Sheaffer Silver Imperial Touchdown c. 1969-1972

by Jim Mamoulides, June 13, 2019

Sheaffer Silver Imperial Touchdown c. 1969-1972

Impress Someone!

The earliest advertisement found featuring the Sheaffer Silver Imperial Touchdown fountain pen appears in the Honolulu Advertiser on May 20, 1969. Sheaffer’s tagline for this new $25 fountain pen was “Impress Someone” and the advertisement was aimed at the graduation gift market. The Imperial Crown logo that appears centered on the front of the pen’s cap band is prominent in 1969 and 1970 advertisements.

Advertisement from the Honolulu Advertiser, May 20, 1969

Earliest available advertisements in Canada first show the pen in December, 1969. In 1970, advertisements in the US call the new pen part of the “textures” collection. In 1971 Sheaffer starts using the tagline “Expressions by Sheaffer” and begins using “The proud craftsmen” in advertisements to emphasize quality.

Advertisement from the Windsor Star, November 21, 1970

This 5 3/8 inch long pen is a Touchdown filler, which uses a pneumatic plunger system to compress a rubber ink sac. It’s filled by unscrewing the barrel end cap, pulling out the plunger, dipping the nib in ink, and pushing the plunger back in quickly, which compresses the ink sac, filling the pen.

Advertisement from The Courier Journal, November 28, 1971

The sterling silver cap and barrel is cross chased with ebony etching. The look is interesting to compare to the earlier Parker 75 Cisele as the squares are larger and turned 45 degrees.

Advertisement from LIFE magazine, February 26, 1971

The fountain pen sold for $25.00 in 1971, the matching ballpoint and pencil sold for $15.00 each.

Identification guide and features:

• Cap and barrel are sterling silver cross chased with ebony etching
• Gold filled spring loaded clip
• Cap band is stamped STERLING SILVER next to the Imperial Crown symbol next to SHEAFFER U.S.A
• Pull off cap
• 14 karat gold Sheaffer Inlaid nib, stamped SHEAFFER over 14K and ®
• Total nib grades unknown, but fine and medium were offered
• Touchdown filler
• About 5 3/8 inches long capped
• Retail price for the fountain pen was $25.00 in 1971, the matching ballpoint and pencil were $15.00 each

By January 1973 Sheaffer changed the Silver Imperial to a cartridge / converter pen.

Performance:

The Sheaffer Silver Imperial Touchdown we sampled, though well used, still has the high level fit and finish expected on a top end Sheaffer. It operates like any other Sheaffer Touchdown pen, going back to 1949. The sterling silver cap and barrel makes it heavier in the hand than the others, but the extra heft adds to the quality and value impression.

It’s well balanced whether the cap is posted or not, but we are not in favor of posting and accidentally scuffing the finish. It handles well unposted.

The cross cut engraving is deep and tactile and the black fill looks good. The cap is secure when pressed on the and the clip is spring loaded, giving a positive and secure feel in the pocket.

Advertisement from The Los Angeles Times, December 14, 1972

All Touchdown pens are easy to fill: unscrew the cap, pull out the plunger (out of the ink!), dip the nib and section, quickly push in the plunger once, count to ten, remove, and wipe. The little whoosh you hear pushing the plunger in is nice!

These are very reliable pens when serviced and make great daily users.

The Inlaid nib is a firm, wet, smooth and even writer. If you like Touchdown filling pens, and want the look and feel of sterling silver, this is your pen. It has a great vintage look, and yet timeless, and will give lots of great daily use.

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References

Honolulu Advertiser - May 20, 1969, page A-6

LIFE - February 26, 1971, page 48

Sheaffer Catalog (Italy) - January, 1973, page 7, printed in England

The Age - April 26, 1973, page 4

The Courier Journal - November 28, 1971, page 252

The Los Angeles Times - December 14, 1972, page 13

Time - July 13, 1970, page 33