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I dove down the rabbit hole of 1970s inlaid nibs. To my knowledge, only three sizes were available, fine, medium and broad, on Sheaffer 330s, 440s and 444s. Sometimes the nib size is indicated on the nib unit (printed in yellow or moulded into the plastic), but more often there is no indication other than a sticker on the body that the original owner removed when they bought the pen decades ago. So far, so good. But recently I acquired two 444s, one unmarked but sold as a fine, and the other clearly marked as a B. They don't match my preconceived nib sizes. The fine is closer to what I consider an extra fine (0.4mm), but that's fine with me. However, the B is what I consider a double broad (BB), or even a triple broad stub (BBB), with 1.0mm downstrokes and 0.7mm side strokes. I was very surprised. I was expecting something more like : Fine (~0.4 mm) Medium (~0.5 mm) Broad (~0.7 mm) Maybe I'm wrong and there were more than 3 nib sizes: Extra fine (~0.4mm) Fine (~0.4 mm) Medium (~0.5 mm) Broad (~0.7 mm) Stub (1.0 mm) Where can I find a reference that lists the nib sizes that were originally offered on these pens?

Did Sheaffer make a pen that has all three of the following characteristics? 1. Body shape similar to a 330, 440, or Imperial II, either plastic or metal cap 2. Conical nib 3.Cartridge/converter fill This would be my ideal Sheaffer but I am not aware of such a model. Thanks for your assistance.

1. I realize the answer is probably "no." 2. I realize that even if the answer is "yes," the chances of my doing this successfully on my first try are slim to none.. However... The feed on my 440 had to come out. Out it came. And it is made in two parts - the main feed, and then a little piece that fits into the main feed, and has a perilously thin, fragile extension. This extension fits into the metal casing that pierces the cartridge and conveys the ink to the rest of the feed. The extension part broke off the rest of the little piece that fits into the main feed. I think the feed is plastic. Is there a solvent that might convince this little piece to stick back on to the slightly larger piece, and if so, what solvent would that be? On the other hand, I suppose that Sheaffer might actually still have a part for sale - probably the whole kit and caboodle of a feed. In that case, does anyone know how I get a hold of one?

I was recently given a burgundy Sheaffer pen, which came in a gift box, by my grandfather, who had never used it. The gift box (red leather, marked "Sheaffer" with a white dot on the outside, repeated with "the proud craftsmen" on the inner lining) appears to have originally held another pen, but it's missing. In its place, confusingly, was a Parker 45 flighter with a Sheaffer cap identical to that on the burgundy pen. The true Sheaffer has a brushed steel or chrome cap, with a polished metal clip, on the top of which (the clip) there is a raised white dot. The cap is marked "Sheaffer-made-in-Australia". The nib is (I assume) stainless steel, marked "Sheaffer", and directly below that, "AUST.". It is inlaid, in the shorter diamond pattern. The body of the pen is almost entirely burgundy plastic, save for the four square bits of metal just above the join, equally spaced around the ring. There is a removable, refillable inkwell, operated by means of depressing a metal bar (perhaps in the 'lever' style?). Unfortunately I can't post a picture, as I don't have a camera at hand, but in general it resembles a Sheaffer 440 in burgundy - however, I can find no reference to these ever having been made in Australia. What are the chances of my analysis being correct? Have I just failed to spot the correct link to the Australian 440? Thanks in advance. -Update- I used my cellphone's camera to take some truly awful pictures in the vain hope it'd help. The other pen in the picture is what I believe to be the Parker 45. The first picture sort of shows the colour.