c.1934-35 Sheaffer Lifetime Long Balance Fountain Pen in Jade

Vintage: c.1934-35

Make: Sheaffer

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

Color/Pattern: Jade

Materials: Radite (celluloid), gold-plated trim

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

Length: This long, standard girth Lifetime model measures 5 7/16” capped

Nib: 14k Sheaffer Lifetime nib lays down a firm yet smooth and consistent XF line

Condition: Jade Sheaffer Balances aren't particularly uncommon. But pens with spectacular color like this one are downright rare. I’d grade it as 9/10 with the only subtly warmer portion being situated around the barrel threads – the part of the barrel covered when the pen is capped. Gold-plated trim is clean aside from one spot of brassing on the cap band beneath the clip, a small spot on each side of the clip ball, and a subtle ding in the center of the lever. Celluloid has a smooth and lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is factory deep and fully legible.

Details: 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. One of the most popular Balance color patterns at the time was Jade, named after the green marbled stone it resembled. But it can be hard to see *why* they were popular today, since the overwhelming majority of pens in this material have suffered moderate to severe discoloration over the years due to outgassing of the sac and environmental conditions. This undiscolored example illustrates Jade’s original appeal. This full-sized Balance in Jade was sold at the same price as its oversized counterpart. Gold-plated trim includes flat-ball clip, lending support to the claim that Jade pens were made as late as 1938-9. White dot over the clip signifies Sheaffer’s Lifetime guarantee.