1999 Sheaffer Legacy 2 Model 866 Linear Black Fountain Pen Review

[@kjhendricks55]

Beautiful instrument. I can remember writing with Schaefers and Parker's back in grammar school when we had Penmanship taught by the nuns in Saint Nicholas in Jersey City New Jersey. If I only knew how valuable these pens would become.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Indeed. My first fountain pen was a Sheaffer student pen $1.00

[@gihanzohdy3284]

Doug thank you so much for all the Sheaffer lore. The brand deserves a book on its history. I'm on the lookout for a vintage Legacy with a broad golden nib.

[@ciaranpringle9082]

A brilliant video, Doug. I want a Sheaffer Legacy II immediately.

[@laverneclark8191]

What a history lesson, Professor Doug!

[@Guderina]

Wonderful pen from another era, when Sheaffer use to make really nice pens. I adore my Targa so I understand you crush for this pen. Great review as always. Thank you and stay safe.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Well said! Thanks, Guderina!

[@charlesbrough6185]

Ah! Mr. Know It All! I do so enjoy your inserts. I had my Father’s PFM (in burgundy with matching pencil) for a while. Didn't know what I had and gave it to my eldest son. Boy, I wish I still had it! But I wouldn't take it back for the world.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you so much, @charlesbrough6185!

[@ginopagnani7286]

I agree 100%. I have a Legacy I with a broad nib. It’s like writing on glass.

Beautiful pen, I used to own one, but was lost along with my watches collection, recently I acquired an Imperial, and is the companion of an snorkel, a targa and two other Sheaffers, those past century pens were wonderful. Thanks for your nice and kind videos.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for sharing!

[@andreahandte6662]

I just wanted to let you know that I am very happy you are back, I really enjoy your videos and find them informative and interesting. Also please send a very big thank you to your son, I purchased 3 of his pen buddy products and absolutely love them. Keep up the good work Doug glad to have you back.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you so much!

[@daddycowden]

Excellent review as always Doug. The pen is gorgeous. That nib is so beautiful. I have never seen such a cool pen. I'm glad to see that you are back making videos. Thanks Doug

[@InkquiringMinds]

You and me both!

[@williamcrane1]

Wonderful. The first fountain pen I bought as an adult - I used them in elementary school and junior high - was a Sheaffer Connoisseur. I recall paying $75 back in 1983/84, which was a sale price. I still have the box, unused aerometric converter, and plastic Lifetime Warranty card. The pen is still in my rotation, using Schaefer cartridges which I refill. The 14K nib, albeit not inlaid, is quite beautiful and writes silky smooth. Thanks for another great review, although you’ve caused a bit of pen envy. ,

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yeah! My pen envy of Jack!

[@williamcrane1]

@@InkquiringMinds 👍 So many pens…

[@paulherman5822]

Must be a sign. This is the 4th Legacy I or II review I've seen in about a week. Guess I really need to give into the peer pressure and see about getting one. Thanks for sharing this!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Join the queue, Paul! I'm on the hunt.

[@frankbruno7122]

Hey there Doug. I enjoy your handwriting.. the highlight for me is how the pen writes.. thank you! Frank in Colorado

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks Frank!

[@edwardwiper1323]

Great review Doug infact that great its just made it to the top of my get list.I have been a great collector of sheaffer pens for years but the nearest I've got to the Legacy is a PFM .Will have to pull in the Raines till early next year.I also have the Targa grance with a broad nib & it is divine to write with.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing, Edward!

[@mephitstophilis]

Doug, one minor correction for you. Sheaffer always called the sliding part of the Touchdown filler the Touchdown tube, not rod. And it is a tube that surrounds the sac protector and sac.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Excellent! Thanks for that information.

[@mephitstophilis]

@@InkquiringMinds You're welcome!

[@kevinlandon7578]

Wow! I have always loved the look of Sheaffer's inlaid nibs. My 330 has a similar nib and is a smooth writer. Perhaps you can trade that Metropolitan to Jack for that Legacy2!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Now that would be the trade of the century! I think I will trade his Legacy back for the loan of a MB149 next. :)

[@BEYSeamaster1]

One of my favorite pens ever.

[@johngrubb007]

I have a few 'vintage' (USA made) Sheaffers and all of them are loved. I have some modern Sheaffers too and, actually, they have all proven to be very good pens. I have an original PFM I but it doesn't have a gold nib and it's an extra fine - fine so not as smooth as the mediums but quite usable still.

