Sheaffer - Balance Lifetime - No Reserve Price - Fountain pen

This extraordinary Sheaffer Balance Lifetime, manufactured in Fort Madison (Iowa, USA) during the 1930s, is presented in a very well-preserved condition for its age, maintaining all the character and elegance that distinguish the brand's great celluloid pieces.

The body and the cap show a marbled celluloid in amber, brown, and gold tones, with a warm and attractive translucency that highlights the quality of the original material. The surface retains a notable shine, although it shows slight signs of use typical of age, with no visible cracks or fractures.

The clip and metallic ornaments retain their gold plating, showing a natural patina and a touch of greenish oxidation (verdigris) on the clip's ball, a common feature in pieces nearly a century old. This detail does not affect the structural integrity and reaffirms its vintage authenticity.

The inscriptions on the body — 'W.A. Sheaffer Pen Co., Fort Madison, Iowa, U.S.A., PAT. D-78595' — remain clear and perfectly legible, which is somewhat rare in pieces from this era. The loading lever is firm and well aligned, with no visible external deformations.

The Sheaffer Lifetime 14K nib, one of the most valued elements of this model, is in excellent condition: its engravings are sharp, the tip appears intact and without signs of dents, and the feed shows normal wear for an antique but functional piece.

Overall, it is an authentic, complete, and well-preserved pen, ideal for both collectors and those seeking a historically significant piece with strong aesthetic presence. Although, as with all lever pens from this era, it is advisable to check or replace the internal sac before continuous use, the piece is presented as solid, original, and highly collectible.

Good auction!