The Sheaffer Triumph Imperial Gold was the top of the range of the very last Imperial style pens, made in the 1990s. This set, comprising a fountain pen and ballpoint is in superb condition and may well be unused.
The barrel and cap are 23Ct. Gold electroplate, engraved with fine longitudinal lines in groups, separated by plain 'panels'. The spring loaded clip carries the Sheaffer 'White Dot' mark of quality with 'Sheaffer' and 'U.S.A' imprinted on the sides. The Gold barrel is overlaid onto a plastic former which allows a flush joint between barrel and cap enhancing the smooth lines of the pen. The 23Ct. Gold plated nib, the 'long arrow' version, is inlaid flush to the section.
The ballpoint pen features the patented Sheaffer 'reminder clip'. Pressing the clip extends the writing point but stops the pen being clipped onto a shirt or jacket pocket, the idea being that, in order to do this the clip top must be pressed, retracting the point. This was intended to prevent ink stains on clothes as the pen was returned to the pocket.
At 13.8 cm. capped and 15 cm. with the cap posted the Imperial Gold is a large, well proportioned and opulent pen pen with a good deal of presence. It uses the very practical and trouble free a cartridge/converter filling system, the original ink converter is fitted to the pen.
As a top of the range model, the Imperial Gold's high selling price meant comparatively low sales, it is now one of the more hard to come by Imperials and is quite collectable. It's also an extremely good looking 'statement' pen.