1936-7 Large (OS) Ebonized Pearl Sheaffer Balance fountain pen

The large Balance. The OS.

From the 1937 Sheaffer catalog:

"These are the famous Lifetime pens with the White Dot signaling the broadest guarantee in Pendom, and the platinum identifying the silk-smooth Feathertouch points."

Model D8T DABAB Large Size Ebonized Pearl Visulated (Lever Style) Sheaffer Balance

 Ebonized Pearl is perhaps the most notable celluloid Sheaffer produced. There is no other celluloid quite like it. It was produced from 1934-9. Ebonized Pearl pens are among the most popular with collectors. They aren't uncommon like Carmine or Rose Glow. They are simply stunning and desirable for their uncommon beauty.

The clear celluloid is embedded with real nacre (mother of pearl) chips. The produces depth, iridescence and colors that lead to much gazing.

The celluloid of some pens has darkened with UV exposure. This pen has little of that so the color is very true to its original state. There are no cracks or faults in the celluloid. There is plating wear to the margins of the clip, band and nib.

The nib point has a subtle Naginata Togi shape. It writes an extra-fine line at higher angles and a fine line at "normal" writing angle. It also produces a wider cross stroke than vertical stroke. It is impossible to know if this is a factory grind. I own a pen with a similar grind and it's one of my favorite writers.

For reference, the size is almost exactly that of a Montblanc 146.

Length
Capped - 14 mm (5.51”)
Uncapped - 120 mm (4.72”)
Posted - 162 mm (6.38”).
Diameter
Cap - 15 mm (0.59”)
Barrel - 13 mm (0.51”)

Filler
Lever

Nib
Fine--extra-fine