I'm Looking For A 51...

[ARVA]

Even though the design does not attract me but I was impressed by the reviews and many many topics here about the 51.

I was surprised how rugged it is.

I saw that many of you have tons of these pens.

I searched trough ebay, but I only found nice looking ones. I do not want to spend that much on a pen that does not appeal to me like the 75, however I'm curious about trying it and test it.

 

I would like to find a 51 (the standard one, not demi or special) aero / vac does not matter, barrel full of scratches, bite marks, scars (but not broken) cap full of dings and dents, steel/octanium nib (gold would be expensive I think). The only thing is to be functional and to have all the parts (the cap jewel could be missing, I guess)

 

I think you get the idea, I'm looking for a functional but beaten 51 that I can carry with me even in the forest without fearing of scratching, dropping… and paying too much for it.

 

If have a pen like this that does not have much value and you don't really care about but it works please tell me. Or at least can you tell me how much could such a pen cost?

 

Thank you!

Have a nice day!

[JotterAddict62]

Note to self;

See what I have.. check back later.

[Runnin_Ute]

Be patient. I found a 51 Special SET (fp/mp) and the pen isn't perfect cosmetically for <$50 shipped. (micro scratches) I got lucky.1953 aero.

 

Bruce is good at ebay trawling for 51's....

[inkstainedruth]

If you really don't want a gold nib, look -- as Runnin_Ute said -- for a 51 Special. But truthfully, although I don't know what your budget is like, half of my 51s were in the mid-$50 US range (I think I paid around $43 for my 51 Special. including shipping). And two others I got recently in an antique mall near where I live because they didn't have the right caps. So, under $27 for the pair: a later (early 1960s, I've been told) MkII Aerometric and a 1948 Cedar Blue 51 Vac. The only (semi) expensive one was the Plum Aero Demi -- but I still got it for a reasonable price, IMO, given what I've seen before and since for hammer prices.

Oh, and also +1 for Runnin_Ute's comment about Bruce -- he was AMAZINGLY helpful in helping me scope out the first couple I got on Ebay, and incredibly patient in walking me through what questions to ask sellers, estimating what pens *should* go for, and pointing out listings I might want to take a look at.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[octatonic]

+10 on Bruce-he is AMAZING with the '51' landscape. He walked me through the beginning also!

[Runnin_Ute]

Left to right: P51 Special MP/FP P45 P45 Flighter P45 BP P45 MP

 

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af283/Runnin_Ute/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/20140716_110815_zpsz47yb1zs.jpg

 

 

Not great photo, but adequate

 

Posting photo:

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af283/Runnin_Ute/P51Specialset_zps96a5f2e2.jpg

 

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af283/Runnin_Ute/P51Specialset-exploded_zps9b7e7549.jpg

 

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af283/Runnin_Ute/P51Specialset-box_zpsdb247796.jpg

 

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af283/Runnin_Ute/P51Specialset3_zpsebb75182.jpg

 

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af283/Runnin_Ute/P51Specialset4_zps82baa7c5.jpg

 

http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af283/Runnin_Ute/P51Specialset2_zpsab3a7a2e.jpg

Edited December 31, 2014 by Runnin_Ute

[Cryptos]

I will second Bruce. Although he hasn't been involved in any of my 51 acquisitions I do hear that he is able to help some people.

[ajcoleman]

If you just want to "try" a 51, it is pretty easy to pick up a decent one one ebay with confidence that you will be able to resell it without much trouble. With patience you should be able to get one at a reasonable price, (less than $100) and be confident you can sell it fairly quickly for something close to what you paid. But be warned, you may find it hard to let go of once you try it.

[ARVA]

Thank you very much for your replies, I will soon have my very first P51

[Venemo]

Let us know how it goes - don't forget: pics or it didn't happen!