Well, we all know what this weeks’ set is – the 4140 or “Victory” as it says on the pedestal. This is a great time to talk about value. Many of you know this went for $1,925. Do I think it is worth that? Must be, that is what I was willing to pay. Wrong! Many of you know that I hate “something is worth what someone is willing to pay” – haven’t changed my mind on that. As a knowledgeable buyer I have a good idea of what this piece is worth and the value placed on it by others. I was offered this piece (a 4140 not this specific piece) in May for $3,000. I thought that too high. I’ve explained it in context of the Parker “Spirit of Aviation” being worth $5,000. This is a Sheaffer – we can knock off half. This is a nice base but, not even approaching “Spirit” quality. So I’d say a 4140 “Victory” is worth $1,500 - tops.

So I overpaid by $425 or 28% of value. I did, honest. Mostly for a. convenience of getting it now and b. an absolute drive of collector greed. I’m not remorseful as it could take years to find another. A dealer friend of mine in New York called the other day and asked me what I was thinking – he has sold one of these for much less a few years ago – but, of course, find another, that’s the trick. Now, where does this base rank in Sheafferdom? Pretty high up there but, it still does not have the cache of the “Cat” for instance – not yet anyway, maybe I can start making this piece a real icon of Sheaffer desk base collecting. It is an important piece as it is one of three known though, there could be several more.

My general beef with base collecting is that some people are not knowledgeable at all and are bidding ridiculous amounts of money considering the piece. I like to see Sheaffer pieces do well but, it should make sense. $175 for a $25 base is grossly out of line. Especially when one considers that the exact same style can be had within a few months time for a lot less money. Granted there is not a lot of info out there on desk bases. This may be the greatest area for revelation in the next few years of pen collecting. So how do you ascertain the value of desk bases? Right now it is gut and experience. There are no guide books and there are generally too few sales of any particular model to set a clear trend. So, as I said, this is an area ripe for research and presentment of more information for the hobby.

Appraising is what value is about. Having to sell ones property to see what someone is willing to pay is pretty inconvenient. Pieces do have a range of value that having nothing to do with what someone might have paid in a one off auction. Of course, relatively speaking, we are talking about trifling amounts for desk bases. The concept of appraisal is more proven in the housing market (ya, ya we are seeing a gross revaluation now but that does come with the territory). A bank won’t let you foolishly overspend for a house unless you insist on putting more of your own money down. We don’t have that restraint in collecting pens or desk bases. Point being, watch sales for a while on EBay if you are going to pick up more than a couple of bases and get a feel for what the general market is. You could always be watching when the market is operating in a high or low cycle so you could get the wrong idea. I’ve been watching bases for years and have a pretty good idea though some buyers really surprise me on what they will pay for a common base on occasion.

Here are a few observations about “Victory”. I was surprised by how lightweight the statue was. It is poured or cast not as a solid, so even though it is bronze, it is relatively light. The base is simply a #26 and though large is, as stated above, not spectacular like Parkers “Spirit” but, very nice. The sockets on this piece date it to post 1942 though “Victory” is 1928 production – this is not uncommon with bases however. It was given as a retirement presentation to a Sheaffer employee – more details there I do not have.

I give you the 4140 or “Victory”.

Roger W.


4140 in circa 1928 desk base catalogue


4140 full base


4140


4140


4140


4140


4140


4140 "VICTORY"

Roger:

That is one beautiful and rare piece. There are times when you have to bite the bullet and pull the trigger. Who knows when you would see another base like this? I am glad it found a home with you and not in someone's dark basement, not shared with others. Congratulations.

I agree on the "it's worth what someone is willing to pay" motto. There are some times when the situation is extraordinary and it is true, but to use it for every piece that ever appears is to make it a universal cop-out. I mean after all if that mantra is always true, then no one ever "overpays" for anything. But plainly some people do overpay- they go hog wild and then may try to resell, only to find they can't recoup what they paid. In many instances overpaying is all too real I guess.

What I like about this base is that it reminds me of those old WW1 "victory" posters. I think it has a certain classical appeal to it that is typical of the 1910s and 20s.

Amen to that. I can't imagine a better steward of this rare and beautiful piece of Sheaffer history. Thanks, Roger, for sharing - and ditto on the congrats.

Cheers,

Jon

Best one I've seen yet, Roger. Great photos, too. A capstone piece for your collection.

Thanks, everyone. Of course, now I am contemplating what base to do tomorrow. I mean, how do you follow this up? Well, my idea is for nice bases that don't bring the money. Probably more undervalued bases than over anyway. See you tomorrow.

Roger W.

Hey Roger and all,

I thought this was an incredible piece when I first saw it on ebay and after Roger had posted pictures of his, and the weirdest thing happened a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon one myself. Now it does need to have one of the holder's replaced as it's damaged, that and one of the pens is slightly later then the other but all in good time I guess. Regardless I am thrilled to be an owner of a "Victory" desk set of my own!
(sorry for the lousy picture)
Click to view attachment
Pearce.

Congratulations! What an excellent way to resurrect an old thread!

Thank you, DrPJM1. I am thrilled to be one of the few apparent owners of a Victory desk set.

Pearce.

Pearce, I might have the trumpet for that set. I got a bunch in a parts lot a while ago. Will bring them when we meet some time.

What is your sched like this week. Tues and Wed are out, but might be able to make some other evening.

Cheers,
Sean