c.1931 Sheaffer Balance Desk Set - JADE

Vintage: c.1931

Make: Sheaffer

Model: Balance (standard sized, later called "Statesman")

Color: Jade

Materials: Celluloid, gold-plated trim, marble, casein/bakelite

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

Length: This full-length, standard-girth model measures 7 7/16” with the taper and 4 11/16” without the taper. 

Nib: 14k Lifetime Two-Tone nib. That nib lays down a smooth and consistent F line.

Condition: Color is superb. While the vast majority of Jade Sheaffers have darkened to various brown hues, this one retains its original vibrant green with just a couple bands of darkening on the barrel that are more subtle in person than in the photos: one thin band just above the section and another at the end of the barrel around the white dot. Gold-plated trim is pristine with no brassing or other notable flaws. Celluloid surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely any microscratches. I believe the taper is made of Bakelite or Casein and shows some light scratches and pin-sized marks. Desk base in clean with no cracks, chips, or other noteworthy blemishes aside from one pin-sized ding on one of the corners. Felt-lined on the bottom. Manufacturer imprint on the pen's barrel is deep and fully legible despite minor weakening to the far right of the bottom line. Note: this one will be shipped with one of the usual latex sacs I use due to the dribbling that sometimes occurs with silicone sacs when a pen is stored nib-down. Silicone sac may be installed on buyer’s request at no extra charge.

Details: This set includes pen, taper, and black marble desk base with trumpet. Desk base has a relatively small footprint, measuring 2 7/8 X 2 3/16.” This pen predates the “Statesman” model name; it’s the name Sheaffer would call this model in the mid 1930s. It’s made of celluloid in the Jade color pattern: desirable yet tough to find without darkening/discoloration. Gold-plated trim on pen and trumpet, white dot on pen signifying Sheaffer’s lifetime guarantee, and matching 14k Lifetime Two-Tone nib.