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General Categories => Tools & Supplies => Topic started by: schin on December 26, 2015, 11:36:38 PM

Title: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: schin on December 26, 2015, 11:36:38 PM
Hi friends,

I was just looking at prices for vintage nibs and wonder if it's possible for us to compile a list of 'previously paid' prices for popular vintage nibs? This would be from places such as ebay that everyone can access. Lucky breaks, unfinished auctions or flea markets finds don't count. Since ebay only shows limited completed listings (only 3 months), it would be a nice way to at least have a history of what was paid for a single nib in recent years/months as a reference for all.

To start with here are some of my records (lots of digging in my email!), I hope maybe you guys can help add to it? Prices don't include shipping. All are EBAY auctions unless otherwise stated.

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Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: schin on December 26, 2015, 11:38:05 PM
Prices don't include shipping. All are EBAY AUCTIONS unless otherwise stated.
------------------

Musselman Perfection
May 2014: $30
October 2015: $45 / $43
November 2015: $43
Dec 2015: $19 (from Dr Vitolo's auction)
Dec 2015: $63

Gillott Principality #1
February 2014: $214 for 12pcs
April 2014: $255 for 12pcs
August 2014: $1580 for 85pcs!!
October 2015: $29
Dec 2015: $29

Zanerian Fine Writer
July 2014: $25 /
Dec 2015: $54 / $28 (ebay BIN)

Gillott 604EF
June 2014: $25
August 2014: $10 / $10
October 2015: $28 / $25
November 2015: $21 / $29
Dec 2015: $19 (from Dr Vitolo's auction) / $10 (ebay BIN) /

Gillott 303 vintage
May 2014 : $5.30 /
May 2015: $4.80
July 2015: $405 for 103pcs /
October 2015: $1.30 /
Nov 2015: $3 (private sale) / $29 / $6 / $29 / $3 / $ 7.60 /
Dec 2015: $6 / $9 / $3.80 / $335 for a box of 100 on ebay / $29 / $3 / 7

Gillott #170
December 2014: $90 for 100pcs /

Esterbrook 357
December 2013: $79 for box of 75 /
October 2015: $3.70 / $300 for a box of 100 / $3.80 (ebay BIN)
November 2015: $3.20 /

Esterbrook 358
March 2013: $0.75 (ebay BIN) /
November 2015: $152 for a box of 118 /

Gillott 404 vintage
April 2015: $87 for a gross box

Palmer #9
June 2014: $2.00
April 2015: $1.30

Zanerian #3
May 2015: $10

Spencerian #1
April 2013: $1.80 / $2.20 / $1.40
July 2013: $191 for box of 130
January 2014: $3.20 (ebay BIN) /
July 2014: $2.40
October 2014: $0.50
November 2014: $227 for 100pcs
October 2015: $4.50 / $397 for a box of 96 / $531 for a box of 104 / $64 for 16pcs)
Nov 2015: $5 / $197 for a box of 50 / $10 / $77 for a box of 20 / $330 for a box of 72 /
December 2015: $10 / $322 for a box of 60) / $3.80 / $3.50 / $4.90 /

Spencerian #2
November 2015: $116 for a box of 138 /
Dec 2015: $295 (200+ nibs, from Dr Vitolo's auction) / $95 for a box of 63pcs

--------

Other notable auctions:
Sept 2013: $191 for 5pcs Principality, 5pcs Fine writer, 5ps Spencerian 1, 5pcs Gillott 303, 5pcs Hunt 101 (oh if I could turn back time!)
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: schin on December 26, 2015, 11:39:59 PM
saved
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: schin on December 26, 2015, 11:43:10 PM
saved
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Salman Khattak on December 27, 2015, 12:47:43 AM
Schin - are these 'per nib' prices? $29 for one 303?

Here are some of mine:

Gillotts 170
Feb. 2015: $81 for 65 nibs
Sep. 2015: $97 for 72 nibs

Gillotts 404
Apr. 2015: $61 for a gross
Sep. 2014 $44 for a gross
Sep. 2014 GBP 42 for 74

Gillotts 303
Mar. 2015: $248 for ~75 nibs

John Mitchell 0419
Nov. 2014 $56 for ~90 nibs

Esterbrook
Jun. 2013 $30 for gross of Assorted Drafting pens (including 355, 356, 357, 358)

Spencerian No.1
Sep. 2014: $27 for 6 nibs

I also bought a few A1 nibs in 2013 but don't remember what I paid for them but it wouldn't have been more than $3-4 per nib. I wish I had bought more at the time.

I have also bought Spencerian No.1 from other sources but can't find the records. It was in 2014 and I believe I paid $5 a nib.

- Salman


Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: schin on December 27, 2015, 02:17:16 AM
All the single digits are per nib (And yep, I saw a 303 go for $29 several times!!! Insanity!!). If it's sold in a lot then I'll have stated so.

BTW my list isn't all the ones I bought.. some are mine yes but some are auctions I've been watching and didn't bid on or didn't win.



Thanks for contributing Salman!!! You did great on your prices!!!
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Empty_of_Clouds on December 27, 2015, 07:05:03 AM
I would love to get my hands on a box of vintage Gillott 404s at a non-absurd price.  Bit doubtful I'll ever be that lucky, especially with no local markets.

Anyway, these are the eBay purchases.  I have been in the 'trying everything' phase!

Prices in US dollars.  No particularly good deals though.

Jun 2014   
$11.43  10 x Zebra G

Aug 2014    
$4.26   12 x Esterbrook Jackson Stub No. 442                  


Jun 2015    
$4.67   12 x Blanzy-Conté-Gilbert Plume Princesse No.730

Aug 2015
$6.23   12 x Baignol et Farjon Henry Superieure No. 2730
$7.34   19 x Esterbrook Falcon No.048                 
$6.23   12 x Sommerville & Co. Plume Gauloise No.750 EF


Sep 2015
$4.46    12 x Perry & Co. No. 120 EF
$4.14    12 x Cie Francaise Sermajor No.5   
$5.82    12 x JB Mallat Ronde 205            

Oct 2015   
$31.38  144 x Baignol et Farjon Velleda Cementee 2436 EF

Nov 2015
$10.48  1 x Iveson Phinney No.1                                   
$4.65    12 x Salcher No. 50 ef                                
$28.68  100 x Leondardt Plume de Brazza No.1860 ef   

Dec 2015
$35       144 x Blanzy-Conté-Gilbert Dept Cementee No.2552   $35


And there's been a bunch of random other stuff that has been donated or picked up through other websites.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Salman Khattak on December 27, 2015, 01:58:04 PM
All the single digits are per nib (And yep, I saw a 303 go for $29 several times!!! Insanity!!). If it's sold in a lot then I'll have stated so.

