1934-7 Marine Green VACUUM-FIL

In 1934 Sheaffer introduced their version of the vacuum filler in a sub-brand they called VACUUM-FIL. This sub-brand was later renamed the WASP Pen Co. I've always wondered if they used a sub-brand for the initial release of the vacuum filler as a means to work the design and manufacturing process. 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.

This pen may be from the overlap of the VACUUM-FIL vs WASP eras as it has a #6 WASP nib. I have seen other pens with mixed parts that seem to give evidence of a period of transition. Or, perhaps the nib is a later replacement. Regardless, it is soft, bouncy, wet and an amazing writer. I hesitate to describe it as semi-flex because these nibs are 12 karat gold and quite thin. They provide lovely line variation under normal writing pressure but should never be pushed like a truly flexible nib.

The cap band has a bit of plating loss. The transparent barrel has darkened a bit from its original pale green. The transparency remains quite good and allows viewing the ink level at a glance.

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
medium semi-flex