1949 Sheaffer Statesman Touchdown Open Two Tone 14K Gold Fine Nib Fountain Pen Amber Section Item ID: SHE-011

Sheaffer Statesman Touchdown

Manufacturer/Model: Sheaffer USA / Statesman Touchdown (Open Nib Model)
Year of production: 1949
Filling system:  Touchdown Sheaffer Filling System
Nib: Solid 14K 585 Two Tone Gold, F fine size
Material: Hard Rubber, gold filled metal parts; Amber color transparent grip section 
Length (pen closed):  134mm, posted 150mm

Condition and information:
This is one of the last open nib Statesman models, made in the late 1940s, prior the discontinuation of the Tuckaway model. This particular pen has gold filled ring and clip, and also features a special see-though amber color grip section. The pen has amazing form factor, something only vintage Shaffer pens offer, way ahead of its time. Sheaffer was one of the most innovative pen companies, broke every rule in the book, and took the fountain pen design and functionalities to another level. The pen features the so called Touchdown filling system, where the tuning knob extends to a cylinder which fills an inner bladder by creating repeating negative pressure, vacuum. This is a very simple, fun and easy to use filling system. This model was also reincarnated by the new line from Sheaffer called the Snorkel introduced in 1952. The nib large, wide, made out of two tone gold, over ebonite feed, with heart shaped breading hole. It smooth F fine size, very pleasant to write it. Very ergonomic grip section fits just right in the hand. The pen is in absolute mint condition, minimal to no signs of use, no dings, scratches or cracks, perfectly preserved and functional ready to be used.