BTW my list isn't all the ones I bought.. some are mine yes but some are auctions I've been watching and didn't bid on or didn't win.



Thanks for contributing Salman!!! You did great on your prices!!!

Ah - that explains it. Thank you.

I can see that this can get unwieldy pretty quick. We should put this in a database - which is easy enough to do but how do we link it here. Ideally an application that lets you login with FF credentials and put in the information in a structured format that can then be searched.

S.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: melanie jane on December 27, 2015, 02:09:36 PM

I can see that this can get unwieldy pretty quick. We should put this in a database - which is easy enough to do but how do we link it here. Ideally an application that lets you login with FF credentials and put in the information in a structured format that can then be searched.

S.

I think this thread is a great idea, as I'm often trying to find out what would be a good deal on one nib or another.  In terms of it being unwieldy, I can see that that could happen, but I think the biggest danger is that it will just get lost amongst all of the other threads, and then forgotten about.

I've put a thread in the Suggestions section where I've requested that we have a section devoted to nib information and reviews - ie one thread per nib, everyone can add reviews, photos, writing samples etc.  If that got off the ground, we could also include prices in that?
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Salman Khattak on December 27, 2015, 11:57:03 PM

I've put a thread in the Suggestions section where I've requested that we have a section devoted to nib information and reviews - ie one thread per nib, everyone can add reviews, photos, writing samples etc.  If that got off the ground, we could also include prices in that?

I think this is a super idea. I hope it does get off the ground - we will all benefit from it.

S.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AAAndrew on December 28, 2015, 12:32:03 PM
What nibs do we want in this database? Just flexible calligraphy-worthy nibs? A list of these would be helpful.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: schin on December 28, 2015, 01:22:26 PM
Oh yea this thread would get big quick!
I wish we have like an excel sheet or something, or like a community form, but I am concerned about false information in there. I think a nib review section would be nice! Would be a very useful database once it gets going with lots of contributors.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Entropy on December 28, 2015, 05:20:48 PM
Quite new to the whole pen game myself but
Here's mine so far:

Dec 2015

Gillott 1045 Verticular (22) - $4.99

Spencerian 1 (2), Spencerian 6 School (2), Esterbrook 818 (56), Esterbrook 5129 Esterchrome (3), Esterbrook 520 Penesco (4), Gillott 404 vintage* (16) -$39

Gillott 129 (10), Esterbrook 355 (17), Esterbrook 354 (19), Gillott 179 (14) - $30

Esterbrook 355 (72) -$60

Hunt 22 vintage* (80) -$74

Eagle Pencil co. E870 Muscular (118), Eagle Pencil co E830 Bulb Point (72), Miller Bros. 1 Manifold (1),  Miller Bros. 135 Utility Pen (9), Shirley's 9 Bowl Point (1) - $30

Hunt 22 *vintage (6), Hunt 56 *vintage(11), Hunt 102 Crow Quill *vintage(12), Hunt 101 Imperial *vintage(3) - $15

Hunt X-21 Silverine (26), Hunt 17 Success (2), Hunt 7 Tribune (1), Hunt 59EF University (2), Hunt 11 Semi-Slant (1), Hunt 5 Droop Point (2), Hunt 55 Success (1), Hunt 21 Companion (1), Hunt 20 Century (1),  Hunt 66 Vertical (1), Hunt 3 State (2) - $9

Spencerian 1 (1), Hunt 61 Yale (12), Hunt 28 Common Sense (2), Hunt 12 Primary (8), Spencerian 5 School (9), Hunt 95 Lady Falcon (8), Hunt 9 Homer (1), Hunt 68 (2), Esterbrook 707 Modified Slant (1), Hunt 69 (5), Hunt 11 Semi-Slant (2), Hunt 42 Rigid (1), Hunt 55 Scholar (1), Hunt 17 Success (1), Hunt 75 Quill (1), Hunt 28 Common Sense (1), Hunt 99 Drawing (1), Spencerian 35B Royal Pen (1), Hunt 66 Vertical (1), Hunt 62 Vassar (1), Hunt 38 Recorder (1), Hunt 56 School (2), Hunt 22 (1), Hunt 44 Graphic (1), Hunt 23 Superfine (2), Hunt 100 Artist (1), Beats All Bank (1), Hunt 26 Sun (2), Hunt 30 Round Pointed (2), Hunt 86 EF Rapid Writer (5), Hunt 47 Rapid Writer (4), Hunt 1861 Pennsylvania (3), Spencerian 3 Commercial (1), Hunt 60 Ideal (2), Hunt 54 Strand (2), Hunt 27 Journal (2), Hunt 79 Dispatch (4) - $15.23

Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Michellie on February 09, 2016, 10:44:39 PM
-decided to remove this post as maybe i got a bit too paranoid-  :(
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: schin on February 09, 2016, 11:34:06 PM
That is weird. I have once gotten a second chance offer as well, but that was while ago.

Here are some links on shill bidding:
http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/seller-shill-bidding.html
http://www.ebay.com/gds/SHiLL-BIDDiNG-5-Ways-To-Detect-Shill-Bidders-On-Ebay-/10000000002559018/g.html


Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Michellie on February 09, 2016, 11:47:20 PM
it is just too off to be a coincidence.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AAAndrew on February 10, 2016, 07:25:26 AM
Sometimes a seller will have more than one of something, like a box of nibs, or a lot of individual nibs. Especially if something is in a lot of some round number, I'll ask the seller how many they have. This at least gives a reason why they can offer you a "second chance" to purchase the same thing. Unless you think the nibs will go for more than you offered the last time, you can always come back with a lower price than your last bid.

Now, I often purchase nibs that don't generate a lot of interest, so it may not work for popular nibs, but sometimes I've been successful if I see a "lot" of nibs being offered of asking the seller how many they have then offering a price for all of them. I've gotten some good deals this way.

That's how I recently got 50 Spencerian 230's, a very flexible spear nib with turned up tip, in stainless steel, for $20 with free shipping. I had bought a lot of 20 for $10, got them and realized how very nice they were, so I went back to the seller and asked if she had any more. She posted a "buy now" with the last 50 she had and I snatched them up. 

