1942 Black Sheaffer Triumph Autograph - Vacuum-Fil - broad point

This is a pen that was probably custom ordered by someone with particular taste in writing instruments. First, broad (Sharpie broad!) nibs like this are very unusual in vintage Sheaffer pens. Second, the solid, 14 karat band with the engraved name J Balloch. This is not a pen that was bought from a kiosk in the dime store.

The pen is very nice. The celluloid is in excellent condition with very good transparency and clarity. The gold plating has some pitting on the clip that shows the underlying silver. During wartime Sheaffer used silver (probably coin silver) as the base metal rather than brass. I guess it is coin silver since none of them are hallmarked vermeil which is 14 karat gold fill over sterling silver. The solid 14 karat cap band has a small, shallow dent below the A.

Never mind that, this pen is all about the nib. That big, fat, luscious nib. It is smooth, wet and fabulous.

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.

Length
Capped - 131 mm (5.2”)
Uncapped - 113 mm (4.4”)
Posted - 151 mm (6”)
Diameter
Cap - 11.5 mm (0.45”)
Barrel - 11.3 mm (0.45”)

Filler
Vacuum-Fil

Nib
Broad