Question About Sheaffer Desk Set Pen

[CalvaryMaid]

Today, I bought a Scheaffer Desk Set pen at an antique store. Both the interior and exterior appear to be in good condition. However, I am hesitant to try it, because I don't have a desk set in which to place it, a fact which only registered to me when I got home. Is it nessesary to have a pen holder to use a desk set pen? Does anyone else have experience with this type of pen?

[ticoun]

You do need a desk base for your pen, otherwise it will dry out. Desk bases are quite easy to find on ebay. Can you post a picture of the pen so we can tell what kind of base you need?

[Roger W.]

Today, I bought a Scheaffer Desk Set pen at an antique store. Both the interior and exterior appear to be in good condition. However, I am hesitant to try it, because I don't have a desk set in which to place it, a fact which only registered to me when I got home. Is it nessesary to have a pen holder to use a desk set pen? Does anyone else have experience with this type of pen?

 

The holder serves in place of a cap - if you left a pen laying around open all the time I'd rather think it would dry out.

 

Roger W.

 

http://www.sheafferflattops.com/images/Enamel16.jpghttp://www.sheafferflattops.com/images/Enamel18.jpg

[CalvaryMaid]

Here are some pictures of the pen. I also noticed that the feed is off-center relative to the nib. I wasn't sure if it was just manufactured that way or if it's due to age. I only paid $12 for this, so it's not a big loss if I can't use it. Does anyone think it would be worth restoring if there's something wrong with it?

[IWantThat]

I have found that certain bases fit certain pens, so be sure you get the right one. Others may work, but they won't give a perfect fit, and I suspect the pen may dry out.

[PaFitch]

An antique mall I visited today had a booth with about a half dozen desk bases and only one pen. I've seen orphan bases at other stores also. Take the pen with you for future shopping so you can try it out if you see something. Your pen should clean up quite nicely and look good with its own base.

[Roger W.]

Here are some pictures of the pen. I also noticed that the feed is off-center relative to the nib. I wasn't sure if it was just manufactured that way or if it's due to age. I only paid $12 for this, so it's not a big loss if I can't use it. Does anyone think it would be worth restoring if there's something wrong with it?

 

It has had it's nib shifted somewhat and needs a little attention. The pen dates from the late 1940's early 1950's and belongs with a threaded socket base. That probably was the ultimate answer to desk pens drying out as the screw in style was used from 1942 until the 1970's. The 70's are just a slip fit but I think they got the tolerances reasonably close so that they are relatively airtight.

 

Bases of the late 40's tend to be simple often rectangular and with metal sockets (though not like the ones as pictured as those are early 1930's metal sockets which are very uncommon).

 

Roger W.