The Sheaffer Imperial was made in a bewildering variety of versions, all sharing the same distictive shape. This pen is a Sheaffer Imperial II Touchdown, made only in 1961 and 1962, it is one of the first Imperials so identification is relatively straightforward.
Although the pen shows very few, if any, signs of use, new seals have been fitted to the 'Touchdown' filling system as the originals often harden with age. It is efficient and easy to use, filling the pen with one swift downstroke of the plunger.
The 'short Triumph style' conical nib, stamped 'Sheaffer Made in U.S.A.' is made from unhallmarked Palladium Silver and has the characteristic upturned point. This was designed to allow a better contact with the paper over a larger range of angles. It writes with a very smooth fine line. Very little pressure is required so the pen is an 'easy' writer, well suited for extended periods of use. Palladium Silver is essentailly Sterling Silver with about 3% Palladium added to increase hardness.
The 'Navy Blue' surface is unmarked, has a good shine, and carries a clear 'Sheaffer' imprint. The clip is polished chrome and is stamped 'Sheaffer'S'. The last 'S' in the name was dropped from pen imprints in 1963.
The metal cap has no dings or other blemishes, the frosted surface is in good condition and the polished steel rim is clearly defined. The inner cap is designed so that, when it is posted on the end of the pen, the cap rim does not touch the barrel, thus preventing scratching of the surface.
The Sheaffer box is in excellent condition, the shape of the recess is a perfect fit, suggesting thet this is the original box for the pen.
The Sheaffer Imperial ll is a very comfortable and practical vintage fountain pen, it would make an attractive and unusual vintage daily writer.