Sheaffer Targa
1976-1999 · Cartridge/Converter
Introduced in 1976, the Sheaffer Targa combined a clean cylindrical body with Sheaffer’s famous inlaid nib. Produced in Classic and later Slim sizes, it became one of the brand’s most varied lines, from simple stainless steel to lacquer, sterling silver and solid gold.
0
Archived Pens
137
Known Variants
Key Facts
The Sheaffer Targa was produced from 1976 to 1999. The narrower Slim version was added in 1982.
The Targa developed into one of Sheaffer’s largest modern fountain-pen ranges.
Name: The model was originally planned as Genesis, but the name was changed before release. Targa was inspired by the Targa Florio road race in Sicily.
Design: The Targa has a straight cylindrical body, flat ends and a push-on cap. The basic shape changed little during production, while finishes, trim and construction details evolved.
Inlaid nib: The Targa uses Sheaffer’s distinctive inlaid nib. It received its own longer nib unit rather than using the earlier Imperial or PFM design.
Nib materials: Targa fountain pens are known with stainless-steel and 14K gold. 18K gold nibs on high-end models and 23K gold-plated steel nib units also exist. The material usually depended on the finish and model.
Filling system: Classic fountain pens use standard Sheaffer cartridges and converters. Slim pens use their own narrower cartridges and converters.
Classic and Slim: The original Targa was the full-size Classic. The narrower Slim fountain pen followed in 1982. The two sizes look similar but use different barrels, sections, nib units and filling parts.
Finish range: The Targa was made in a very wide range of finishes, including stainless steel, chrome, brass, matte coatings, gold and silver plate, sterling silver, lacquer, palladium plate, wood and solid gold.
Masterpiece models: The most luxurious Targas included the solid 18K gold Masterpiece models. Vannerie appeared first, followed by Milleraies.
Jewellery versions: Some Targas were offered with jewellery clips using diamonds or coloured stones. Other luxury versions used decorative stones in the cap top.
Construction changes: The same finish or model number can sometimes be found in different versions. Changes may include barrel ends, cap tops, trim, surface treatment and other small details.
Model numbers: Sheaffer model numbers are useful, but they do not identify every Targa. Some variants have no confirmed number, some numbers were reused, and different versions may share the same basic reference.
Regional production: Targa production and finishing involved several countries, especially the United States and United Kingdom. Some unusual versions are also connected with other markets.
Special production: The Targa range includes retailer exclusives, limited editions, jewellery versions, gift-set models and other pens made outside the regular range.
Prototypes and undocumented variants: Some surviving Targas have colours, finishes or trim combinations that have not been confirmed in regular catalogues. Some may be prototypes or production trials, while others remain uncertain.
Related instruments: The Targa family also included matching ballpoint pens, pencils and rollerballs. Not every fountain-pen finish was available in every other writing instrument.
Timeline
1996
First release
c1978
Lacquer Finishes
c1981
Masterpiece
c1982
Slim pen Introduced
c1988
Special Releases
1999
End of Production
Known Variants
Explore all known variants of
Sheaffer Targa .
137
variants
0
in archive
Icon Guide
Sheaffer by Targa - Classic
1976-1999
93
676 - Feather
675 - Regency Stripe
682 - Medici Line
683 - Medici Diamond
684 - Medici Crosshatch
1000 - Bright Chrome CT
1000X - Bright Chrome GT
x - Gold Plated Clip and standart nib for this version. This version uses a stainless-steel inlaid nib.
1000XG - Bright Chrome GT
xg - Gold Plated Clip and 14ct Gold Nib
1001 - Brushed Chrome CT v2
1001 - Brushed Stainless Steel CT v1
1001X - Brushed Chrome GT v2
X - Gold Plated Clip and standart nib for this version. This version uses a stainless-steel inlaid nib.
1001X - Brushed Stainless Steel GT
X - Gold Plated Clip and standart nib for this version. This version uses a stainless-steel inlaid nib.
