Tim's 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 Bargains will give you a 10% discount on both, a Bargains purchase in addition to a main For Sale purchase will give you 15% discount on the Bargains purchase, and if you buy 3 or more pens from either category you will receive a 20% discount on the Bargains.
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 above 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!

How to buy

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

View purchase, return, and warranty policies

Esterbrook Deluxe

Esterbrook did not only have the J’s during the 1950’s; they also produced “Deluxe” pens. These were both similar to and different from the J’s. They had metal caps, but were made of a relatively soft plastic that feels like polystyrene. The caps are sturdy, but are not stainless steel.
There were two models: SM from 1949-55 and LK from 1955-60?. The earlier SM’s carried friction fit caps, but at some point they changed to screw caps. These continued with the LK’s, but LK’s had metal crowns and tassies instead of black jewels. Both models came in a range of solid colors.
These are nice enough pens; a black SM has a permanent spot on my desk with a 2550 extra fine nib. Take a little care to protect their finishes, as the plastic is a touch soft and scratches easily.
Very few of these are available; most have sold.

CLICK THE TITLE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PICTURES

Price: $55

Esterbrook Dollars and Transitional Js

1930s-1946

This is a group of Esterbrooks from the early 1930s until just after WWII, before the more usually seen J’s emerged. Dollar pens are from 1934-42, when they cost $1. They are easily identified by two holes in their clips, and there are some size and clip detail differences over their lifetimes. I’m very fond of the Dollars; their size fits my hand perfectly. The “Transitionals” (not Esterbrook’s name…) were Esterbrook’s literal transition from the war era to the new J family, so look like J’s with no jewel at the end of the barrel, and are more substantial than the Dollars. There are also a few of the wartime pens, which are shaped like Dollars but do not have cap rings, the use of metal ornamentation having been minimized for the war effort.

CLICK THE TITLE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PICTURES

Price: $60

Esterbrook Icicle

1950s

One of the more special forms of the classic Esterbrook J family is the “Icicle”, 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!
This pen is a brownish/red (from a non-colorblind person), in excellent condition. Its Mexico imprint is complete and easily read.

CLICK INTO THE TITLE TO SEE PHOTOGRAPHS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Price: $60

Esterbrook J Family

1946-59

Esterbrook J fountain pens, from after WII through the 1950s, are perhaps the best value and most numerous vintage fountain pen available, with their solid construction, good looks, and interchangeable nibs. Some months back I had a major sale of them here, and thought I was done selling Esterbrooks for awhile. Apparently I was wrong, because in addition to their other positive traits, they seem to reappear on their own! Esterbrooks are the only pens that are committed to sell before they’re restored, but are fully restored before shipped.

CLICK THE TITLE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PICTURES

Price: $50

Esterbrook M2

1960s

The M2 line appeared in 1959, a step forward from the J family and the Deluxes in that it is an aerometric pen. If it looks something like a Parker 51 ala Esterbrook, surely that is no coincidence. The Aerometric 51s were a big hit, causing repetition by most of the pen makers within the decade. It is a long (5.25”) and slim (.4” below the cap edge) pen, giving it something of a Snorkel look, so copying both Parker and Sheaffer! This pen is believed to be unused; its aero filler is fresh and supple. The plastic barrel and section are unmarked. It is a solid pen, although the plastic will scratch a bit easier than Esterbrook’s celluloid did. Purchase it with any of the Esterbrook nibs, as listed and priced in the nibs listing.

CLICK ON THE TITLE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PICTURES

Price: $60

Esterbrook Nibs

Esterbrook nibs, with a few exceptions, generally come in three levels, 9xxx, 2xxx, and 1xxx. 9xxx are iridium tipped and excellent writers.  2xxx nibs are not tipped with iridium so are a bit softer, 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 included as bonuses with a pen purchase.  Feel free to ask if you have one in mind.

Price: $

Esterbrook Pastels

1950's

Esterbrook Pastels, called Purse Pens, are shorter J family pens. They are of SJ girth but shorter, well balanced and feel good in the hand. There were two generations, generally splitting the 1950’s. The first generation had the two black jewels of the J family pens, while the second generation had jewels in colors that matched their pens. These pens have not proved as durable as the J’s, however. They are made of a softer plastic, scratch easily, and often evidence minor cracking at the barrel and cap edges. The pricing is specific for each pen.
Note that the photograph is new, including four in unused condition, no cracks, no marks.

CLICK ON THE TITLE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PICTURES. NOTE THAT SOME OF THE PENS HAVE SOLD.

Price: $50

Parker 15 ? Flighter

probable 1960s-1970s

Every so often a pen simply defies precise identification…this pen is a good example.
It’s definitely Parker, definitely looks and feels like 1960s-1970s but in fact is a 1981 pen, from its tiny date code. It is very similar to a 45 Flighter, but does not have the 45 nib unit. It is very similar to a 15, in appearance and French manufacture, but its cap is less modern than the 15’s were. Finally, it is a bit shorter than the typical 45 Flighter, at 4.8″ long capped. Unusually for a later-century Parker, it also does not have a model imprint on the cap! After long deliberation, it was decided that this pen is going to be a 15 until proven otherwise. At any rate, it’s a sturdy cartridge-filled Flighter, in brushed steel, with a black plastic gripping section and a medium nib. There are no scratches or flaws of note. The nib writes a smooth wet medium. It will come with an original, refillable Parker cartridge. Good workhorse pen!

Price: $60

Parker 41

1956-57

This Parker 41 has never seen use. It isn’t mint, not least because it was tested and filled with water for this listing. That said, this is essentially a new pen; completely unmarked inside and out. The barrel and hood are red plastic, the cap is Parker’s Lustraloy brushed steel. The aerometric filler is untouched by ink and fills well. The nib is Parker’s Octanium, used in later 51s, 21s, and 41s. It is a fast fine writer, will be perfect for frequent use. This is a substantial, durable pen that will write well for many years.

Price: $60

Parker 45

1960s

Several nicer 45s have come in and are listed here. The remaining 45s that are not in as fine condition and are priced lower have been moved to Clearance.

CLICK ON THE TITLE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PICTURES

Price: $46

View purchase, return, and warranty policies