Vintage Sheaffer - triumph, vacs

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Relatively recently I lucked into a couple of vintage Sheaffers. Normally I don't go for this brand as they rarely fit my hand well enough, as you shall see.

Anyway, here they are:



The Carmine vac filler with a wide cap band comes from the worktable of Gerry Berg. The brown striated one is from eBay. Both have had their filling systems expertly restored by Gerry, and hold a goodly amount of ink.

As can be seen, the Carmine versions is much thicker, but in all other aspects they are the same size.

[I wish I could remember the models, so please say if you can identify them and I will update this post]

One odd difference lies between the nib and the small step down on the barrel. As can be seen the larger pen has a much longer section before getting to the threads for the cap. The other has these threads further forward and more of the stripey material after it. I am not sure this serves anything other than as a visual difference, rather than any functional purpose. It may be a reflection of changing styles.





As noted above, Sheaffer pens are usually a poor fit for me. Here is the Carmine pen in my hand and unposted.



It is very awkward to use this way. Post the cap though, and while the pen becomes significantly longer, it is by no means a big pen this way either, thus:



For the purposes of comparison, here is a Pilot Custom 823 in my hand, unposted and perfectly useable.




The nibs on the Sheaffer's are a joy to use. Smooth, with just a whisper of feedback. I am pleased to have acquired both of these pens for my very small vintage group, and they do get regular use. They would certainly be a good choice for someone with more normal sized hands than mine, and a nice introduction to vintage pens and the rather nice conical triumph nibs.

The brown striated pen has a very beaten up cap band, and the opening to the cap isn't perfectly round. Yet despite these flaws it is my favourite of the two, and often accompanies me to work. Perhaps I feel less worried about it getting bashed around, who can say.


[Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ20, set for aperture priority. Lighting was just a desk lamp. No tripod]