Military Clip

[padams2359]

Having seen a few of these online, I started to wonder, why is the clip so short? Uniforms have standard sized pockets? Is it so that the clip will not stick out from under the pocket flap?

[jar]

If you are talking about actual military clips (not for example the ones on the Sheaffer Tuckaway that are often mislabeled as "military" clips) it was to meet dress codes. The codes stated that the clip must not show below the bottom of the flap and that the pen must not cause a bulge of the flap at the top.

 

Many pens like the standard Parker "51", Duofolds and Vacumatics met the standard as did many from Waterman, Conklin and others. None of the Sheaffer pens at the time though would meet the dress code and so required a redesign, the now familiar over the top Sheaffer Military Clip.

[padams2359]

That is what I thought. Thank you.

[MicheleB]

Jar gave a great summary and quick answer. For further reading, here's a good page from Richard's site: http://richardspens.com/?page=ref/wat_nib_colors.htm

[padams2359]

It is odd that my Sheaffer Snorkel was not a Military Clip pen. My father purchased it on base in 1957 in Germany.

[jar]

It is odd that my Sheaffer Snorkel was not a Military Clip pen. My father purchased it on base in 1957 in Germany.

 

Much later set of rules.