Filling Mechanism: TouchDown

In 1949, Sheaffer rolled out a whole new filling system called the TouchDown filler. We don't know the name of this model, but we know it is the Sheaffer TouchDown first year because that was the only year they made a wide-bodied version of this pen. We restored this handsome devil with a new ink sac and O-ring. No cracks mar this pen, but it shows some moderate wear from use. You'll find its two-tone 14k gold nib writes an extra-extra fine line. In fact, we are pretty sure Sheaffer would have called this an accounting nib! Those were their finest-point nibs. It is surprisingly smooth for something that pointy. 13.3cm capped.

First-year Sheaffer TouchDown pens are difficult to find, but first-year Sheaffer Autograph TouchDowns are really rare. Made in 1949, these first-year pens had a much wider body than the 1950s' "Thin Model" pens. What makes the Autograph pen especially unique is its solid 14k gold pocket clip and solid 14k gold wide cap band. Our cap band reads "EAD to HFS." At least we think the "F" is an "F." It is a unique cursive script that we haven't seen in decades. We restored this pen with a new ink sac and O-ring. The pen has a little rust stain under the clip and normal wear from use. You will write an extra-fine line with its two-tone 14k gold nib with a little feedback. Click the headline for close-ups. 13.5cm capped.

We think this was an early version of the Sheaffer Student Pens that would be better known as cartridge fillers in the 1960s-'80s. This one sports a TouchDown filler that was first introduced in 1949. We restored this 1960s' pen with a new ink sac and O-ring. You will write a medium line with its slightly scratchy steel nib. Click the headline for close-ups. Overall, the pen is in decent cosmetic condition. Only the top of the nib looks scratched up. 13cm capped.

Our parade of Sheaffer Imperial II fountain pens continues with this vintage pen. Click the headline for close-ups. It is a nice grey model, but you can see a scar on its section. You'll also see the top of its nib tipping area is a bit chewed up. You will find the nib writes a smooth medium line at a low angle of attack. However, the more vertically you hold the pen, the finer and scratchier the nib gets. We restored the pen with a new ink sac and O-ring. 13.6cm capped.

Who says teens shouldn't have a good pen for school? The Sheaffer Cadet was aimed at the beginners fountain pen market. With a great TouchDown filler, this is a more sophisticated way to ink up a basic pen. We replaced the ink sac and O-ring. You will write a very smooth fine line with its steel F1 nib. Overall, the pen looks pretty good. There is a little wear. Worst of all is some chrome plating missing from the cap band. Click the headline for close-ups. 13.3cm capped.

Sheaffer Cadet? Sheaffer Admiral? We never fully grasped the naming conventions for the Sheaffer TouchDown pens before they switched to Snorkels. Yet, a rose by any other name...we can still restore. We replaced the ink sac and O-ring in this vintage pen, and now it works great. You will write a dry extra-fine line with its two-tone, 14k gold Feather Touch nib. The pen looks great on a passing glance. Yet a close inspection will show it has many scratches and a little discoloration. No cracks. No brassing. Click the headline for close-ups. 12.9cm capped.