Imperial 727 Buying Advice

September 29, 2015

I want to start my vintage pen collection and I've been eyeing several Sheaffer Imperial 727 pens that are within my budget. However, I would like your advice on what will be best to get, what should I look for and if these particular pen is worth going after.

I've got 3 different offerings: First one is for a gold plated pen with matching 14k nib and it's "suction" converter for about $25 in working order, with no apparent dents but seems to have been in use frequently; The second is for the full set of ballpoint, mechanical pencil and fountain pen (gold plated) in the original box for about $40, this pen looks nicer and less used. The last offering I've got is for a pen that looks similar to the 727 but it's an stainless steel version and the asking price is again $40, this last offering is from a collector unloading some of his pens, so I assume it will be well taken care of.

I've never been a fan of bling pens -particularly dislike gold things, but I really want to try those inlaid nibs and suction converters and the cheaper one is exerting a powerful force of attraction on me!

The set is appealing in the sense that it comes with original box but I really got no use for the ballpoint or mechanical pencil.

One thing that worries me about buying a vintage pen is that am a leftie and I can easily assume these pens will come from right-handers. Will these be an issue mid-or-long term for the nib? Do I risk damaging it?

Are these Imperials good writers? Are these recommended for daily use?

September 30, 2015

Are these Imperials good writers? Are these recommended for daily use?

Yes, they are excellent for daily use. I shy away from gold plated metal pens because they're too showy, attracting much attention and using them as an everyday writer I'm hesitant, afraid that I might mar them. They stay at home in storage, not enjoyable.

September 30, 2015

The 727 ( and other gold finished models) are very high quality pens and represent remarkable value for money. The nib alone is worth at least $25 so all three represent good buying. Being a leftie isn't an issue and won't cause any problems. If gold is an issue the steel pen is basically the same ( as long as it has a 14ct nib), both will offer a long working life. The gold plated pen is on brass so while over time the plating will wear it will not affect the usage. Personally I like the gold models but in this case would probably give preference to which ever has a nib size that best suits you and "feels" best to use.

September 30, 2015

The set may well still show which nib was used and that may or may not be important.

October 2, 2015

The set may well still show which nib was used and that may or may not be important.

Actually, the pen on this set still carries the black sticker listing model and nib size!

October 2, 2015

Personally I like the gold models but in this case would probably give preference to which ever has a nib size that best suits you and "feels" best to use.

I prefer extra fine or fine nibs (Lamy, Parker). Do the nibs on these pens offer some flex?