{"product_id":"scarce-1929-sheaffer-jade-green-standard-size-ring-top-balance-fountain-pen-restored","title":"SCARCE 1929 SHEAFFER JADE GREEN STANDARD SIZE RING TOP BALANCE FOUNTAIN PEN RESTORED","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor your consideration, we are pleased to offer for sale this restored circa 1929 Sheaffer Standard Size Balance Ring Top Fountain Pen in Jade Green Celluloid, fitted with a 14K Sheaffer Lifetime Fine nib. This is an unusually difficult Balance variant to find, particularly in such well-preserved Jade celluloid. Thoroughly restored and carefully preserved, this example is now in excellent working and writing condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes this Sheaffer especially interesting to collectors is its Ring Top configuration on the Standard Size Balance. While Ring Top versions are familiar among smaller Sheaffer pens intended for use with a pocket or a chain, a Standard Size Balance fitted with a Ring Top is an uncommon factory configuration. This was a cataloged Sheaffer model available during the period, making it an authentic and particularly desirable variation rather than a later modification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pen is constructed from Sheaffer's distinctive Jade Green celluloid, a material that has become increasingly prized among collectors of early Balance pens. This example displays exceptionally attractive coloration, with the green celluloid remaining remarkably vibrant throughout the cap and barrel. There is only a very minor hint of darkening around the threads, while the remainder of the celluloid presents beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pen has undergone a complete restoration. I ultrasonically cleaned the 14K nib, feed, and section, replaced the original rubber sac with a new silicone sac chosen specifically to help preserve the Jade celluloid. The gold-filled lever, cap band, and 14K gold nib were hand polished, while the cap and barrel were carefully cleaned, buffed, and polished to restore their original depth and brilliance without compromising the character of the vintage celluloid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cap and barrel are in magnificent condition, with no chips, cracks, or repairs. The cap retains its distinctive Sheaffer White Dot, and the gold-filled cap band remains bright with no notable wear. The gold-filled lever is likewise exceptionally clean and displays no significant wear. The barrel carries a clean and fully readable imprint: \"W.A. SHEAFFER PEN CO. FORT MADISON, IOWA U.S.A. PAT'D-PAT. PENDING.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no monograms, engravings, or personalizations on either the cap or barrel. The cap threads securely and precisely to the barrel, as they should.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Standard Size Balance measures approximately 5 3\/4 inches capped, 6 1\/8 inches posted, and weighs approximately 0.60 ounces. Despite its larger proportions, it remains a remarkably comfortable and well-balanced pen in the hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original lever-filling mechanism has been restored and tested with water. The filling system operates properly and fills as it was originally designed. The new sac provides reliable functionality while also offering an appropriate preservation-minded restoration for the Jade celluloid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of this Sheaffer is its Sheaffer Lifetime 14K gold nib, fitted with a Fine point. The tipping measures approximately 0.55mm when measuring with digital calipers. In the writing sample, the nib produces a range of extra fine to fine line, ranging from approximately 0.35 mm to 0.49 mm, depending upon pressure. The sample was produced using the actual pen offered for sale by dipping the nib into Faber-Castell Cobalt Blue ink. The nib writes smoothly, but is a very rigid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinding early Sheaffer Balance pens in Jade Green is rewarding in itself; finding one in Standard Size with the uncommon factory Ring Top configuration is considerably more difficult. Finding such an example with exceptionally attractive Jade coloration, clean gold trim, an original Lifetime nib, and no structural damage makes this a particularly compelling collector's piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI would conservatively grade this Sheaffer Excellent to Excellent+ overall condition. The combination of its scarce Ring Top configuration, Standard Size proportions, beautiful Jade Green celluloid, desirable Lifetime nib, and careful restoration makes this an especially appealing example for the Sheaffer collector.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a fountain pen that deserves to be appreciated not only as a beautifully restored writing instrument, but also as a scarce and historically interesting variation of the early Sheaffer Balance. It is ready to return to service or take its place as a distinctive addition to an advanced vintage fountain pen collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antique Digger","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49244155511092,"sku":null,"price":400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1862\/4123\/files\/1929SheafferJadeRingtopStandardSizeFountainPen1.jpg?v=1786475493","url":"https:\/\/antiquedigger.com\/products\/scarce-1929-sheaffer-jade-green-standard-size-ring-top-balance-fountain-pen-restored","provider":"Antique Digger","version":"1.0","type":"link"}