Sheaffer Agio Compact 2004

Sheaffer Agio Compact 2004
by Jim Mamoulides, November 30, 2004

Return Of The Tucky

Sheaffer made tiny, pocket size pens almost from the company's inception. The first of these was a ladies ring cap pen, introduced in 1914, the year after the company was incorporated. Sheaffer kept a ringtop pen in the product line into the 1930s in a variety of finishes. These included plain and chased hard rubber models, and metal overlay pens with sterling silver, solid gold, and gold filled machine and hand engraved overlays. There was also a unique Cloisonné enameled pen called the Penvelope, made from 1928 to 1930, a very collectible pen. Sheaffer finished up their ringtop pens with short, bullet shaped plastic models in the Balance line.

After the Balance pen was introduced in 1929, Sheaffer introduced a tiny vest pocket sized Balance, a stubby version of the famous pen. These pens were produced until about 1934. These little pens are often overlooked by collectors, and they are not easily found in the wild. Probably the most interesting and collectible vest pocket sized Balance is in the blue and black marble plastic.

Sheaffer Tuckaway Touchdown c1949 (Top)
Sheaffer Agio Compact Brushed Chrome Fountain Pen 2004 (Bottom)

The most famous of the diminutive Sheaffer pens has to be the Tuckaway, a Sheaffer original, that first appeared in 1940. This tiny metal overlay pen was clipless and the barrel end was threaded so the cap could be securely posted when writing. A little metal bullet, the pen was marketed as a pen for men or women who wanted a small pen that could be easily "tucked away" in a pocket or hand bag.

The Tuckaway pen that most collectors are familiar with first appeared in 1942 along with the introduction of the Sheaffer Triumph nib. The cone shaped Triumph nib was certainly a response to the the Parker 51's bullet nose, but it introduced a nib style that would become synonymous with Sheaffer for the next twenty years on several subsequent models. The 1942 Tuckaway was the first model equipped with the little shorty clip that distinguishes the pen from any other made, a unique feature making it immediately recognizable even to novice collectors.

Sheaffer Compact Cartridge Pen c1961 (Left)
Sheaffer Agio Compact Black Laque G/T Fountain Pen 2004 (Right)

Sheaffer dabbled again with stubby pens with the introduction of the Compact Cartridge pens of 1960-1962, a kind of "pocket Imperial" that also has an ardent following. This cartridge-only pen was very short closed, but actually opened up to full size when the cap was posted on the end of the barrel. A neat trick for such a small pen. Like the Tuckaway of a generation earlier, the Compact Cartridge pen came with a short clip, though it is bar shaped as on the Imperial and the PFM.

It Was Forty Years Ago Today

It would be many, many years before Sheaffer introduced another vest pocket sized pen. In fact, it would take over forty years. In 2004, Sheaffer introduced the stubby Agio Compact ballpoint, a truncated version of the slender, but full length Agio pen. Agio, which in Italian means leisure or comfort, is an apt name for this little pocket sized pen. Unlike the regular Agio twist ballpoint, the Compact is a capped pen, more in design harmony with the full-size Agio rollerball. The Agio Compact became an immediate best seller, finding a niche that had lain dormant for so long. The Agio Compact may be small, but the design allows the little pen to use a full-size Sheaffer K ballpoint refill.

Sheaffer Agio Compact Rainbow Ballpoint Pen 2004

Sheaffer released the Agio Compact ballpoint pen initially in three finishes: Angle Brushed 22K Gold Plate, Black Laqué, and Brushed Chrome Plate, all with 22 karat gold plate trim. As Sheaffer introduced the new Rainbow and Chameleon finishes to the Agio and Prelude lines, the Agio Compact also featured these finishes. The Rainbow Series is a special PVD four color finish that looks like a burst of colorful clouds across a mirrored finish. No two Rainbow pens are alike. The Chameleon Series pens feature a special matte coating that changes color as the pen turns in light. Five finishes were introduced: Partially Purple, Cranberry Royale, Beyond Blue, Bronzed Gold, and Lightning Green, each featuring 22 karat gold plate trim.

