{"product_id":"w-a-sheaffer-balance-lifetime-oversized-black-celluloid-with-gold-trim-6-lifetime-14k-gold-nib","title":"W.A. Sheaffer Balance Lifetime Oversized, Black Celluloid with Gold Trim, #6 Lifetime 14k Gold Nib","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e📒 History\/Provenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🧪 QA \u0026amp; Recommendation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExtremely smooth great daily writer with very well regulated ink flow through its ebonite comb feed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTested on Rhodia 80gsm A5 Pad, inked with Pelikan 4001 Brilliant Black.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🔧 Restoration Commentary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHallmark imprints are extremely crisp and clear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePen fully disassembled and cleaned throughly with special care taken to restore clarity of celluloid nitrate grip section for clear ink window transparency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack celluloid nitrate hand polished, and coated with carnauba wax for UV and moisture protection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome microscratches on the clip, with brassing\/plating-loss around the cap band.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNib heat set and tuned for smoothness\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Heron's Mooncake","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45888417202364,"sku":"HM1225051","price":225.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0740\/7435\/7948\/files\/IMG_3269.heic?v=1770892278","url":"https:\/\/heronsmooncake.com\/products\/w-a-sheaffer-balance-lifetime-oversized-black-celluloid-with-gold-trim-6-lifetime-14k-gold-nib","provider":"Herons Mooncake","version":"1.0","type":"link"}