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Just picked this Parker FP yesterday. I collect 51s to 75s so I am unfamiliar with pens before 1940. Can anyone give me a model to get me started? Any information on this style would also be helpful. Thanks, Cabbie

Sheaffer 1920's 18K White Gold "Flat Top" Questions & Facts w/pics Hi everybody, great to be on this forum, looking to date range this Sheaffer in my collection and get opinion on a few questions, I have and any correction to the info I have below. Regarding the #2 nib: Was there a hard start date to the nibs reading “lifetime”? Or, is this nib lower cost, therefore no life time warranty? Was there a hard cut-off date to the earlier heart shaped breather hole? Regarding the clip: As you see, there is no Sheaffer name embossed on the clip, is this because this didn’t happen until a certain point or, that this, being a high end pen did not usually have that for more subtle appearance? Regarding the model: Would a model number exist on this? Is it an “18” of a type as I see referenced on www.pensacs.com or 1 part of a 2 piece and very high end “Gifties” set in the 1920’s? The Gifties, may have been only 14K I think. So, more custom order with in house jeweler’s doing engraving? It looks like the only 4.5 inch model made. Has anyone seen this pattern? I’m thinking date as 1925-27 based on clip style and barrel motif at this point. The facts as I know them so far: All-metal barrel and section lever-filler, “Flat Top” in solid white gold (this version, 58.5% gold and 41.5% palladium I believe), reading 18K on barrel, cap, clip. Assuming the lever bar is also 18K.Hand engraved jeweler’s craftsmanship on barrel and cap with what I would describe as an Art Deco, geometric, leaf and sunrise motif. Right for the era and unusual on a Sheaffer? And, in my opinion a departure from the very ornate scroll work golds that are seen.Stylized hand engraved monogram at top of cap reading “B”.What appears to be a simple rectangular blank “cartouche” on barrel for further engraving.Cap reads above opening, in pre 1932/33 logo, in two lines, Sheaffer’s, Made in U.S.A.Cap has two fine breather holes incorporated into the leaf design and “hump” clip with ball tip.Round nib reads in two lines Sheaffer’s, No. 2, assuming 14K and a contrast to the gold used in the barrel for reference.Heart shaped breather hole.4 5/8” (4.5”?) long x 3/8” diameterWeight 0.026gCondition: (With full transparency as I know it.) Excellent used condition, clean, unrestored.Exterior - surface has fine scratches consistent with normal use on a 95 year old pen.Exterior – As 18K gold is a soft material there are some dings, the two most visible are on barrel end and the other is on side edge of cartouche. A minor few others that would need strong light to view.Exterior – very faint discoloration around breather holes that I assume was caused by ink aspirating from holes over the years. Removable I assume by a professional product or jeweler.Interior – Unknown but all seems intact, original ink sack has long ago turned to dust.Lever - still has a solid springiness and snaps into place.Nib – Excellent, no damageAny further facts you may know would be greatly appreciated. Please ask any questions as well. I can post more pics too if needed. I just took photos of this that last few days and can’t believe how difficult it was to photograph pens and especially a shiny one! Kudos, to all the beautiful photos on this site. I’ve got to figure out a method for taking pics . I’m very pleased to know that this site exists with so much info and knowledge from all you and thanks in advance. Sincerely, Dave

This is a post radite Lifetime black, chased in its characteristic ribbon band from 1923, hard rubber.

Hi. I love a big fat nib and lots of ink. I fill a 100 page journal in under a month. I used to use 24 lb paper with a wide-rule template underneath on a clipboard, but kept getting my pages mixed up in the fury of the moment of writing. Plus, I would sometimes neglect to punch holes and put into binders. Lately, I've been using Moleskine and not loving it because of bleed through. Here are my criteria: Lies flat--spiral bound preferred, but open to other suggestions paper that can handle lots of ink wide-ruled (my eyes aren't as good as they used to be) 8 1/2 x 11 (or thereabouts) Easily available in the US Would prefer some recycled content in paper Any suggestions? I looked at the notebooks offered through Cafe Press for the network, but they're too small and the lines are narrow. Otherwise, would have been happy to support the cause.