchdown: The "Pre-Snorkel"
Plonked between 1940's "Fat" Wire Pens, Lever Fillers and Touchdowns and the nearly decade long run of the Snorkel starting in 1952, is the one year-ish model TM (Thin Model) Touchdown. The 1951 TM Touchdown looks like a slightly short Snorkel. The plastic caps looks like Snorkel caps but have a flush white dot instead of raised white dot. The metal caps (all or some) are identical to Snorkel's. But, TM Touchdown can be found in colors never used for Snorkel. TM Touchdown is far more scarce than Snorkel, but tends to fly a bit under collectors' collective radar. |
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Pen 3104 S: Sheaffer Thin Model ("TM") Touchdown Sentinel 1950-51 $150 SOLD
Touchdown 1-2 Year Model preceding the Snorkel. "Forest" Green Plump Medium Point. Smooth Writer. |
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| Overall Grade: Exc |
Metal: Nearmint | Color: Nearmint. | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: Exc |
threads: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Medium | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5 1/4 " 13.3 cm | PRICE: $150 |
| COMMENTS: The Thin Model (TM) Touchdown tends to fly beneath collectors' collective radar, slotting in the early 1950's after the fatter original Touchdown and before the much more prevalent, longer running Snorkel. The pen looks like Snorkel but is a bit shorter in the barrel. It is found in some colors never used for Snork, such as this dark green. Great nib on this one, the upturned "Waverly" style for which Sheaffer is known. Plump iridium on two-tone 14k-gold conical "Triumph" nib. Wet smooth writer. | |||
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Pen 3112 -S Sheaffer TM (Thin Model) Touchdown Sentinel $160 SOLD
Prussian(?) Blue. 1951 |
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| Overall Grade: Exx |
Metal: Exc | Color: Exc. | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: Exc |
threads: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Fine-Med | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5 1/4 " 13.3 cm | PRICE: $160 |
| COMMENTS: The Thin Model (TM) Snorkel introduced in 1952, gave the Parker "51" quite the run for the money for dominance of the 1950's pen scene. The TM Touchdown bridged the gulf from the 1940's fatter pens (including the original Touchdown) and the 1950's Snorkel. Seeing just a 1-2 year production run, TM Touchdown looks like a Snork, but is a bit shorter (didn't need the room for the Snork mechanism(, lacks a Snorkel tube (obviously) and saw some different colors. The TM Touchdown overall is well less often seen then Snorkel, due in no small part to its much shorter production era. This one features This one features the two tone metal cap and two tone gold conical (Triumph) nib appropriate to Sentinel. VERY SMOOTH Fine-Medium point, writing a lush wet line. This blue (?Prussion) was not used for the subsequent Snorkel model. | |||
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Lady Sheaffer, Lady Skripsert (including Prototypes), Imperial and Targa
Another charming pair of series that live in the shadow of Snorkel and PFM are the Lady Sheaffer and Lady Skripsert, both pens of solid construction, with metal shells, often decorated in wild n' wacky finishes that violate Sheaffer's generally conservative approach to style. In this batch are five ostensible prototype pens, in finishes I've never seen on any other pen or in any Sheaffer literature. Purchased from a collector with access to large quantities of Sheaffers, I could not pass on these. Hah, who knew. I'd figured Lady Sheaffer for around 1960, similar to Lady Skripsert. After I posted question on this to the venerable Z-list, I was informed Lady Sheaffer dates to around 1980. Learn something every day. Guess Sheaffer wanted something... 'cute'... during each generation. |
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Pen 3083 Sheaffer "Lady Sheaffer" $135
Mint Stickered |
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| Overall Grade:
Mint |
Metal: Mint | Color: NA | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: Mint |
Clutch: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Medium | Imprint: NA | Size: 5 1/4 " 13.4 cm | PRICE: $135 |
| COMMENTS: Lady Sheaffer flies a bit under the radar, overshadowed by general era cohorts, Imperial and Targa. It is a solid pen of metal construction with various finishes (often fragile) applied to the metal. This one is unused. It has the better of the two nib-styles-- The mini-Triumph-- in this case. I believe a wide range of finishes can be found, though I do not focus on this series. This is the first I've had in silver-tone metallic with a gold-tone incuse basket-weave pattern of sorts. Very pretty pen. Nib is medium point palladium-silver. Takes cartridge/converter but lacks converter now. I likely can track one down for you for additional $15. | |||