Sometimes the listing will indicate how many of the offered item they have for sale, but not always.

Other recent prices that may be of interest that I've seen

50 Spencerian #1: $157
I won't mention the almost full box of Spencerian 1's that I was watching recently to see how high they went, and didn't bother bidding, and someone "stole" them for $22. That taught me to at least put in a bid. It haunts me still.

Turner and Harrison 103, Extra Fine - $0.76

Most of my purchases y'all probably are not really interested in, like
J.L. Hammett "Kendall" nibs, $0.23 each
Standard Railroad (made by Esterbrook as a flexible Falcon and sold only through Sears) #2: $0.69 (extremely rare)
Frances Pratt & Sons - Gladiator Series 453 and 455: $0.30 each
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Moya on February 10, 2016, 06:21:51 PM
I'm always so impressed that you guys have learned to ebay properly.  I just ... don't, usually. I got lucky last year and found 100 vintage Gillott 303s for $1 AUD each - the seller was the daughter of a local calligrapher who had passed, and she did not offer shipping outside Australia - or I'm sure you would have all beaten me to it!

But mostly I just buy new nibs. I try to convince myself that if I have the skill, I'll be able to work with substandard tools anyway ... of course, "if" I have the skill is a big "if!"

In my defense, timezones make it very difficult for me to win bidding wars in the US or UK - and shipping can be $25+ for a single nib!  I'm very lucky in many ways to be Australian, but calligraphywise, nooot so much.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AAAndrew on February 10, 2016, 09:55:27 PM
It is difficult when you're not on one of the crowded continents. :)

But I have seen a seller in Australia who usually sells individual nibs. Their prices are a bit high, but you might be able to bring that down a bit by offering to buy in bulk, and since shipping is much less in-country, that should help as well.

So, I know there are sources there, but I'm sure it's much more difficult than here. I'm fully aware of how lucky we are. It seems that every minor town in the US had it's own stationer who branded their own line of pens. Some are trash, but some are treasures. What we don't have that much of, are the vintage European nibs. Unless someone here imported their line from a European manufacturer, almost all the nibs you find here are American, though Gillott did export a tremendous number of their nibs here, they eventually got overwhelmed by the sheer volume of American nibs.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: melanie jane on February 10, 2016, 10:25:16 PM
Yes, but the beauty of most of the European nibs not making much headway over there is that there are some excellent European nibs available at a fraction of the price of their American equivalents because no one knows about them.  Of course, finding which ones they are is easier said than done, as there is so little information out there! 
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Entropy on February 11, 2016, 01:20:49 AM
For what it's worth Moya, if you haven't checked out my shop in the nib boutique section I've got a ton of different nibs up for sale at what I believe are very reasonable prices and I'd be perfectly willing to ship to AUS without using the crazy expensive shipping methods. Hell, I'd even be down to send you a couple in exchange for an exemplar from you or something just to see what someone who was far more skilled than my current self could accomplish with them. Shoot me a PM if you're interested.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Moya on February 11, 2016, 04:55:37 PM
That is super kind of you!  I actually have some of the 'dream nibs' - some people have been incredibly kind (they know who they are!).  And I haven't had the courage to test them yet. I still think I'm just not quite on a level where I can do that kind of work.  So I don't really need any more nibs ...

But I'd totally be happy to send you a card anyway!  I think you'll find I've got a lot to learn as well ;)  PM me your address!
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AnasaziWrites on February 11, 2016, 04:57:42 PM
I'm always so impressed that you guys have learned to ebay properly.  I just ... don't, usually. I got lucky last year and found 100 vintage Gillott 303s for $1 AUD each - the seller was the daughter of a local calligrapher who had passed, and she did not offer shipping outside Australia - or I'm sure you would have all beaten me to it!

But mostly I just buy new nibs. I try to convince myself that if I have the skill, I'll be able to work with substandard tools anyway ... of course, "if" I have the skill is a big "if!"

In my defense, timezones make it very difficult for me to win bidding wars in the US or UK - and shipping can be $25+ for a single nib!  I'm very lucky in many ways to be Australian, but calligraphywise, nooot so much.
Do check out  Nik's nibs here on the forum. He has a great selection, and prices are good
The Australian nib seller Nik mentions is Kirk Winter (wintersodafeld on eBay)--he's a nice guy that could also help you if you are looking for something specific. I'll pm you his email if you want to get in touch.
Regards shipping--up to about 20 nibs can securely be sent in an envelope with cardboard--I've sent some all over the place--for one international stamp (US$1.20), Up to about 50 for two stamps. If you want a box, then that's what gets expensive.
If you are looking for something Nik and Kirk don't have, pm me, maybe I can help.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AAAndrew on April 05, 2016, 03:15:53 PM
Guess I should record it. Just sold five Gillott Principalities for $76 plus shipping.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AAAndrew on April 14, 2016, 05:26:51 PM
Ok, people. Let's get a grip. A box of 80 Esterbrook 956's were just sold on the Bay for over $200. The seller said that these were the radio version of the 128. They're not. They're the radio version of the 556. Now the 556 is a great all-around nib. One of my favorites. BUT they are not worth that crazy price!  Hope it was none of you.  :-[

Before bidding something crazy on the Bay for an Esterbrook nib, always check The Esterbrook Project. http://theesterbrookproject.com/NIB%20SHEETS/ESTERBROOK%20956%20RADIO%20PEN/ESTERBROOK%20956%20RADIO%20PEN.html

Ok, sorry for the harangue. Just hate to see that much craziness. I'm better now. Glass of wine anyone?
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Empty_of_Clouds on April 14, 2016, 06:10:47 PM
Well, there are a bunch of Zanerians, Spencerian #1s, 604EFs and 128s on there now that have some interesting bidding going on.   I think the box of Zanerians is currently sitting just shy of $900.

And another box of Gillott 404s went for about $140 yesterday.  Considering that new 404s go for about the same price per gross perhaps I should have thrown in a late bid.  However, I get a bit uneasy buying so many nibs when I am such a beginner.

Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Moya on April 14, 2016, 07:19:05 PM
Ok, people. Let's get a grip. A box of 80 Esterbrook 956's were just sold on the Bay for over $200. The seller said that these were the radio version of the 128. They're not. They're the radio version of the 556.

I might be betraying my ignorance here ... what is a "radio version" of a nib?

Quote
Glass of wine anyone?

