1938 Rose Glow Sheaffer Balance Craftsman fountain pen

Sheaffer made Rose Glow celluloid pen for only 4 years (1936-9) according to catalogs. The final year, 1939, on the Balance Junior was available in Rose Glow. I wonder if the color was not popular with adults so Sheaffer abandoned it. This Craftsman is from its final Rose Glow year of 1938 as evident by the 350 price code ($3.50) introduced in 1938.

The pen is in remarkable condition. The celluloid surface condition and clarity is as close to new as could be wished. No loss of plating, no marks in the celluloid.

The filling system has been restored with modern methods and materials. The only necessary maintenance is an occasional dab of silicone grease on the filler rod.

The nib writes a slightly bouncy extra-fine line. It is not flexible but provides subtle line variation with normal writing pressure.

Length

Capped: 135 mm (5.3”)
Uncapped: 113 mm (4.4”)
Posted: 156 mm (6.2”)

Diameter

Cap: 12.1 mm (0.48”)
Barrel: 10.2 mm (0.4”)

Filler: Vacuum-Fil

Nib: Extra-Fine