The Sheaffer Imperial I was not known as an Imperial when it was launched in 1961, the name appeared with the next model, this is the first of the line. The pen was only made in 1961 and 1962, a very short production run. It was offered as a Touchdown and a cartridge filler, this pen is the Touchdown model.
The pen is finished in mid Grey with Gold filled trim and is in superb condition throughout, it has a showroom finish and pristine Gold filled trim. The cap, a push fit, carries a clip with the name 'Sheaffer'S' stamped longitudinally. The last 'S' in the name was dropped by Sheaffer in 1964 so any pen with the 'Sheaffer'S' logo predates 1964.
Most pens have a steel clutch ring with a Gold plated nib but this model has A golld filled clutch ring and a solid unmarked 14Ct. Gold, nib. It is an excellent 'easy' writer, laying down a very smooth, firm,fine line, ideally suited for a small 'hand' or for more detailed work.
The Mk 1. Touchdown is the only Imperial to feature a colour coded plastic plunger with a short stroke and no sac protector, allowing for a wider bulb type ink sac. The system has been overhauled, it is quick and easy to use and works well.
Sheaffer Imperials come in a huge range of finishes with different nib styles and materials. This pen is the first Imperial, it must have had a promising, if short, production run as the company invested heavily in rushing new variants to the market.
In mint condition, this is an uncommon, attractive, and very practical pen that has stood the test of time, it would make an excellent every day writer.