SHEAFFER TARGA MASTERPIECE 18K SOLID GOLD FOUNTAIN PEN
Sheaffer Targa 18K Masterpiece 1097 Vannerie Basketweave Pattern
 

The first Targa Masterpiece fountain pen was made by Sheaffer in 1981, the " Vannerie Masterpiece" cut in a basketweave pattern, made of 18K solid gold and sculpted by hand in Paris, France by the famous goldsmith - Pierre Gerard Lefebvre. In 1982 a second 18K Masterpiece pen was introduced, the " Milleraies Masterpiece" cut in a thousand lines pattern, both designs were also available in a ballpoint pen.

The early Masterpiece pens came presented in a European Leather pen case with accessories including a matching leather pen holder

Images from a 1982 Sheaffer Catalogue.
 
       
The above images show hallmarks from a Targa Vannerie Masterpiece, the pen was Made in France and sold in the UK, therefore the pen is stamped with English and French hallmarks. The page below explains the hallmarks of a Masterpiece destined to be marketed in the UK. Masterpiece pens sold elsewhere in the world will be stamped minus the London Assay mark, 750, and the date letter.
Sheaffer Targa Masterpiece Milleraies (1095) Fountain Pen and Ballpen set from a 1982 Booklet.
 
Cuttings from a 1987 Sheaffer catalogue.
The Masterpiece's unique ornament which is fitted flush to the cap shell, gives the pen a solid look and shows pen engineering at it's best.
Image from the front cover of a 1983 Sheaffer catalogue.
The Vannerie Pattern Masterpiece (1097) Set from a 1994 Sheaffer catalogue.
The above image is from a 1996 catalogue and shows the later Masterpiece gift packaging.
Image taken from a 1996 Sheaffer catalogue.
The Sheaffer Targa Masterpiece fountain pens were fitted with the 18K gold inlaid nib, instead of the normal 14K nib which is fitted to most Targa pens.