Sheaffer Balance
late 1930's
About This Model
Sheaffer Balances appeared in 1929 and were Sheaffer’s top production lines from the early 1930’s until after WWII. They were available in numerous lengths, girths, colors and patterns, filled by lever or plunger, and were well enough made that now, with a cleaning and filling system restoration, they make excellent and durable pens. There were two distinct levels, Lifetime and non-Lifetime, and numerous models at different times. The Lifetime designation was carried over from before the Balance's appearance, and was kept to designate higher level pens. They carried Lifetime nibs and a white dot to signify the pen as a Lifetime; in addition, they came with the Lifetime guarantee, which continued for many years until the courts struck it down. After WWII the White Dot was used to denote higher level pens, and then became Sheaffer's brand identifier. Non-Lifetime pens had lower trim levels but were made of the same components; their nibs were very good and were often much softer and easier to write with than Lifetimes. Balances were also designated with numerous sub-model names after the mid-1930s, and the use of Balance was ended altogether after WWII, with the obsolescence of lever-filled pens.
About This Pen
This Balance is a Deluxe Lady Autograph Lifetime, from the late 1930’s. This was Sheaffer’s top line model, scaled a little shorter and slimmer for smaller hands. Its name tells it all — Lifetime quality, white dot, Autograph cap ring beautifully engraved for P.H., Lady for its size. It has all the trimmings — ebonized pearl barrel and section with amber view window, 14k clip, lever, and cap ring; the cap ring is a true insignia ring, 5/16” wide, with continuous vertical lines. Although this is one very pretty pen, it has seen use and shows it. There are a couple of nicks and scratches that didn’t polish out, but nothing serious. The full size Lifetime nib writes as most did…firm to very firm, fine to extra fine. It’s a seriously attractive pen that writes easily and well.
Price: $98 Sold