Sheaffer Lifetime Set
About This Model
Pre-Balance 1920’s Sheaffer pens have been commonly, but not properly, called “flat-tops”, for their flat-ended caps and barrels. Properly, they were called by their model names. They included Lifetimes, with the white dot, 14k trim, and Lifetime nib; "Regular" line without the white dot and with plated trim; and "Ebony" line, of black hard rubber, both chased and unchased. Lifetimes and Regulars came in hard rubber and Radite, Sheaffer's branded celluloid, in jade and then various patterns. And, there were 46's, a line of flat-topped clipped and ringtop pens made for secretarial use. These were made in black and bright scarlet Radite, and were very solid, well-made pens. In particular, 1928-31 were very important years in American pens: the main shift from ebonite to celluloid. Parker and Sheaffer both made significant innovative and strategic shifts. 1928 marked the first appearance of Jade celluloid, and 1929 the first Balances. Sheaffer continued its production of the “flat-top” Lifetimes throughout the 1930s, but as of 1929 they were no longer the premier model.
About This Pen
This oversize Sheaffer pen and pencil set, from 1927-29 (models J8C and SJC in Sheaffer-speak) is being released from my personal collection; its time came. This set, both pen and pencil, is in very nice condition, the pen appearing to have not had a sac for its early years since there is no darkening in the early jade celluloid; the pen came to me without a sac although there was long-dried ink in the section. I did discover and repair a hairline crack at the base of the barrel, which should be completely stable for the future. There is no wear, no evidence of use. The trim on both pen and pencil is exceptionally clear and clean. Imprints on both are deep and complete. The pen, with its large Sheaffer Lifetime nib, writes a wet rich fine, and the nib has a bit of personality; it is not the rigid nib of a few years later. The pencil carries 1.15mm lead, comes with two spare leads, and works well; the eraser does not work. This set would make a wonderful present; it is meant to be used.
Buy the pen alone: $140; the pencil alone: $30
Price: $155 Sold