Sheafer Fountain Pen What Model and Year is it

[Paul-H]

Hi Guys

I have this one in my small collection, I was told its an Australian Pen from the 50.s, is that correct

What model is it and if the above is not correct where was it made and what was the years of manufacture.

Thanks

Paul

Sheafer.JPG

[snedwos]

Looks like a PFM. Does it have a snorkel? Not sure what particular one. 50's, well, yeah, just. There are a couple people on here who know about Aussie Sheaffers, I'll point you to the relevant threads. That's probably the best one.

[jar]

Not a PFM. That is positive.

It is a Sheaffer Imperial VI from the 60s.

[HughC]

I'd agree with Jar. If it's Aust. made the nib will have that on it, the body may or may not have an imprint that mentions Australia. You often find Aust. nibs with the rest US made, I see enough of these to think they may have been assembled that way by Sheaffer rather than later nib swaps....but ???.

Regards
Hugh

[kirchh]

It is a Sheaffer Imperial VI from the 60s.

Note that the box, which is consistent with the pen, is likely '71+. Sheaffer seems to have first used the slogan "still the proud craftsmen" in 1970, and they then shortened it to "the proud craftsmen" in early 1971.

--Daniel

[cedargirl]

I have a similar pen which, in my newbie fervor, I had named an Imperial IV, not a VI. Can someone tell me what I should be looking at - what is the difference between a IV and a VI? Mine does have Aust on the nib.

[HughC]

I have a similar pen which, in my newbie fervor, I had named an Imperial IV, not a VI. Can someone tell me what I should be looking at - what is the difference between a IV and a VI? Mine does have Aust on the nib.

Actually I think Jar meant IV....and I didn't notice the "slip" either !! A VI has a stainless steel cap with a gold cap band. It's so easy to "stuff up" ...

Regards
Hugh

[jar]

I have a similar pen which, in my newbie fervor, I had named an Imperial IV, not a VI. Can someone tell me what I should be looking at - what is the difference between a IV and a VI? Mine does have Aust on the nib.

Actually I think Jar meant IV....and I didn't notice the "slip" either !! A VI has a stainless steel cap with a gold cap band. It's so easy to "stuff up" ...

Regards
Hugh

Too funny.

A great example of why you cannot proof your own work.

Yup, IV or like the agnostic dyslexic insomniac who sat up all night wondering if there really was a DOG said; "!dab yM"

[cedargirl]

I have a similar pen which, in my newbie fervor, I had named an Imperial IV, not a VI. Can someone tell me what I should be looking at - what is the difference between a IV and a VI? Mine does have Aust on the nib.

Actually I think Jar meant IV....and I didn't notice the "slip" either !! A VI has a stainless steel cap with a gold cap band. It's so easy to "stuff up" ...

Regards
Hugh

Too funny.

A great example of why you cannot proof your own work.

Yup, IV or like the agnostic dyslexic insomniac who sat up all night wondering if there really was a DOG said; "!dab yM"

HA ha ha!

Thanks for clearing that up guys. Another step forward for me in my exploration of Sheaffer's peculiar naming conventions - not sure I'll ever get the hang of it.

Claire

[Paul-H]

Hi guys thanks for all the replies.

I did not check the pen nib to see where it was made as it was such a horrible writer I had left it in the draw in disgust.

I got it out yesterday to see if I could see anything wrong with the nib, as my new super strong loupe arrived, and found the only mark was a USA on the nib, so its not even an Australian pen after all.

And also sadly the nib was aligned fin as well so its still a rubbish scratchy writer.

Paul

[HughC]

Hi guys thanks for all the replies.

I did not check the pen nib to see where it was made as it was such a horrible writer I had left it in the draw in disgust.

I got it out yesterday to see if I could see anything wrong with the nib, as my new super strong loupe arrived, and found the only mark was a USA on the nib, so its not even an Australian pen after all.

And also sadly the nib was aligned fin as well so its still a rubbish scratchy writer.

Paul

Unless there's any physical damage smoothing the nib will probably fix the problem. Using a pen your not happy with is a good way to learn, you need the finest "wet and dry" sanding paper you can find ( specialist auto paint shops is where I buy mine ) somewhere around the 1600 to 2000 grit. Before sanding try to work out where the problem is, run it over paper in various directions and you may feel it more "scratchy" in a particular direction, that's the bit to work on first ( even just sanding lightly in that one direction may be enough) using a bit of water and light pressure, constantly vary the angle and round of the edges. Keep checking as you go and use the same area on you paper as it wears down and does a better job of smoothing as it wears down. It probably won't take much. I should add it doesn't need to be out of alignment much to cause issues.

Regards
Hugh

[Paul-H]

Hi have just had a go with this nib, making sure the tines are aligned, they where very slightly out and giving the tip a good polish with some fine micro mesh, also opening the the tines out with some feeler gauges and to be honest it is now a bit better, not good but it can now be used.

Mind you it is a very fine nib so I was probably flogging the old dead horse as far as getting it to a smooth writer is concerned, but it is usable now, (Just).

Paul