1920s Sheaffer Oversized Lifetime Flat Top Fountain Pen

Vintage: 1920s

Make: Sheaffer

Model: Oversized Lifetime Flat Top

Color: Black

Materials: Radite (cellulid); gold-plated trim

Filling System: Lever filler (resacced and guaranteed to fill and write as designed)

Length: This oversized model has a thick girth and measures 5 1/4” capped. 

Nib: These pens carried one of the heaviest nibs among oversized models (>1g) due to their considerable thickness and long tails. That oversized 14k Sheaffer Lifetime nib lays down a rigid yet smooth and consistent F line.

Condition: Gold-plated trim is clean aside from a small spot of brassing of the same size along the bottom edge of the cap band on each side of the cap, a sliver on the top edge of the clip, and the typical spot on the clip ball. Celluloid surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely any microscratches. But there is some stippling of the surface on the ends of the pen that appears to have been caused during manufacture. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is factory deep and fully legible. 

Details: It was Walter A. Sheaffer who first patented the lever-filling fountain pen in 1908. In 1912 he founded the Sheaffer pen company and his revolutionary design was met with resounding acclaim. In the 1920s Sheaffer made the transition from ebonite to Radite (or hard rubber to celluloid), introducing soon thereafter so-called Lifetime models sold with a lifetime guarantee. These flagship models were distinguished by nibs stamped ‘Lifetime’ and Sheaffer’s signature white dot, the early placement of which was on the crown of these flat tops.