The design patented “20″ pattern

Proper “20″ nib though 3-25’s and #2 self-filling nibs are often found on these.

The 20 series fits in with Sheaffer’s naming system of the period. Sheaffer usually called a pen by a number, with the notable exceptions of Lifetime, Secretary and the Specials – 46 and 22. This unusual pattern is no different as it is only called the “No. 20″. Not very descriptive but, there it is. This is a patented design which was filed October 10, 1924 (D69,499). The March 1926 flyer from Sheaffer says it came in 10 models with the 1926 catalogue showing 10 with 11 variations listed. There are two sets all of which use a No. 2 nib. The first set is various non banded, nickel trim models with the last five having gold filled bands, clips, levers and rings. The gold filled clip models are the least encountered. Interestingly enough, for such a short run, is a twelfth model not in the catalogue. In maintaining Sheaffer’s numbering scheme this would be a 201SC.

20’s Non-banded nickel trim style

20’s Gold filled trim (second from the top is the 201SC)

So, why use hard rubber after Radites’ introduction (1924) and why new patterns? I’ll throw out two guesses, that Sheaffer either had obligations to purchase more hard rubber stock and wanted to make it interesting to move it or wasn’t sure that Radite would be universally accepted (or stabile, which is seen in the Jade and later DeLuxe models). Maybe it was a little of both or something that has yet come to light. All support for hard rubber in advertising ceases in 1926 which has been suggested as the last date for hard rubber. Sheaffer pens prove over and over that they are produced many years after advertising stops. Actual production, not the mere using up of stock! At any rate, hard rubber pens probably go out of production not much later than 1928. Flat top Radite was well established by this point and the Balance comes out in late 1928 early 1929 (D78,795 – November 21, 1928).