~1934 Black full size VACUUM-FIL - fine point

In 1934 Sheaffer introduced their version of the vacuum filler in a sub-brand they called VACUUM-FIL. This filler is a large departure from the lever filler that Walter Sheaffer patented in 1908. The first Sheaffer Balance with a vacuum filler appeared in the 1935 catalog. The only notable design change was the replacement of the blind cap and two piece filler knob with an integrated celluloid filler knob.

The cap band has a bit of plating loss. The transparent barrel has darkened only slightly from its original pale green. The transparency remains remarkably good and allows viewing the ink wooshing into the barrel when the pen is filled. The nib writes a bouncy, wet, fine line with lovely line variation under normal writing pressure. Though soft, this nib should never be pushed as if it were flexible.

The original filler rod was celluloid covered carbon steel. Moisture tends to seep under the ends of the cover causing the rod to rust and the cover to split. I have replaced the rod with one I have custom made to the proper length and threading. The filler seals have been replaced with modern materials that will last decades with an occasional application of 100% pure silicone grease on the filler rod.

Length
Capped - 129 mm (5.1”)
Uncapped - 120 mm (4.7”)
Posted - 153 mm (6”).
Diameter
Cap - 13.3 mm (0.53”)
Barrel - 11.5 mm (0.44”)

Filler
Vacuum-Fil

Nib
fine