Description
This Sheaffer’s Lifetime Rose Glow fountain pen is a beautiful example of late prewar craftsmanship and cross-border collaboration. The barrel is crisply imprinted “W.A. SHEAFFER PEN CO. / FORT MADISON, IOWA, U.S.A.”, while the two-tone Lifetime nib bears the inscription “MADE IN CANADA,” signifying the partnership between Sheaffer’s American and Canadian manufacturing facilities during the 1930s.
The Rose Glow finish—an iridescent blend of rose, gold, and copper hues—is among the rarest and most sought-after colors produced by Sheaffer, particularly in the Lifetime series. This pen features an upswept Extra Fine nib that, though it may appear slightly bent to the untrained eye, is in fact precisely as it left the Canadian factory. These factory-shaped nibs are admired for their exceptionally smooth, fluid performance and their refined responsiveness, making them favorites among discerning writers and collectors alike.
Though it exhibits light plating wear on the cap band and pocket clip, the overall wear is even and consistent with careful use. The pen is free of cracks or chips and remains in Very Good condition. Fully restored to working order, it retains its original vacuum-filling mechanism, known for its impressive ink capacity—an innovation that placed Sheaffer at the forefront of pen engineering in its day.
Likely dating from the mid to late 1930s—though the clip design hints at an earlier decade—this Rose Glow Lifetime model stands as both a functional writer and a finely preserved artifact of Sheaffer’s golden era. From the personal collection of John Mottishaw, it exemplifies the enduring beauty and performance that have long defined Sheaffer’s legacy.