Antique Sheaffer Glass Display Case

May 20, 2011

I have an antique Sheaffer pen diplsay case. It belonged to my father who was a sales representative for a Jewelry Wholesale company out of Minneapolis, MN - S.H. Clausin & Co. Previous to his employment as a sales representative, he was a watchmaker/jeweler by trade for many years in a small town in Wisconsin while I was growing-up. He purchased this Sheaffer display case while he was working throughout his sales territory in Iowa. I remember him telling me that he bought this case out of a store in Iowa. It may have been a jewelry store. He said something about it being one of the "original" Sheaffer Pen-Pencil display cases. Where in Iowa, I am not exactly sure. My dad used this cabinet to display some of the antique watchmaker tools and watches as he was a collector of many things. He recently passed away and I am selling it in settling his estate. I'm trying to get an idea of what it may be valued at.

I have attached a few photos of it. The case is also lit with its four original lamps which still work. The dimensions of the case are: 44 7/8" W x 41 5/8" H x 26 1/4" D.

May 20, 2011

The Sheaffer factory (along with the original jewelry store) was in Fort Madison, Iowa, but this case might have been found anywhere there was a nice store that sold pens. From the logo, I'm guessing it dates from the 1920s. Can't help you on the value.

May 20, 2011

Your case is great .. The Gold Leaf Decal being in tact is a bonus.

The drawers still being in the unit is a bonus.

Unfortunately collectors today do not usually want to dedicate the floor and wall space required.

Smaller desk top / counter top models are much more sought after.

I recently acquired a Parkeer Floor model approx 24"x 24" x 42" I paid $175.00 for it , the back drawers were missing

Recently I saw a similar Sheaffer case in New Jersey the dealer was asking $100.00 for it... THe glass with the factory

decals was missing.

May 20, 2011

This case is likely from the earlyu 1920's as pointed out - so early though not "original". Cases like this go to collectors for around $300 typically. Being large, they are hard to sell. I've one that is circa 1919 and have seen many over the years.

Roger W.

June 4, 2011

Your case is great .. The Gold Leaf Decal being in tact is a bonus.

The drawers still being in the unit is a bonus.

Unfortunately collectors today do not usually want to dedicate the floor and wall space required.

Smaller desk top / counter top models are much more sought after.

I recently acquired a Parkeer Floor model approx 24"x 24" x 42" I paid $175.00 for it , the back drawers were missing

Recently I saw a similar Sheaffer case in New Jersey the dealer was asking $100.00 for it... THe glass with the factory
decals was missing.

FYI

Those weren't decals, Tom. The graphics were frosted into the glass (sand blasted). Not too difficult to do these days. I have a 1919 Sheaffer case nearly identical to Rogers. We noticed that the hand holding the pen was in reverse on mine compared to Rogers. Our discussion led to the possibility that my glass was a repro. Still don't know for sure. Seems like a lot of trouble to go to for a case that I purchased for $200 in an antique mall. They can be had if the owner is ready. Problem is that the display capability is worth more to them as antique store utility for their wares and typically ask very high prices to discourage buyers. Most don't really want to sell them.