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Pen 3186 Sheaffer Lady Skripsert (~1959) $70
Silver Moire (?) with Cap-Band Brilliants |
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| Overall Grade:
Extra Fine |
Metal: Fine | Color: NA | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
Exc |
Clutch: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Medium | Imprint: NA | Size: 5 3/8" 13.6 cm |
PRICE: $70 |
| COMMENTS: Lady Skripsert dates to 1959, a contemporary to the Snorkel, PFM and Lady Sheaffer. Of sound metal construction, these cartridge/converter pens offered a outre' styling relative to Sheaffer's generally more conservative fare. The moire (?) pens with girdle of brilliants (diamond like non-diamonds) reside by the top of the ol' cachet pyramind. This one has no dents. From (?) shop-wear there are lots of lateral lines running about he pen revealing brighter-still metal beneatt the white pearlescent coating. Still a clean pen, it is marked down well from the $150--or-so I'd ask for a minty example with perfect coating. A cartridge can be provided for additional $15. | |||
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Pen 3085 Sheaffer "Lady Sheaffer" Prototype (?) Pattern. ~1960 $300
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| Overall Grade:
Mint |
Metal: Mint | Color: NA | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: Mint |
Clutch: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: X-Fine | Imprint: NA | Size: 5 1/4 " 13.5 cm | PRICE: $300 |
| COMMENTS: Lady Sheaffer flies a bit under the radar, overshadowed by general era cohorts, Imperial and Targa. It is a solid pen of metal construction with various finishes (often fragile) applied to the metal. This one is part of a collection of five mint pens in patterns I've never seen before. I am told these represent true prototypes (though the lines sometimes are painfully blurry amongst "prototype", "low run" and "hey it just must be rare if I've never seen one"). This one has gold point of the upturned/buried variety (not "Triumph"). Neat item for one who seeks something unusual from late 1950's Sheaffer. Includes "aero"-style converter. Also takes cartridges. This one had no nib assembly (a raw shell) when I found it. I have fitted it with a mint (stickered) nib assembly. The sticker makes for a snug fit, so don't force closed the pen (keep capped loosely) or do remove the section sticker. | |||
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Pen 3086 Sheaffer "Lady Sheaffer" Prototype (?) Pattern. $300
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| Overall Grade:
MINT |
Metal: Mint | Color: NA | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
Mint |
threads: Mint | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Fine or Fine-Med | Imprint: NA | Size: 5 1/4" 13.5cm | PRICE: $300 |
| COMMENTS: Lady Sheaffer flies a bit under the radar, overshadowed by general era cohorts, Imperial and Targa. It is a solid pen of metal construction with various finishes (often fragile) applied to the metal. This one is part of a collection of five mint pens in patterns I've never seen before. I am told these represent true prototypes (though the lines sometimes are painfully blurry amongst "prototype", "low run" and "hey it just must be rare if I've never seen one"). This one has Palladium-Silver point of the upturned/inserted variety (not "Triumph"). Color is periwinkle making ahelically-wrapped grid of open and lined rhomboids. Chrome clip is matched with the whilte-lined pattern (the red and black pens of this sort have gold-tone lines and gold-filled clip). Neat item for one who seeks something unusual from late 1950's Sheaffer. Cartridge/converter filling. I fitted this one with a mint converter. | |||
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Pen 3087 Sheaffer "Lady Sheaffer" Prototype (?) Pattern. $300
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| Overall Grade:
Mint |
Metal: Mint | Color: NA | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: Mint |
Clutch Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Fine-Med-ish point | Imprint: NA | Size: 5 1/4 " 13.4 cm | PRICE: $300 |
| COMMENTS: Lady Sheaffer flies a bit under the radar, overshadowed by general era cohorts,Imperial and Targa. It is a solid pen of metal construction with various finishes (often fragile) applied to the metal. This one is part of a collection of five mint pens in patterns I've never seen before. I am told these represent true prototypes (though the lines sometimes are painfully blurry amongst "prototype", "low run" and "hey it just must be rare if I've never seen one"). Color is burgundy with a helically-wrapped grid making open and lined rhomboids. Gold-filled clip is matched with the gold-lined pattern (the red and black pens of this sort have gold-tone lines and gold-filled clip, the Periwinkle with silver-tone lines has chrome clip). Neat item for one who seeks something unusual from late 1950's Sheaffer. Takes cartridge/converter, and I've fitted this one with a mint converter. | |||