1001XG - Brushed Stainless Steel GT v1
XG - Gold Plated Clip and Trim - 14k gold inlaid nib.
1002 - Matte Black CT v1
v1 is identified by a matching black cap top.
1002 - Matte Black CT v2
v2 is identified by a chrome-plated cap top.
1003 - Matte Black GT v1
v1 is identified by a matching black cap top.
1003 - Matte Black GT v2
v2 is identified by a gold-plated cap top.
1004 - Sterling Silver Fine Lines CT
1004X - Sterling Silver Fine Lines GT
X - Gold Plated Clip and standart nib for this version. This version uses a 14k gold inlaid nib.
1005 - Gold Fluted
1006 - Sterling Silver Chequered CT
1006X - Sterling Silver Chequered GT
X - Gold Plated Clip and standart nib for this version. This version uses a 14k gold inlaid nib.
1007 - Gold Chequered
1007 - Gold Geometric
1008 - Silver Barleycorn CT
1008X - Silver Barleycorn Full GT
X - Gold Plated Clip and Trim - standart nib for this version. This version uses a 14k golg inlaid nib.
1008X - Silver Barleycorn GT
X - Gold Plated Clip and standart nib for this version. This version uses a 14k gold inlaid nib.
1009 - Gold Barleycorn
1011 - Gold Diamond Squares
1012 - Silver Spiral
1013 - Gold Spiral
1014 - Gold Foxhead
Regarding to Andreas Lambrou - about 500 pcs made only.
1020 - Imperial Brass
1021 - Imperial Red
1022 - Black Laque
1022 - Black Laque - Dia
Known with an eleven-diamond clip; the jewelled clip was an optional configuration rather than a separate numbered model.
1024 - Sterling Silver Fluted
This version had a sterling-silver clip and the standard chrome plated clip versions.
1024X - Sterling Silver Fluted GT
X - Gold Plated Clip and standart nib for this version. This version uses a 14k gold inlaid nib.
1024X - Sterling Silver Fluted GT v1
X - Gold Plated Clip and Trim - standart nib for this version. This version uses a 14k gold inlaid nib.
1024X - Sterling Silver Fluted GT v2
X - Gold Plated Clip and Trim - standart nib for this version. This version uses a 14k gold inlaid nib. v2 - GT - ring on the bottom of the barrel
1024XG - White Gold Chequered GT
White-gold plated, not solid white gold. XG - Gold Plated Clip and 14k gold inlaid nib.
1026 - Sterling Silver Barleycorn
1026X - Sterling Silver Barleycorn GT
X - Gold Plated Clip and standart nib for this version. This version uses a 14k gold inlaid nib.
1027 - Ivory Laque
1028 - Bordeaux Laque
1028 - Grey Marble Laque
1029 - Hermès Blue
1030 - Thuya Laque
1032 - Tortoiseshell Laque
1034 - Red Ronce Laque
1035 - Amber Ronce Laque
1036 - Blue Ronce Laque
1038 - Green Ronce Laque
1040 - Prestige Grey Marble
1041 - Prestige Blue
1043 - Prestige Burgundy
1044 - Golden Filigree
1046 - Silver Filigree CT
The silver-coloured finish is decorative and does not indicate a solid-silver body.
1050 - Palissandre de Rio
Wood-clad construction; the exact wood species is not established.
1054 - Matte Blue v1
v1 is identified by a matching blue cap top.
1055 - Matte Grey v1-x
v1-x is identified by a gold-plated cap top.
1057 - Blue Gloss
1058 - Burgundy Gloss
1059 - Green Gloss
1062 - Matte Burgundy GT
1064 - Red Ronce - Dia
The original clip is set with diamonds and rubies.
1065 - Gold Fluted - Opal
The opal-set cap top identifies this Jewellery Collection version.
1066 - Blue Ronce - Dia
The original clip is set with diamonds and sapphires.
