Sheaffer Imperial
1960-62
About This Model
Imperials were Sheaffer’s main line pens in the 1960s, following the 1950s Snorkels. They covered a range of quality, but usually were Touchdown fillers and carried diamond inlaid nibs or Triumph conical nibs. As a series, the Imperials first appeared with the AS9 in 1960, a simple Touchdown pen in plastic but with a Triumph nib. In 1961, models V, VI, I and II appeared, their names following trim levels, not order of appearance. The IV and VI are very closely related to the PFM III and IV, differentiated only by the PFM's greater size. At the lowest level, I's were all plastic, with hooded tabbed nibs and plastic sac protectors. The IV's, on the other hand, had beautiful diamond-shaped 14K nibs and very nice Forticel bodies. The IV's and their 1964 Lifetime, made to commemorate Sheaffer's 50th birthday, are wonderful writers.
About This Pen
Imperials were the 1960s successors to the 1950s Snorkels, and appeared in four distinct generations of quality and model features. This pen, an Imperial III, is a Touchdown pneumatic filler, with a black plastic cap and body, gold trim, and the cap is clutch fit firmly on the body. At 5 5/16″ long, a typical Imperial was shorter than the Snorkels that preceded it. Its nicest feature is the two-tone Triumph conical nib, which writes a fine/extra fine line and carried the Triumph upturned tip allows for fast writing; a nice notetaking nib. The pen is very clean, with some microscratches. $54
This pen is not for sale.