Flea Market Find - Balance With Red Veins

[von Fraker]

I went to the flea mkt. this weekend and pick up an amazing Sheaffer Balance (lever fill). Gray greens with red vein. Not sure what the proper name of this is. I haven't seen this color before but I love it! Any idea what the proper name is and approximate date? I am guessing 1930s? Is this color common?

 

The photo in the link doesn't do justice to the brilliant colors. It looks great with a very small bit of brassing in one spot on the cap ring. The nib looks great as well. It needs cleaning and a new sac. The cap does not screw down nice and tight as it should. At this time I am a bit confused why since I have checked with my loop and see no cracks at all in the cap. Any ideas what could cause this and a can it be fixed?

 

Due to the cap issue ...the vendor at the flea market sold it to me for $10.00 USD. He said if it fit properly he would have to have had $20.00. Needless to say, I drew my wallet like a wild west gun slinger.

 

He has a few more pens he will bring next month when comes back to town. His son was collecting and he had picked up a few at estate and yard sales for him but his son has decided to do other things now so he said he would bring them for me to see.

 

http://www.fountainp...9904287__sb.jpg

 

Overall, a great weekend. I look forward to learn more about this pen.

 

Thank you.

[ANM]

The color is red veined pearl gray. The color dates from 1931 to 35 but the clip was introduced in 1935. It is a fairly rare color and a very desirable one. Even at $80 it would have been sumgai in my opinion. I think they often go on ebay for upwards of $300. A pro should be able to fix the cap to fit better. It is probably loose due to shrinkage over time.

Edited September 23, 2013 by ANM

[TMac]

Great find! Very beautiful pen. Make sure to post after he comes back with more pens to tell us what you find.

[rpk1204]

Very nice indeed! I love the 30's plastic patterns and this one is nice. I've had similar plastic colors and patterns in non-Sheaffers - likely Diamond Point if I remember right. Congrats!

[ashbridg]

The pen is celluloid, a costly material rarely used today. Sheaffer used it because of the beautiful colors it produces. But celluloid is prone to shrinkage. Use care in cleaning the pen. Water could cloud the finish. A professional repair person can make the cap fit. Why not send the pen out for all of the work? A Balance of that quality deserves it.

Edited September 23, 2013 by ashbridg

[georges zaslavsky]

send your pen to ron zorn, he will take good care of it