1936-7 Rose Glow Sheaffer Balance Miss Universe

Rose Glow is one of the Sheaffer celluloids that seems to have been a bit before its time. Sheaffer kept it in the full Balance lineup for only 3 years - 1936-1938. The 1939 catalog shows only the Balance Junior was available in Rose Glow with no other options for red pens. Carmine pens were not introduced until the 1940 catalog. I can only guess Rose Glow was removed for lack of sales. 

As a result, Rose Glow pens are sought after by collectors. I believe this is not only due to relative scarcity, but also because it is gorgeous celluloid. The depth, color and marbling are mesmerizing. The layers on the back of this pen cap induced a friend to call it Rose Arco for its reminiscence of OMAS Arco celluloid.

The transparency of this pen is very good. There are no blemishes in the celluloid. The cap ball has a couple of minor scuffs. The ebonite grip section has one minor divot where it meets the edge of the barrel.

The #3 nib is wet, smooth and soft. Some will be tempted to push the softness and that should be avoided. It is not designed to be a flexible or even semi-flexible nib and can be damaged with aggressive use. Rather, it should be enjoyed for the lovely line variation it provides under normal writing pressure.

The cap posts to make the pen within millimeters in length of a posted Sailor Pro Gear. Perfectly comfortable even in my large hands and with my grip that is high on the barrel threads.

The filling system has been restored with modern synthetic materials. They will last for decades with an occasional bit of silicone grease applied to the filler rod. The filler restoration is guaranteed for at least one year. The filler rod has been replaced with one custom made from black oxide coated stainless steel.

Length
Capped - 121 mm (4.8”)
Uncapped - 107 mm (4.2”)
Posted - 148 mm (5.8”)
Diameter
Cap - 12 mm (0.47”)
Barrel - 10.1 mm (0.4”)

Filler
Vacuum-Fil

Nib
Fine