When hunting Blue Balance, be aware of some of the core condition issues that affect them. On most pens the dark blue panels appear black, a small thing as the color still looks great. I know no one who objects to this. Might not have a choice anyway, as save for pencils, all seem to be somewhat affected. I don't mind it. More concerning is when the light blue background fades, often moving to a darker blue/gray. That hits the eye appeal. One must watch for hairline cap lip cracks. All general grading issues of course remain in play.
The series was made only in slender size, with nib suggesting third tier status (the 3-25 nib later would be replaced in other Balances of this tier with the #3 nib). Unlike most early Balance colors which features three slender sizes- long, short and petiite (extra short), the Blue Balances is found only in long and petite slender sizes. Later in the general Balance run most 3rd tier slender Balances would be offered only in long and short.
I've been accumulating Blue Balances probably 10 years. I'd guess one who goes to several pen shows a year likely could put together the set in a year or so, but I was in no rush so waited for "right pen right price".
All these are pretty clean. The long pen probably has the most discoloration of barrel, although that flaw still is fairly mild, and which in the photo is minimized by the bright flash photography, done outside the usual lightbox.
Here is the challenge for readers: While the collection below is a complete Sheaffer Balance collection in Blue, it is not a complete collection of Sheaffer products in Blue. What other Sheaffers can one find in this color? (I'll ask Daniel to hold back for a bit, as I know he knows and indeed bought one of the remaining items recently)
Small and large images below:
Here is the challenge for readers: While the collection below is a complete Sheaffer Balance collection in Blue, it is not a complete collection of Sheaffer products in Blue. What other Sheaffers can one find in this color? (I'll ask Daniel to hold back for a bit, as I know he knows and indeed bought one of the remaining items recently)
regards
David