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Pen 3088 Sheaffer "Lady Sheaffer" Prototype (?) Pattern. $325
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| Overall Grade:
Mint |
Metal: Mint | Color: NA | .CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: Mint |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: X-Fine | Imprint: NA | Size: 5 7/16th" 14 cm |
PRICE: $325 |
| COMMENTS: Lady Sheaffer flies a bit under the radar, overshadowed by general era cohorts, Imperial and Targa. It is a solid pen of metal construction with various finishes (often fragile) applied to the metal. This one is part of a collection of five mint pens in patterns I've never seen before. I am told these represent true prototypes (though the lines sometimes are painfully blurry amongst "prototype", "low run" and "hey it just must be rare if I've never seen one"). This one in fact is a bit longer than the other Lady Sheaffers I've handled. This very unusual "organic" pattern appears to be done via a layering of black enamel over gold-tone metal, with the black then randomly abraded (miniature ice-cream scoop?) revealing "bacterial" blots of gold-tone metal. Neat item for one who seeks something unusual from late 1950's Sheaffer. Takes cartridge/converter, and I have fitted this one with a mint converter. I also fitted a mint-stickered nib-section assembly to what was just an empty shell, when I'd bought the collection. The sticker makes for an unduly snug fit, so if you plan to leave the sticker in place, do NOT force closed the pen. If you want to close (and/or use) the pen, i suggest removing the sticker so as not to put too much pressure on the fragile section. | |||
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Pen 3088 Sheaffer "Lady Sheaffer" Prototype (?) Pattern. $325
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| Overall Grade:
Mint |
Metal: Mint | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: Mint |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Fine-Medium-ish | Imprint: NA | Size: 5 1/4 " 13.4 cm | PRICE: $325 |
| COMMENTS: Lady Sheaffer flies a bit under the radar, overshadowed by general era cohorts, Imperial and Targa. It is a solid pen of metal construction with various finishes (often fragile) applied to the metal. This one is part of a collection of five mint pens in patterns I've never seen before. I am told these represent true prototypes (though the lines sometimes are painfully blurry amongst "prototype", "low run" and "hey it just must be rare if I've never seen one"). This very unusual "organic" pattern appears to be done via a layering of black enamel over gold-tone metal, with the black then randomly abraded (miniature ice-cream scoop?) revealing bacterial blots of gold. Neat item for one who seeks something unusual from late 1950's Sheaffer. Takes cartridge/converter, and I have fitted this one with a mint converter. | |||
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Pen 3082 NB Sheaffer Targa "Regency". Full-girth $240
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| Overall Grade: Mint |
Metal: Exc | Color: NA. | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
NA |
Clutch: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Fine-Med | Imprint: NA | Size: 5 5/16 " 13.4 cm | PRICE: $240 |
| COMMENTS: Targa is very high quality Sheaffer from 1980's. Regency is a somewhat uncommon pattern. I've owned couple in the slim version, but this is the first full size. Pen shows no sign of ink exposure. Section is marked for fine point, though to my eye the nib is more on the fine-medium size. Includes "aero" style converter. | |||
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Pen 3090 Sheaffer Imperial FP/BP Set (1990's?) $145 SOLD
Desirable Cadmium Yellow. Gold-Plated nib |
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| Overall Grade:
Mint |
Metal: Exc | Color: Mint | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
Exc |
Threads: Exc | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Fine | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5 7/16 " 13.9cm | PRICE: $145 |
| COMMENTS: Amongst the near-modern, out of production "late" Imperials, Cadmium has proven an overwhelming collector favorite. A few months ago I grabbed the last tray of ten pens from a Sheaffer distributor. Turns out I had one FP left over, then found the BP to make the set. The BP's are more scarce than the FP's. My last Cadmium... | |||
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Early Sheaffer: Celluloid Flat Top, Balance and Related Pens.
