Hello all! I had been thinking about CS vintage pens when a few popped up for sale on Trademe (New Zealand's version of eBay).

There is a restored green CS 85L http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/10/70846510_full.jpg

Restored grey/black cracked finish CS 28 http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/32/70847032_full.jpg

Restored blue pearl CS 12 http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/50/70847450_full.jpg

Restored black CS 475 with box http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/53/70848153_full.jpg

*edit* Removed Waterman 512 image. Silly me!

I have been reading Jonathan's Vintage pens and Penspotters and all they have done is make me want them all! If I wasn't also bidding on a pair of Parker 51's I would probably have a go at getting two of them!

I do like the look of the 85L the most though but wanted to ask CS collectors what they thought of the others as I am inexperienced with CS pens (and vintage pens in general).

Thank you all!

Collecting vintage CS is very exciting, because they came in such a bewildering array of models and colours. I will say first off that I am only a beginner, but I am serious about collecting and have done some research, though focusing on the early flat-top models.

I think that a good rule to follow is that the earlier the model, the better quality and more valuable it is. After the war, and especially by the 60s-70s, CS was not quite the same. The quality of both materials and construction became worse and the pens became less interesting. I was shocked when an expert collector told me that a 1960's CS 150 model that I was planning to buy, albeit for a low price, is nearly worthless by collectors' standards even in mint condition. So you want to be aware of that.

Other than this, I think that a lot depends on your personal preferences in forms, colours, materials, style of lever and clip, trim, and so on. My interest is mostly in the non-tapered flat-top models of the 1920's and 30's, and I am especially particular about colours and styles of clips. Personally, out of the links you posted, I find the black CS 475 most appealing. But that is just a matter of preferences.

If you go with a shape, size, nib style and design you like, try to stick to earlier models, and make sure the pen is in the best condition possible (condition of the pen can make a huge difference in value for CS), you should be all right. Vintage CS is not as abundantly available for sale as it once was, but there are some very nice people in England who are quite knowledgeable and helpful on this topic. Perhaps one of them will contribute to your thread.

Good luck!
QM2

Hi,

I have a few vintage CSs the working ones are all good reliable writers and I think good pens to collect.

The 85L is probably the best choice nice pen in a sought after design, so likely to be the most expensive by quite a long way.

The 28 in the hatched design is also quite popular, I have one waiting to go of for a new ink sac.

The others look good as well I have a CS 12 in black (in fact I think I have 2) and a 475, although this looks in better condition than mine.

The last one the 512 is I think a Waterman rather than a CS.

Good luck with whichever you decide to go for.

Andy

I'd go with the 85L as herringbones are highly collectible to some vintage pen collectors. Also,the last pen listed is a
Waterman and not a CS.

John

Agree with Andy, the 512 is a Waterman. Personal preference, I'd go for the 85L or the 28, anything herringbone gets my interest, hence the 85L and whilst I don't have a 28, I do have a 27 which I love to bits and the big difference between the two is the width of the cap band. The 12 is one that's never really appealed to me, although the colour is pretty, does look like the pitting on the clip might be quite bad. The 475, well, black pens just don't do it for me What's the nib condition on each? Have you seen photos of them? If it's anything like EBay I'd go as far as saying have they all got nibs, I have asked sellers about the nib when a photo hasn't shown it only to be told it's missing when they hadn't stated that in the auction description.

Though you don't have one listed,I would suggest getting a CS in cracked ice as well as one in a color called Toffee
Swirl. I have an early no.24 in cracked ice and it's a great writer with a flexible nib. Wish I had a Toffee Swirl......

John

I just noticed my mistake! The last pen is a Waterman. Silly me! Thank you for pointing it out too.

They all have nibs,

here is a photo of the 85L nib http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/29/70846629_full.jpg

and one of the 475 http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/89/70848189_full.jpg

These are the two I think I am most interested in. The 85L nib looks good to me. I thought at first that the 475 nib looked bent but I think it is just the way the nib is rotated a little in the photo.

Thank you for your help all!

I also found a CS 12 from another seller http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/81/71203081_full.jpg


I don't know if it is in writing condition or not (will ask seller after I post this). I love the colour!

There is a buy now price of $45NZD ($34USD, £17).

I was starting to be come a fan of vintage Parker pens but the more CS vintage pens I see the more plain the Parker's seem! I still would love a 51 though!

: ) Have you seen the "Green Measles" (Jade) and the Butterfly/Peacock patterns? Although I guess you are probably more of a marbled/cracked ice kind of person.


CS 27 Cracked Ice


CS 22 Floral


CS 540 (Dinkie) Blue Moire

[images from Write Time, in the UK]

Wow! The Blue Morie CS 540 looks awesome!

You like it? I like it too, very intriguing colour!

According to the seller's website, you can have it, restored and ready to write, for 45GBP / 90USD.
The pen's got a medium flex nib.

Go to http://www.writetime.co.uk/conway/conway.htm
and scroll to pen no. CS 796
Top of the website has ordering instructions.

But stay away from the blue lapis flat-top, that one's mine! : )

No affiliation and never bought from them before, so fingers crossed!

QM2

If I have no luck with these local auctions I will seriously consider that CS 540!

That's a good price for a CS in a(I think)raspberry color. Let us know if you get it.

John

Sadly I hesitated and when I went to check again some one had bought it with the buy now. I am kicking myself now as I really like that colour.

I know the feeling. Been there,done that,kicked myself for not being fast enough.....

John

I think this colour is called Ruby Marble? There are several variations of it.


CS 15 Ruby Marble with Black Veins
from Writetime

What a shame you missed out on the CS12, sounded a good price. Writetime sell some great pens and that 540 looks great, just remember that it's a Dinkie, so a smaller pen. Personally I love the Dinkies so the smaller size doesn't bother me.

I missed out on them all! The reserves were all double my highest bid (I was leading too). The seller might re-list or make a fixed price offer. I am still quite keen on the CS 85L and the CS 475 both with a $190 USD / £95 reserve but this seems a little expensive.

I am really keen on a Parker 51 and am bidding on a couple of auctions that end on the 10th and am going to look at some antique stores this afternoon. If they don't pan out and the CS 85L and CS 475 are relisted I might take the plunge and get one despite the price.

I stated earlier that I have no experience with Writetime and have not bought from them. That has now changed, and this sweet little darling will soon be arriving into my eagerly outstretched arms!...



If you are looking to get your first CS and you want it to be of value, affordable, and honestly restored to writing condition -- then I believe Writetime should be your first point of contact. Having just dealt with them, I would recommend this method over trying to grab something on ebay.

Best wishes and happy Conway Stewarting,
QM2