Incorporated in the State of Iowa in 1913, Sheaffer has constantly perfected its art. Skilled craftsmen, trained in the unique Sheaffer tradition, perform up to 300 steps to create pens by hand. Sheaffer inlaid fountain pen nibs are cut out using the most precise processes. The color of each nib holds the secret of its strength and finesse, its unique shimmer created by a special blend of material ranging from alloys to pure gold. Individual nibs are band inspected, burnished and expertly calibrated to ensure perfection. Sheaffer pen bears the distinctive mark of careful, hand-crafted production that you would expect with a prestige brand. Maintaining the Sheaffer tradition ensures that the name stands for innovation, reliability, quality and a lifetime of consistent writing pleasure.