1960s Sheaffer Imperial IV Touchdown Black Resin & Gold Filled Trims 14K Semi-Flex EF Extra Fine Nib Fountain Pen Item ID: SHE-012

Sheaffer Imperial IV Touchdown

Manufacturer/Model: Sheaffer USA/Imperial IV Touchdown
Year of production: 1961
Filling system:  Touchdown Sheaffer Filling System (New sac installed)
Nib: Solid 14K 585 Gold, EF extra fine size with semi flexibility, will write Medium and Broad
Material: Black Resin Plastic and Gold Filled Trimmings 
Length (pen closed): 136mm; posted at 148mm

Condition and information:
The No.IV original Sheaffer's Imperial Touchdown model in shiny black resin. The Sheaffer Imperial pen is probably one of the best looking pens in the world, with a perfect form factor and a stunning nib design. The pen design is based on the PFM "Pen For Men" model, which was phasing out at the time, as it was considered to be a bit bulky and complex. This model was meant to improve the the PFM and streamline the pen. The result was nearly perfect, the Imperial IV series pen came out in 1961. The pen features the so called Touchdown filling system, where the knob extends to a cylinder which fills the inner bladder by creating a vacuum. This is very simple, fun and easy to use filling system. This model was also reincarnated by the new line from Sheaffer called the Imperial Triumph Deluxe made in 1995, it is based on this pen to celebrate its success. The unique part of this pen is the nib, which surprisingly is a semi-flexible. The nib is smooth EF extra fine size, but if pressed gently while writing it will write medium and even broad, thus producing a great line variation. However if the pen is not pressed while writing it will produce a constant sharp extra fine line, clean with no excess ink on the paper. The nib is embedded in the pen's front section, following the form factor, giving the pen amazing look and feel. When writing with such pen, it feels as holding the nib its self, as the pen flows out from the nib. The pen can be considered oversize by today's standards, at almost 137mm it is a big pen. When the cap is posted, due to its weight it gives the pen a great balance and feel in the hand. The cap features a spring clip that can extend to fit any thickness pocket fabric. The pen is in absolute mint condition, perfectly preserved and functional ready to be used. Comes in a original genuine Sheaffer box for two pens.