Filling Mechanism: Snorkel

Even fountain pens can find their true love. That must be what happened with this Sheaffer Snorkel. It combines the parts of at least two different--slightly different shade--burgundy pens. Please notice that the cap and blind cap are the same color but the barrel is a few shades darker. There is plenty of wear and possibly some burn spots on them. Nevertheless, it persists. We restored this pen with a new O-ring and point seal. The ink sac was still pliable. It works well, and you will write a smoother-than-you-think fine-medium line with its two-tone 14k gold nib. It has a little feedback but very light. Click the headline for close-ups. 14.2cm capped.

The business uniform of the 1950s was a grey-flannel suit. This handsome Sheaffer Admiral would have matched one nicely. We restored this vintage pen with a new ink sac, O-ring and point seal. Its only flaws are doozies. There is a nasty crack on each side of the loose pocket clip. Click the headline for close-ups. We showed the worst crack in the main photo. However, the pen works great. It is marked an F2, but we find it to write more of a smooth extra fine. 14.2cm capped.

Sheaffer Statesman fountain pens were part of the 1950s blast of snorkel pens. We restored this vintage pen with a new O-ring, point seal and ink sac. What makes these a little different is the "palladium silver" Triumph nib. We find it firmer than the gold conical nibs. Ours writes a dry, extra-fine line with a little feedback. There are no cracks or brassing. Some light wear from use. Its snorkel sticks out a little farther than we would like, but it works well. Pen measures 14.2cm capped.

As ballpoints were gaining popularity in the 1950s for their no-mess filling and writing, Sheaffer got clever with its TouchDown filling system and upgraded it to have a "snorkel" that dipped in ink and never needed wiping down. Quite the feat of engineering, it was a brilliant and popular solution for people who preferred writing with fountain pens. This is the Sheaffer Sentinel model of that snorkel pen in the less-common color known as "buckskin beige." Our vintage pen has been fully restored with a new ink sac, point seal and O-ring. Aside from a little mark on the barrel and a hint of a dimple left of the pocket clip on the cap, this pen look pretty sharp. You will write a nice medium line with its two-tone 14k gold "Triumph" nib. 14.1cm capped.

We love the over-complexity of Sheaffer Snorkel pens. We replaced the O-ring, point seal and ink sac on this Sheaffer Sovereign fountain pen. We test drove this Rube-Goldberg of filling systems to make sure all was in order. There are no cracks or deep scratches on the cap or barrel. There is a little dimple just left of the pocket clip and a little flat dent on the top of the cap. You will write a firm, fine line with its two-tone, 14k gold nib. Classic mess-free filling in an age where competition against the ballpoints was fierce. A wonderful vintage pen. 14.1cm capped.

New Old Stock Sheaffer Snorkel fountain pens are a rare treat. This Sheaffer Admiral is actually our favorite kind of snorkel. We prefer the open 14k gold nibs as smoother, more responsive nibs than the firmer conical Triumph nibs. We replaced the pen's O-ring, but the point seal and sac performed as good as new with water. There might be a little shop wear on this pen, but there are no significant blemishes. Click the headline for close-ups. 14.2cm capped.

Simultaneously luxurious while also designed for intense daily use. The Sheaffer PFM-IV was the last great pen released while the Sheaffer family still owned the company. Ironically, it wasn't the hit then that it is today. Nevertheless, this vintage pen remains a masterpiece in form and function. Our pen has been fully restored and is ready for more action. Yes, it shows a little light wear and light scratching, but there are no dents or cracks. It is a pretty handsome pen, if we do say so ourselves. You might really love its 14k gold inlaid nib that writes a smooth fine line. 13.6cm capped.