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I've just rediscovered my old school pen, a Sheaffer NoNonsense. I was given it c. 1982, and I used it for the rest of my school and university career, before it gradually got forgotten. It still writes quite nicely (Medium nib), though it's a bit scratchy, and it leaks around the grippy bit (technical term). Possibly the leak is into the lid. There's also some cracks in the barrel at the screw end. I rather like the design, particularly the thickness, so I was looking for a replacement. There are quite a few NoNonsense pens around, for about £30. However, I also see the Sheaffer Connaisseur, which sells for a lot more, in a similar styling. What's the essential difference between the two? (Why the price difference?) I'm planning to do more writing, and I'm happy to pay for a decent pen. Are there any other similarly styled Sheaffers? I haven't seen anything that jumps out. There's the ViewPoint, but I don't like the ... view (the holes in the sides). One other question: what's the advantage of a gold nib? Gold is softer than other metals -- is that a good thing? Or is it entirely cosmetic? Thanks.

About a two weeks ago spotted this at eBay: item 400762388844 A Balance II Classic Black fountain pen with a BIN price of $79.95 and even the squeeze converter is included! Looks like a steal, but wait, the shipping charge to Canada is $35.25. That's too much and will push the price up to $115.00. Well, it's still a good price but not a real deal. Shall I or shall I not? Then, I noticed that the nib is NOT the originally supplied 14 ct solid gold Lifetime--it is substitute! A gold plated NoNonsense. Bummer. Shall I or shall I not Last Thursday, the thingie arrived. Here it is: No, I didn't buy the whole thingie. I just made an offer to buy the nib and it was accepted, I now own a rare NoNonsense Extra Fine gold plated nib! Never seen that before,

One seller has a black NN with an F nib (not italic F--yay!) listed on eBay, but doesn't know to call it a NoNonsense, so searching for that won't bring it up. I know there are folks hunting for Fine NNs out there, so thought I'd give you all the heads-up. Good luck! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=291175010404&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123