1067 - Harrods Emerald Guilloché
Identified by its emerald guilloché lacquer and wide gold-plated cap band. Tegarding to Andreas Lambrou - special edition , 60 pcs only. made for Harrods of Knightsbribge.
1067 - Metallic Gunmetal
1068 - Metallic Copper
1080 - Cobalt Blue Ronce Laque
1081 - Malachite Ronce Laque
1082 - Garnet Ronce Laque
1083 - Black Spiral v1
This version has a wide gold-plated centre band; a narrow-band version also exists.
1083 - Black Spiral v2
This version has a narrow gold-plated centre band; a wide-band version also exists.
1083 - Harrods Ivory Spiral
Regarding to Andreas Lambrou - A Harrods of Knightsbridge - special editon of 100 pcs.
1084 - Gold Vannerie
Gold-plated, not solid gold; the solid 18K version is model 1097.
1085 - Amber Moiré
1086 - Green Moiré
1087 - Blue Moiré
1090 - FRED Force 10 Palladium
A FRED collaboration with a cable-inspired cap.
1095 - Masterpiece Milleraies
Solid 18K gold; the hallmarks are important for identification.
1097 - Masterpiece Vannerie
Solid 18K gold; not to be confused with the gold-plated 1084 Gold Vannerie.
1180 - Cadmium Yellow Swirl
1181 - Flame Red Swirl
1182 - Ultramarine Blue Swirl
1183 - Emerald Green Swirl
1184 - Red Marble Laque
1185 - Blue Marble Laque
1186 - Green Marble Laque
CP1 - Sterling Silver Vannerie
Numbered 1–250 on the cap ornament. Production pens carry London Assay Office hallmarks; prototypes have larger engraving and no hallmarks.
Leather Look
Short run Edition, c1990.
Sheaffer by Targa - Slimline
1976-1999
44
675 Slim - Regency Stripe
676 Slim - Feather
677 Slim - Savoy
679 Slim - Tulle
680 Slim - Silver Lamé
681 Slim - Gold Lamé
1000 Slim - Bright Chrome CT
1000X Slim - Bright Chrome GT
x - Gold Plated Clip and standart nib for this version. This version uses a stainless-steel inlaid nib. s - slim fountain pen.
1001 Slim - Brushed Chrome CT v2
1001 Slim - Brushed Stainless Steel CT v1
1002 Slim - Matte Black CT v1
v1 is identified by a matching black cap top.
1002 Slim - Matte Black CT v2
v2 is identified by a chrome-plated cap top.
1003 Slim - Matte Black GT v1
v1 is identified by a matching black cap top.
1003 Slim - Matte Black GT v2
v2 is identified by a gold-plated cap top.
1005 Slim - Gold Fluted
1007 Slim - Gold Geometric
1009 Slim - Gold Barleycorn
1011 Slim - Gold Diamond Squares
1019 Slim - Vintage
1021 Slim - Imperial Red
1022 Slim - Black Laque
1024 Slim - Sterling Silver Fluted CT
1024X Slim - Sterling Silver Fluted GT v1
X - Gold Plated Clip - standart nib for this version. This version uses a 14k gold inlaid nib. s - slim fountain pen
1026 Slim - Sterling Silver Barleycorn
1026X Slim - Sterling Silver Barleycorn GT
X - Gold Plated Clip and standart nib for this version. This version uses a 14k gold inlaid nib. s - slim fountain pen.
1027 Slim - Ivory Laque
1028 Slim - Grey Marble Laque
1029 Slim - Hermès Blue
1030 Slim - Thuya Laque
1031 Slim - Ruby Red Laque
1032 Slim - Tortoiseshell Laque
1034 Slim - Red Ronce Laque
1036 Slim - Blue Ronce Laque
1038 Slim - Green Ronce Laque
1039 Slim - Jade Green Laque
1040 Slim - Prestige Grey Marble
1041 Slim - Prestige Blue
1043 Slim - Prestige Burgundy
1050 Slim - Metallic Quicksilver
1051 Slim - Metallic Grey
1052 Slim - Metallic Garnet
1053 Slim- Metallic Midnight Blue
1062 Slim - Matte Burgundy GT
1065 Slim - Gold Fluted - Dia
The opal-set cap top identifies this Jewellery Collection version.