Balance is the second most prevalent pen in my own collection, following Vacumatic. The earlier Sheaffer "flat-top" pens follow after Balance. This Update features a nice spread of these high quality pens, including some excellent oversized pens. |
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Pen 3120 Sheaffer Balance Standard DEMONSTRATOR $775
A Scarce and Un-catalogued Variant. Nib Somewhat Flexible |
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| Overall Grade:
Extra-Fine |
Metal: Exc | Color: Extra-Fine | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
Exc |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Fine Flex | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5 3/8 13.3 |
PRICE: $775 |
| COMMENTS: Yeah, yeah... here's the screed. In the seven years since I first encountered the clear-green Standard Demo, I've seen maybe 4-5 total; the Demo is grossly more rare than any of the catalogued colors. The oversized Demo carries a yellow tint; standard size is green. All i've seen in green carry mid-1930's trim/imprint. Like most of these, this has internal stress marks at either end, likely reflecting underlying manufacturing process (even colored pens often show stress marks at tips, when examined via loupe). This one has nice color,with ambering only at cap tip. Imprint is sharp. Threads are clean. Trim is clean. | |||
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Pen 3091 Sheaffer Flat-Top Oversized
Jet Black Celluloid. Single-Band. Mid 1920's. Plump Point $225 |
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| Overall Grade:
Exc |
Metal: Exc | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: Exc+ |
Threads: Exc | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Full Medium | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5 1/4 " 13.4 cm | PRICE: $225 |
| COMMENTS: Sheaffer was the first of the "Big- 4" to embrace celluloid. Conventional wisdom has it that Sheaffer introduced celluloid to pen manufacture, though of late some data have arrived suggesting that Leboeuf might have beat them to the punch. This is a relatively early flat-top with high-riding clip and single cap-band. Very clean pen with no brassing to cap-band and lever, and just a bit to the clp-ball. Plump wet medium point with very firm nib. Nice writer. | |||
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Pen 3164 -NB Sheaffer "Truncated Balance" non-Balance Jr. $140
Gray-with-Red-Veins Celluloid. Lever Filler ~ 1934-1935 |
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| Overall Grade: Fine |
Metal: Extra Fine | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
Exc |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Fine Flex | Imprint: Exc | Size: 4 1/2" 11.5 cm |
PRICE: $140 |
| COMMENTS: For year (or two... or three?) prior to the appearance of a true Balance Junior (with chrome trim, clip marked "Jr", "Jr" nib, etc), Sheaffer produced a non-Balance Junior. Not quite a flat-top the ends have taper that looks as if they were made from chopped Balance stock. I've seen them in Black, possibly Blue "marble", Gray-with-Red-Vens, and Gray-Black. Black and Grey-Black can be found as wire-pens (plunger filler) too. Humble pens costing about $2.75 back in the day, they are not so prevalent now, and are hard to find clean, what with a couple of "sensitive" celluloid colors and that chrome trim> This one is well better than average. Nice color. Clean clip. Bit of brassing to cap-band. Nib with more flex than found on most Sheaffers. | |||
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Pen 3158 Sheaffer Balance Golf Pencil
$90
Black and Pearl Celluloid |
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| Overall Grade:
Exc |
Metal: Exc | Color: Extra Fine | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: NA |
Threads: Exc | clarity: NA | |
| Point: NA | Imprint: Exc | Size: 2 1/2" 6.5 cm | PRICE: $90 |
| COMMENTS: Advertised by Sheaffer in some of the earlier colors but also found uncatalogued in some middle-era colors, the tiny Golf Pencil (vest pocket pencil) fits well into Balane collections, indeed carrying more collector cachet than do many of the typical full-length pencils. This one has nice- though not perfect- color. Good amount of original eraser present. CLean trim | |||
