Sheaffer Touchdown 3 Piece Nurse’S Set, Information Please

[Bobby Check]

I just acquired a Sheaffer Touchdown 3 Piece Nurse’s Set and I am not able to find a white Touchdown FP with a similar nib. In this set even the tube is white!

 

As far as I know this is an undocumented Nurse’s set. That is I can not find another picture of this set in any of my books or catalogs, and not on the internet either.

 

Help and shared wisdom would be welcome.

 

Thanks,

 

Bobby

 

http://i396.photobucket.com/albums/pp50/Bobby_Check/Sheaffer/Sheaffer%20Nurses%203%20Piece%20Set/P1080547.jpg

http://i396.photobucket.com/albums/pp50/Bobby_Check/Sheaffer/Sheaffer%20Nurses%203%20Piece%20Set/P1080539.jpg

http://i396.photobucket.com/albums/pp50/Bobby_Check/Sheaffer/Sheaffer%20Nurses%203%20Piece%20Set/P1080544.jpg

http://i396.photobucket.com/albums/pp50/Bobby_Check/Sheaffer/Sheaffer%20Nurses%203%20Piece%20Set/P1080543.jpg

 

More pictures on Photobucket:

 

http://s396.photobucket.com/user/Bobby_Check/media/Sheaffer/Sheaffer%20Nurses%203%20Piece%20Set/P1080543.jpg.html

 

 

 

 

[Ernst Bitterman]

The pen is an Imperial I, which has a rather different filler than the usual TD set-up. As far as I know, they stopped production of them around 1966, so you've got about a five-year production window. I've only had one to judge the whole breed from, but it's a nice pen to use and the difference in the filler generally means all that needs replacing is the sac.

[pajaro]

I have a pen that looks something like that in black, with a black plastic tube. It needs a sac, but doesn't have a sac guard. Thanks. Now I have an idea of what it is. If I can find it I will resac it.

[Effin1]

A mint stickered set should not be used. Never seen 1 as perfect as this.

[PAKMAN]

What a find! Congrats!

[OcalaFlGuy]

 

Bruce in Ocala, Fl

[Florida Blue]

I haven't seen a "Nurse's" set like that, but I've seen a "Doctor's" set.

 

In Fischler and Schneider's "The Golden Age of Writing Instruments," there is a picture of an all-white, 3 piece set called a "Doctor's Set." It includes a fountain pen, pencil and thermometer in a case shaped like a fountain pen. The set is a Sheaffer Craftsman from the mid 1950s with a #33 nib. It's estimated value was between $100 and $150 in 1990. Hope this helps.

 

Do you know if your pens were made in Canada? I see the thermometer is Canadian-made.

[Ernst Bitterman]

Just noticed-- the clips have an apostrophe, but the case and paperwork don't. It's neither here nor there, other than slightly narrowing that window I mentioned above, but it is a fun look at how things were going at the time.

[Bobby Check]

Live and learn

 

You are right this is an Imperial 1 with a Stylpoint section.

 

I believe this set is made in Canada.

 

The pencil is marked “made in Canada”. The usage instructions are in French and English as required by Canadian law. The certificate of the thermometer is in English on one side and French on the other.

 

The thermometer certificate is marked “made in Canada”.

 

This set is museum quality and I have never seen another similar set or even an individual pen even though I collect pens for nurses and doctors. I have never seen mention of this particular pen set in any of the literature I have viewed and I have researched this topic

 

Given its rarity and exceptional quality I have no intention of ever inking this set or even putting a new sac in it.

 

I do have the “doctor’s pen”. It is quite different, although it is also quite rare.

 

Thanks,

 

Bobby

Edited November 14, 2013 by Bobby Check

[Happy Harry]

A remarkable find !! Sheaffer never fails to surprise, glad to know it's found a home with someone who clearly appreciates it.

[bernardo]

That's an impressive set; never seen anything like it before... Congrats!

Edited November 15, 2013 by bernardo

[pajaro]

This has given me a greater appreciation for Sheaffer. A wonderful set!

[OcalaFlGuy]

I do chuckle that these pens are a rare part of pendom that doesn't play so well in the 21st century.

 

I can't speak for this material and it's more modern anyway, but the Waterman and Esterbrook nurses/Dr sets didn't fair so well in use. The Waterman material discolors badly and the Estie stains badly. I doubt neither of those materials would take well to constant baths in high proof Alcohol that would come with them being used in the medical environment today.

 

I know of a hospital nurse who prefers Flighter style FPs for work for Exactly that reason.

 

Bruce in Ocala, Fl

[Bobby Check]

Does this mean I have to collect Flighters as well?

 

Sigh...I think,

 

Bobby

[Florida Blue]

 

I believe this set is made in Canada.

 

Since the set is Canadian maybe Bob Everett might know something about it. I met Bob at the Philly Pen Show (perhaps others have bought from him). He deals in Sheaffer pens and ephemera (no affiliation). His father, Clyde Everett, was the President of Sheaffer Pen Canada from 1957 to 1970. Maybe he could give you some info. He's friends with Frank and Sam at Pendemonium and he's also involved in the Sheaffer Pen Museum in Ft. Madison. If you want I can PM his email address to you. Even if he doesn't know anything he'd probably still be interested to see it.

Edited November 15, 2013 by Florida Blue

[Bobby Check]

I would be very grateful if you could share Bob Everett's email address with me as I suspect I would benefit very much from his advice.

Thanks,

Bobby