Product Description
Type Ballpoint pen
Product Name Imperial, possibly some sort of prototype. It strongly resembles the ballpoint from this listing, though it's lacking most of the Sheaffer branding marks. It could also be a 797, which was a gold plated fluted model with wide lines.
Manufacturer and Year Sheaffer, USA -- circa 1970s.
Length 5-1/8"
Filling System Takes Sheaffer-style ballpoint refills. A working refill is installed. The tip extends by pressing the lower half of the clip, and retracts by pressing the upper half. Sheaffer patented this as their "Safeguard" or "Reminder" clip - because the tip would have to retract to clip the pen into your pocket, it protected your shirt from ink stains.
Color Gold colored cap and barrel, possibly electroplated, with wide lengthwise lines. The clip is also gold and there is a white dot on the clip. Unusual engraved lines on the clip and half barrel cartouche are not standard Sheaffer.
Condition Excellent condition. This is a classic ballpoint pen with a finish that's almost glittery. The lined pattern is very sharp and reflects light nicely in hand. Under magnification, we see tiny little marks and microscratching. The clip has some brassing on the open end, and some faint cross-scratches about halfway down. The white dot looks perfect. The mechanism works great.
