W.A. Sheaffer Balance Lifetime Oversized, Black Celluloid with Gold Trim, #6 Lifetime 14k Gold Nib

📒 History/Provenance
The Radius clip, smooth rounded clip without a hump or a clip-ball end, was introduced in 1935 which gives us a production date range to the early 1940's. Additionally, earlier Balance models did not have a transparent ink window in the grip section made from clear celluloid nitrate. Over time transparent celluloid naturally yellows as the fibers oxidize, uncommon to see no crazing in the material. Ink stains have been enzymatically removed, without ammonia/bleach/abrasives to preserve celluloid integrity and thickness. 

In 1924, Sheaffer marketed the "White Dot" on its top of the line pens, and represented an unconditional lifetime guarantee/warranty on the pen. Similarly this marketing extended to the nibs used in said pens with the stamping of "LIFETIME" rather than any other indicators of quality (i.e. purity of the gold alloy used 14k). 

The Oversized Balance is probably one of the more famous vintage pens ever for it's consistent durability and proven track record as an extremely comfortable everyday writer for fast writing and drying even on carbon copy paper. 

🧪 QA & Recommendation
Extremely smooth great daily writer with very well regulated ink flow through its ebonite comb feed.

Tested on Rhodia 80gsm A5 Pad, inked with Pelikan 4001 Brilliant Black.

🔧 Restoration Commentary
Hallmark imprints are extremely crisp and clear.

Pen fully disassembled and cleaned throughly with special care taken to restore clarity of celluloid nitrate grip section for clear ink window transparency.

Black celluloid nitrate hand polished, and coated with carnauba wax for UV and moisture protection.

Some microscratches on the clip, with brassing/plating-loss around the cap band.

Nib heat set and tuned for smoothness