White Dot - With Or Without It?

[Lucky Sheaffer]

What is the real difference between those vintage Sheaffers decorated with the white dot and those without it? For example I saw many very nice Balance models which have a white dot and some don't. But both seemed to have the same kind of high quality gold nib (e.g. is there a significant differnce in Lifetime and Feathertouch nibs?). Are those without the dot made of a cheaper Radite/Plastic? I thought there is a difference in quality but if they even are equipped with the same nibs, was it maybe just an image thing to have one with the dot?

[wekiva98]

The white dot originally was Sheaffer's mark of a pen guaranteed for life. It also showed you had a top-line pen that cost more than others. The materials and mechanism were generally the same as in Sheaffer's lower-cost pens, however. The differences might be that the lifetime pen had a wider cap band, a larger nib and the white dot (which would save you some change on repairs). Sheaffer's lower-cost pens were still nice, well-made pens -- they just didn't have the guarantee. Today, the white dot is just a trademark.

[PenHero]

There's a bit more detail to the story. You may find this article helpful:

 

http://penhero.com/PenGallery/Sheaffer/Pics/SheafferWhiteDot03.jpg

 

The Sheaffer White Dot: 1924-Present

[Paddler]

I have read that a Feather Touch nib has a slit lined with platinum plating. This presumably gives a faster ink flow and you can use a lighter touch with it. I have one of these and it is a superb writer, but I can't really judge on the basis of one sample.

 

Paddler

[Lucky Sheaffer]

Hi Jim, thanks for the link. Your site was already really helpful for me but there is still much to find and read, so I will visit it regularly.

 

@Paddler I remember that I read a similiar thing about the Palladium which is on the Lifetime gold nibs of the late 1930s and later. Well, my own Sheaffer has such a shiny Palladium part and imho writes very fine, even much better than my Parker Parkette.

[ThirdeYe]

I have read that a Feather Touch nib has a slit lined with platinum plating. This presumably gives a faster ink flow and you can use a lighter touch with it. I have one of these and it is a superb writer, but I can't really judge on the basis of one sample.

 

Paddler

 

I have one, too, and it is smooth when writing very softly. I've noticed that the ink flow is very generous, so much so that it feathers on lesser papers.

[Lucky Sheaffer]

Interesting, so I will try to find a nice one with a Feathertouch nib to compare and get a feeling for those differences. I am not sure so far if I will stay with the Balance line, but as with watches I think it is a good thing to start collecting in a smaller field and try out other brands later from time to time when you become more expierenced and know more about what you really want and like.

Thanks again for your input.

Edited January 11, 2011 by Lucky Sheaffer

[sdeyer]

I have a white dot with an XF nib. It's a Triumph 444 but with a steel nib. Nib is very scratchy when writing but still works after 40 years.

[DwarvenChef]

Thanks for the info and the link. Seems I have been involved with Sheaffer pens longer than I thought. Found a couple sets of the modern cheapies given to me for school and such. My father in law also carries a vintage Sheaffer, no clue what though. If I do get hooked on Vintage pens, I think I know where I'll spend most of that time