原文如下：
PLEASE NOTE The first year snorkel can be distinguished by several features. One being the gold snorkel tube, another a shorter nib collar and a third is the internal snorkel filler’s spring collar (see photo). Some may argue that there is no basis for this statement, as there are no records on these unusual features, and the debate goes on. Fact these three features are rare and are always found together. These nibs are not interchangeable with later snorkel nibs (extended taper reduces diameter). Speculation from the field The snorkel was an instant classic, and is known as the most efficient pen ever designed, writing more words with the same amount of ink than any other fountain pen. With the instant success, IF Sheaffer had ADDED a solid gold snorkel tube after the pen was on the market, would not they have advertised a Special Model with a solid gold snorkel tube. Instead, the small cost in a gold snorkel tube added up quickly with the immediate success of this pen. When the solid gold tube was quickly and quietly replaced with steel, there was no advertising for “downgrading” the already successful pen. Additional note, most Snorkel Demonstrator pens have the first year features. A nicer writing set would be IMPOSSIBLE to find!!!