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Pen 3176 Sheaffer Balance Golf Pencil $115
Marine Green (mottled) Celluloid ~1930 |
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| Overall Grade:
NearMint |
Metal: Exc | Color: Superb | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: NA |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: NA | Imprint: Superb | Size: 2 1/2" 6.5 cm |
PRICE: $115 |
| COMMENTS: Advertised by Sheaffer in some of the earlier colors but also found uncatalogued in some middle-era colors, the tiny Golf Pencil (vest pocket pencil) fits well into Balane collections, indeed carrying more collector cachet than do many of the typical full-length pencils. This Marine Green example pops. Great color and imprint. Nice imprint. Still most of origin eraser under the crown. No brassing. | |||
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Pen 3177 Sheaffer Balance Golf Pencil $Pending final adjustment
Black and Pearl Celluloid ~ 1930 |
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| Overall Grade:
Extra Fine |
Metal: Exc | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: N/A |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: N/A | Imprint: Exc | Size: 2 1/2" 6.5cm |
PRICE: $ |
| COMMENTS: Advertised by Sheaffer in some of the earlier colors but also found uncatalogued in some middle-era colors, the tiny Golf Pencil (vest pocket pencil) fits well into Balane collections, indeed carrying more collector cachet than do many of the typical full-length pencils. | |||
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Pen 3100 R Sheaffer Balance Standard (5-30) Set ~1929 $250
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| Overall Grade:
Exc |
Metal: Exc | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
Exc |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: fine-med | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5 3/8" 13.5cm |
PRICE: $250 |
| COMMENTS: Following the Parker Vacumatic, Sheaffer Balance sees the largest representation in my own collection. Those two series targetted similar markets during the 1930's and were in fierce competition. This is an early set, with "first style" features. Unlike later years in which Lifetime and non-Lifetime models would have the same contour, the early non-White Dot pens (5-30 and slender 3-25) had slightly shorter barrels than did the White Dot pens. This one has the long humped clip and short gripping section that mark early pens. Color is excellent, better than most, with slight ambering to parts of the pen barrel. Probably did so well as it had a broken nib and might have been rendered unusable early on. Ron Zorn fitted it with a proper "5-30" nib from my stock and adjusted it for smooth excellent writing, with a fine-medium point. Pen grades full excellent. Pencil is relatively clean but the pearl panel just above the clip does show a bit of internal separation (gives bit of texture to just that 1/4" panel). Great pen. | |||
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Pen 3069 R. Sheaffer Balance Oversized
1929 $685
First style Extra Long. Jade Celluloid with Superb Color Preservation. |
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| Overall Grade:
Nearmint |
Metal: Superb | Color: Superb | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
Extx |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: n/a | |
| Point: Med | Imprint: Superb | Size: 5
3/4" 14.4 cm |
PRICE: $685 |
| COMMENTS: Where to start? One of the best five OS Jade pens I've handled in ten years. Part of a pair recently acquired. This one has all correct early style elements, including short non-streamlined section, and monotone nib. This pair matches the pen I've had in my personal collection for 7 years. Clear Sac has been placed for color preservation. As the pic shows, the distal half inch or so shows only excellent instead of "staggering" color. Go figure. | |||
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Pen 3097 Sheaffer Balance Pencil $45
Ebonized Pearl. Standard Size. |
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| Overall Grade:
Extra Fine |
Metal: ExtraFine | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: NA |
Threads: ExtraFine | clarity: NA | |
