3 replies to this topic

[RickB]

I own a few Sheaffer Balances of the plunger filling variety, so I picked this up recently.  However I'd like some help with the final identifcation.

 

- I think this could be a Crest Deluxe based on the cap line pattern

- body imprint is U.S.A.

- nib imprint is Canada

- due to the lack of a snorkel hole I'm thinking this is a Touchdown but the filler appears to of the more conventional plunger variety

- no idea whether this is TM or not as I've nothing to compare it with

 

[matt]

Vac-fil Sentinel made with of the post-celluloid-era Forticel injection molded plastic.  These have a polished, lined cap instead of the brushed stainless cap found on the celluloid pens.  Pre-Touchdown, circa '48-'49.

[RickB]

Matt, thanks for the education - that sure seems to be it.  So is the differentiator between the Sentinel and the Crest the cap metal (gold vs silver)?

 

As for the Forticel plastic, any advice or cautions?  I'd like to do some low grade cleanup (there is a bit of some kind of glue that I was going to try and soak off with water), but now I'm a little leery after reading a few things about it.

[matt]

If you are removing dried adhesive from a sticker, try naphtha/lighter fluid/Coleman fuel.