Always!
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AAAndrew on April 14, 2016, 08:44:00 PM
Sorry. Esterbrook made a series of nibs labeled "Radio" and with a 9xx number. It just indicates that it had a special finish to prevent corrosion. The Radio finish nibs are more silver-colored. The 9xx numbers are just other numbers but with the special finish. Usually the last two numbers give you a clue. The 956 is based on the 556. 988 is a 788 nib with special finish. A 948 is the 048 Falcon with the finish. And so on.

The Radio nibs are generally pretty good quality.

Check out http://theesterbrookproject.com/SITE%20DOCS/NIBS%20900%20TO%20999.html

Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AAAndrew on April 14, 2016, 09:03:29 PM
I looked out there and saw the Zanerian 3 where they are asking $28. Man. I'll sell you ten of them for $150 and count myself lucky. They are really nice pens, but I wouldn't rank them with a Principality.

Hope "penstaff" isn't any one of you. Maybe I should ask $200 and still undercut the price. If any of you can get $28 a nib, I'll seriously sell you ten for $150 and you can keep the profit.

As they say in the antiques biz, it ain't what you're asking, it's what you're getting that counts.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Empty_of_Clouds on April 14, 2016, 09:23:17 PM
For the rubberneckers among us (me included):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gross-of-144-Zanerian-Fine-Writer-Nibs-Gillott-Principality-No-1-Dream-Nibs-/322071504485?hash=item4afcf52665:g:dIEAAOSwgApXDC1n

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gross-of-144-Gillott-604EF-Dream-Nibs-w-box-/222083296585?hash=item33b5322d49:g:2p8AAOSwjMJXDDDy

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gross-of-144-Spencerian-No-1-England-Dream-Nibs-w-box-/322071512382?hash=item4afcf5453e:g:8DUAAOSwjMJXDDIS

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gross-of-144-Gillott-601EF-Magnum-Quill-Nibs-w-box-/222083491530?hash=item33b53526ca:g:i-kAAOSwAvJXDHNE

And, rather surprisingly,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gross-of-144-Gilbert-Blanzy-Poure-Departmentale-Cementee-No-2552-Nibs-/322072206417?hash=item4afcffdc51:g:fwwAAOSw8RJXDOPZ

This last is a bit strange, as I won a sealed box of 144 of those nibs at the end of last year for $35.  There weren't even many bidders for it either.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Moya on April 14, 2016, 10:15:29 PM
penstaff used to post on here sometimes - I think his name is Harvey. Not sure if he's still around.

I'm definitely doing some rubbernecking!!

(and thank you for the radio information!)
 (Getting a box of 2552s for $35 was fantastic luck, Empty - hang on to those tight!)
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Empty_of_Clouds on April 14, 2016, 11:01:28 PM
I thought that $35 may have been a little under average at best.  I think the auction I linked in the other post is demonstrating some of the silly behaviour that abounds in the Bay of E. 
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AussieCalligrapherAlex on April 15, 2016, 12:37:18 AM
I haven't opened the link but I'm pretty sure most of these are being sold by Chris yoke. And any excess profit is going to a charity. That might explain the prices. Also people are waking up to the 2552 a bit I think.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Moya on April 15, 2016, 12:48:57 AM
I was lucky enough to secretly scoop up three boxes of the 2552s recently for 40 to 50 euros each (including shipping to Australia) and I thought I was getting a good deal at the time too - I still think I did! There was only one other person bidding against me in both instances - if you're around here, other person, sorry ;)

But that's it for me; I don't propose to engage in bidding wars or ebay madness.

I like the 2552's ability to write on soft letterpress paper, which I do a lot of commercially, and to me that was worth the ebay effort to get enough of them to last a few years of daily use. And I'm sure that within those few years I'll get good enough to use a modern scratchariffic nib on those papers - or I'll find a feasible alternative. There are so many good nibs that just don't reach the dizzying heights of popularity that the 2552 and the "dream nibs" have reached.

I don't want to ever feel I can't do my job without having precisely the right kind of nib - I have to be able to rely on my skill, not the tools.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Nickkih on April 15, 2016, 01:11:37 AM
80 956 radio nibs for 200 is $2.50 per nib. There are a few modern nibs at that price.  If you love the nib and use the nib then it might be worth it to you, if you don't like it but prefer the 2552 well would $2.50 per 2552 be worth it, for some yes, others no... Vintage is vintage and they are harder and harder to come by. Are vintage nibs better?.... IMO YES! CHris Yoke explained once why and its because of the way they were made and how they are made now. Look it up, its fascinating. But eventually they will be out of our reach not really because of price but because vintage inventory is depleted if not almost gone.

And Andrew I bought the 956 radio nibs and for me they are worth it, because like Moya uses her 2552's for commission work, I also use the 956 for commission work. Its the one nib for me that can darn near do any job on my table... But I won the bid by pure accident today and I wont even go into the details...
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Moya on April 15, 2016, 02:22:20 AM
Yeah definitely Nickki! If I pay $2.50 per nib and the nib lasts one job, say 100 envelopes, and with it I get a better result on that envelope than with any other nib, and those envelopes go out into the world as good as I can possibly make them ... for me that's money well spent.  Heck I'd even pay $20 per nib with that kind of return.

... but I wouldn't use a difficult-to-find $20 nib.  ;D Only the super common ones. There are heaps of 2552s in the wild.

I think if you're doing commercial work it puts a whole different spin on what it's worth paying. It becomes a business expense.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Empty_of_Clouds on April 15, 2016, 07:03:10 AM
Perhaps then I should donate my box to a professional. I'm firmly attached to the bottom rung, so it may be a waste of a dwindling resource for me to use them.

As for the dream nib auction. If they are being sold by Mr Yoke for a charity thing there is no mention of it on the listings.  My apologies if the prospective buyers are bidding for the charity. I guess like many dabblers I will always wonder what it was all about.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AAAndrew on April 15, 2016, 07:16:18 AM
If you like the 956, then look out for a box of 556 nibs. They come up periodically. It's the same nib, and especially if you can get a box from pre"Made in USA" days (I.e. Pre-1930) they are quite nice. I just picked up 100 for $35.

It's like the 914, the so-called Charles Schultz nib. The creator of the Peanuts comic strip would only use the Esterbrook 914 Radio nib. Now they go for ridiculous amounts because of that fact. Yet you can find a box of 14 Bank nibs for half or less. The earlier 14 Bank nibs are much better than even the 914. Same nib, but better grind and slightly more flexible.

