1970s | Lady Sheaffer | 14k gold nib | fountain pen & ballpoint pen set

Vintage Lady Sheaffer 14K Fountain Pen & Ballpoint Set — Black / Gold Fishnet Pattern, Original Case

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Era and identification:

Estimated 1970s Lady Sheaffer pen set by Sheaffer, U.S.A.

The Lady Sheaffer line was first introduced by Sheaffer in 1958 as a fashion-oriented writing instrument series. This set is from the later clipped generation rather than the earliest clipless purse-pen versions.

The fountain pen nib is marked 14K / Made in U.S.A. The case interior is printed Lady Sheaffer.

The set includes:

Fountain pen
Matching ballpoint pen
Original Lady Sheaffer presentation case

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Material:

Black lacquer-style body with gold-tone decorative fishnet / tulle-style pattern.

Gold-tone trim and clips.

The fountain pen has a 14K gold nib, marked on the nib. 14K gold was widely used on higher-grade vintage fountain pens because of its corrosion resistance and firm but refined writing feel.

The case has a teal-blue fabric exterior, gold-tone metal frame, and light satin-style interior lining.

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Design:

Elegant black and gold Lady Sheaffer set with a jewellery-like decorative finish.

The pattern is often described by collectors as fishnet, tulle, or mesh over black, giving the pens a dress accessory character rather than a plain office-pen appearance.

Lady Sheaffer pens were designed with fashion in mind. The line was marketed toward women at a time when many writing instruments were still designed mainly as pocket pens for suits and office wear. The slim form, decorative surface, and presentation-box format make this set feel closer to a small personal accessory or gift item.

This example has clips on both pens, making it more practical than the earliest clipless Lady Sheaffer models while still keeping the elegant fashion-pen identity.

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Function:

The fountain pen uses Sheaffer’s cartridge / converter style filling system.

The companion pen is a matching ballpoint pen.

The fountain pen has not been freshly serviced. Please assume that vintage cleaning, new ink cartridge/converter, ballpoint refill, or adjustment may be needed before regular use.

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Nib:

14K Sheaffer nib, marked 14K / Made in U.S.A.

The nib may be slightly bent or misaligned. Please check the close-up photos carefully.

Because of this, the fountain pen is sold as a vintage collector’s pen set rather than a guaranteed ready-to-write serviced pen. A fountain pen user or repair person may be able to adjust it.

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Size:

Please check the measurement photo for exact size reference.

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Condition and wear:

Used vintage condition with normal signs of age, handling, and storage.

The pen bodies are very attractive overall, with glossy black finish and strong gold decorative pattern. Light surface marks and small signs of use are present.

The fountain pen nib may be slightly bent or misaligned, as noted above.

The original case is included. The case shows age-related wear, rubbing, marks, and storage wear. The satin-style interior lining has creasing and light marks.

A visually beautiful boxed set, but not sold as a perfect or freshly serviced writing instrument.

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History:

Sheaffer is one of the major historic American pen manufacturers, founded in the early 20th century and known for technical innovation, strong design language, and high-quality fountain pens.

The Lady Sheaffer series was introduced in 1958. It was an important departure from the more masculine, office-oriented pen designs of the period. Instead of presenting the pen only as a writing tool, Sheaffer positioned Lady Sheaffer as a stylish personal accessory.

Early Lady Sheaffer pens were often clipless, reflecting the idea that they could be carried in a handbag or purse rather than clipped into a shirt pocket. Later versions, such as this clipped example, became more practical while still keeping the decorative, fashion-led identity of the line.

Sheaffer was also known for its clean integrated nib designs. The inset / inlaid-style nib construction gives the front section a very modern, streamlined appearance and is strongly associated with Sheaffer’s premium mid-century and later design language.

The black and gold fishnet-style finish is one of the more decorative Lady Sheaffer looks. It combines the visual language of jewellery, textile pattern, and vintage writing culture. Boxed matching sets are especially appealing because the fountain pen, companion ballpoint, and original Lady Sheaffer case remain together.

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Important vintage note:

This is a vintage second-hand item with age, use, and history. Age-related wear, imperfections, and colour variation from lighting or screen settings should be expected. These are not grounds for post-purchase discounts or claims. Please purchase only if you are comfortable with the nature of vintage items. If you are looking for a perfect, mint condition item, please avoid this.

26G6