1930s Sheffer Stubby Lifetime Balance Fountain Pen - Reverse Trim

Vintage: 1930s

Make: Sheaffer

Model: Lifetime Balance (stubby)

Color: Black

Materials: Celluloid, rhodium-plated trim

Filling System: Lever-filler (resacced and guaranteed to fill to factory capacity).

Length: This short, standard girth model measures 4 3/4” capped and 5 3/4” posted.

Nib: 14k Sheaffer Lifetime nib lays down a smooth and consistent F line

Condition: Nickel-plated shows scratches on the clip, 2 roughly 5mm-long slivers of brassing on the side edges of the lever, a pin-sized mark on the cap band (front of cap), a ding on the cap band (back of cap), and the typical spot of brassing on the clip ball. Celluloid surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy flaws – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is factory deep and fully legible.

Details: Less common than both the standard (later, “Statesman”) and short, slender models was this short, standard girth model that collectors have dubbed the Stubby Balance. All catalogued examples of black Sheaffer Lifetime Balances at this time came from the factory with gold trim. This example, then, is considered a “reverse trim” pen. Lever, cap band, and humped ball clip are all rhodium-plated. White dot above the clip signifies Sheaffer’s Lifetime guarantee.