Over the years, besides my pursuit with rather completist bent of the Parker Vacumatic (which itself I suppose, comprises all sorts of mini collections), I collect a nice mix of vintage makes and models. A well honed "mini collection' can blossom into one of those "most comprehensive collections in the world" thingies, which of course make for fun (if emphatic) discussion. I brought to the Philadelphia Pen Show (Jan 2011), what perhaps are the world's most extensive collections of Parker Vacumatic with "Vacumatic cap-band", of Sheaffer Balance with off-catalogue double/triple/fish-scale cap-bands, of Sheaffer orange plastic flat-top, and even of Canadian Sheaffer "Waspi-Balances".
And, yeah, I know... go prove there are no hidden collections out there that top these. I get it.
Still...
I've had interest at length in the Sheaffer sub-brands (2nd tier particularly from the 1930's). One plastic pattern from around 1936 appeals, featuring black spots on pearlescent green or gray background. I cobbled together a rough essay on this pattern a couple years back in honor of finally buying a fairly rare oversized pen in green, and I do like evocative name "Screaming Souls in Purgatory" applied by someone (I fear I've forgotten who) on FPN. The pen does not resemble the painting, and perhaps Daniel's "birdseye" (meant apparently for the maple, not the frozen broccoli) is more descriptive in a nuts and bolts way, but is less evocative than Screaming Souls in Purgatory or for short, "Screamers" for these pens.
I have found some trade catalog pages (iirc) and adverts for these. Slowly I've built a collection, finding catalogued and off-catalogue variants. I have a nice... mini collection. Indeed it is possible (yeah, have me go prove it) that I have the most variants in any individual collection.
I have yet to do formal review of pens and paper to clarify which imprints are found, though I currently believe it is found with VACUUM and WASP VACUUM-FIl markings.
I have enough paper and enough variants that a PENnant article likely will result.
So, I present my collection of Sheaffer WASP Vacuum-Fill "Screaming Souls in Purgatory pens". An overview, then some detailed shots.
These are rough shots, quick flash without light tent. Works for this purpose.
The Collection: 14 Pieces.
Below: Left To RIght (in order as seen above, too) Green Pens
1) Documented Standard Size. Lever Fill, matching ends
2) Undocumented Standard Size. Twist Fill, matching end (on cap)
3) Undocumented Standard Size, Lever Fill, Black Ends (seen in some other color WASPS)
4) Quite Uncommon but Documented Oversize. Lever Fill, Matching ends.
5) Documented Standard size pencil, to match pens.
6) Undocumented long pencil (chrome trim, probably low end item)
7) Desk Pen. Undocumented.
Below: Left To RIght (in order as seen in first pic, too) Gray Pens
1) Desk Pen. Undocumented.
2) Undocumented Standard Size Pencil (similar to baseline pencil, but long ferrule)
3) Undocumented Standard Size, Lever Fill, Black Ends (seen in some other color WASPS)
4) Undocumented Standard Size Pen Twist Fill
5) Documented Standard size pen. Matching ends.
Below
1) Undocumented Desk Base.
2) Non-Sheaffer: an Eagle Pen Company (EPENCO) Screamer with shape quite similar to Sheaffer
(Is there a connection?)
I do own a mint stickered gray Standard pen and have several duplicates of the above pens.
I am in the market for the gray OS, and can offer a green OS in trade.
I also seek the gray desk base.
The advert pages seem to suggest a Slender model. I've not seen the actual pen.
Comments are, of course, invited.
regards
David
