Sheaffer Converter Compatibility

[adyf]

Just want to confirm that pens that were fitted with the original squeeze bar converter (Targa, Imperial etc) are compatible with the newer plastic piston converter?

[twdpens]

Yes.

 

However, I did once come across a stainless steel Imperial that had a slight barrel restriction preventing it closing over the current type of piston converter. I think the chances of you having the exact same pen are probably slim. In any case, if this did happen to you, a bit of minor modification to the converter would solve the issue.

 

ETA: not pens that take the Sheaffer Slim cartridges. You're basically stuffed in that respect.

 

HTH,

 

Martin

Edited April 2, 2016 by twdpens

[adyf]

Thanks for your help Martin.

[Mr. Pink]

Not quite - the Connaisseur is an exception.

[jar]

In cases where the modern piston converter is too long I have found the Intrigue converter fits jess fine.

[twdpens]

Not quite - the Connaisseur is an exception.

 

Ah, yes. I recall reading something about that model. I've never had one personally though. Thanks, I'll add it to the list of "not quite compatible" models.

 

In cases where the modern piston converter is too long I have found the Intrigue converter fits jess fine.

Good idea. They're tricky to find these days though, but you could trim a bit of the piston knob (not the shaft) of the standard piston converter and end up with more-or-less the same thing. Further investigation is required.

 

Martin

[jar]

 

Good idea. They're tricky to find these days though, but you could trim a bit of the piston knob (not the shaft) of the standard piston converter and end up with more-or-less the same thing. Further investigation is required.

 

Martin

That is why I encourage the Royalty Practice of always having an heir and a spare.

[TSherbs]

Are these proprietary piston converters? Will no converters from other manufacturers work?

[jar]

Are these proprietary piston converters? Will no converters from other manufacturers work?

Correct. They are proprietary and while other makes might appear to work they can lead to damage of the pen as well as epic leaks.

[mitto]

Not quite - the Connaisseur is an exception.

My tortoiseshell Grande Connoisseur takes the modern Sheaffer piston converter. I also thought the the Connie wouldn't take the piston converter but since I found that the pen leaked from the nipple area with the old squeeze converter even after changing two to three squeeze converters in the pen, I very reluctantly tried the modern piston converter and lo and behold! The pen's leakage is now cured.

 

However, I assume the holes in the ends of my squeeze converters may have ended a little stretched from extended use and, hence, the leakage problem.

[Mr. Pink]

Yes, the Grand Connoisseur WILL take the piston converter, but the 'regular' will not.

Edited April 11, 2016 by Charles Rice

[Mercian]

Just to add to what has already been said above:

 

I can confirm that…

 

 

…this ⬆️ piston converter does fit inside…

 

 

 

…this ⬆️ pen, which is a 1980s (I think) Sheaffer Triumph 444 Brushed Chrome CT pen with a stainless steel nib.

 

It appears to be the same size as a 1970s ‘Imperial’, and it came to me with one of the squeeze converters:

 

 

 

The length of the piston-turning knob on the made-in-2022 piston converter made me worry (when placed next to the squeeze converter) that it might not fit into the pen’s barrel…

 

 

…but I am very happy to find that it does fit inside this pen 😊

[Ron Z]

The original Connaisseurs have a brass plug in the end to add weight to the barrel.  That makes the inside length too short for a piston converters.  Grand Connaisseurs may not because of the overlay, and later Levenger Connaisseur based pens do not have them either.  As for other pens, you have to test.  There are some of the earlier C/C pens that won't take the squeeze converter either because of ribs in the end of the barrel to hold a cartridge in place.  The end of the piston converter gets stuck.  In cases like that, the Kaweco mini converter will work.  A Monteverde mini converter will work, but their quality falls short of the Kaweco.