The Esterbrooks to look for are in order from least to most desirable by imprint are
Esterbrook Made in USA (consistency of quality equivalent to today's nibs, i.e. spotty)

R. Esterbrook & Co. Made in U.S.A. (Good quality, but sometimes took shortcuts in coatings and often didn't grind anymore but instead stamped grooves)

R. Esterbrook & Co. (Starting to see some models get stamps, but otherwise still good. Grinds get more cursory on some models)

R. Esterbrook & Co's (great quality, from about 1897 to about 1925. Golden age of their mass production. Always great)

Esterbrook & Co or Esterbrook & CO (these are the rarest nibs because they are pre-1897, and the level of workmanship is the highest. This is when you regularly find double grinds and the greatest level of finish)

Find a box of 556's with "& Co's" and you'll be quite happy. And may have to pay $45.

Cat's out of the bag now. There go Esterbrook prices  :)
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Entropy on April 15, 2016, 10:33:56 AM
Hello everyone! Looks like I missed out on the party- I put a bouple bids on the 956's but was absolutely shocked they ended up going for that much. They are, in my opinion, a bit better than the 556 due to that silver plating but I would've guessed they'd top out at $120 or so at most.

Yoke's dream nib auctions have some boxes that I'd suspect might go well into the multiple thousands. Unfortunately I feel that it's a safe bet that they'll all go straight into the hands of prospectors and I suspect I will see several new "$35-50 ZANERIAN FINE WRITER! Dream Nib!" BIN's in the near future. For anyone interested, I am now in contact with a guy in France who has Andrew's level of interest in nib history and has collected for many many years. He has offered to wholesale me gigantic (20+ gross box lots of French nibs for very reasonable prices). I may end up taking him up on the offer, especially for popular ones like the 2552 etc. This may be worth it if there's interest for me to split a large order like this on the forums.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AAAndrew on April 15, 2016, 03:47:38 PM
In the end,

(R. Esterbrook & Co's #333, Esterbrook's version of the Gillott 303, straight Palmer Method holder, Diamine Registrar's ink)

Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Mimi on May 21, 2016, 01:38:52 PM
This thread is so extremely helpful for someone who is starting to get into vintage nib! Thanks for the information, all!!! <3 
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: bubuli on January 26, 2017, 07:21:58 PM
My vintage nibs all acquired through eBay this month (January 2017):


january 2017


Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AnasaziWrites on January 27, 2017, 08:54:01 AM
My vintage nibs all acquired through eBay this month (January 2017):


january 2017
  • Gillott's Principality #1 - USD 10.50 each (4 pcs) - yes, $10.50 not a typo...i got lucky on a listing very few bidders noticed :)
  • Gillott's 303 - USD 4.99 each (10 pcs)
  • Gillott's 170 - USD 2.99 each (10 pcs)
  • Gillott's 604EF - USD 13.61 each (9 pcs)
  • Esterbrook 357 - USD 5.00 each (12 pcs)
  • Hunt 103 - USD 32.99 gross
  • Blanzy-Conte-Gilbert Cementée 2552 - USD 60.00 gross
@bubuli
I'm curious. Do you intend to use these nibs?
Will you be looking to buy more of these at these prices?

Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: bubuli on January 27, 2017, 09:44:47 AM
yes, i intend to use them (in fact, i'm using some of them now)...although i admit for some i will use them very sparingly especially the Principality and 604EF...the Cementée i can use more since i have enough supply to last me for a while (probably).

as for paying at these prices.  my wallet says "no."  let's put it that way...ask me again in a year. :)  (denial phase initiated)

My vintage nibs all acquired through eBay this month (January 2017):


january 2017
  • Gillott's Principality #1 - USD 10.50 each (4 pcs) - yes, $10.50 not a typo...i got lucky on a listing very few bidders noticed :)
  • Gillott's 303 - USD 4.99 each (10 pcs)
  • Gillott's 170 - USD 2.99 each (10 pcs)
  • Gillott's 604EF - USD 13.61 each (9 pcs)
  • Esterbrook 357 - USD 5.00 each (12 pcs)
  • Hunt 103 - USD 32.99 gross
  • Blanzy-Conte-Gilbert Cementée 2552 - USD 60.00 gross
@bubuli
I'm curious. Do you intend to use these nibs?
Will you be looking to buy more of these at these prices?
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: nabeelah on February 10, 2017, 12:24:50 PM
Acquired some nibs in November 2016, but forgot to post here!

I'm based in Spain so it's easier for me to get European nibs (as some of the Spanish suppliers more readily post to EU countries).

Gilbert and Blanzy 2552 [Box] -  €31.50 (including shipping)
Sommerville & Co Plume Gauloise [Box] - €29.50 (including shipping)

The Plume Gauloise are very much like the 2552, they're the same shape, a little less flexible but more sturdy. I recommend them!
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: sheila247 on February 12, 2017, 08:37:52 PM
I just bought 24 Vintage American Business College Minneapolis No 1 Steel Dip Pen Nibs.  I have been trying to research who the manufacturer was for these.  Does anyone have any suggestions of where I could find this information?  Any and all help is appreciated.  I am new to the vintage nib market and the bug has hit hard.  Looking forward to receiving everything so I can check them out. 

Sheila
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AAAndrew on February 13, 2017, 04:57:54 PM
Vintage nibs?!? Who'd want vintage nibs.  ::) 

Actually, oh my. If some No. 1 American Business College nibs get you going, then I'm afraid you've got the bug.

I'd have to see the nibs to even begin to make a guess, but I can probably narrow it down to Esterbrook, Turner & Harrison, Hunt or maybe Eagle. These were the big manufacturers in the US. They made pens for all kinds of organizations and put their name on it. I just received in the mail today a small box of Pennsylvania Railroad System No. 1 Fine which I'm pretty sure are Esterbrook 048 Falcons.

Most likely you'll never know for sure who actually made the pens. The odds are probably 90% it was one of the above-mentioned companies. There were some smaller manufacturers in the US, but from my experience they tended to just make nibs for themselves under their own name. I've only ever found evidence for the larger companies being able to make custom runs.

Pictures would help, especially if you have a box, which can usually give you an idea of what period the pens are from. Most of the business college pens I've run into are from the teens or 20's to the war, when all the young men went off to war and no one was left to enroll in the business colleges. That's what happened to my grandfather's attempt at starting up a business college. He began Hoosier State Commercial College in 1938 and was really starting to take off and opened a remote branch and a night school, and then the war hit, and it folded after the winter semester of 1941.