In the summer of 2004, Sheaffer followed the Agio Compact ballpoint with the Prelude Compact, a truncated Prelude, unique not only because of it's short stature, but also by being the first Prelude to have a plastic barrel. Sheaffer's designer followed the same thinking as the Agio Compact ballpoint in allowing it to also use a full size Sheaffer K ballpoint refill.

Finally, A Compact Fountain Pen!

Then, in the fall of 2004, Sheaffer introduced its first shorty fountain pen in over 40 years: the Agio Compact fountain pen. The fountain pen is the same length as the Agio Compact ballpoint, which means there is no room inside for a converter. The barrel is literally only long enough for a standard Sheaffer Skrip cartridge. In this way, the Agio Compact fountain pen follows the same thinking as the Compact Cartridge pen, only without the ink view windows in the barrel. The barrel may look cylindrical at first, but it actually has a graceful taper that allows for easy posting of the cap.

Sheaffer Agio Compact Fountain Pen Dealer Sheet 2004 - Front

All of the Agio Compact fountain pen models feature 22 karat gold plate trim, including the new and distinctive Agio flexible clip. The clip carries the Sheaffer White Dot at the top and the Sheaffer name vertically down the tip. The Agio Compact fountain pen also gets the unique, contoured textured resin grip section from the Agio, a rubbery feeling section with a vent or scalloped pattern cut into the underside.

Sheaffer is positioning the Agio Compact pens in the low price corner of the fine pen market, great placement for a pen that will likely be a gift item. The dealer sheet emphasizes "comfort, convenience, and style at an affordable price," and "practical and portable yet elegant," language that follows the larger Agio's fashion and gift pen focus. It's also described as "an ideal gift for professionals who seek a smooth and slim profile accessory that is easy to store most anywhere," which would also suggest some masculine applications.

Sheaffer Agio Compact Fountain Pen Dealer Sheet 2004 - Back

Why are these little pens popular? Size matters. When space is at a premium, a small pen is the right answer. It may be a clutch purse or a Palm Pilot case. It may be a vest pocket or a hip pocket. While everything else in the pen world seems to be growing as large as tree trunks, there is a place for these little pens. Besides, they're cute!

Angle Brushed 22K Gold Plate

Sheaffer Agio Compact Angle Brushed 22K Gold Plate Fountain Pen 2004

The Angle Brushed 22K Gold Plate is the top end model in the line, with every metal surface draped in 22 karat gold plate. The brushed finish mutes the brilliant tone of the gold and gives the pen a positive tactile feeling that extends to the textured grip section. The finish is also more fingerprint and scuff resistant than a highly polished surface would be, giving the fancy pen a more utilitarian purpose.

Identification guide and features:

Brass base cap and barrel in brushed 22 karat gold plate finish - Model 9001
22 karat gold plated clip stamped "SHEAFFER" vertically down the tip
22 karat gold plated trim
Gold plated stainless steel nib
Nib only offered in medium grade
About 4 1/8 inches long capped and 5 inches posted
Uses only standard Sheaffer Skrip cartridges - no converter
Three year guarantee
Retail price for the fountain pen is US $60.00, matching capped ballpoint pen is US $40.00
Packaged in Sheaffer leatherette gift box
Sheaffer Limited Three Year Warranty

Black Laqué G/T

Sheaffer Agio Compact Black Laqué G/T Fountain Pen 2004

The Black Laqué G/T is the formal, black tie model, with its highly polished and glossy black laque finish offset by bright and shiny 22 karat gold plate trim. This Agio Compact fountain pen fits in well in business and formal settings where a dressy look is best. Picture this pen in vest pocket or a Coach clutch.

Identification guide and features:

Brass base cap and barrel in black laque finish - Model 9002
22 karat gold plated clip stamped "SHEAFFER" vertically down the tip
22 karat gold plated trim
Gold plated stainless steel nib
Nib only offered in medium grade
About 4 1/8 inches long capped and 5 inches posted
Uses only standard Sheaffer Skrip cartridges - no converter
Three year guarantee
Retail price for the fountain pen is US $50.00, matching capped ballpoint pen is US $30.00
Packaged in Sheaffer leatherette gift box
Sheaffer Limited Three Year Warranty

Brushed Chrome Plate G/T

Sheaffer Agio Compact Brushed Chrome G/T Fountain Pen 2004

The Angle Brushed Chrome Plate G/T model fits in where rugged everyday use is in order. The brushed chrome finish resists fingerprints and scuffs, and is accented with bright 22 karat gold plate trim.

