Stunningly well restored by Sheaffer repair super star Sherrell Tyree, our Sheaffer Admiral is a great example of the company's "ebony & pearl" design. They actually used flakes from abalone shells harvested from the kelp beds off the California shoreline. It looks gorgeous set in that polished ebony celluloid. As you can see in the photo, the barrel's barber pole viewing window is a little ambered but still clear enough to see through. Click the headline for a close-up. Extra-fine nib aficionados will be excited to learn the pen's 14k gold nib has an "accountant" point. (Not marked accountant nib but we've handled enough to know the real thing.) Better, yet, it writes a smooth extra-extra fine line with a "feather touch" to the paper. If you love Japanese extra-fine nibs, this is a rare American vintage nib that gets THAT fine. Overall, the pen has a little wear from use. No cracks but a few nibble marks on top of the cap. 13.9cm capped.