Sheaffer Pfm Vs Imperial?

[surprise123]

What are the differences between these two pens (other than the fact that the PFM is Snorkel filling)? I'm looking to get one or the other as a daily writer. Is the PFM wider in girth than the Imperial (VI, VII)?

 

It seems that the Imperial VI and VII are the closest match to the PFM in terms of nib style and overall looks. Where can I get one for a low price?

[Uncial]

I own both. The only problem is I am unsure of exactly what models I have. I find it so confusing.

The PFM has a far superior nib in just about every way. The nib on the Imperials feel a bit cheap, can sometimes be a bit toothy and quite like the Valliants and Triumph's can be pot luck on getting a dry writer or a reasonably wet writer. The nibs on the PFM's I've had in my hand all seem to be set to 'gusher' mode. The Imperial is significantly lighter and thinner. The PFM has a metal insert to the top of the barrel. As you say, they have different filling systems.

[Ron Z]

I disagree with Uncial. I find the quality of the Imperial and PFM to be about the same. Same plastic, same nib materials, same methods for attaching the nib to the shell. The PFM has the same basic design as the Imperial, just on a bigger scale, and of course the snorkel filling system. The barrel wall on the Imperial is a bit thicker than the PFM. The PFM is about the same size as the modern Legacy, though lighter than a Legacy. The diameter of the Imperial is close to a Parker 51.

 

PFM is a snorkel filler only. Imperial comes in both touchdown and cartridge/converter I wouldn't say that the PFM holds a heck of a lot more ink than the TD Imperial. The TD Imperial uses a 15 1/2 sac, the Legacy a 17 1/2 - that's 1/32nd difference in diameter. IMO not enough to count. Note that the Imperial is available in either TD or CC fillers. I you go for the TD version or a PFM, have the pen restored and a PVC sac installed.

 

Flow is more a matter of how the individual pen is set up rather than being a function of the pen model. Like any other pen or brand, flow is all over the map. I've seen gushers in both models, and ones that are very dry as well. In general, Sheaffer made good nibs, but there's always the chance of a dud. That could be from the factory, it could be how the owner(s) treated the pen. Sheaffer in general made good nibs, though I find that I like the Triumph nibs better than most of the inlaid nibs.

 

Not all PFM pens had the plunger knob end plate. Only the PFM IV and V have it.

 

The PFM I and II have steel nibs, the PFM III-V have 14K nibs.

 

I've owned both. I don't have any real complaints about them, but haven't held onto any of either model. They just don't excite me. I find the PFM to be a bit light for its size VS the Legacy.

[doggle2]

I thought the PFM I and II have Palladium Silver nibs?

[Inky.Fingers]

Love the Schaeffer inlaid nib. One should also consider the Targar model.

 

As for pricing....Get a decent pen at a decent price.. heck get it already restored.

Edited February 8, 2019 by _InkyFingers

[bsenn]

I prefer the Imperials from a grip size standpoint. I prefer the triumph nibs over the inlaid nibs.

 

Targets were the name for early Imperials with triumph nibs. The Penhero site does a good job explaining all the models of Imperials and PFMs.

 

Peyton Street Pens has NOS of various imperial models.

 

Brian

[Roger W.]

My favorite user right now is an Imperial IV. I have 6 Sheaffers inked up right now out of a couple of thousand pens (there are a lot of desk pens so I wouldn't be carrying these about). I like the look of the long inlaid nib not the short "arrow" inlaid nib. Before pens originally got oversized in the 1920's they were close to the Imperial size. I have a few PFMs and they are fine pens so I would say it comes down to what you like in girth.

 

Roger W.

[RedRinger]

I thought the PFM I and II have Palladium Silver nibs?

 

 

That's right-- the PFM I and II have palladium silver nibs, hallmarked "PdAg" which, to a former-but-always chemist like me who is obsessed with palladium, is *the coolest nib hallmark* that can exist

[jmccarty3]

I have several PFMs and an Imperial touchdown. I like them all equally well. As Ron Zorn says, the flow depends on how the nib is adjusted, and on the ink. My first "fine" pen was a PFM I, which I got when I was in the seventh grade in 1962. Unfortunately, it got lost. My current PFMs are IIIs and Vs. Would love to find a I just like my first one, and also some IVs.

[surprise123]

Appreciate the input. If anyone has an Imperial VI, VII, or up, I would be interested. Unfortunately, Ebay prices for an Imperial is outrageous, with some of the unrestored pens being listed around $100+.

[TSherbs]

Reading Sheaffer threads always makes me want all the pens.

[RedRinger]

Reading Sheaffer threads always makes me want all the pens.

 

 

Then just stop reading!

(yeah, right! )

[Uncial]

Posted by Ron Z

I disagree with Uncial. I find the quality of the Imperial and PFM to be about the same.

 

Are the Imperial nibs not a thinner gold, or am I just imagining that? The PFM has always felt a bit more robust to me and a slightly thicker nib, but I guess I'm only looking at it with old eyes.

I clearly need to try some more Imperials. I've sadly only experience of dry writing ones with a good measure of feedback.

[surprise123]

Hooray! I found a restored Imperial VI on Ebay for $55. It's got this beautiful steel cap and a hue of blue I never knew I wanted. Another nice thing is the free shipping and 30-day returns, so less of a chance of getting burned.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/183684552734

 

After looking in the "sold" section, I was surprised how many people had previously bought unrestored Imperials (VI) for more than twice the price. I had been watching several, and many of them sold way above what I've been told.

 

 

[surprise123]

Posted by Ron Z

I disagree with Uncial. I find the quality of the Imperial and PFM to be about the same.

 

Are the Imperial nibs not a thinner gold, or am I just imagining that? The PFM has always felt a bit more robust to me and a slightly thicker nib, but I guess I'm only looking at it with old eyes.

I clearly need to try some more Imperials. I've sadly only experience of dry writing ones with a good measure of feedback.

PFMs have larger nibs (therefore, spanning wider and longer than the Imperials).

 

I bought a restored Imperial VI, whose nib is a few millimetres smaller than that of a PFM III.

[surprise123]

Reading Sheaffer threads always makes me want all the pens.

Me too.

 

 

Oh (bleep).

[titrisol]

I have a few "Imperials" that were my fathers and they are great writers

I have myself bought a couple of 440s and recently a plastic one (330 I think)
Quality in all of them is great

[Sailor Kenshin]

I have a few "Imperials" that were my fathers and they are great writers

I have myself bought a couple of 440s and recently a plastic one (330 I think)

Quality in all of them is great

 

I have a plastic cart-filler Imperial AND a PFM. Both are excellent writers. The Imperial was $30. The PFM...cost of the repair parts.

 

And yes. I want ALL the pens, too.

[Ron Z]

PFMs have larger nibs (therefore, spanning wider and longer than the Imperials).

 

I bought a restored Imperial VI, whose nib is a few millimetres smaller than that of a PFM III.

 

That's size, which is not the same thing as an item's quality.