| Point: NA | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5
1/4" 13.2cm |
PRICE: $45 |
| COMMENTS: A decent Ebonized Pearl pencil that can be matched with standard size White Dot or non White Dot pen to make a set. Nice color and clean plastic. Trim shows bit of brassing only at bottom edge of clip (typical first spot). Slight gap between pencil halves and between bottom half of plastic and metal ferrule. | |||
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Pen 3108 R: Sheaffer Balance Admiral 1938-41
Carmine Celluloid $225 |
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| Overall Grade: Exc |
Metal: Exc+ | Color: Superb | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: Exc |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: FINE | Imprint: ExtraFine | Size: 5 7/16" 13.6cm |
PRICE: $225 |
| COMMENTS: Following the Parker Vacumatic, Sheaffer Balance sees the largest representation in my own collection. Those two series targetted similar markets during the 1930's and were in fierce competition. Carmine was introduced around 1938 and is popular with collectors. The model packs the "500" mark representing its $5 price, and eventually gained the name, "Admiral". This one is quite clean with smooth fine point. | |||
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Pen 3094 Z: Sheaffer Balance Oversized. Jet Black Celluloid 1936-41 $235
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| Overall Grade: ExtraFine |
Metal: Exc | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
NM |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: XF-F (2-tone) | Imprint: Extra Fine | Size: 5
1/2" 14.2 cm |
PRICE: $235 |
| COMMENTS: Following the Parker Vacumatic, Sheaffer Balance sees the largest representation in my own collection. Those two series targetted similar niches during the 1930's and were in fierce competition. This is the big one, in conservative black celluloid. No brassing to the metal trim. Clean imprint with a few letters a bit light at the right side. Couple light marks to plastic. Superb correct two tone Sheaffer Lifetime smooth wet nib that is very fine (i label it between Fine and Extra Fine). A nice daily scribbler, no doubt. | |||
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Pen 3122 -S Sheaffer Balance Oversized. 1936-1941 $395
Golden Pearl Celluloid. Unusual Pattern to Cap Plastic |
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| Overall Grade:
Exc |
Metal: Exc | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
Exc |
Threads: Perfet | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Med | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5 1/2" 14 cm |
PRICE: $395 |
| COMMENTS:
Balance is the second most prevalent pen in my personal collection.
This 1930's series fit a similar niche to Parker's Vacumatic. With long
production period and wide range of price points, with catalogued and
un-catalogue variants, one can pursue a huge range of variants.
Oversized pens have grown more difficult to find of late. This
one is a very clean brown striper. The striated plastic dates to
1936-41, though we believe that the 1000-imprint appeared after a year
or more of production. This one has a neat finding, a skewed
helical flavor to the cap-plastic. Probably a batch variant, the
variegation at top suggest the plastic used in the blind cap of
some of the plunger-fill pens. Quite appealing, to my
eye. Very smooth medium wet line. Clean pen. Great writer. Funky variant plastic. |
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Pen 3189 -J Sheaffer Balance Oversized 1936-41 $565
Carmine Celluloid. Smooth wet Med+ |
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| Overall Grade:
Nearmint** |
Metal: NM | Color: Perfect | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC | |
| Nib condition: NM |
Threads: *slightly short* | Section Clarity: Nearmint | ||
| Point: Extra Fine | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5 1/2" 14 cm |
PRICE: $565 | |
| COMMENTS: Balance is the second most prevalent pen in my personal
collection. This 1930's series fit a similar niche to Parker's
Vacumatic. With long production period and wide range of price points,
with catalogued and un-catalogue variants, one can pursue a huge range
of variants. Oversized pens have grown more difficult to find of late.
