In 1907, Walter A. Sheaffer used his jewellery expertise to create a device which would allow users to fill a pen with ink much easier, cleaner and be more aesthetically-pleasing. In 1912, Sheaffer, dedicated his life savings to his idea of a pen-filling apparatus initiated by a lever system. By the 1930’s, Sheaffer pens had solidified itself as a leader in the luxury pen market. The fountain pens were advertised as the pen that “fills instantly from any ink-well, with one touch of a finger.” Instantly, Sheaffer became a household name and must-have product. On March 1st 1966 Sheaffer Pen Co became a division of Textron Inc and the 'Sheaffer's' logo was change to 'Sheaffer' on all merchandising and literature. Sheaffer have been innovators throughout their existence; pioneering different nib styles in the 1920 making them more reliable, they were one of the first pen manufacturers to move away from hard rubber materials to celluloid , they altered pen shapes and introduced innovations such as the snorkel filling system. Like so many innovative ideas the tip dip filling system was yet another from the Sheaffer company, designed to improve the overall writing and user experience of their pens. Sheaffer was a family owned company up until 1966 when the diversified Textron Conglomerate aquired control of the firm, becoming Sheaffer-Eaton.The Sheaffer Iowa plant was their main production plant, employing over 1000 people at its height shrinking to 550 in 1997 when they were bought by Bic for $50m. Under Bic’s tenure the Iowa plant was closed in March 2008 with production moving to China and operational aspects like purchasing, warehousing etc moving to Slovakia. In 2014 A T Cross acquired Sheaffer for $15m and was under their tenure until August 2022 when they sold the company to William Penn Pvt Ltd from India.
A new line of cartridge pens named 'The Lady Sheaffer' first appeared in American store’s in April 1958.The collection included 19 models and the patterns were inspired by fine fabrics, like tweed, corduroy, paisley and tulle. The introduction of the PFM (Pen for Men) in 1959 completed Sheaffer’s His and Hers collection. The PFM fountain pen incorporated Sheaffer’s exclusive snorkel clean filling system and a newly styled inlaid nib unit which was advertised as being built to take man sized pressure. The range of Lady Sheaffer pens continued during the 1960’s and by 1971 the range had been totally re-modelled with the addition of a clip to the cap and the introduction of a new aesthetic designs. Sheaffer launched the lady Sheaffer line in 1971 as part of the new ‘Expressions by Sheaffer” advertising campaign which echoed key design elements of the imperial line of 1961, including the tapered shape, bar clip and iconic white dot. The new lady sheaffer design continued with the triumph conical nib until 1973 when the recessed stylpoint nib was introduced. The last incarnation of the Sheaffer lady range continued in production until the late 1970’s.
WG & AJ Stott Investments Pty produced Sheaffer Skripset inks under licence from Sheaffer from November 1947. Stott built a new factory in Warrigal Road, Holmesglen, Melbourne, however in 1949 had to dispose of the factory due to financial difficulties. They then moved to Johnston Street, Abbotsford. After Sheaffer petitioned the Australian Government to manufacture pens in Australia this incarnation of Stott Investments later became WA Sheaffer (Aust.) Pty Ltd in 1951 which later relocated to Heidelberg, Melbourne in 1952. This part of the Sheaffer operation remained there until the late 1970’s. Initially I think parts were made in the USA and sent to Australia for assembly but labelled Made in Australia, however there are pens that were manufactured there over time.
On offer is a Lady Sheaffer 923 fountain pen and ballpoint pen set with a gold plated chevron pattern accentuated with gold plated trim. These pens date from 1973 to 1977/8 and are much sought after as they are both delightful to own as part of a collection and also a robust and functional everyday pen set made to Sheaffers’ exacting standards. The pen has a gold plated (short) clip with the iconic Sheaffer white dot at the top . The ‘Sheaffer’ name and “made in Australia “ is imprinted at the base of the cap. The Sheaffer name, USA and 14k are imprinted on the 14k gold semi recessed fine (stylpoint) nib. The fountain pen can be filled using the converter already fitted or Sheaffer skripset ink cartridges if preferred (not included ). This pen is in Nr mint age appropriate aesthetic condition. There are no appreciable scratches, dents, dings or any personalisation on the pen. Please refer to the photographs as they form an integral part of the description. The pen set is presented in a Sheaffer box with instruction leaflet.
Dispatch via Royal Mail 48 tracked post within two days of receiving full payment.
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