Fountain Pens with Nib Size: XF

Sheaffer gave birth to a new filling system and design in 1949 with the release of this Sheaffer Triumph pen. Sporting the then-new TouchDown filling system, it relied on a more easily repaired and popular pneumatics. These first-year models are much wider than the 1950 TM (thin models), and they have serial numbers on their conical Triumph nibs. These also were the first injection-mold plastics used on Sheaffer pens. Brown was a short-lived and harder to find color. We restored this pen with a new ink sac and O-ring. You will write a true extra-fine line with its two-tone 14k gold nib. Although it is a needle-point fine, it is very smooth for a firm extra-fine nib. Light surface wear, but no cracks, deep scratches or scuffs. Excellent for display or use. 13.5cm capped.

Ringtop Parker Duofolds are often understated joys. We restored this streamlined model with a new ink sac and pressure bar assembly. Although it is heavily discolored, there are special bits to note about this pen. It has the rare skinny-thick-skinny triple band cap band, though with a bit of brassing. The imprint is faded, but we think it was made in the U.S.A. However, its 14k gold nib was made in Canada. Click the headline for close-ups. You'll write an extra-fine line with the nib, but it does have a little flex in it. Normal writing is a little sharp, but generally smooth. Adding flex gives it feedback. Last, but by no means least. There's a crack in the threads of the barrel. It seems stable for now. The ringtop tassie also has a lot of tarnish and more. 11cm capped.

Diplomat pens are often the forgotten German pen brand, but they can make some really fine quality pens. Elegant and refined with a black and golden trim design, this is a more basic model fountain pen known as the Diplomat Classic. Its nib is a two-tone steel job that writes a firm, mostly smooth extra-fine line a little dryly. It uses standard international cartridges and converters, but it comes with neither. Its cap and barrel have a metal foundation that makes it much more durable than some of Germany's better-known luxury writing instruments. Made in WEST Germany. 14.4cm capped.

Oversized lapis blue Parker Duofolds this nice are difficult to find. Only the half-inch or so starting at the threads of the barrel are truly discolored and dark. You can see a lot of blue on both the cap and barrel...though especially on the cap. NO CRACKS! We restored the pen with a new ink sac. There's some brassing on cap bands and the ball of the clip. The pen has a few scars including a little mark on the cap below and to the left of the clip, and what look like plier marks on the barrel. The barrel is marked "Lucky Curve," but the inkfeed has a "Christmas tree" look without the "Lucky Curve" internal piece. Its 14k gold nib writes a surprisingly smooth, firm extra-fine line. Chocolate hazing on the cap topper and blind cap. 13.9cm capped.

An oversized Sheaffer Balance is a must for most vintage pen collectors. We restored this classic pen with a new ink sac, and we are happy to note just how clear green the ink viewing window is. (Normally, this discolor to an amber.) The white dot on the cap became Sheaffer's logo, but at the time it designated the pen came with a lifetime warranty, for the life of the original owner. The cap and barrel look great. Minimal wear and no cracks. The only real flaw is moderate brassing on the cap ring and clip. You will write a very nice, firm extra fine line with the 14k gold nib that features only a hint of feedback. 14.1cm capped.

For any serious Sheaffer collector, this is a grail pen. The Sheaffer Triumph Masterpiece is made of 14k gold and very rare, only made between 1942 and 1945. These introduced the world to the conical nib that would become standard on later Sheaffer pens. We restored ours with a fresh ink sac, and the rest of the pen looks very good. No cracks. No engravings. Yet, as soft as gold is, the top of the cap is a tiny bit flattened, and there's a small dimple to the left of the pocket clip. There are two short single line impressions above and to the left of the clip. The tail area has a couple small dents around where the cap might have posted. Its two-tone 14k gold nib writes a very firm extra-fine line with a little feedback. A once in a lifetime find. 14cm capped.

Glittering abalone shell sets inlaid into the ebonite cap and barrel of our oversized Sheaffer Balance Lifetime. As much a piece of jewelry as it is a functional daily writer, and we are happily surprised that the abalone isn't heavily discolored. Unfortunately, the cap and barrel have some deep scratches and obvious wear. No cracks and fully restored with a new ink sac. You will find brassing on the pocket clip and cap band. Its two-tone 14k gold nib writes a firm, extra-fine line with a little feedback. Click the headline for close-ups. 13.9cm capped.

How can something so wrong be so right?! One dip of this Sheaffer Lifetime Balance nib in ink and you might think it is the most amazing extra-fine nib with which you've ever written. This nib is very similar to the nib that got us hooked to begin with. Yet, the pen as a few issues. There's hairline crack in the nib sprouting from under the section. The cap and barrel have a little discoloration. Plus, there is an odd texture to the celluloid, as if it has micro pitting and isn't smooth. There's brassing on the cap band and clip. We restored it with a new ink sac, and it is in good working order. No cracks. And, man oh man that nib writes amazingly well. Click the headline for close-ups. 14.4cm capped.