Sheaffer Pen For Men Line

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The Sheaffer Pen for Men (PFM) Line was the successor to the Sheaffer Snorkel, and the final series of pens to carry on the legacy that was the snorkel filling mechanism. This new pen hit the market in 1959, boasting broader, stronger lines, and a new inlaid nib. This new style nib took the place of Triumph nibs, which had been used previously on most Snorkel pens.

The body style represented a radical departure from the previous TM model Snorkels (and from the prevailing design ethic throughout the pen industry), which aimed for a very sleek, slim body. In contrast, this particular pen, as the name implies, was very specifically marketed towards men, and adopted a more "manly" presence. The advertising for the PFM made every feature sound big, brawny and masculine: "New bold styling, with balance and heft. A solid feel and a man-sized grip.... Only inlaid point in the world...built to take man-sized pressure.... New massive capacity is provided by man-sized barrel."

Original pricing for pens ranged between $10.00 USD and $25.00 USD depending on the trim set one opted for. Sets including mechanical pencils were also available at an additional cost. The pens were approximately 5 3/8" long capped, and 5 3/4" posted. Until now, all Sheaffer pens had used screw on caps. The PFM was the first to dispose of that in favor of a simple slip cap. The clip of the cap also had an inner spring mechanism, similar to Snorkel pens, allowing them better gripping ability.

The PFM is avidly collected today, but it was not a notable success at the time. The pen survived for nearly a decade, until 1968, but the model line was significantly pared down after just a few years; only the PFM III and PFM V lasted throughout the pen's lifetime. Increased pressure from cheaper pens, as well as popular adoption of better quality ball points made the PFM no longer a viable product.

While the PFM was not a commercial triumph, its styling inspired the design of a cheaper, slimmer Sheaffer pen that was a resounding success: the Sheaffer Imperial (also known, during its long life, as the Lifetime and as the Triumph Imperial). The family resemblance is strong; novice collectors often mistake Imperials for PFMs, especially when dealing with blurry online auction photos (in person, one is unlikely to confuse the two pens). And Sheaffer revisited the PFM design again with the Legacy, introduced in the 1990s: a successful model that remains in the Sheaffer lineup today (2007).

Contents

[edit] Models

[edit] PFM I (1959-1963)

The PFM I was the only style of PFM that did not include the signature Sheaffer white-dot, which symbolized a higher quality grade of pen. It had a plastic cap and barrel, a plain nickel/chrome plated or stainless steel clip as well as cap band, and a palladium silver (PdAg) inlaid nib.

[edit] PFM II (1959-1963)

The PFM II was a slightly upgraded I, which introduced the white dot to the PFM line. The I and II are virtually identical with a plastic barrel, polished stainless steel clip and cap band, and PdAg nib. However, the II had a frosted stainless steel cap. Otherwise the bodies are essentially the same.

[edit] PFM III (1959-1968)

With the PFM III we see the solid mid-grade pen established. This version used a plastic cap and barrel like the I, but now had a gold filled clip and cap band, as well as an upgraded 14k gold nib.

[edit] PFM IV (1959-1963)

The PFM IV is to the III what the II is to the I. Same gold furniture, but with a stainless steel cap. The IV does feature one additional dressing, a gold-filled plunger cap end plate.

[edit] PFM V (1959-1968)

This time the upgrade was to a gold plated cap, with the same gold filled furniture as the III and IV, and the 14K dressed blind cap of the IV. It also retains the 14K gold point.

[edit] Other Models

[edit] Autograph

This subset of the PFM III was an all black pen with an engraveable solid 14k gold cap band, a trend repeated in several Sheaffer pen lines. These bands would be engraved when sent to the factory with a sample signature, where it could be done by skilled Sheaffer craftsmen. The Autograph also featured the gold-filled end plate of the PFM IV/V. Today the Autograph is among the most sought-after PFM models.

[edit] Demonstrator

This was very similar to the Snorkel Demonstrator in nature, with a clear plastic body dressed with III style trim. They were sample pieces, crafted to allow a salesman to demonstrate how the inner workings of the PFM line worked. These pens were not manufactured for retail sale and generally command a high value due to their scarcity.

[edit] PFM VI/VII

In theory, no examples are known to exist of either of these pens. Nonethless, the pens make an appearance in Fountain Pens and Pencils, The Golden age of Writing Instruments, by George Fischler and Stuart Schneider. A VI would have a gold filled cap and body, a VII would be plastic bodied with 14K furniture and cap.[1]

[edit] PFM Masterpiece

Like the VI/VII, this pen is an enigma. It would be a 9/14/18K gold pen, and one is known to have sold at an auction performed by Cooper Owen of London. That pen was a 9K gold body with a barleycorn pattern overlay and European hallmarks, and sold on June 27, 2003. Even though it also appears in Fountain Pens and Pencils, The Golden age of Writing Instruments, it is possible to assume that it, along with VI/VII pens were one-offs, or sample/custom jobs.[1]

[edit] Colors

In an effort to created a more subdued, and less flashy pen, Sheaffer released relatively few colors for the PFM when compared to other pens. Additionally, no all metal or otherwise dressed up versions of the pen exist as a marketed finish, such as silver, stainless steel, gold-filled or 9K/14K/18K versions. However see notes above on the PFM VI/VII and Masterpiece.

  • Black
  • Blue
  • Burgundy
  • Gray
  • Green

[edit] Rarity

Gray is considered to be the most rare, and was only produced for approximately one year. In order of rarity from most common to least common:

  • Black
  • Burgundy
  • Green
  • Blue
  • Gray

[edit] Nibs

The new inlaid nib featured what Sheaffer termed camiridium tipping material to produce the hard point end of the nib. These nibs, like Triumph nibs, proved to be very strong, stiff nibs that hold up exceptionally well over time. Semi-flexible nibs are occasionally encountered, but they are regarded as uncommon. Several different types of nibs are known to have shipped from the factory. These include:

  • Accountant extra fine
  • Extra fine
  • Fine
  • Reporter fine
  • Medium fine
  • Medium
  • Broad
  • Stub

[edit] See Also

[edit] External Links

[edit] Footnotes

  1. ^ a b Profile: Sheaffer’s PFM. In RichardsPens.com. Retrieved 23:10, September, 10 2007, http://www.richardspens.com/?page=ref_info/pfm_profile.htm
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