If you're really interested in vintage pens outside of the high-performance ones so popular 'round here, PM me and I might have a little to say on the matter.  ;D

Andrew, aka vintage steel pen bug infection vector #1
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: sheila247 on February 13, 2017, 05:19:59 PM
It was made in England.  Here is a picture.  I don't have the box.  They came in today and they write like a dream.  :-)
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Doesy on February 13, 2017, 09:31:12 PM
I have some of the American Business College nibs also. I've been curious too about who manufactured them. The nibs seem similar to vintage Palmer 5 nibs to me.

The founder of the college - John Julian Hagen - learned penmanship at the Lakeside Institute of Penmanship run by Austin Palmer and Bartlett Worthington. He in turn taught penmanship himself and is mentioned in the Penman's Art Journal a few times.

This is complete supposition on my part but I've wondered if Hagen ever contacted his former penmanship teachers about how to go about getting branded pen nibs made for his college and which manufacturer they used. Palmer nibs were manufactured by Gillott. (Gillott manufactured a large number of rebranded pen nibs for the US market and American Business College nibs were made in England...)

If you'd like to see more info about Hagen, his penmanship and the American Business College, you can find it at the link below (this is a geneaology website - maybe one of his descendents has more in depth info about supplies that were used at /manufactured for the college).

http://tng.locke.dk/getperson.php?personID=I00061&tree=tree2
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: sheila247 on February 13, 2017, 09:40:15 PM
Thank you Doesy!!  I had looked up Hagen - discovered the college was founded in 1904.  Did not know he had been mentioned in the Penman's Art Journal though.  I love learning about all of this....  I told my husband I was becoming a calligraphy geek.  :-)
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AAAndrew on February 14, 2017, 09:31:45 AM
Ah. If it just says "England" than it was made prior to about 1930 and was most likely made by either Gillott or Perry. Every indication I've been able to find points to those two as the ones who made most of the imported pens that were custom imprinted. I'm sure there were others, but it would be quite difficult to determine just who made a specific pen.

This practice of custom imprinting was not limited to schools and stationers wanting a pen with their name on it. You find a lot of the middle-sized companies, like the Spencerian Pen Co. and J. L. Isaacs (both in New York), Birmingham Pen Co., Frances Pratt and Sons (both out of Boston), and H. F. Kruger out of Kansas City, MO had their pens made in England but stamped with their name and marketed by them.

J.L. Isaac is a perfect example. His father, Leon Isaacs was a successful pen manufacturer in Philadelphia until the company was sold to Turner & Harrison not long after Leon's death. J(udah) L(eon) Isaacs was one of his top salesmen in the north east, including the very competative New York market. After Leon Isaacs was sold, J.L. started his own business, but he wasn't interested in making the pens, just in selling them. So he sent off to England to have pens made for him to his specifications and with his imprint. He then used his old sales contacts to have a relatively successful pen business for a dozen years or so.

When you find these, they are usually quite good quality. The Brits made a pretty good pen. When they are imprinted with a business college, especially one with a penmanship background, they are especially likely to be very nice pens.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: sheila247 on February 14, 2017, 09:54:32 AM
Thank you Andrew.  I'm really glad I took the risk on these nibs - I am pleased with the results.   
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: bubuli on February 14, 2017, 08:01:30 PM
It was made in England.  Here is a picture.  I don't have the box.  They came in today and they write like a dream.  :-)

oh i bought a dozen of these on eBay because it was relatively cheap...i received them and it's noticeably larger than the other usual suspects...i figure i'd try it at a later time when i'm bored :)

so far i found the Blanzy #2552 the best...smooth, flexible, and *durable*.  the B&F Velleda 436EF comes close, but a bit scratchier.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: sheila247 on February 15, 2017, 12:29:43 PM
OMG Ya'll!!  I did a buy now on Ebay for a Spencerian box with 20 nibs and it came today.   For less than $25.00 including shipping I received

8 Spencerian #1 (one is too rusted to use)
1 Spencerian #2
1 Spencerian #14
1 Spencerian #22
11 Spencerian School #5
1 Turner & Harrison 145
1 nib that looks way old that just says school
1 Esterbrook School 228
and 1 Esterbrook 128. 

 I am in shock.  Getting ready to open the other lot.
 I am thinking that some of these are too rare for me to even think about using.   Am I correct in this?

Yes, I think I have the bug. 
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: sheila247 on February 15, 2017, 01:31:29 PM
So in the second lot for which I spent 18.00 including shipping

3 Spencerian #30 Bronze Falcons
2 Hunt 22
1 Hunt 99
1 Hunt 100
1 Hunt 102
1 Hunt 103
2 Hunt 104s
1 Hunt 513EF
14 Palmer #7s
2 Gillott 1950s
1 Gillott 1066 Registry Pen
1 Esterbrook 048 Falcon
1 Esterbrook 442 Jackson Stub
2 Esterbrook 802 Oval Points
1 Esterbrook 920
1 Esterbrook 956
1 GE Ball Point
and 1 J.Y. Wilson's American Pen (too rusted to use)

Not bad - not as good as the first one - but not bad.   Now to start research on some of the more obtuse nibs

Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Empty_of_Clouds on February 15, 2017, 01:57:48 PM
Use them all.  That's what they're for.

I was fortunate to be able to come to an agreement with an online seller for an unopened box of vintage Gillott 404 nibs.  Although it was pricey for me, I think 62 cents per nib is a fair price for vintage 404s.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: sheila247 on February 15, 2017, 02:04:34 PM
That is a great price, especially if it is a nib that you really like.   I will use the Spencerian 1s for sure - not sure about the 14 or 22.  Especially since I only have one of each of them.   I was reading the review of nibs on IAMPETH and the reviewer had never even seen a 14.  I think I may just keep that one and the 22 for collecting sake.   
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AAAndrew on February 15, 2017, 02:16:09 PM
Nice variety.

The Hunt 100's tend to be fairly flexible. Anything with "EF" after it generally is pretty good. The Esterbrooks are solid. The 048 (Esterbrook always included the zero), the 442 and the 802 were staples of any workplace. The 048 Falcon was the top-selling Esterbrook pen for most of their existence. The 9xx Esterbrooks are their Radio pens, which just means they're just like the regular pens but with a special coating. The 956 is a Radio version of the 556, one of my favorite everyday writing pens.

I also like the Gillott 1066 Registry. It's a nicely firm-flex and durable pen for general writing. Quite smooth for a Gillott.

