Sheaffer Is Introducing A New Upscale Prelude - Prelude Signature Collection

[PenHero]

Fellow Collectors,

 

Yes - there is a new Prelude coming, as referenced in an earlier post.

 

Sheaffer has actually been introducing some new products in the last year, with the Intensity and VFM, both with fountain, rollerball and ballpoint writing modes. Sheaffer also expanded the Prelude line with a new Sheaffer Mini Prelude and also the 100 and 300 pen lines, with more models and fountain, rollerball and ballpoint pens added.

 

This year, the first new Sheaffer model announced is the new, upscale Prelude Signature Collection. We have not seen the samples yet, but the Sheaffer press photos make them look like more than simple finish additions, as all have deep cut engraving.

 

Note that they all carry a new "arrow" stamped nib with "Sheaffer's" on them. The cap top "jewel" also appears to have the Sheaffer logo stamped on it. I personally think the two tone nib looks really sharp.

 

There are three new models, all with retail prices higher than the current highest priced Prelude, the Prelude Fluted 22k Gold Plated Fountain Pen, which retails for US $155.00, now that Sheaffer has also announced some price changes beginning February 1, 2012. Interestingly, the Valor line is getting a lower price point, where many models are increasing in price. Check your Sheaffer dealer for details.

 

I thought the Sheaffer collectors and fans here would be interested in seeing these as they are not even on the Sheaffer website yet. I don't know when they will be out, but they are in the new catalog and price list.

 

The new Prelude Signature Collection models are:

 

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/Prelude91690PT.jpg

 

9169 - Palladium Plate with Engraved Imperial Pattern featuring Palladium Plate Trim

Fountain Pen $175.00

Rollerball Pen $155.00

Ballpoint Pen $150.00

 

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/Prelude91700PT.jpg

 

9170 - Silverplate with Engraved Snakeskin Pattern featuring 22K Gold Plate Trim

Fountain Pen $175.00

Rollerball Pen $155.00

Ballpoint Pen $150.00

 

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/Prelude91710PT.jpg

 

9171 - Gunmetal Ceramic with Engraving featuring Palladium Plate Trim

Fountain Pen $175.00

Rollerball Pen $155.00

Ballpoint Pen $150.00

 

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/Prelude91720PT.jpg

 

9172 - 22K Gold Plate with Engraved Diamond Square Pattern featuring 22K Gold Plate Trim

Fountain Pen $225.00

Rollerball Pen $215.00

Ballpoint Pen $205.00

 

Sheaffer's own photos are actually pretty nice. When we get them in, we'll post some.

 

Jim Mamoulides

www.PenHero.com

[Batman]

I'm glad to see sheaffer giving the prelude a new look cause the pen itself looked out dated. The nib does look something like Parker would make with the arrows. So for the regular Sheaffer's they will still have the grip section with the old nib and body or is the entire line receiving this new look? I'm glad they're lowering the price of the valor, guess they finally realized their prices for the pen was too steep. I'm just waiting for the day that they bring back the imperial. I mean in all seriousness they have the correct nib for a modern imperial, just use the valor nib and instead of gold make it stainless steel so it can be priced below the prelude or on par.

 

Thanks

Brad

[Sam119911]

I notice they're using the old Sheaffer'S text. Pretty cool!

[ThirdeYe]

Beautiful looking pens, although I would think for that price they would come with a gold nib...

[ticoun]

looks like they have round sections too!

the two tone nibs are really sharp indeed.

the first one reminds me of the sterling imperial.

Edited January 28, 2012 by ticoun

[PenTieRun]

Dang it all! I already have four Preludes! Yes, yes, I have trouble resisting. That Silverplate with engraved snakeskin is calling my wallet.

 

I just hope that the new nib continues the flawless performance of the old Prelude nib and feed. It's the most appealing feature of the current rendition of the pen.

Edited January 29, 2012 by PenTieRun

[Batman]

The prices are rather unfitting for a gold plated nib, but then again that's msrp, hopefully these will go down in price soon.

[raging.dragon]

Didn't Sheaffer recently prohibit (authorized) dealers from discounting Sheaffer pens? If so they'll be selling at MSRP.

[Batman]

  On 1/29/2012 at 6:40 AM, raging.dragon said:

Didn't Sheaffer recently prohibit (authorized) dealers from discounting Sheaffer pens? If so they'll be selling at MSRP.

 

If only Sheaffer were still as strong of a brand as it were decades ago then yes it could prohibit dealers from discounting their pens. Montblanc doesn't even do that, what gives Sheaffer that right.

