Sheaffer Balance
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 is a nice, well used full length/medium girth Lifetime Balance in Black and Pearl, from 1929-30. It’s a good all-around pen that cleaned up very nicely. It has some typical darkening around the sac area of the barrel but there are no significant flaws or deterioration. It is professionally personalized for Edward A. Ackerman, and there is a small nick in the celluloid just below the personalization. The imprint is complete. Trim is clean, with plate missing only on the clip ball. Its nib is the full-size Lifetime, and it writes a firm but not too firm wet fine line. A sturdy pen for desk or case.
Price: $75 Sold