CIRCA 1953 SHEAFFER SENTINEL SNORKEL BURGUNDY 14K FINE NIB FOUNTAIN PEN RESTORED

For your consideration, we are offering for sale a restored circa 1953 Sheaffer Sentinel Snorkel Fountain Pen with the Burgundy barrel and with its correct two-tone cap and matching two-tone conical 14K gold fine nib. A true hallmark of Sheaffer’s golden era, the Sentinel represents the premium Snorkel configuration, and this example has been professionally restored and is now in excellent operating and writing condition.

The cap and barrel are in magnificent cosmetic condition, showing no chips, cracks, teeth marks, dings, dents, or repairs. There are no monograms or personalizations, enhancing its desirability for collectors. The cap is crisply stamped “SHEAFFER Made in U.S.A.”, while the barrel bears the clear imprint “W.A. SHEAFFER PEN CO. FORT MADISON, IOWA U.S.A. MADE IN U.S.A.” The Burgundy Snorkel was produced from 1953 through 1959. The pen measures approximately 5 1/2 inches capped, 6 1/2 inches posted, and weighs .65 ounces, offering a comfortable, well-balanced feel in hand.

This pen has been fully disassembled, ultrasonically cleaned, carefully inspected, and expertly reassembled. The nib, section, feed, and snorkel tube were ultrasonically cleaned, while the cap, barrel, and blind cap were hand-polished to restore their original luster without compromising the material. A new silicone sac, O-ring, and point seal—all correct reproduction components—have been installed to make the Snorkel fill again.

The two-tone 14K Fine nib (iridium measures .57mm) has been hand polished and delivers a smooth, controlled heavy fine/light medium line, measuring approximately .58 mm to .65 mm when checked with digital calipers. The writing sample shown was created with this exact pen, using Faber-Castell Cobalt Blue ink.

The Touchdown filling system has been completely restored with a new sac, point seal, and o-ring, lightly lubricated with pure silicone for smooth operation, and extensively tested. It produces excellent suction and functions flawlessly, performing perfectly in water-fill tests.

This Sheaffer Sentinel Snorkel is ready to write immediately or equally at home in a discerning Snorkel collection. Overall, I would confidently grade this pen as Excellent to Near Mint condition, both mechanically and cosmetically—a fine, honest example of one of Sheaffer’s most iconic mid-century designs.