 

Brad

[raging.dragon]

  On 1/29/2012 at 7:33 AM, Batman said:

  On 1/29/2012 at 6:40 AM, raging.dragon said:

Didn't Sheaffer recently prohibit (authorized) dealers from discounting Sheaffer pens? If so they'll be selling at MSRP.

 

If only Sheaffer were still as strong of a brand as it were decades ago then yes it could prohibit dealers from discounting their pens. Montblanc doesn't even do that, what gives Sheaffer that right.

 

Brad

 

I saw the new here:

 

"Sheaffer’s undergoing a two-fold increase. As of Jan 1, they will no longer allow discounting, so all prices will go up to list.Then on Feb 1, many prices are going up slightly, so you’ll see another increase then."

 

I'm not sure how it works, but I'd guess that Sheaffer would either refuse to supply any dealer who doesn't comply or force dealers to sign a contract in order to get Sheaffer products (and potentially sue anyone who ignores the contract).

 

I don't know of any other brands prohibiting discounts, but many do prohibit dealers from advertising lower than list prices. This is why many dealers listing tell you the MSRP and then advise you to call or email them for the price of an item.

Edited January 29, 2012 by raging.dragon

[Malcy]

  On 1/29/2012 at 8:41 AM, raging.dragon said:

  On 1/29/2012 at 7:33 AM, Batman said:

  On 1/29/2012 at 6:40 AM, raging.dragon said:

Didn't Sheaffer recently prohibit (authorized) dealers from discounting Sheaffer pens? If so they'll be selling at MSRP.

 

If only Sheaffer were still as strong of a brand as it were decades ago then yes it could prohibit dealers from discounting their pens. Montblanc doesn't even do that, what gives Sheaffer that right.

 

Brad

 

I saw the new here:

 

"Sheaffer’s undergoing a two-fold increase. As of Jan 1, they will no longer allow discounting, so all prices will go up to list.Then on Feb 1, many prices are going up slightly, so you’ll see another increase then."

 

I'm not sure how it works, but I'd guess that Sheaffer would either refuse to supply any dealer who doesn't comply or force dealers to sign a contract in order to get Sheaffer products (and potentially sue anyone who ignores the contract).

 

I don't know of any other brands prohibiting discounts, but many do prohibit dealers from advertising lower than list prices. This is why many dealers listing tell you the MSRP and then advise you to call or email them for the price of an item.

 

They look nice. It will be interesting to see what thee UK price is. Inevitably they will be more than US/Canadian prices but any price fixing by a manufacturer is illegal.

[PenHero]

  On 1/29/2012 at 6:40 AM, raging.dragon said:

Didn't Sheaffer recently prohibit (authorized) dealers from discounting Sheaffer pens? If so they'll be selling at MSRP.

 

There is no such communication from Sheaffer to dealers.

[Flounder]

The top design seems the most coherent. I like it a lot! I hope Sheaffer see some success with this line.

[dweit]

Very Nice. Thanks for the update, PenHero.

[raging.dragon]

  On 1/29/2012 at 12:28 PM, PenHero said:

  On 1/29/2012 at 6:40 AM, raging.dragon said:

Didn't Sheaffer recently prohibit (authorized) dealers from discounting Sheaffer pens? If so they'll be selling at MSRP.

 

There is no such communication from Sheaffer to dealers.

 

That is good news.

[Florida Blue]

I love the diamond etching on the first Prelude, it's a classic Sheaffer finish. It reminds me a lot of the Sheaffer Imperial in sterling silver with a similar diamond etching.

[lovemy51]

thanx for the update, Jim!

 

in my -not so humble- opinion: they should have dropped the Prelude and just lower the prices of the Valor. i doubt the prelude nib can beat the semi-flex feel of the Valor's -not to mention the beauty of the inlaid nib. and they are both C/C fillers, so no big deal there.

[Sandy1]

  On 1/28/2012 at 10:32 PM, ThirdeYe said:

Beautiful looking pens, although I would think for that price they would come with a gold nib...

+1

 

As much as I am quite happy with prior Prelude pens & nibs, and I do like the look of the new nibs, I think the option of 14K nibs would be well received. *reaches for a Carene - not my wallet*

 

Bye,

S1

[PenFan95]

Can't...resist...

 

Sheaffer

 

However, I do agree the price is too steep for a steel nib...a really beautiful steel nib...

 

Excuse me, I gotta go save me some cash...

[JeanManuel]

Where are they made?

 

High prices.

I'm waiting for the reviews to know if the pens are made as fairly-priced writing instruments, or as marketing goods.