Sheaffer Snorkel Repair Kit with Silicone Sacs
Snorkel-fillers have three rubber parts that eventually need replacement -- the ink sac; the point seal; and the barrel seal. Although many Snorkels are found (and sold!) in "working" condition, rubber parts that are now 50+ years old are going to be on the verge of failure, even if they seem to be working fine. A leaking point seal will allow liquid into the pen body, leading to corrosion of the inner mechanism. A leaky barrel seal will prevent proper filling, and a bad sac can cause all sorts of problems. This kit can be used to repair all standard-sized Sheaffer Snorkel models (Admiral, Valiant, Statesman, Clipper, Sovereign, Crest, Signature, Masterpiece, etc). The oversized PFM, with inlaid nib and squared-off ends, requires a different kit (see our other listings).
This kit includes three genuine silicone rubber sacs, which can be used with the most reactive inks -- inks that can turn conventional latex rubber sacs to goo in a matter of weeks. A silicone sac will easily outlast several conventional sacs. Silicone sacs are best attached with a silicone cement, such as Devcon Silicone Adhesive 12045.
Our O-rings and point seals are also brand new. Though they look like ordinary rubber, they are made of ethylene propylene -- a synthetic compound nearly impervious to ozone, which is the prime cause of the hardening seen in old rubber pen seals. These seals should last at least twice as long as their regular rubber equivalents (just be sure to keep them away from petroleum-based oils and greases), and possibly much longer yet.
Most pen sacs currently sold as silicone are in fact PVC (vinyl). They are neither as durable nor as resilient as real silicone, and as PVC ages it sweats a plasticizer that will attack celluloid and other cellulosic plastics. Many PVC sacs are also too stiff to work properly with pneumatic-fillers. Real silicone sacs are injection molded, and have an easily visible lengthwide mold seam.
NOTE: Silicone is more permeable than latex to air and water vapor. Ink will dry out more rapidly in an unused pen with a silicone sac, and it is advisable to leave a silicone-sacked pen with its nib elevated when not in use to prevent gradual ink seepage into its feed. For more information on sac material choice, please see the Pen Sac Primer on our website.
We have over 25 years of experience in vintage pen restoration and tuning. Unless otherwise noted, our pens have been fully reconditioned and are ready to write. Authenticity is guaranteed.
Payment
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Terms of Sale
We strongly believe in full and explicit description of any condition problems or flaws, and in very conservative grading. We stand behind our descriptions -- buy with confidence.
About Us
vintagepens is run by David Nishimura (Vintage Pens LLC) based in historic Providence, Rhode Island. David has been buying, selling, and writing about old writing instruments since the late 1980s. He has been on eBay since 1997, the same year he launched one of the first vintage pen collecting websites. David is an active pen history blogger, and a regular presence on pen collecting forums and social media, as well as at traditional pen shows.