c.1934 Sheaffer Lifetime Flat Top Fountain Pen

Vintage: c.1934

Make: Sheaffer

Model: Lifetime Flat Top (long, standard girth)

Color/Pattern: Jade

Materials: Radite (celluloid), gold-plated trim

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

Length: This full-length, standard girth model measures 5 5/16” capped

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

Condition: . 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. Jade Sheaffer flat tops aren't particularly uncommon. But pens with well-preserved color like this one are downright rare. Color is superb: evenly bright across the cap and barrel. There appears to have been more black mixed into this batch of celluloid, a couple portions of which can be seen to the right of the clip. Perhaps there are a couple subtle spots of darkening above the barrel threads and around the end of the barrel, but it’s honestly hard to tell whether this is discoloration or part of the pattern. Gold-plated trim is clean: free of notable flaws aside from one pin-sized nick on the bottom of the lever and a couple small spots of brassing on the edges of the cap band (see timestamp photo). Celluloid surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is 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. One of the first brightly colored, plastic pens, examples like this one in Jade were introduced c.1925. There appear to have been two different formulations: an early one with a lighter, lime green cast; and a later one of a more vibrant emerald hue like this example with gold-plated trim including the flat ball-clip introduced in 1934-5.