Bargains

Pens listed here are generally either priced at less than $70 or priced at a significant discount for that model because of a noted flaw or repair. A purchase of two or more Bargains will give you a 10% discount on both/all and a Bargains purchase in addition to a main For Sale purchase will give you a 15% discount on the Bargains purchase.
Every pen listed for sale has been disassembled, repaired as needed, thoroughly cleaned, and hand-polished. Pens with sacs receive new sacs, and all filling mechanisms are cleaned, polished, repaired, and replaced as needed. Nibs and feeds are thoroughly cleaned, flushed, and tuned to write smoothly. Additional restoration needed for a particular pen is noted in that pen’s description. I do not use any waxes or finishes, and do not touch up pen color.

How to buy

To purchase or inquire about a pen, please click on the Contact page and send me a note.

Also, note that I have many more pens than those listed here; if you are seeking a particular pen or characteristic in a pen, don’t wait for that pen to appear here, let me know!

Diplomat

This pen, in keeping with Diplomat's long history, is a nice example of a generic 1980's fountain pen. It looks like the Parkers and Watermans of the era, like a typical French pen, except that it's German. A cartridge-filler (it comes with an empty cartridge), the pen does not have a known model name. Its surface is a dark grey lacquer with a deep shine, over brass, and the trim is all gold, probably brass as well. There are no scratches, just a bit of typical (for the era) ink corrosion in the gripping section trim ring. It writes a smooth fine/medium. Good pen to carry around and not worry about!

Price: $55

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Esterbrook Dollar

The Esterbrook Dollars shown in this picture represent almost all of my Dollars. They are at least a decade, most more, older than the Js, and as noted above, had a world war's manufacturing experience between the two groups. This group covers the available range pretty well: in most colors and most sizes, including at least one made in hard rubber. Dollars do differ from the later Js in one important aspect: their trim is chrome plated metal, not stainless steel seen in all Js and later models. Do note that, like the Js, these have not yet been restored, although every one in this group is believed to be fully restorable unless noted otherwise. As with all other Esterbrooks, remember to choose a nib from the Nibs listing. Prices are:

#1: black celluloid; this is a touch thinner, SJ sized, in nice condition; cap ring is a bit higher than the early pens generally were. Could be a 38 or so but has the earlier cap. $60

~~#2: red/brown hard rubber, decent condition all around but missing section. I hope to have one that will fit. Much discolored by sunlight, most likely, also missing section. $65~~

~~#3: black or deep brown celluloid, discolored but otherwise in very nice condition. $55~~

#4: black or deep brown celluloid, discolored with some streaking. $50

$5: black celluloid, shows wear that probably won't polish out, decent condition $50

#6: black celluloid, short slim model, could be from the later end of the earlier group, very nice condition; the short ones are scarce. $75

#7: black celluloid bandless, wartime pen; very nice condition, will restore well. $95

#8: green bandless, wartime pen; very nice condition, will restore well. $100

#9: blue bandless, wartime pen; shows some wear, minor corrosion in trim; cap edge has a small chip and hairline crack. $70

#10: blue bandless, wartime pen; very nice appearance; barrel has open, probably unrepairable crack on threads although cap still threads and closes. $60

#11: black bandless, wartime pen; shows use wear but generally nice and restorable. Currently missing lever, so replacement will not be original. $80

#12: short red celluloid; shows wear, much of it restorable. Has half inch closed crack in barrel, probably repairable. Otherwise quite nice, relatively rare pen. $70

#13: red celluloid; very nice, very little visible wear. $75

#14: short green celluloid: very nice; section has pry marks, relatively rare pen. $75

#15: green celluloid: very nice, has machine company professional personalization. $65

#16: copper celluloid: very nice, clean. Has probably repairable barrel thread crack. $60

#17: grey full length slim celluloid: very nice appearance. $70

#18: green celluloid; shows wear, staining. $55

#19: light green celluloid: nice appearance but deep ink staining under cap. $55

#20: black full length slim celluloid: shows wear that should polish out. $65

#21: grey celluloid, very nice condition. $65

#22: green/grey bandless celluloid; one small bruise just above cap edge, otherwise very nice. $80

#23: green celluloid, dirty but no major marks; $60

Price: $60

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Esterbrook Icicles

It seems that every time I sell an Esterbrook Icicle, another appears in its place. Are they watching for vacancies? One of the more special forms of the classic Esterbrook J family is the “Icicle” (the name was given to these pens in modern years; it was not Esterbrook's.), a later LJ size pen with long dark streaks in its plastic body. These pens are not the heavy celluloid of the earlier pens, but they are very attractive and solidly made. They were made in the US and in Mexico; imprints can be along the barrel or at the top of the barrel. A handsome Esterbrook that can be used every day; and a little different! The red/pink longer pen now has three new additions: in green, blue (ooh, aah), and red in the standard length. These pens have easily read Mexico imprints. Be sure to visit the Esterbrook Nibs listing to pick your nib!

