Did I Get A Good Buy On This Imperial?

[Brian C]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Sheaffer-Imperial-Sterling-Silver-Fountain-Pen-Mint-CL034-/201058900190?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276

 

I looked around a bit at other sterling Imperials. Seemed like a decent price with the broad nib and all. Did I make a mistake?

[OcalaFlGuy]

There are some who would argue the C/C model is more aesthetically pleasing than the touchdown model though the C-Worders usually have the TD mutation of the Snorkel virus.

 

The nib is the icing on the cake here.

 

Those are harder to find and you can't retip an inlaid nib.

 

That has Hugh Jass Stub written all over it. Were I you, I'd be tempted to send it to Letta at Pendemonium and ask her to replicate "The Ft. Madison Stub" grind on it.

 

She is the only person on the planet you can still get that done from.

 

Bruce in Ocala, Fl

[pajaro]

This is the C/C model, if you go to the original listing, the pic shows that. These converters last about 5 to 10 years, and I am not sure you can resac them, but Peyton Street Pens has them, should the one in this pen go sour. The converter is pretty good.

[jar]

You did fine. I'm one of those who prefer the proportions of the C/C version over the touchdown.

 

http://www.fototime.com/B15294D787EF45B/medium800.jpg

[Happy Harry]

Given the nib you did well.

[Brian C]

I'm glad. Imperials are completely new to me.

[OcalaFlGuy]

You did A LOT better than this person.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-SHEAFFERS-FLEX-NIB-IMPERIAL-TRIUMPH-TOUCHDOWN-ULTRA-RARE-MINT-VINTAGE-PEN-/310888929748

 

($263 For a GF 14k nib Imperial for when the listing drops.)

 

Bruce in Ocala, Fl

[pajaro]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-SHEAFFERS-FLEX-NIB-IMPERIAL-TRIUMPH-TOUCHDOWN-ULTRA-RARE-MINT-VINTAGE-PEN-/310888929748?nma=true&si=3z3hgs9HLcXNNSmG%252Fo%252FT73kPGQE%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557#ht_1144wt_847

 

Gold filled, Touchdown filler instead of a C/C filler, apples and oranges, but the value is, of course, similar, and the guy in this auction paid more.

 

I like the Touchdown better, because I can refurb them. I haven't figured out how to resac the converter without destroying it.

[Brian C]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-SHEAFFERS-FLEX-NIB-IMPERIAL-TRIUMPH-TOUCHDOWN-ULTRA-RARE-MINT-VINTAGE-PEN-/310888929748?nma=true&si=3z3hgs9HLcXNNSmG%252Fo%252FT73kPGQE%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557#ht_1144wt_847

 

Gold filled, Touchdown filler instead of a C/C filler, apples and oranges, but the value is, of course, similar, and the guy in this auction paid more.

 

I like the Touchdown better, because I can refurb them. I haven't figured out how to resac the converter without destroying it.

Ooh, pretty pen. I could really get into these Imperials. Up until now the only Sheaffer that interested me were the old flat tops.

[kpyeoman]

I think they're a near perfect pen. The section width is very comfortable, they're nicely balanced when posted, smooth nibs, and a striking profile both capped and uncapped. Pretty tough to beat.

 

Congratulations on your new buy! Hope you're very happy with it.

Edited March 24, 2014 by kpyeoman

[kpyeoman]

There are some who would argue the C/C model is more aesthetically pleasing than the touchdown model though the C-Worders usually have the TD mutation of the Snorkel virus.

 

The nib is the icing on the cake here.

 

Those are harder to find and you can't retip an inlaid nib.

 

That has Hugh Jass Stub written all over it. Were I you, I'd be tempted to send it to Letta at Pendemonium and ask her to replicate "The Ft. Madison Stub" grind on it.

 

She is the only person on the planet you can still get that done from.

 

Bruce in Ocala, Fl

 

Sorry to sidetrack the thread slightly, but Bruce, am I assuming correctly that Letta could take a palladium plated Legacy broad nib and replicate the Sheaffer factory stub that is found (and difficult to find) with the regular gold nib?

Edited March 24, 2014 by kpyeoman

[OcalaFlGuy]

I don't see why not. Message PenGoddess here, that's Sam from Pedemonium or email her from their site.

 

The more info you supply with the pen the better grind you'll get. Send them the whole pen. Be sure and mention what flow you want and what angle you usually write at. Also line width specs. [EDIT] Hand write all that out with a pen with a similar grind and specs to how you want it if you have one.

 

I wouldn't see any reason Letta could not replicate the grind. She ground nibs for Sheaffer in Ft. Madison for almost 40 years, I would assume that by then she was doing the fabled Stubs. She also IS the Only Ft. Madison grinder I've ever heard of doing customer grinds.

 

Bruce in Ocala, Fl

Edited March 24, 2014 by OcalaFlGuy

[pajaro]

Ooh, pretty pen. I could really get into these Imperials. Up until now the only Sheaffer that interested me were the old flat tops.

All the Sheaffers are great, bottom of the line on up. Your pen is a great pen. Looks like the balance is in your favor.

[Happy Harry]

You did A LOT better than this person.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-SHEAFFERS-FLEX-NIB-IMPERIAL-TRIUMPH-TOUCHDOWN-ULTRA-RARE-MINT-VINTAGE-PEN-/310888929748

 

($263 For a GF 14k nib Imperial for when the listing drops.)

 

Bruce in Ocala, Fl

 

Truly flexible inlaid nibs aren't common, semi-flex is fairly common and I have several. If it is really a flexible nib ( as claimed, and he seems to know) then it's a reasonable price for those looking for one as they mightn't get another chance for a long time,

[OcalaFlGuy]

I'm calling BS on any Flexible Imperial Meant to be that way from the factory.

 

I don't think trying for any noticable flex on a Sheaffer inlaid nib is a very good idea myself.

 

Bruce in Ocala, Fl

[kpyeoman]

I'm pretty sure that John Mottishaw states on his website that inland nibs are not good candidates for increasing flexibility...I'm guessing there's something in the nib design that runs counter to flex nibs?

[Happy Harry]

I'm pretty sure that John Mottishaw states on his website that inland nibs are not good candidates for increasing flexibility...I'm guessing there's something in the nib design that runs counter to flex nibs?

 

Inlaid nibs aren't idea for a lot flex because of the way the nib is molded into the section , that doesn't mean no flex though ( a concept that seems to elude at least one person). The flexibility of the nib is determined by the composition of the nib when manufactured, Post manufacture work on inlaid nibs that involves heat is not possible as the plastic section melts which is why increasing flex is out, so it comes from the factory is how it remains.

[RMN]

Hey guys, let's keep it friendly......

 

D.ick

[Brian C]

Just the other day I saw an Imperial just like the one I started this thread about. High bid was $90 plus shipping. Fine nib though. I'm really hoping I like this pen when it arrives. These appear to be highly collectible.

[kpyeoman]

Looking forward to seeing it, Brian! Any anticipated date of delivery? Where's it coming from again?