The Sheaffer Prelude fountain pen in Matte Gunmetal features a matte charcoal lacquer over brass barrel and cap, accented by black trim. The snap cap securely closes the pen, and it posts securely on the barrel when writing. The cigar shaped design and mid-range length and girth of the Sheaffer Prelude model makes this a universally comfortable pen in the hand. The Sheaffer steel nib is a smooth writer, and the pen fills by using Sheaffer proprietary cartridges or the included Sheaffer converter.