Price: $62

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Esterbrook J Family

Esterbrook J fountain pens, from after WWII through the 1950s, are perhaps the best value and most numerous vintage fountain pen available, with their solid construction, good looks, and interchangeable nibs. As many who frequent Timsvintagepens know, a few years back a bushel of Esterbooks found me, and I've been restoring and selling them ever since. Do remember that Esterbrooks are NOT restored when they're committed for sale, unlike every other pen on Timsvintagepens, but once purchased are fully restored before being shipped. Most sizes of Js and Transitional Js (1946-49) and J (1949-59) are available in most colors. Be sure to click in for detailed pricing.

Price: $50

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Esterbrook M2 Set

This late Esterbrook M2 pen is believed to be unused except in testing; its squeeze filler is fresh and supple. The plastic barrel and section are unmarked; the chrome cap is new and shiny. It is a solid pen, although the plastic will scratch a bit easier than Esterbrook’s earlier celluloid did. This pen has a matching pencil, in the same condition. It takes .9mm leads, and works. The eraser is probably not useable (they ossify over time…). All in all, a very nice set that can be used without worry for many years. Toss it in your bag.

Price: $75

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Esterbrook Nibs

Esterbrook nibs, with a few exceptions, generally come in three levels, pre-WWII 1xxx, post-WWII 2xxx, and 1960s 9xxx, which are iridium tipped. 9xxx are generally very nice, firm and smooth but not butter-smooth, 2xxx nibs are not tipped so are a bit softer and not as smooth, but with a little tuning and a chance to get accustomed to your hand, become very smooth one-user nibs (2556 and 2668 are among my favorites). 1xxx are also not tipped and not as soft as 2xxx, but are very serviceable nibs. 1xxx, except for those listed below, are generally not sold. Feel free to ask if you have one in mind. Available nibs and pricing details are found by clicking into the details.

Price: $

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Esterbrook Pastels

A range of the Esterbrook Pastel/Purse pens is available. Colors currently available are Putty, Mint Green, White, Green, Yellow. Be sure to click in for details and pricing of each pen. These are all fully restored, in very nice condition; there is no significant cracking in any of these.

Price: $60

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Eversharp Skyline Mechanical Pencil

Although there are still thousands of Eversharp Skyline fountain pens found in very nice to excellent condition, the pencils appear far less often in any condition, much less one as nice as this. It is an earlier model, pre-1945, manifest by its plastic cone end due to the restrictions on using metal. It is a Standard, and most likely came in a set with a fountain pen. The pencil takes a 1.15mm lead, and holds well most of the time. Will look great with a Skyline pen or in a collection.

Price: $49

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NoName

Sometimes a pen is too nice looking to not have a proper identity, and this is such a pen. Styling, components and celluloid make one think it must be 1930s, even though its appearance is fresh. This 5.3" long lever-filled pen is very simple, a budget pen in olive with yellow blotches and red streaks. It is rounded on both ends so its ornamentation is limited to three simple cap rings. The lever is partially bent, and the clip is ball-ended, a z-clip used often in the 1920s-30s. The nib is marked "Iridium Tipped", and the feed is from the 1930s or later. It writes a fine line with some decent shading. There is no imprint or branding anywhere.

Price: $60 Sold

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Parker 45

Several nicer 45s have come in and are listed here. There are more 45s that are not in as fine condition listed in Clearance. This listing includes pens in Black, Grey, and Burgundy. Click in on the title for each pen's details and pricing.

Price: $46

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Parker Lady Duofold

This pen is a Lady Duofold, identified both by its size (4.5” long, .4” girth) and its ⅞” wide gold cap ring, which was only used in 1927. This is a decent pen, has some typical darkening, is missing its ringtop, and the blind cap is a bit nibbled, but its jade is very attractive, the broad cap band is classy, and its “Lucky Curve” imprint is complete and deep. It’s a very nice writer, a little smoother than most, a nice wet fine. This would make a great pen to slip in a bag and carry around; a reliable writer that looks very nice.

Price: $75

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Parker Pastel

This Pastel is in Apple Green, a ringtop model. Its celluloid is in pretty nice, if well used, condition. There is some wear if viewed closely, and the barrel is thoroughly darkened. That said, the moire pattern is clearly visible, there is no deterioration, and it's a handsome pen! It's a button filler that fills strongly. It's the typical Parker ringtop size, 4.5" long, and feels well balanced in the hand, although admittedly better when posted. The nib writes a fast XF/F, but is a bit wonky and needs the occasional hand straightening. This is a sweet pen that is not often seen, but not a heavy duty pen.

Price: $60

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