Carmine is considered a "better" color. This one "pops", with clean trim, superb plastic, as-mint gripping section, and superb two-tone nib with XF point. The only caveat is that the threads on this one are bit shorter than found on most of my other Balances. There is pen-to-pen variation on old pens like this, but this one caught my eye (on the other hand, having shown this pen to 20 pen friends... no one else spotted it before I pointed it out). The cap closes perfectly. There is no sense of "short throw" to the cap closure. This likely is as original, but I must keep open mind on such things. I've knocked price down >$100 in view of this finding. The pen overall is as clean as the one that's resided in my own collection the last five years. |
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Pen 3190 -R Sheaffer Balance Oversized $675
Carmine Celluloid. Smooth Wet Med+ Point |
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| Overall Grade:
Exc+ |
Metal: Exc+ | Color: Superb | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
Exc |
Threads: Perfect | Section Clarity: Mild | |
| Point: Med+ | Imprint: Exc+ | Size: 5 1/2" 14 cm |
PRICE: $675 |
| COMMENTS: Balance is the second most prevalent pen in my personal collection. This 1930's series fit a similar niche to Parker's Vacumatic. With long production period and wide range of price points, with catalogued and un-catalogue variants, one can pursue a huge range of variants. Oversized pens have grown more difficult to find of late. Carmine is considered a "better" color. This one is a primo example with clean plastic, trim and imprint. Superb two tone nib writing a medium+ smooth wet line. | |||
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MISCELLANEA:
A bit of this and that from a variety of large and small makers. |
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Pen 3154 Omas Milord "Old Style" Fountain Pen $295 SOLD
Piston-Fill. Out-of-Production |
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| Overall Grade:
Nearmint |
Metal: NM | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: NM |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: N/A | |
| Point: F | Imprint: NM | Size: 5
3/8th" 13.6 cm |
PRICE: $295 |
| COMMENTS: Not the usual Vacumania vintage fodder, this is a near-modern yet early-style Omas Milord in blue Vegetal Resin (iirc my limited Omas knowledge). Picked this one up as part of a large pen collection some months back. Pretty pen in clean shape, priced here (albeit only "near" mint and without box/papers) well below the readily available modern variant. | |||
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Pen 3162 Parker "75" Sterling Cisele 1960's (or later) $80 SOLD
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| Overall Grade:
Extra-Fine |
Metal: Exc | Color: NA | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
Exc |
Clutch: perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Fine | Imprint: NA | Size:
5" 12.8 cm |
PRICE: $80 |
| COMMENTS: Cisele is amongst the earliest patterns found int he venerable parker 75, introduced around 1964 and produced at length in the USA and later in France. This one is not "first style" and has the dimpled-type top piece. No flaws to the metal and has smooth fine point. I used this one at work for a few months after grabbing it at Brimfield several years ago. The cosmetic issue is that the plastic gripping section has a few scattered small lumps/bubbles, perhaps from having been out in the sun. A nice user with clean exterior. | |||
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Pen 3077 NB Parker "$3.75 Set" $255
A so-called "Thrift Time" Pen. 1933-1934. Wet, smooth Medium+ point. |
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| Overall Grade: Extra Fine |
Metal: Extra Fine | Color: Extra Fine. | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: Exc |
threads: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: Medium | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5 1/8 " 12.9 cm | PRICE: $255 |
| COMMENTS:
Lumped
into the garbage-can term
"Thrift Time Pen", about four years ago the revelation of a Dec 1933 Parkergram allowed
for the first time original description of this model. Available
in
four colors and two sizes with the smaller size found with clip or
ring, one can collect 12 catalogue described variants. Hefty pens, the
stepped clip ties to the 1934 Type II Parker Parkette and evokes pens
by Eclipse and Monroe, amongst others. The matching end-pieces add
charm. Note that unlike most gray-pearl Parkers from the 1930's, this
model uses gold (filled? plated?) trim instead of white trim. I
like the yellow-on-gray look. The clip is the last pen to use the Duofold-style smooth "Parker" ball-clip. The pen overall is quite clean. Cap-bands are free of brassing, though pen has bit of brassing on clip ball and at very top of clip. Same for pencil. Pencil color excellent. Pen has excellent cap color with hint of barrel ambering (less than most of this color and exaggerated in the photo). Sound imprints. Very nice point with correct "Parker Pen" imprint. A wet, medium+ and smooth writer. |
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Pen 3101 Wahl-Eversharp Equi-Poised Pencil. Large. 1930-1932
$125
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| Overall Grade:
