Sheaffer - Balance - No reserve price - Fountain pen

08
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00
hours
17
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Starting bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Letizia Iacopini
Expert
Selected by Letizia Iacopini

Specialises in vintage and modern Italian fountain pens with over 20 years' experience.

Estimate  € 190 - € 230
No bids placed

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Sheaffer Balance fountain pen, made in the United States, with a celluloid body and silver plating, mid-20th century, in good used condition with minor wear, 138 mm long and 10 mm in diameter, with a #3 14K nib and Vacuum-Fil filling system not tested.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

This Sheaffer Balance with Vacuum-Fil filling system is kept in excellent overall condition, especially considering its age. The body and cap, made of striated celluloid, maintain a deep and uniform shine, with no cracks or deformations. The pattern of longitudinal stripes exhibits notable transparency, subtly revealing the interior of the barrel, which is unusual for pieces from this era.

The metallic ornaments show slight signs of use, consistent with an authentic collectible piece. The clip — with a military design, curved over the crown — remains firm and functional, with minor superficial wear that does not affect its aesthetics or performance. The central ring features a well-defined personalized engraving ('W.E.B.'), with no significant material loss, adding a unique historical character to the piece.

The section and #3 14K nib are in very good condition: the nib maintains its correct alignment, with no bends or damage, featuring a uniform gold finish and the engraving SHEAFFER’S 3 fully legible. The feed is clean and free of visible obstructions.

The Vacuum-Fil charging system has not been tested with ink to preserve its integrity—as is customary with collectible pieces—but the mechanism shows adequate resistance and movement. As with all Sheaffer pens from this period, a preventive review or restoration by a specialized technician is recommended if the buyer wishes to use it regularly.

Overall, it is an extremely well-preserved specimen, with outstanding aesthetic presence and original materials in excellent condition. An ideal piece for both collection and occasional use, representing the quality of Sheaffer manufacturing during the golden years of American fountain pens.

It will be sent in a courtesy box for proper preservation.

Good auction!

This Sheaffer Balance with Vacuum-Fil filling system is kept in excellent overall condition, especially considering its age. The body and cap, made of striated celluloid, maintain a deep and uniform shine, with no cracks or deformations. The pattern of longitudinal stripes exhibits notable transparency, subtly revealing the interior of the barrel, which is unusual for pieces from this era.

The metallic ornaments show slight signs of use, consistent with an authentic collectible piece. The clip — with a military design, curved over the crown — remains firm and functional, with minor superficial wear that does not affect its aesthetics or performance. The central ring features a well-defined personalized engraving ('W.E.B.'), with no significant material loss, adding a unique historical character to the piece.

The section and #3 14K nib are in very good condition: the nib maintains its correct alignment, with no bends or damage, featuring a uniform gold finish and the engraving SHEAFFER’S 3 fully legible. The feed is clean and free of visible obstructions.

The Vacuum-Fil charging system has not been tested with ink to preserve its integrity—as is customary with collectible pieces—but the mechanism shows adequate resistance and movement. As with all Sheaffer pens from this period, a preventive review or restoration by a specialized technician is recommended if the buyer wishes to use it regularly.

Overall, it is an extremely well-preserved specimen, with outstanding aesthetic presence and original materials in excellent condition. An ideal piece for both collection and occasional use, representing the quality of Sheaffer manufacturing during the golden years of American fountain pens.

It will be sent in a courtesy box for proper preservation.

Good auction!

Details

Era
1900-2000
No. of items
1
Model / Type
Balance
Country of Origin
United States
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Celluloid, Silver plated
Manufacturer/ Brand
Sheaffer
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
In working order
Yes
Diameter
10 mm
Length
138 mm
Nib size
F - Fine
SpainVerified
760
Objects sold
97.99%
pro

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