[@WaskiSquirrel]

This is a great pen. I have one with a shiny finish. Writing with it is a joy!

[@InkquiringMinds]

I'm going to get one of my own now, Jason! You bet!

[@osgabriel20]

We learn history, art, masterpieces, inlaid nibs are an art unique pens. My dad used to write in one of these. Classic classy abs lovely, thanks a lot 👌🏻👍🏻

[@InkquiringMinds]

Well said!

[@13noman1]

I actually have one of these, purchased new (so a fair # of years ago). Oddly, the touchdown fill never worked for me, it was always leaky. Somehow, it never occurred to me to send it to Sheaffer for repair so it sat uninked in storage for years. I finally decided to pull out the touchdown and use it with cartridges only -- voila! No leaks ..and still that fabulous nib. Glad they made it convertible.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Making it convertible certainly changes the air-tightness of the touchdown system.

[@wittwittwer1043]

I have a Sheaffer Heritage and a Sheaffer Legacy. Both have been out of circulation for awhile, but I'm soon going to ink the Heritage; it's a beautiful pen. Your video reminded me.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Sounds great!

[@irvintepper5]

thank for the review and history. I have a PFM and agree that it feels great in the hand.

[@frankbruno7122]

And I'm with Kevin below.. the nuns at St. ANN'S SCHOOL, in Flushing, NYC.. gave me my love of fountain pens. Frank in Colorado

[@josecho24]

It's great to know you're back!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Hey, thanks!

[@jpg5540]

Beautiful! I have a couple gold Targa and wish they were a bit girthier… great about these shorter classic pens is that they are the best posters… waterman expert is another great example.

[@ChrisM-st1pw]

Sheaffers are some of my favourite pens, I have a PFM which is great. I really like the look of this one though.

[@anthonynapolitano3232]

I just got this pen today, 8-15-2022 and the nib is everything you would want in a pen. It is weighted towards the bottom so the whole writing experience is if not the best so close to it. I got it as a pair set with the ballpoint pen for $200. I just inked it with Noodler's Standard Blue and the pen drops down ink as rich as you could imagine. Smooth as silk and I couldn't be happier, 18k gold, a real treasure.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Congratulations! That is a remarkable fountain pen!

[@AdamGoodson]

The vest looks awesome on you Doug!!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Adam! My "photography" jacket.

[@ghostwhowalks5623]

lovely pen! Had the pleasure of writing with them.....a long time ago. Love the girth, feel and shape of this pen......I imagine it comes in Broad as well.....obviously very hard to find now....

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yes they are! I expect finding a broad Legacy II would be a challenge.

[@archivist17]

Absolutely superb! I had a Targa in the 90s, and liked it very much, but this goes waaaaaaaaaaay beyond that.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Indeed it does!

[@jackhernandez4217]

Great review ! Thanks Doug!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you for the loan of such a magnificent writing instrument Jack!

[@dashsunil]

Makes a lovely pair with this ink. Great review as always. 😁

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yes it does!

[@mariatriesart8389]

I SO WANT this pen!!!! Where to find a reputable dealer??? A gold nib and trim for sure!! I bet the price doubled since you did this video. I still havent restored my Targa.

[@InkquiringMinds]

You have to watch eBay and pen auctions. They aren’t made anymore.

[@georgeparapadakis]

You are preaching to the choir! 😉 I don’t have a Legacy, but I fell in love with the Sheaffer inlaid nib on my Imperial IV, which has been my daily writer for several years. Now I own an Imperial I, II, III, IV, VIII and PFM II, III and V, as well as a couple of gold nibbed Targas. I’m sorry I can’t attach a pic for you here because it’s pure nib porn!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Nib porn! I know right? They are just so beautiful. I'm on the hunt for a gold cap, gold nib PFM or Legacy. I'll snag one, I can feel it.

[@georgeparapadakis]

@@InkquiringMinds PFMs are not too hard to come by, but the prices they are going for are quite steep compared to an Imperial or a snorkel. A PFM with a BB nib is an insane writing experience! But find one that has been (reputably) serviced, because they are a faf to do.

[@edreilly6674]

That was fun! Thanks!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sandyl3952]

Great review. Thank you very much!

[@InkquiringMinds]

My pleasure! Thanks, Sandy!

