The Sheaffer Imperial 440 was made in the late 1960s to early 1970s. This is a near mint example in grey, one of the rarer Imperial colours.
The pen is a cartridge/converter filler, it is fitted with the original Sheaffer converter and will accept modern Sheaffer cartridges.
The nib is a steel inlaid short diamond design, sometimes referred to as a 'V' nib. It is clearly stamped:
'Sheaffer. U.S.A.'
It is a really great writer, delivering a super smooth, broad line, perfectly suited for someone with a large bold 'hand'. It is one of those nibs that make you want to write with a flourish!
The cap is brushed stainless steel with a chromed sprung clip which carries the Sheaffer 'White Dot' mark of quality. This was reserved for pens that retailed above a threshold price.
The pen body is pristine, it has an excellent surface with a good shine and a clear imprint. Some of the photos make the pen look a little darker than it is in the flesh, the first picture with the pen in the box gives a better idea of the colour.
I have provided a new, high quality presentation box for the pen, it will serve well for transportation, protection, and display.
At 13 cm. capped and 14.5 cm. posted for use, the 440 is a full sized pen with a high quality look and feel. In this colour, it is one of the less common of the Imperial style pens and is becoming quite collectable.