I have decided to start the search for the Safari pens and after I checked Brians web site I saw that it might take a while. The one I lost on E-Bay today had the plastic cap. I understand Esterbrook had quality issues so they went to the metal cap. Based on this, I will assume the plastic cap pens will be more than the metal cap if they are in good shape. So what am I looking at here, $15 - $20 range on average or more towards the $30 range?

I've been watching a bunch on eBay, and I'd say it depends... I think there's a small number of people bidding on them, so the price might depend on whether someone (say, me for example) is paying attention.

I've seen them go for $15-30. They're not as consistent as some of the other pens out there. (Esterbrooks in general are like that - I've won J-series pens for $5 and I've seen others go for $30.)

Thanks. I blame myself for the one lost today. I put in a knowingly "to low bid" then forgot about it when I went out running around with the wife and kids
At least my wife seamed genuinly simpathetic.

www.isellpens.com has Lamy Safari pens for $19...your choice of color and nib, no waiting for end of auction or worries that you might not win!

Todd is a good source for affordable pens and a reliable seller. I have bought pens and ink from him several times and the one Hero pen that had a problem he took care of right away.

I think the OP meant to ask about Esterbrook Safaris.

hmmm....too many "safaris" out there, and I had the Lamy variety on the brain since I recently advocated it as a current equivalent of the old "dollar" or "J" pens.

oh well, I guess I need to broaden my Esterbrook horizons!

I got a Safari for under $20 on EBay, but it still seems to me that the prices go up on the weekend--

Thanks for the input. Johnr55, I agree that the weekends tend to drive of prices but it appears that $15 - $25 would be a fare range. David W, I have a Lamy Safari also and added my comments to your post about Lamy pens being the next Esterbrook. I guess I'll hit the antique stores next week end.

Considering most of the safari pens you find will be sold by non-pen people (found at estate sale, auction, etc.) the lack of a metal cap might make people think the all plastic version is a cheaper pen. Being a proprietary cartrige fill only pen, they have limited use unless you want to refill a cart, or retrofit current cartridges. I wouldn't pay more than $15 for any of them (plunger fil's excluded), but then generally don't like writing wth cartridge fill pens.

Watch out for those cracks, and the metal caps can develop cracks in them as well. All deluxe metal cap versions can scratch the barrel when posting, so if you're looking for a pristine example, know you might damage the pen just by using it.

Best-
Brian

Thanks Brian. I myself don't necessarily like the cartridge fills myself but hey....A mans got to collect what a mans got to collect so Game On

Try here, free shipping until Christmas, and you have a choice of nib sizes. Safari's of course are listed under Lamy.
Hawk
http://www.made2shop.com/

I'm on the hunt for Esterbrook Safari's but that was still a great web site. Thanks.