The Sheaffer Imperial 440 was made from 1974 into the early 1980s. This is a fine example in burgundy, one of the rarer Imperial colours.
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 cap is brushed stainless steel with a chromed clip which carries the Sheaffer 'White Dot' mark of quality. This was reserved for pens that retailed above a threshold price.
The pen is a cartridge/converter filler, it is fitted wiith the original ink converter and a new cartridge is included so the pen is ready to write in either configuration.
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 delivers a fine line, perfectly suited for someone with a small 'hand' or for more detailed work.
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.