The Sheaffer Imperial Sovereign cartridge/converter filler was introduced in 1973 and phased out as the Sheaffer Targa range was launched in 1976. This is a relatively short production run, always a good thing for collectors.
The deep cut diamond surface reflects the light in an interesting manner, the individual facets catching the light at different angles giving subtly changing colours. The enamel in the grooves on the cap have survived better than on the barel giving it a sligtly darker apperance and this is reflected in the price. Nevertheless, it is a jewel of a pen that sat at the top of the Imperial range at the time.
The 'inlaid diamond' nib is 14 Ct. Gold and is the original 'long' design, it was shortened in most of the later Imperials. It writes with a smooth line, a little on the fine side of medium.
The pen is a cartridge/converter filler. I fitted a new cartridge to test the pen after servicing, this will be left in the pen unless it is to be shipped overseas, and a spare cartridge will be included.
The Sovereign is a very tactile item, it has a solid, chunky feel and it is difficult to resist the temptation to turn it in the hand to see the remarkable effects of the light reflecting on the diamonds. It is a very collectable pen.