[@jorge23483]

Oh yeah! What a beauty 😍. Sheaffer old pens are just stunning and beautiful. I've been avidly collecting Sheaffer Triumph/tubular and Inlaid nibs like an obsessed since a while ago 😅. The touchdown and Snorkel are my favorite filling systems. I'm looking for a PFM too, it is one of my Sheaffer Grial pens (the other is the Balance Oversize). Maybe you should try a Legacy I, they came with a golden cap resembling the PFM V if am not remember wrong🤔. Thank you for the video Doug. Saludos 👋

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for the tips Jorge! If you are looking for a Balance Oversize, watch the eBay seller "tbickiii". He restores vintage pens and puts up 8-10 pens weekly. I've seen a few Sheaffer Balance Oversize for sale.

[@sathishrao7926]

I have an Imperial and Targa and Yes these Inlaid nibs are the most beautiful nibs ever made ! I’m surprised that Targa (which I guess isn’t the Slimline version) looks slimmer compared to Legacy.. It’s almost as girthy as Imperial. Regarding ‘Pens for Ladies’, Parker made ‘Parker Lady’ which was quite similar to Parker Classic which you’ve reviewed earlier (and I’ve one)..

[@InkquiringMinds]

The Targa is a LOT slimmer than the Legacy. And the slimline Targa even MORE! I love the girth of the Legacy. It is perfect for my hand.

[@brodeyleembruggen9910]

Thankyou 🧡🖋️please do a top five ten or something inset and inlaid fountain pens?

[@gihanzohdy3284]

Doug you're the first to get my great news; I got a Sheaffer Legacy II with a medium nib, found it on eBay, and looks so elegant. What I hoped for was a broad nib but these seem to be dificult to find and when available are immediately pinched. I'm thinking of keeping it based on your excellent video, could I use a Sailor, Pelikan or Iroshizuku ink? It has a touchdown filling system.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Congratulations! The touchdown system has a latex sac so I'd use a gentle ink. Waterman inks in the blue ranges are well-known to be safe with vintage latex sac pens. If you use something else, just clean the pen regularly with distilled water with each fill and don't leave ink sitting in it for more than a week or so and you'll be fine.

[@gihanzohdy3284]

@@InkquiringMinds thank you Doug for responding, I'm delighted and shall abide by these rules.

[@MrCabimero]

Doug, would you happen to know what magic Jack worked on this nib? Figboot has a review on this pen and his, like mine, writes a much thinner line than yours even though we all have mediums. Thanks.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Jack never told me of any work he did on the nib, but since it is Jack, I bet he ground it to his own liking.

[@MrCabimero]

Doug So I took the plunge and bought it! A beautiful pen indeed. Very smooth. But the pen, marked medium seems more like a fine. I put Diamine in it. Can you share contact info for Jack Hernandez? I am hoping he can make it write thicker like yours- (not a fan of fine nibs). Not sure if that is possible. Thanks!

[@MrCabimero]

pS mine is not the linear versioin. I got the copper colored one.

[@InkquiringMinds]

You can reach Jack on Instagram as jackokun

[@MrCabimero]

Doug, not sure you can answer this. I have the opportunity to buy one of these that is unused from old stock. My concern is that the filling system may not function properly due to the age. Do you know if you can swap a sheaffer converter screw type into this pen ?

[@InkquiringMinds]

As I don't own this pen, I can't confirm it, sorry. But I expect not.

[@MrCabimero]

@@InkquiringMinds Thanks for the prompt reply.

[@stephanfeinen3923]

Nice pen (and review). In general: If your pen uses a latex sac or is made of celluloid, you shoud avoid japanese inks (Sailor, Pilot etc.) as a lot of them are very alkaline and neither latex nor celluloid like this. Some safe ink brands for vintage pens are Waterman and Callifolio. If you have an ink that you would like to use with such a pen, you should check that the pH value of that particular ink is 7 or lower.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Stephan. I'm pretty sure I mentioned that in my video and why I specifically used Waterman Mysterious Blue.

[@archimark5060]

Great review of a classic Sheaffer pen. Love the Legacy series....have this pen and it's great! Not familiar with Jack Hernandez. Tried locating him in online search, but no luck Can you provide his website or contact info? Thanks.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Cool, thanks. You can reach Jack on Instagram as jackokun

[@archimark5060]

@@InkquiringMinds Thanks for quick reply and info....althought I'm not a member of Instagram.....oh well....

