Persian Blue 1948 Sheaffer Statesman - Vacuum-Fil - stubby Fine Golden Spade

 In 1942 Sheaffer introduced the Triumph line. That replaced the Balance line they had produced since 1929. Nearly all the Triumph pens were equipped with conical nibs. A few low priced pens like the Craftsman carried small open nibs.

In 1948 Sheaffer brought back a nib based on the flagship Balance Premier, or Oversize (OS). My good friend Paul dubbed it the Golden Spade. It is the same size nib as found on the vaunted Sheaffer Premier. In fact, I have found Premiers with Golden Spade replacement nibs. The only difference is the imprint - the Golden Spade is not stamped LIFETIME.

I love the way the Golden Spade looks on the Triumph era Statesman. It is disproportionately large compared to the barrel. I think that is marvelous. This one writes a lovely, smooth, stubby fine line.

Persian blue is THE BEST of all the solid Sheaffer colors used from 1948 onward. Some of the Snorkel colors are nice like Mandarin and Vermilion. But for me it's Persian blue every time. Unfortunately Persian blue was available only from 1948 to ~1950.

The only criticisms I have for this pen are the platinum masking has worn away from the nib tines and the ink view grip section has a few dark spots. Otherwise, the pen is in marvelous condition. The Vacuum-Filler has been overhauled with modern materials and will last for decades.

It is not a large pen by modern standards. The cap is made to post gently but securely making the pen long enough for any hand.

Length

Capped: 127 mm - 5 inches
Uncapped: 110 mm - 4.35 inches
Posted: 145 mm - 4.7 inches

Diameter

Cap: 12.6 mm - 0.5 inches
Barrel: 11.5 mm - 0.45 inches