Hi all,

just thought I'd introduce myself and also ask a question. First thanks for all the great info posted throughout the forum, great help for a new "collector." I have three Esterbrooks currently, an LJ (nib 1555), an SJ (nib 9550), and a Safari (nib 2668). Had them for awhile just didn't use them till recently (Mom's HS pens). I'm putting in new sacs for the J series and look forward to using them regularly.

Now to the question, I'd like to add a Dollar pen to my mini-collection and need advise on costs/conditions. Any help on what I should be looking for? I've had a look at the Esterbrook.net site and within this forum, both helpful, but I've seen prices vary quite a bit.

Thanks, Goffredo

First off, welcome to FPN and the Esterbrook forum specifically. As to the Dollar pen it sounds like you have some repair experience under your belt so an ebay project is your cheapest alternative. I buy and resell on ebay and I try to spend no more than $30 with shipping for a non-black dollar. I would spend $25 max on a black dollar but black is the least in demand color. The sacs for dollars are #18s, watch for bent clips and deep gouges. Other than that small scratches can be polished out.

If you don't want to take the (Potty Mouth)-shoot of ebay buying. I sell Full Dollars and Demi Dollars for $69 with common nibs in restored condition. Write now I have one black and one green on ebay under seller a_schultz01. I have a very nice blue full almost done and a rather cool slim green with a nifty imprint. I've got probably 20 more ready for restoration to begin so if you have a particular color/ size combo I can get one started for you.

I'm not the only one here though and it sounds like I may be one of the more expensive options. Toulose (I think I spelled that right, if not correct me) does excellent work and I would not hesitate for a second to buy one of his pens. Farmboy (Todd) is another excellent option and a frequenter of this board. I'm sure there are others I'm forgetting but this should give you a start.

Adam

I try to pay less than that! ;-)

There is a Dollar on ebay right now with a BIN that has a 3668 Sunburst nib for about 40 bucks....a touch high, but the nib is desirable....although a quick look reveals that the nib may be a bit bent. I've paid 20 bucks for that particular nib before though...probably at least worth a look.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Esterbrook-Blue-Dollar...p3286.m14.l1318

I've looked at that one before, the black banding on the middle of the cap is infused ink around the inner cap sleeve. I would pass on this one because it won't clean up well.

AAHHH Yes, one of the banes of our existence.

If you can, buy from one of the guys/gals here (i.e. Adam) or some of the other pen pushers especialy for the $1.00 pen. I still buy from E-Bay often realizing it's a cr*p shoot but I also calcualte in what it might be to do heavy repairs (more than a new sac per say).

Welcome to the FPN and Esterbrook.

Hi all,

thanks for the info and my hunt continues. Thanks for the offer on the pens System of Adam, but I'm looking for one to start off that is a little less costly and that I can restore myself for use on an everyday basis.

Another question, it seems the Dollars come in various sizes, are these equivalent to sizes/shapes of the follow-on 'J' series pens? The SJ I have is a little small for me and I like the way the LJ feels in my hand.

Thanks, Goffredo

Hi all again,

should've searched a little more, found my answer in another post.

Goffredo