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Thread: If you've ever had Sheaffer fantasies...

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    Senior Member Jon Szanto's Avatar
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    Default If you've ever had Sheaffer fantasies...

    I'm very pleased to own one of the "Fantasy" Legacy pens that Jim Rouse created, a blending of original Sheaffer parts and custom turned barrels. A lovely pen and lovely reminder of a good man.

    So, today, I get my latest issue of Paul Erano's Fountain Pen Journal. I'm browsing through it and... holy crap, someone is making Fantasy Snorkels!

    Yep, Mr. John Bedard has started up a business - Tega Pen Company (Tega is Polynesian for "beautiful") - to create Snorkel pens that utilize original Sheaffer internals, section and nibs, and create new barrels and caps to go with them. I don't know much more than what I've read in the article but I am enthused to see that they are going to have a presence at a number of pen shows, including San Francisco, which I'll be attending. As I find out more (and I'm going to get one at some point), I'll post more information. In the meantime, if this picques your curiosity, take a look at their site:

    Tega Pen Co. - Fantasy Sheaffer Snorkels



    (Image linked from Tega Pen Co. site)
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

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    Default Re: If you've ever had Sheaffer fantasies...

    I heard a rumor that Tega will be at the SF Pen Show in August. I do look forward to seeing these in person.

    As for Sheaffer Fantasies thee are several threads here that qualify.

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    Senior Member FredRydr's Avatar
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    Default Re: If you've ever had Sheaffer fantasies...

    I'm not sure whether to thank you or curse you, Jon. The Tega Fantasy Snorkel pages are very cool! Do I want an original, or a fantasy? "Why not both?" I suppose.

    https://fantasysnorkel.com

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    Default Re: If you've ever had Sheaffer fantasies...

    I saw them at the Atlanta pens show. Cool idea! Honestly, there are probably enough old Sheaffers out there to support a small business...

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    Senior Member penwash's Avatar
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    Default Re: If you've ever had Sheaffer fantasies...

    I'm torn on this one.
    I love the idea of producing "fantasy" Sheaffer with new material, but the end result to me (at least from that one photo) is not that appealing and lacks the certain "coolness" that Sheaffer pen has. If I think more and able to say specifically why, I would comment further.

    Also, having restored many of them, I have a love-hate relationship with the Snorkel. I much, much, much, much prefer and love the Touchdown as a filling system.
    The Snorkel is cool mechanically, but even in the event that the restoration is successful, I'm irked by the ink capacity (and I'm not one of those who worship large ink capacity at all, I'd be happy with decent).

    So if Tega would produce "fantasy" Sheaffer based on the Touchdown system, using Ebonite, in addition to sparkly acrylics, then I'll be all ears
    - Will
    Unique and restored vintage pens: Redeem Pens

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    Senior Member pajaro's Avatar
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    Default Re: If you've ever had Sheaffer fantasies...

    Quote Originally Posted by penwash View Post
    I'm torn on this one.
    I love the idea of producing "fantasy" Sheaffer with new material, but the end result to me (at least from that one photo) is not that appealing and lacks the certain "coolness" that Sheaffer pen has. If I think more and able to say specifically why, I would comment further.

    Also, having restored many of them, I have a love-hate relationship with the Snorkel. I much, much, much, much prefer and love the Touchdown as a filling system.
    The Snorkel is cool mechanically, but even in the event that the restoration is successful, I'm irked by the ink capacity (and I'm not one of those who worship large ink capacity at all, I'd be happy with decent).

    So if Tega would produce "fantasy" Sheaffer based on the Touchdown system, using Ebonite, in addition to sparkly acrylics, then I'll be all ears

    Plus One.

    I agree totally with this. I have accidentally restored one Snorkel out of . . . many. Accidentally.

    I love the Touchdowns, and they are so easy to restore. Touchdown fillers, inlaid nibs, Dolphin nibs, love them.

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    Senior Member FredRydr's Avatar
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    Default Re: If you've ever had Sheaffer fantasies...

    Quote Originally Posted by penwash View Post
    ...using Ebonite, in addition to sparkly acrylics....
    Especially mottled red and black. <sigh!> We do struggle with letting the past go. ;-)
    Last edited by FredRydr; July 9th, 2019 at 11:50 AM.

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    Senior Member Jon Szanto's Avatar
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    Default Re: If you've ever had Sheaffer fantasies...

    Well, I guess I just figured that this would be of interest to people who do like the Snorkel. Frankly, I have a fascination with the system, even while I have Touchdown pens as well. It's just another option in the wide world of pens and I applaud this fellow for his efforts.

    I'll mention to him the interest in fantasy Touchdowns.

    And I'm lolling on Farmboy.
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

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    Senior Member azkid's Avatar
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    Default Re: If you've ever had Sheaffer fantasies...

    I like the idea of "fantasy" pens. I'd like to make my own someday but my lathe is nowhere close to being able to cut threads.

    I also am fascinated with the snorkel and I intend to add one to my collection at some point. I actually prefer lower ink capacity so I don't have to wait a month to change ink

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    Default Re: If you've ever had Sheaffer fantasies...

    The Snorkel is an interesting concept, and the pastel blue sentinels are really attractive pens. The filler is gimmicky compared to the Touchdown, but it does work and is made from quality parts. Not perfect, but certainly not bad either.

    They remind me of the Balance II pens. I think it's a clever use of spare parts, but I would not tear up an otherwise good original to make a fantasy pen. The blue and green marbled are attractive. Hopefully they are more robust than the marbled plastic the Balance II used.

    I could see taking a Snorkel with a broken cap or barrel and using the spare good parts to make one of these. It's a clever use of parts, I think. I would not break up an otherwise good original Snorkel to make a fantasy pen.

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    Senior Member penwash's Avatar
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    Default Re: If you've ever had Sheaffer fantasies...

    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by penwash View Post
    ...using Ebonite, in addition to sparkly acrylics....
    Especially mottled red and black. <sigh!> We do struggle with letting the past go. ;-)
    Fred, to me, it's not about letting go of the past, it's appreciating a timeless material by making timeless instruments.
    - Will
    Unique and restored vintage pens: Redeem Pens

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    Default Re: If you've ever had Sheaffer fantasies...

    I like the apricot finish. Ooooo......
    My other pen is a Montblanc.

    And my other blog is a tumblr!


    And my latest ebook, for spooky wintery reading:

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CM2NGSSD

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    Default Re: If you've ever had Sheaffer fantasies...

    I like the demonstrator colors more than the opaque colors. Making the mechanism visible makes it more attractive. How long does a Snorkel last before needing a resac? My mistake was trying to do it myself.

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    Senior Member Lady Onogaro's Avatar
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    Default Re: If you've ever had Sheaffer fantasies...

    I just got my copy today. They look really beautiful.
    Lady Onogaro

    "Be yourself--everybody else is already taken." --Oscar Wilde

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    Default Re: If you've ever had Sheaffer fantasies...

    Purty

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