What do I have and how can I bring it back up to writing condition

**Wrathen** · December 28th, 2014, 08:52 PM

So my grandmother gave me a Sheaffer FP and pencil set (sorry forgot to take photos of the pencil). It was my grandfathers who passed away 13 years ago. She came across it a few months back and since I was getting into fountain pens saved it to give to me for Christmas. I have only really had experience with modern pens so I'm not really sure what route to go. Its too light and small for me to really write with but it seems a shame to own it but it not be in writing condition. I also think my grandmother would take joy in seeing me write with it so I would like to bring it back up to writing condition even if I dont write with it much.

I'll include some photos below, on the nib it says:
Sheaffers
REG US PAT OFF
Made in USA
14k
029706

I assume this is some kind of vacuum filler I havent ever used anything like this. So can anyone help me narrow down what I have? and how I would go about getting it back up to writing condition?

Thank you in advance,
-Wrathen

**mhosea** · December 28th, 2014, 09:06 PM

Looks like a 1949-50 Sheaffer Touchdown Statesman to me. You'll need a new o-ring and a new sac.

Instructions: http://www.richardspens.com/ref/repair/touchdown.htm

BTW, I'd strongly recommend NOT removing the nib if you can avoid it. Soak the section or use an ultrasonic to clean it, flush it with a bulb syringe, whatever it takes to get it clean. Removing the nib is usually not necessary.

www.vintagepens.com and www.fountainpensacs.com have the o-rings and sacs. Both also sell kits specifically for this.

**mhosea** · December 29th, 2014, 09:19 AM

BTW, insofar as you're likely to spend $10-15 or more anyway getting parts and shellac and whatnot, you might consider just sending it to Danny Fudge, who, at $20, has one of the best prices around for TD restoration:

http://www.thewritepen.net/services.html

**Jon Szanto** · December 29th, 2014, 12:09 PM

2nd on the suggestion of Danny Fudge. He is fabulous to work with - quick, reasonable, and great work.

**Wrathen** · December 29th, 2014, 12:41 PM

Thank you very much for this. I was looking at the parts and everything online and while I'm pretty sure I could muddle my way through it I would rather not hurt it since it does have sentimental value.... and the parts were $10'ish plus anything else I found I might need like tools etc.

Just got done emailing Danny.