No matching variants.
Created by Denny Vienko
Last updated:
![]()
Known Variants
Explore all known variants of Sheaffer Targa .
Sheaffer by Targa - Classic
x - Gold Plated Clip and standart nib for this version. This version uses a stainless-steel inlaid nib.
xg - Gold Plated Clip and 14ct Gold Nib
X - Gold Plated Clip and standart nib for this version. This version uses a stainless-steel inlaid nib.
X - Gold Plated Clip and standart nib for this version. This version uses a stainless-steel inlaid nib.
XG - Gold Plated Clip and Trim - 14k gold inlaid nib.
v1 is identified by a matching black cap top.
v2 is identified by a chrome-plated cap top.
v1 is identified by a matching black cap top.
v2 is identified by a gold-plated cap top.
X - Gold Plated Clip and standart nib for this version. This version uses a 14k gold inlaid nib.
X - Gold Plated Clip and standart nib for this version. This version uses a 14k gold inlaid nib.
X - Gold Plated Clip and Trim - standart nib for this version. This version uses a 14k golg inlaid nib.
X - Gold Plated Clip and standart nib for this version. This version uses a 14k gold inlaid nib.
Regarding to Andreas Lambrou - about 500 pcs made only.
Known with an eleven-diamond clip; the jewelled clip was an optional configuration rather than a separate numbered model.
This version had a sterling-silver clip and the standard chrome plated clip versions.
X - Gold Plated Clip and standart nib for this version. This version uses a 14k gold inlaid nib.
X - Gold Plated Clip and Trim - standart nib for this version. This version uses a 14k gold inlaid nib.
X - Gold Plated Clip and Trim - standart nib for this version. This version uses a 14k gold inlaid nib. v2 - GT - ring on the bottom of the barrel
White-gold plated, not solid white gold. XG - Gold Plated Clip and 14k gold inlaid nib.
X - Gold Plated Clip and standart nib for this version. This version uses a 14k gold inlaid nib.
The silver-coloured finish is decorative and does not indicate a solid-silver body.
Wood-clad construction; the exact wood species is not established.
v1 is identified by a matching blue cap top.
v1-x is identified by a gold-plated cap top.
The original clip is set with diamonds and rubies.
The opal-set cap top identifies this Jewellery Collection version.
The original clip is set with diamonds and sapphires.
Identified by its emerald guilloché lacquer and wide gold-plated cap band. Tegarding to Andreas Lambrou - special edition , 60 pcs only. made for Harrods of Knightsbribge.
This version has a wide gold-plated centre band; a narrow-band version also exists.
This version has a narrow gold-plated centre band; a wide-band version also exists.
Regarding to Andreas Lambrou - A Harrods of Knightsbridge - special editon of 100 pcs.
Gold-plated, not solid gold; the solid 18K version is model 1097.
A FRED collaboration with a cable-inspired cap.
Solid 18K gold; the hallmarks are important for identification.
Solid 18K gold; not to be confused with the gold-plated 1084 Gold Vannerie.
Numbered 1–250 on the cap ornament. Production pens carry London Assay Office hallmarks; prototypes have larger engraving and no hallmarks.
Short run Edition, c1990.
Sheaffer by Targa - Slimline
x - Gold Plated Clip and standart nib for this version. This version uses a stainless-steel inlaid nib. s - slim fountain pen.
v1 is identified by a matching black cap top.
v2 is identified by a chrome-plated cap top.
v1 is identified by a matching black cap top.
v2 is identified by a gold-plated cap top.
