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View Full Version : Bought a couple of inexpensive old pens on ebay



Jolltax
April 7th, 2014, 12:34 PM
Er, confession time. I am away on business and a little bored in the evenings.

I recently decided I wanted to try some older pens, to be honest I REALLY want a PFM but am still getting round to justifying the expense. In the mean time I have been foolishly browsing ebay in the evenings (actually looking for a Parker 51 if I am totally honest)

After getting a bit over-excited and with no research I impulsively bought these two pens :

Sheaffer Black Snorkel Fountain Pen 14k Gold Nib Made in Australia (http://tinyurl.com/pxkhvp6)
Fountain Pen Sheaffer'S Black with S/steel cap Made in USA (http://tinyurl.com/qzfpgj5)

It has a snorkel! They weren't expensive so no real damage done but could anyone shed any light on what they are or point me to a good reference?

Jolltax

cwent2
April 7th, 2014, 01:10 PM
http://www.richardspens.com/

Jon Szanto
April 7th, 2014, 01:20 PM
As to the link to Richard Binder's site, click on "Reference Pages" and look for information on pen model, specifically the Sheaffer Snorkel.

If you don't have any real experience in servicing pens yourself, you'll probably want to send the Snorkel pen(s) to a good restorer, as they are fairly complicated. The problem is that if the sac leaks, it puts liquid in the barrel which has a lot of metal parts. Best to let a pro do it, and it shouldn't cost too much, though I'm speaking mostly of US repair guys (don't know where you are located, Jolltax).

Jolltax
April 7th, 2014, 01:39 PM
Hiya, thanks so much for your replies. I couldn't find on Richards Pens but I went here instead (http://penhero.com/PenGallery/Sheaffer/Sheaffer.htm) perhaps I have bought a Sheaffer Admiral and an Imperial II? Hard to say, but if turns out to be those two and they are in half decent condition I will be happy.

Good advice on the servicing - I live in the UK. I will have a good root round on these forums for anyone. Although I love my pens I am very much a user so as long as they function and don't fall apart I dont mind if they look a bit mankey.

Thanks!

Jolltax

Jon Szanto
April 7th, 2014, 02:18 PM
Hiya, thanks so much for your replies. I couldn't find on Richards Pens but I went here instead (http://penhero.com/PenGallery/Sheaffer/Sheaffer.htm) perhaps I have bought a Sheaffer Admiral and an Imperial II? Hard to say, but if turns out to be those two and they are in half decent condition I will be happy.

Good advice on the servicing - I live in the UK. I will have a good root round on these forums for anyone. Although I love my pens I am very much a user so as long as they function and don't fall apart I dont mind if they look a bit mankey.

Thanks!

Jolltax

I think IDing them will be a lot easier when they are in hand, as the photos, especially the second pen, don't give a lot of info.

The main thing is to understand how a snorkel filler works and test it with some water first - if it is leaking internally, you don't want to get ink all over everything just finding out the sac is gone. Even if you buy these pens as NOS (new old stock), there is a tendency for the seals and gaskets, as well as the rubber sac, to age and cause leaks or not fill properly. Unless I know it has been restored for certain, I always have a guy re-do the filling system on these pens.

BTW, member Annie posts a lot here, and holds a pen gathering in London at "The Hole" (I believe). She would be a good source of people in the UK to contact for restoration. Once done, you'll have at least one good pen (I think the Snorkels, in good working order, are some of the best vintage pens around). Have fun!

HughC
April 7th, 2014, 03:54 PM
Hi,

Your Aust. snorkel appears to be an "Admiral" , these where one of the cheaper models when new and a common Aust. model ( the "Clipper" being the other most often seen Aussie model). Australian production ran from 1954 to 1962, somewhat out of step with US production, and most turn up in the UK. It's hard to be any more precise with a date but I suspect yours is pre 1960. I've yet to see an Australian snorkel in any colour other than the 5 original ones, black being the most common. The second is an Imperial II (2). Both are well made pens that should be nice to use. As Jon mentioned both probably need new sacs etc.

Regards
Hugh

Jolltax
April 7th, 2014, 04:05 PM
Hooray! I am still away on business and won't actually get my hands on my purchases for another 10 days but I am pretty excited about them.
I just need to accidentally find a bargain PFM somewhere now!

david i
April 7th, 2014, 04:42 PM
Most comprehensive Snorkel guide. Still beta (needs couple pics and tweaks)


Vacumania Snorkel Guide (http://vacumania.com/website/sheaffersnorkelguide.htm)


regards

david

Jolltax
April 9th, 2014, 07:51 AM
Thanks David, I wil have a good look round.