What is the Sentinel Snorkel Fountain Pen from Sheaffer?
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In 1952, Sheaffer presented the Snorkel pen model, which is renowned in the present day for having one of the most complex filling systems ever made. This pen was heavily marketed with its “dunk free” filling and convenience being at the forefront of the campaign. Sheaffer’s early commercials put the emphasis on the filling system, frequently featuring the Sheaffer Sentinel Snorkel Fountain Pen being held out and contrasting it with hummingbirds or straws to demonstrate the point. In the late 1950s, Sheaffer employed celebrities to promote the pen, including Jackie Gleason, Jack Dempsey, and Al Capp.
Sheaffer developed Snorkel fountain pen as a modified and improved version of Touchdown system, which had a thin feeding tube that could both extend and retract from the nib of the pen. This eliminated the need to dip the pen in ink, thus avoiding the mess and hassle. This was done in the 1950s when ballpoint pens were gaining popularity and the fountain pen needed to keep up with the competition.
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Sheaffer was enthusiastic in their advertising, emphasizing the convenience of Snorkel in comparison to other fountain pens. They said, “Since fountain pens were first designed, filling them up has been a troublesome problem. The Sheaffer Snorkel Fountain pen provides the best solution, as only the filling tube needs to come in contact with the ink, and it automatically extends and withdraws when the pen is full, so the point and barrel stay clean and ink free.”
The essential element of the Snorkel fountain pen mechanism is the sac housing assembly. The earliest version is at the top while a later version lies beneath it (enlarged view can be seen upon clicking the picture). The sac is ordinary but is connected to a tough rubber plug that the Snorkel filling tube is inserted into. The plug is fixed, making it quite difficult to replace the sac–particularly when the old sac has to be eliminated from the inside of the metal holding.
There are a number of vendors who offer “functional” Snorkels without having the original sacs or seals replaced. If the point seal has a leak, it might go unnoticed for a period of time, resulting in ink seeping into the pen’s mechanism, causing damage and rust. A defective sac will typically be recognized quickly since it will produce a mess, but it can lead to internal harm. Despite this, the activity of replacing the Snorkel sac makes many keep old sacs that appear “adequate”. We always put in new sacs since a sac that might have appeared fine could have hidden harm.
Tips and tricks for using Sheaffer Sentinel Snorkel Fountain Pen in Sheaffer Pens.
1. Filling the Pen: The Sheaffer Sentinel Snorkel Fountain Pen has a unique filling system. To fill it, unscrew the blind cap at the end of the pen and pull out the snorkel tube. Dip the snorkel tube into the ink bottle and turn the blind cap clockwise. Wait for about 10 seconds to allow the pen to fill, then turn the blind cap counterclockwise to retract the snorkel tube. Wipe the nib clean.
2. Writing with the Pen: To get the best writing experience, hold the pen at a 40-55 degrees angle to the paper. Do not apply too much pressure; let the weight of the pen do the work.
3. Cleaning the Pen: It is recommended to clean your pen every four to six weeks, or whenever changing ink colors. To do this, rinse the nib under lukewarm water until the water runs clear. To clean the snorkel filling system, fill and empty it with water several times until it runs clear.
4. Handling the Pen: Always cap the pen when it’s not in use to prevent the ink from drying out. Also, avoid dropping the pen as it can damage the nib.
5. Replacing the Nib: If the nib becomes damaged or worn out, you can replace it. Simply unscrew the old nib and screw in the new one. Make sure to align the nib correctly with the feed.
6. Choosing the Right Ink: It’s important to use the right ink for your fountain pen. Avoid using India ink or other inks meant for dip pens, as they can clog the feed system.
7. Storage: When not in use for an extended period, flush the pen with water and store it empty to prevent ink from drying inside.
8. Regular Maintenance: Regularly check the nib condition and the ink flow. If you notice any issues, it might be time to clean the pen or replace the nib.
9. Troubleshooting: If ink doesn’t flow properly, try shaking the pen gently. If this doesn’t work, you may need to clean the pen or replace the nib.
10. Enjoy Writing: Last but not least, enjoy the writing experience with your Sheaffer Sentinel Snorkel Fountain Pen! Remember, each pen has its own unique character, so take some time to get to know yours.
Last Updated on January 18, 2025 by ingmin