Sheaffer Crest Opalite Brown Vintage Ballpoint Pen

Description

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Sheaffer Crest Opalite Marine Green Ballpen  c1996-1998

In 1996 Sheaffer introduced the Opalite series in two colors, Opalite Red and Marine Green, which were followed by Golden Brown later that year. The models were produced until the Crest line was discontinued. These are 23 karat gold electroplate capped pens with barrels made from natural cotton based celluloid in marbled patterns. The pen barrels are lightweight, compared to the brass constructed models, and are translucent.

Identification guide and features:

23 karat gold electroplate cap with repeating interrupted four engraved line pattern and celluloid barrel in three colors: Opalite Red (Model 598), Opalite Marine Green (596), or Opalite Golden Brown (597)
23 karat gold electroplated innerspring clip with Sheaffer White Dot inlaid at the top
Triumph conical two tone palladium plated 18 karat gold nib, stamped “SHEAFFER” over “18K” and “750”
Nib grades included extra-fine, fine, medium, and broad
Fountain pen is about 5 5/8 inches long capped and 6 inches posted
Black section
Retail price for the pen was US $235.00, matching roller ball pen was US $165.00, twist action ballpoint was US $130.00, and continuous feed 0.7mm pencil was US $130.00.
Fountain pen and ballpoint set retailed for US $365.00

Celluloid!

Most Crest models have caps and barrels of all brass construction with a variety of lacquer and metal finishes. Of course, many of the models have gold plated caps. In 1996, Sheaffer went in the way-back machine and introduced a celluloid bodied pen, the “Opalite” series, the first real celluloid Sheaffer since the 1940s.