Excellent+ |
Metal: Nearmint | Color: Exc+ | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition: NA |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: NA | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5 3/4" 14.5 cm |
PRICE: $125 |
| COMMENTS: Equi-Poised is a highly collectable series that saw frantic evolution during its 4 year run. This large pencil shows minimal signs of use, has no brassing and has great color. Still has some of original eraser. The celluloid shows a slight iridescence representing thin layer oxidation from going 80 years without being polish. I like finding that on old celluloid. If you want, I can give it a light modern polish (though you'll lose the oxidation effect). | |||
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Pen 3107-S Wahl-Eversharp Skyline $165 SOLD
Dubonnet (burgundy) Plastic with Lined Gold-Filled Cap. Plump Flexy Point. |
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| Overall Grade: Extra Fine |
Metal: Extra Fine | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
Exc |
Threads: Exc | clarity: NA | |
| Point: M, flexes to B+ | Imprint: NA | Size: 5 1/4 " 13.5 cm |
PRICE: $165 |
| COMMENTS: A Clean Skyline with some brassing only to the lever. Nifty nib, smooth wet writer with baseline medium point that flexes gently to broad+ | |||
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Pen 3125- S Wahl-Eversharp Skyline. Early-Mid 1940s $180 SOLD
"Chocolate" Plastic with Lined Gold-Filled Cap. Ultraflex "Monster" Nib |
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| Overall Grade:
Extrafine |
Metal: Extra Fine | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
Exc |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: n/a | |
| Point: F-M to BB Flex | Imprint: NA | Size: 5 1/4" 13.2 cm |
PRICE: $180 |
| COMMENTS: Skyline has... distinct... styling. It was quite popular in the day. This one packs a killer nib. Fine-Med at baseline it smoothly flexes up to at least broad, and probably double broad. Ink-flow keeps up nicely. The nib is the key for this one. | |||
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Pen 3124 -S Diamond Medal Flat-Top Oversized (late '20's- early 30's) $240 SOLD
Woodgrain (apparently celluloid, not HR). Superb Writer. |
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| Overall Grade: Exc+ |
Metal: Exc | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
Exc |
Threads: Exc | clarity: NA | Plastic: Fine |
| Point: Wet Medium | Imprint: Exc | Size:
5 3/8" 13.6 cm |
PRICE: $240 |
| COMMENTS: Diamond Medal was Sears's in-house brand, manufactured for it over the years by a variety of pen makers. This one likely dates to late 1920's-early 1930's, preceding the era in which Parker made pens for Sears and likely representing the work of National Pen Company in Chicago. While "woodgrain" pens tend to be of hard rubber, I get no "hard rubber smell" when friction is applied to the material. The pen might actually be of woodgrain-pattern celluloid. It is in sueprb shape with clean trim, plastic, imprint, and nib. The top of pen has a crest or coat-of-arms in attractive blue (enamel?) on gold-tone metal. Such were popular options in the day. Superb writer with wet medium point Great example of not-so-easy-to-find pen. | |||
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Pen 3179 -NB Moore Streamlined $ 175
Green Mottled Celluloid (Wahl's Kashmir). Fine Semi-Flex Nib |
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| Overall Grade:
Ex |
Metal: Exc | Color: Exc | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
Exc |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: Exc | |
| Point: F-M | Imprint: Fine | Size: 4 1/2" 11.4 cm |
PRICE: $ 175 |
| COMMENTS: Probably an early-mid 1930's vintage, this charming Moore has no model name of which I'm aware. The color appears to be Wahl's Kashmir and this one has excellent pearlescence with no sign of evil fluorescence. Trim is quite clean. Top line of the maker's imprint is sharp'; bottom line not sharp. Nice Fine flexy (moderate not noodle) point that can squeek up to Medium + with pressure. | |||
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Pen 3096 Moore Safety. Black Chased HR. ~1910 $80 SOLD
With Original Sticker. Flex "warranted" nib. |
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| Overall Grade: rather nice |
Metal: NA | Color: ExtraFine | CLICK FOR LARGER PIC |
| Nib condition:
NM |
Threads: Perfect | clarity: NA | |
| Point: F-M + FLEX | Imprint: Exc | Size: 5 3/4" 12 cm |
PRICE: $80 |
| COMMENTS: Moore made a very high quality hard rubber pen. The barrel-sleeved safety pen is well known and well collected, found in a range of colors, sizes and finishes. Even solid gold overlay pens can be found. This one is bit of an odd-duck. Cap and barrel essentially black with razor sharp imprints and chasing. The slide/sleeve shows wear and some oxidation. I cannot exclude replacement part, though I suppose it is possible that part was handled more than the others. The nib has met ink and is a "warranted" solid gold replacement with very nice flexibility. The seals have not been formally restored, but can be done (at some delay in shipping) by Ron Zorn before shipping for $35 extra. | |||
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