[@ichirofakename]

1. What a nice pen. You've been on something of a roll. 2. Embarrassing question: what makes a cap "blind"?

[@thorhilda]

2. Yes, it's a confusing dated term. A "blind cap" refers to a hidden knob, a moving part that screws or turns but looks like a fixed part of the pen body. If they were invented today, we would likely can them "stealthy" turning knobs. It's the unsuspecting user that is blind/unaware to its presence and hidden function.

[@mephitstophilis]

Strictly speaking it's one which is either completely hidden, or obfuscated so that it isn't obvious that it's a cap. It originally was used to describe things like the cap that covered the button on original Duofolds and similar, as they didn't have any knurling and weren't obviously any different than the accent at the top of the pen cap. Nowadays it has come to mean anything which unscrews at the base of the pen barrel, whether it's truly a cap that comes off like the Momento Zero, or more accurately a piston knob like on the Touchdown, Snorkel, or Piston fillers.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Alain and mephistophilis have both answered the question. I think the absolute best blind cap belongs to the Lamy 2000. The line disappears like magic.

[@tomshult3044]

Beautiful pen.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I love it, tom. It is a shame it has to go back. I've just filled it for the third time.

[@tomshult3044]

@@InkquiringMinds You will have to get your own!

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@tomshult3044 LOL Yes. I'm hunting!

[@subhadipmaji4987]

From where you bought the pen

[@InkquiringMinds]

It doesn't belong to me. It belongs to Jack Hernandez.

[@subhadipmaji4987]

@@InkquiringMinds can you please ask him from where he bought it

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@subhadipmaji4987 Will do!

[@subhadipmaji4987]

@@InkquiringMinds thank you sir

[@InkquiringMinds]

Jack says he bought it from an area collector here in Calgary a few years ago.

[@davecharvella4854]

Sweet!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Dave!

[@andrewrothman7805]

Wow. I have this exact pen but haven't used it for 25 years. I'll have to pull it out and ink it. I also once owned the sterling silver version. If you are really after a PFM, watch out for brittle plastic on the end of the Pen. They Crack easily. Not the spontaneous disintegration of the Waterman 100 Year pen or the Wahl pens, but still a prevalent issue. The problem with the more stable snorkel pens is, at least for my large hands, they are too narrow. Steal that Legacy II instead.

[@mephitstophilis]

Aw, why disturb it's slumber? Just send it to me! I'll make sure it has a nice, relaxing retirement! 🤣

[@andrewrothman7805]

@@mephitstophilis 🤣🤣🤣

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for the heads-up! I worry about the extra mechanics of the PFM and like the lines of the Legacy II.

[@andrewrothman7805]

@@InkquiringMinds the PFM is much lighter, but to my mind has no real advantages over the Legacy II. BTW, I also have a couple Intrigues that I'm now inspired to try again.

[@nickturner2813]

@@InkquiringMinds Don't worry too much about the PFM's mechanics, Doug, you're not likely to have issues, they're not difficult to deal with. I'm an absolute restoration amateur but have renovated my PFM I, II, III, IV, V and Imperial easily. All parts are available. And I've never come across cracking blind caps unless the screw inside has been overtightened. Get one, you won't regret it.

[@oscarmedina1597]

Damn it. Now I want one. See the damage you’ve caused?

[@InkquiringMinds]

LOL

[@jameshunter-davis5629]

You will be sad to hear the news that I have an Imperial Sovereign, that I legally stole from an estate sale. I haven't used it yet my Targa will get 'jelly'.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Not sad at all James! :)

[@explorerextraordinaire5472]

nnnnniiiiiiiiiiice

[@InkquiringMinds]

You can say that twiiiiiiiiiice!

[@mariatriesart8389]

*Gulp.

[@InkquiringMinds]

LOL!

[@mariatriesart8389]

Can you see a reason to not buy this pen? Is there a better pen I could buy for the money? Please email me Doug. I have a proposition for you. I too would choose a black and Gold, or a Burgundy lacquer with Gold or Rose Gold I have a proposition for you!...I'm getting myself a Christmas Fountain pen, and not necessarily at Christmastime, if you will email me. and you KNOW I love the Schaeffer inlaid gold nibs....

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@mariatriesart8389 Email me your proposition Maria! They are exceedingly difficult to obtain though.

[@mariatriesart8389]

@@InkquiringMinds Exceedingly difficult you say?? It figures! Just when I choose one I want, they are hard to find, time to hit the Facebook groups then!!

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@mariatriesart8389 They stopped making the Legacy II back in the 1990s. The current "version" from Sheaffer is the Legacy Heritage. They will be coming out at Appelboom in 2022 and retail for $450US.