1930s Sheaffer Lifetime Balance "Statesman" Fountain pen in Grey Pearl with Red Veins

Vintage: 1930s

Make: Sheaffer

Model: Lifetime Balance "Statesman" (avant la lettre)

Color/Pattern: Grey Pearl w/ red veins

Materials: Celluloid, gold-plated trim

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

Length: This is the full-length, standard girth Lifetime model, measuring 5 3/16” capped.

Nib: 14k two-tone Sheaffer Lifetime nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line.

Condition: Color is even across the barrel and cap. Ink view window has amazing transparency of a light yellow color – showing what these looked like before they ambered. Gold-plated trim is virtually pristine with no brassing or notable flaws aside from one negligible, pin-sized spot of wear on the right side of the clip ball. Celluloid surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches. Manufacturer imprint on 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. In the late-1920s Sheaffer revolutionized pendom with a perfectly balanced streamlined design they dubbed the Balance. This is a Balance “Statesman” avant la lettre (Balances with round ball-clips like this one predate the “Statesman” model name by a couple years). Grey Pearl with Red Veins is one of the most desirable Balance color patterns.