Sheaffer Statesman Snorkel

[Okami]

You can read the full blog post and see all the photos here: Featured Pen - Sheaffer Statesman Snorkel

 

Here is the text of the post:

 

The pen is a lovely Statesman Snorkel, which was obtained on my behalf by my friend and fellow blogger over at Bleubug who has knowledge of the Snorkel.

 

History from Penpedia:

 

The Statesman is the lifetime warranted equivalent of the Special. Like the Special, it uses a PdAg nib, which has been upgraded to a Triumph model instead of the cheaper open nibs. It also has a wider 3/8" GF cap band with parallel lines running around the top and bottom circumference of the band. These pens were just over twice the price of the Specials at $15.50. And as is customary with the white dot models, we see a smooth GF clip with no imprint.

 

The Sheaffer Snorkel is hailed as one of the most complex filling mechanisms used in fountain pens. Sheaffer created the Snorkel by modifying the Sheaffer Touchdown TM line and released the new pen in 1952. Strong marketing backed the pen, which was featured as cleaner than competing nibs, because the nib did not have to be submerged and wiped off when filling. This habit was becoming cumbersome in lieu of emerging ball point pens, making the Snorkel very appealing versus competitors.

Despite their complex mechanism, the Snorkel pens can be some of the most reliable and consistent performing of vintage fountain pens. The pen line survived several years before being retired in 1959, however the snorkel filler lived on until 1963 in the Sheaffer Pen For Men Line.

 

In addition to the brief history of this pen above, there is a wonderful detailed history of the Sheaffer Pen Company by Rick Conner here at Penspotters and even more information on the Snorkel line.

 

I’m trying a little bit of a different format for my reviews, please let me know if you like or dislike it.

 

The Statesman is a solidly built but light pen and is a pleasure to hold in your hand.

 

Appearance & Design, 9 out of 10 - Burgundy, with a good deep imprint and still retaining most of the chalk marked price of $15.50

 

Construction & Quality, 9 of out 10 - This is a sturdy well built pen typical of the Sheaffer pens of its day

 

Weight & Dimensions, 9 of out 10 - Slender and lightweight this pen measures 5 ½ inches capped, 5 inches unposted and 6 ½ inches posted. It weighs in at 16 gms

 

Nib & Performance, 9 of out 10 - P4 Fine PdAg Triump nib, Wet and smooth, but well controlled

 

Filling System & Maintenance, 9 of out 10 - Snorkel filler, the mechanism on this pen is a little stiff but it performs admirably, afterall it is at least 50 years old (it’s also a lot of fun to fill)

 

Cost & Value, 10 of out 10 – this pen was very inexpensive compared to many of the other pens that I own and about the same as an inexpensive modern pen

 

Conclusion Final score: 9.17

[georges zaslavsky]

very nice review thanks for sharing :clap1:

[Ed Ronax]

Thanks for sharing, nice review.

[jorgerp1]

Well done!! nice review.

[buffalowings]

many thanks for posting this review

[11Haze29]

If the Sheaffer Statesman had a lifetime warranty, would it still be honored today. Or, is it only honored to the original purchaser with original receipt.

[Koyote]

If the Sheaffer Statesman had a lifetime warranty, would it still be honored today. Or, is it only honored to the original purchaser with original receipt.

 

I think original purchaser. Otherwise Sheaffer would have a real problem on its hands.

[jar]

If the Sheaffer Statesman had a lifetime warranty, would it still be honored today. Or, is it only honored to the original purchaser with original receipt.

 

 

I can't say anything about Sheaffer today, but the last time I used their warranty service it was for an old wire vac-fil that needed new sealing. I called them and they sent me a pre-labeled shipping kit. The pen in question was from long before the snorkels and I sent it in. In about two weeks I got a package back from them with my pen, unrepaired, a note saying they could no longer repair the vac-fils but they were sending me a new Imperial Lifetime as a replacement. There was no charge and they were a joy to work with. IIRC I got David Nishimura to fix the old Sheaffer and it's still going strong today.

[jorgerp1]

Very nice pen!!!

[purplepen]

One of my two or three favorite vintage pens . Glad to see a review of it.