X - Gold Plated Clip - standart nib for this version. This version uses a 14k gold inlaid nib. s - slim fountain pen
X - Gold Plated Clip and standart nib for this version. This version uses a 14k gold inlaid nib. s - slim fountain pen.
The opal-set cap top identifies this Jewellery Collection version.
x3 logos
x4 generations
x4 clips x4 bands x3top +rb top
imprints
nibs; filling sistem; boxes
References & Further Reading
Recommended sources for deeper Sheaffer Targa research
The sources below are recommended for collectors who want to learn more about the Sheaffer Targa. They include specialist reference sites, original Sheaffer literature, collector research and detailed articles covering identification, finishes, model numbers, production changes and unusual variants.
SheafferTarga.com — Gary Ellison
Best overall Targa reference
The most extensive specialist reference dedicated to the Sheaffer Targa. Gary Ellison’s site includes a large illustrated model list, numbered and unnumbered finishes, Classic and Slim versions, prototypes, special editions, nibs, construction details and Targa history.
The reference list was developed with information supplied by collector and researcher Bill Sexauer, with additional examples contributed by other collectors. It is particularly useful for identifying uncommon finishes and comparing different versions of the same model.
Best for: Model identification, model numbers, finishes, prototypes, special versions, construction and visual comparison.
Pen Collectors of America — Sheaffer Reference Library
Best source for original Sheaffer documents
The PCA Reference Library contains scans of original Sheaffer catalogues, dealer material, advertisements, price lists, company publications and technical documents.
The Targa period includes useful material from the late 1970s through the 1990s, including catalogues, UK sales guides, price lists and dedicated Targa Laqué and Metals & Mattes literature.
Unlike collector reference lists, these documents show how Sheaffer itself described and sold the pens at the time.
Best for: Original model names, catalogue finishes, production periods, prices, advertising and primary-source confirmation.
William Sexauer — “Sheaffer: Targa”, The Pennant, Summer 2012
Collector research by one of the key Targa specialists
William “Bill” Sexauer carried out extensive research into Targa model numbers, production changes and undocumented variants. His work also formed an important part of the reference information later used by Gary Ellison.
His dedicated Targa article appeared in the Summer 2012 issue of The Pennant, the magazine of the Pen Collectors of America.
Best for: Collector research, model history and understanding the development of the Targa reference system.
Fountain Pen Network — Sheaffer Forum
Best for detailed collector discussions
The Sheaffer section of Fountain Pen Network contains many years of discussions about the Targa. Posts by experienced collectors, including Bill Sexauer and Gary Ellison, often provide details that are difficult to find in catalogues or general reference sites.
Useful discussions cover production changes, reused model numbers, early and late construction, prototypes, unusual finishes and dating individual pens.
Forum information should always be checked against other evidence where possible, but some discussions contain valuable first-hand collector knowledge.
Best for: Difficult identifications, undocumented variants, production changes and specialist discussion.
PenHero — Jim Mamoulides
Detailed research on selected Targas and special editions
PenHero does not provide a complete Targa model list, but its detailed articles are useful for selected models and special editions. The research often combines original advertising, period documents, close-up photography and references to published sources.
The CP1 Targa article is particularly useful for the history of the Classic Pens collaboration and the 1990 sterling-silver limited edition. PenHero also preserves scans of period Sheaffer user guides.
Best for: Special editions, original advertising, detailed photography and historical context.
Fountain Pens of the World — Andreas Lambrou
Published reference for important and high-end pens
Andreas Lambrou’s Fountain Pens of the World covers major fountain pens and important limited editions from many manufacturers, including Sheaffer. It is especially useful as an additional published reference for notable Targa versions and the Classic Pens CP1.
It is not a complete Targa catalogue, but it provides useful historical context and an independent printed reference alongside online sources.
Best for: Published reference, important editions and wider historical context.