Marine Green VACUUM-FIL standard size

 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. 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.

The nib is soft, bouncy, wet and an amazing writer. It is not flexible or even semi-flexible 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 clip ball has a couple of spots of thin plating but no plating loss. The transparent barrel has darkened a bit from its original pale green. The transparency remains very good and allows viewing the ink level at a glance. This pen was in my personal collection until I found another.

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