Identification guide and features:

Brass base cap and barrel in brushed chrome finish - Model 9003
22 karat gold plated clip stamped "SHEAFFER" vertically down the tip
22 karat gold plated trim
Gold plated stainless steel nib
Nib only offered in medium grade
About 4 1/8 inches long capped and 5 inches posted
Uses only standard Sheaffer Skrip cartridges - no converter
Three year guarantee
Retail price for the fountain pen is US $50.00, matching capped ballpoint pen is US $30.00
Packaged in Sheaffer leatherette gift box
Sheaffer Limited Three Year Warranty

Performance

When the Agio Compact ballpoint pen first came out, my reaction was "Great! Cool! Where's the fountain pen?" Not too long afterward, Sheaffer announced the Prelude Compact, again, a tiny pen in a neat package, and again, a really neat pen, but no nib.

I finally got my first look at the Agio Compact fountain pen in October and it was exactly what I expected after seeing the ballpoint. Sheaffer's designer shortened and tapered the barrel of the full sized Agio fountain pen and kept the soft touch section. It's not simply a truncated Agio. It's designed to be a compact pen, with the ability to easily post the cap. This is good thinking about how the pen will be used, because at only 3 3/8 inches uncapped, it's really too small for adult hands to manage.

Sheaffer Agio Barely Black Fountain Pen (Top)
Sheaffer Agio Compact Black Laque G/T Fountain Pen 2004

The Agio Compact is a small package, indeed. Capped, it's a mere 4 1/8 inches long, and only 5 inches posted, but sturdy for its size, with full brass construction. The cap snaps securely onto the section and sits snugly on the barrel end when posted. The best writing is going to be with the cap posted, given the short size of the pen. Take care posting the cap, as the design is prone to scuffing the barrel finish.

The cap and barrel are the same length, giving the pen an amusing top heavy look, with the long narrow Agio clip and evenly cylindrical shape of the cap on top and the gracefully feminine tapered barrel on the bottom. It's cute in a stubby way. The size and shape invites a closer look. It's hard to resist picking up the little pen.

The fit and finish of all three pens is excellent. Everything fits together seamlessly and the finishes are excellent. I do hope that Sheaffer explores other finishes available not only on the Agio, but also on the Prelude line. This pen would look good in the palladium and copper finishes, as well as some of the Agio fashion colors. Some of the marbled laque finishes would work well, too. Although the majority of the full size Agio finishes are aimed at the fashion market, I think Sheaffer would do well marketing some distinctly masculine styles on the Agio Compact.

The Agio clip has a good amount of flex for a fixed clip, and will fit onto fairly think material. It should stay put not only in pockets, but also clipped inside bags and briefcase loops. The short design gives an unusual feeling to those used to longer pens, and the top mounted clip makes the pen ride as deeply as it can.

The Agio is a good writer and since the nib section is lifted straight from it, the Agio Compact is exactly the same. Sheaffer is only shipping these pens with a firm medium nib. It writes a smooth, even, and nicely wet line, starting reliably every time. The size of this pen leads me to think of it as a quick note taker, so a medium would fit that bill, but if you really want a fine nib, the Agio fine will swap onto the Agio Compact. The only choice for refills in this small package is Sheaffer Skrip cartridges, which drop right into the barrel and work very well, and there are eleven color choices. I really didn't miss having a converter, except that it would make the pen easier to flush when changing ink colors.

The new Agio Compact is a great new line for Sheaffer. It addresses the need for a small, dressy pocket size pen in both ballpoint and fountain pen modes. The Agio Compact is well made and attractively priced, especially for the gift market. It has the right style and its size is gives it visual interest. With the addition of a broader selection of finishes aimed both at the fashion and men's accessory markets, this pen should do well for Sheaffer. I can picture this pen stepping out from the pen store, and finding a welcome home at the department store accessory counter and gift shops. Sheaffer could position this as the entry level pen to bring in new customers.

Acknowledgement

Comments on this article may be sent to the author, Jim Mamoulides
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