The Spencerian Bronze Falcons are another common pen with the durability, ink-holding and smoothness of most good Falcons.

And the Palmer #7's a really fun.  :D

Congrats!
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: sheila247 on February 15, 2017, 02:27:48 PM
Thanks Andrew.  I fixed the 048 Falcon.  Am reading up on Esterbrook through the link you provided.   I am over the moon with what I received today.   Am doing research as we speak.  Would you consider any of these not for use but just for my collection? 
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AAAndrew on February 15, 2017, 03:26:13 PM
The only one I might not use would be the GE ballpoint. I'm assuming it's a General Electric "GE"? All of the others I would use and see if you like them. If you do, you can keep your eyes out for another. Some are definitely more readily available than others.

As you've probably already discovered the 048, 442, 920 and 802 are too large for an oblique holder, so hopefully you have a straight holder as well. I know Palmer 9's are a big large, but I can't remember exactly the size of the 7's. I guess you'll figure it out when you go to put it in the holder and it doesn't fit.

Have fun!

Andrew
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: sheila247 on February 15, 2017, 03:32:20 PM
LOLOL   That was good!  Yep - I have almost as many straight holders as I have oblique holders.  I really do have a problem.  I have two boxes from John Neal that arrived today that I haven't opened yet because I go so excited by the nibs.   Squirrel!!!!   
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: prasad on February 16, 2017, 02:23:07 AM
Use them all.  That's what they're for.

I was fortunate to be able to come to an agreement with an online seller for an unopened box of vintage Gillott 404 nibs.  Although it was pricey for me, I think 62 cents per nib is a fair price for vintage 404s.
You got them. @Empty_of_Clouds
You've been looking for this for a long time. The price is excellent. Cheaper than the modern nibs. And you got a full box. Congratulations.  :)

Happy writing
Prasad
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AAAndrew on February 16, 2017, 09:02:59 AM
LOLOL   That was good!  Yep - I have almost as many straight holders as I have oblique holders.  I really do have a problem.  I have two boxes from John Neal that arrived today that I haven't opened yet because I go so excited by the nibs.   Squirrel!!!!   

I see no "problem" in all of this.

I have an "L" shaped desk at work and as you can see, the non-computer side is a perfect example of how this is not a problem.

Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: sheila247 on February 16, 2017, 10:21:06 AM
Looks like mine!  I too have a corner desk and then a bookshelf filled with the overflow, and a tower of drawers next to that, and .......    I am set up in our living room so I have to try and have it look somewhat organized.

Here are a couple of pics.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AAAndrew on February 17, 2017, 05:04:47 PM
Another pen to look out for.

I just purchased two boxes of of Turner & Harrison #145. I paid $22 for an unopened box, and $17 for an opened box with 119 pens in it.

The 145 was known in the old catalogs as the "Republic" and was labeled as a Bookkeeper's Pen. I would say the best equivalent in well-known pens is a Gillott 404. It's amazingly fine, very springy action and quite nice swells. A very nice pen The seller had another box he was going to sell on eBay but I figured I had enough and would leave the rest for someone else.

This is now my favorite practice pen. (yes, I've started to practice a bit)
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: sheila247 on February 17, 2017, 07:48:12 PM
I have one of those - it is a very nice and smooth nib.   

Good for you @AAAndrew for starting to practice.   :)  Nibs want to feel needed.   :P
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: ash0kgiri on February 26, 2017, 05:31:48 AM
Thats a steel @AAAndrew. How do you find such amazing deals. Is there a way we could keep track in near future.

-Ashok
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AAAndrew on February 26, 2017, 07:29:00 AM
I have several followed searches on eBay. Turner & Harrison is one, but some of the best deals are found in the category Other Collectable Pen Acc.  People who don't know exactly what it is post there but you do have to wade through a lot of junk to find the occasional pearl.

It's just keeping your eyes open. It also helps to have a few old catalogs to compare against, especially for sealed boxes when you can't see the Pen.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: sheila247 on February 26, 2017, 10:58:43 AM
A question for the collectors - how do you store your nibs?   Do you sort them by type, by manufacturer, or by use?   
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AAAndrew on February 26, 2017, 01:26:35 PM
I may not be the best to copy as I'm more of a collector than a serious user. I would say depends on if use or collecting is more important.

The nibs are stored by Manufacturer/number/imprint in small plastic boxes. Each line in my spreadsheet is stored separately.

Catalogued by these fields: with example
Maker Name: Esterbrook
Number: 048
Imprint: R. Esterbrook & Co.
Location: Made in USA
Name: Falcon
Amount: 28
Shape: Falcon
Finish: Bronze
Flexibility: Firm-flex
Series: (some nibs are part of a series, Like Hunt Round Pointed)
Notes: have box
Biz?: (If this is imprinted for a company like B&O Railroad)         

Joseph Gillott's   
603 EF   
Joseph Gillott's   
England   
Mid-Elastic   
2   
Straight   
Grey   
Flex      
(no series)
(no notes)
(no business indicator)                              
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: sheila247 on February 26, 2017, 03:07:36 PM
Not sure how well that work for me - but it does give me some ideas for the spreadsheet I am building.   :-)   
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: InkyFingers on August 15, 2017, 03:45:17 PM
With the surging price on ebay, where would one find good valued nibs?  Flee markets?  Private auctions?  Other web.sites?
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AAAndrew on September 08, 2017, 03:22:33 PM
Just to make you sigh, I got an office supply catalog today from about 1939-1940. (not sure if I can nail it down closer than that).

You could buy a gross of Gillott #1 Principalities for $2. A gross of 303's was also $2. A gross of the Spencerian #1's (New York, the yucky ones) was $1.50.  Wholesale was 20% less.

And you should see the paper, the desks, the blotters,... It's 352 pages (except the 10 pages of fountain pens which were cut out, grrrrr!) of everything an office could want.



Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AnasaziWrites on September 11, 2017, 10:26:49 AM
With the surging price on ebay, where would one find good valued nibs?  Flee markets?  Private auctions?  Other web.sites?
eBay is difficult these days, as so many people are looking constantly with saved searches.
One spot I've not seen mentioned is pen shows. They are mostly about fountain pens and modern pens, and nibs are rarely displayed, but ask the vendors if they have any nibs.  Sometimes they have jumbled box of them undisplayed.
 To answer your earlier question, no one I know uses Gillott Principalities on a regular basis as they are too expensive to replace. A few old timers with a stash of them might use them on occasion or for special pieces. I can't imagine using them for all the practice work necessary to have the skill to get the most out of them.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AAAndrew on September 11, 2017, 11:21:12 AM
The interest on eBay does seem to be quite high these days with prices rising accordingly. I'm hoping it's a bubble.  ::)

Fortunately most people still haven't discovered the wonderful world of everyday pen nibs, my area of collecting interest, so I can still get often find good deals on interesting nibs. But even there you have to look, and it seems most sellers think all nibs must be worth $2 each or more.  Buying by the box when possible is the only way. But then I saw a box with 55 later-date Esterbrook 357's just go for $192.

Kind of crazy. Patience is the key, and knowing when to step away.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Cyril Jayant on February 18, 2021, 04:49:49 PM
Is there anyone who is maintaining the records here??
I am curious.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Erica McPhee on February 18, 2021, 08:08:22 PM
What do you mean by the records?  :)
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Cyril Jayant on February 27, 2021, 06:50:11 AM
Sorry Erica  ;D !! Continuing the thread to archive all the present Nib prizes and the present values today.
That is what I meant by KEEPING THE RECORD OF PRIZES.

Thank you for your answer!!

Regards,
Cyril.
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Erica McPhee on February 27, 2021, 11:41:34 AM
Oh OK! Thank you! I do not think anyone is doing that.  ;D
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Cyril Jayant on February 06, 2022, 10:32:44 AM
I would love to see  if you folks come back here and talk about you recent Pen hauls.
I got 14 gillott's 303  *Vintage* 45 nibs for £23 ( Ebay )last week.
I have not seen the nibs  yet but waiting for them, but they are  from the oldest stock with the crown emblems Of Royal decree to the royal CD marks.

I got a Gillott's 404 M *Vintage* box with 100 nibs for £39.00 (Ebay) today but they are not Fine Flex but medium I guess.
I have already a sample of the same box and they are amazing fine writers. 
But I still determined  I get them so I got them!! ;D
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AnasaziWrites on February 06, 2022, 02:40:21 PM
I would love to see  if you folks come back here and talk about you recent Pen hauls.
I got 14 gillott's 303  *Vintage* 45 nibs for £23 ( Ebay )last week.
I have not seen the nibs  yet but waiting for them, but they are  from the oldest stock with the crown emblems Of Royal decree to the royal CD marks.

I got a Gillott's 404 M *Vintage* box with 100 nibs for £39.00 (Ebay) today but they are not Fine Flex but medium I guess.
I have already a sample of the same box and they are amazing fine writers. 
But I still determined  I get them so I got them!! ;D
I'm not sure what nib you are referring to regarding the Gillott 303 with crown emblems of Royal decree to the royal CD marks. Are these marks on the nibs? I've never seen a
g303 with any marks like that. Do you have a photo?
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Cyril Jayant on February 08, 2022, 10:21:18 AM
I would love to see  if you folks come back here and talk about you recent Pen hauls.
I got 14 gillott's 303  *Vintage* 45 nibs for £23 ( Ebay )last week.
I have not seen the nibs  yet but waiting for them, but they are  from the oldest stock with the crown emblems Of Royal decree to the royal CD marks.

I got a Gillott's 404 M *Vintage* box with 100 nibs for £39.00 (Ebay) today but they are not Fine Flex but medium I guess.
I have already a sample of the same box and they are amazing fine writers. 
But I still determined  I get them so I got them!! ;D
I'm not sure what nib you are referring to regarding the Gillott 303 with crown emblems of Royal decree to the royal CD marks. Are these marks on the nibs? I've never seen a
g303 with any marks like that. Do you have a photo?


Hi Mike, I could not come back soon to reply, as I did not received it until  this morning.
So at last I got it today. When I  opened it I was amazed by them. They were of two batch in 303. One is very antique than the other (They are the ones with the "CROWN EMBLEM"it)
and the other belongs to the same time from the look no emblems of the crown. Some with bears of some rusty marks as signatures of time. So I sorted them out to give a "WD 40 bath" and wipe out any removable rust.

I found this details from a pen supplier" He listed his pens under this Quotes. For Gillott's 292 school pen.

"By Royal Decree: The King of England appointed Joseph Gillott and Sons to be "steel pen manufacturers in ordinary to his majesty". Joseph Gillott was and is renowned as one of, if not the, top pen makers of all time. Known for the outstanding quality of his finished product, J. Gillott sold pen nibs (or points) throughout England and imported virtually millions to the USA. J.G. made a huge variety of points for specialty applications such as bank clerks, map makers, the finest hands at copperplate and calligraphy as well as points for the average penman. The 292 Points were "...Public Pens, which are especially adapted to their use, being of different degrees of flexibility, with FINE, MEDIUM, and BROAD POINTS, suitable for the various kinds of writing taught in Schools" and used through out industry. These nibs are the 292 FINE point."

I am having  this Pen THE PUBLIC SCHOOL PEN 292 F/ with the crown emblem too. It was a lucky find and GillottS 3 magnum with the Crown.

I am attaching  this post with  photo to show these three pens. Magnum in the middle two School pen on the left and the rest id 303 . all with the royal crown at the base down. It seems a quite interesting pens has great history. The seller did not know what he was selling. Even he listed the pen as GILLOTT'S 03. It was amazingly no competition for 48 nibs. As the pictures showed no evidence they are 303 but my eyes scanned  the crown on one nib. Then I guessed it must be a be a treasure. Finally I won the bids and asked  the seller if the nibs marked 303??? Not 03??? Then  he answered me he had a bad mistake of typing error and will it affect the deal. So I said not at all.:-) it was a blessing.
 Quite interesting  nibs. I believe and as I have seen, there are several more other nibs belongs to this limited crown productions too in Gillotts.You can see some 1800Yrs. old pen Packets they used for SO nibs packed by ten and then they shipped in boxes  too. They bear the Crown SO ( Not CD. sorry I put it wrong before ) It is with the Crown and S & O embossed on the nibs.
I'll do a writing sample one day but I am sure in my level of expertise it never will justify it's quality that could  put on a paper as an expert would do.  :D
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: Erica McPhee on February 08, 2022, 11:22:02 AM
Thanks for sharing!  :)
Title: Re: Vintage nib prices on ebay
Post by: AAAndrew on April 24, 2023, 07:47:33 PM
Gillott was first granted a royal patent by Queen Victoria in 1840. Here is an ad from 1840 announcing it.