How to know for sure the next vintage Sheaffer you buy is not a FrankenSheaffer ?

[Jon Szanto]

I would submit that there are some collectors who will pay more for Pen #1 and equally possible to have another group of collectors who would pay more for Pen #2. Given the above situation, I would probably be in the second group because I value more the hours that Mr. Torellli put into the cap to make it a unique piece of art.

You may submit that if you wish, but I think it indicates a degree of unfamiliarity with the world of (pen) collectors. This all revolves around the concept of what is a 'collectible'. To say that an item interests you and that you would like it in your collection does not define it as being collectible; I would suggest that it is more important that the item would be considered, by other collectors, for inclusion in a collection. Of course there is always a market for the unique and unusual, but I think any reasonable look at auctions, shows, and online sales of collections would clearly indicate a heavy leaning towards those items still intact, original or as close to original as possible, and this goes for collectibles of all types, not just fountain pens.

[Marsilius]

Almost like Daniel Boone's original axe: on its fifth head and eight handle.