Lady Balance in Striated Carmine & FT Nib Restored

**KBeezie** · July 17th, 2014, 12:08 AM

So a little while back I picked up a Sheaffer Balance on eBay with the striated carmine body and feathertouch nib. Initially I presumed that it was a standard/full-size because it had a feathertouch nib (didn't think a Petite/Lady had that option), and it's not a modified nib, it's the right size for the pen.

Unfortunately whoever the previous owner(s) was, decided to use both ends of the pen as sort of a chew toy, and there was a name engraved on the side ("Pat Reynolds").

Before I sent it out I took a picture of it so Sean could see what work needed to be done to the body and to give a size comparison next to my Touchdown Admiral and pair of Pilot Elite pocket pens.

(Click images for larger version)

Got the pen back today from him... purty a bit of work had to go into it, he got the name removed, took the chew marks out, cleaned up the nib, re-sac'd etc.

At first it seemed to pretty to handle, was afraid to hurt it lol. It's a little small but feels great, and nib writes smoothly with good flow much like the feathertouch I already have on my touchdown.

**tarheel1** · July 17th, 2014, 12:46 AM

Man great looking pen. I would love to get one in oversized.

**Jon Szanto** · July 17th, 2014, 01:54 AM

Originally Posted by tarheel1

Man great looking pen. I would love to get one in oversized.

No problem, unless money is an issue.

**tarheel1** · July 17th, 2014, 02:14 AM

Originally Posted by Jon Szanto

Originally Posted by tarheel1

Man great looking pen. I would love to get one in oversized.

No problem, unless money is an issue.

Just have not found the right one.

**Jon Szanto** · July 17th, 2014, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by tarheel1

Originally Posted by Jon Szanto

Originally Posted by tarheel1

Man great looking pen. I would love to get one in oversized.

No problem, unless money is an issue.

Just have not found the right one.

Contact David Issacson. While he may not have an OS carmine listed on his site, I wouldn't at all be surprised if he has some for sale. Dig deep.

**snedwos** · July 17th, 2014, 01:18 PM

Balance is one of the "musts" on my DC show list. Not bothered about OS, but would like at least regular size. Carmine or green striations. And I definitely don't want the vacuum filler, it messes with the shape.

**KBeezie** · July 18th, 2014, 05:48 PM

So on the other forums someone mentioned the Milady model, wasn't sure what they were talking bout so I did some research.

Seems like the MiLady balance was basically a lady balance specifically paired with a #5 feathertouch nib (of the correct size for the pen, since I've seen larger #5 FT nibs, such as on my Touchdown). Which would put this pen in a time period of 1939 to 1941 (not 1938 because Carmine Striated wasn't available until '39, and the MiLady was discontinued a year before the Balance line itself was discontinued in '42).

Though any citation/clarification would be appreciated.

One such site I got info on : http://dirck.delint.ca/beta/?page_id=7297

**oldstoat** · July 24th, 2014, 04:01 PM

Not sure if mine is a Lady Balance or Junior Balance but it is avery pretty pen and a lovely soft nib. It's about the only fine nib that doesn't make my handwriting look more scratchy.

**KBeezie** · July 24th, 2014, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by oldstoat

Not sure if mine is a Lady Balance or Junior Balance but it is avery pretty pen and a lovely soft nib. It's about the only fine nib that doesn't make my handwriting look more scratchy.

More scratchy in the sense that it doesn't restrict your movements ?