Help - need advice on buying a swan mabie todd

[Portrait]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...em=290318938265

 

I am thinking of bidding on this pen above but don't want to be ripped off as a fairly new pen collector. How much is this pen worth

 

thanks

 

Portrait

[rwilsonedn]

I think it's quite hard to put a precise value on a vintage pen without knowing a lot more about the collector market than I do, and physically examining the pen. But here are some general observations:

Much of the value of a vintage pen depends upon the condition of the nib, feed, and filling mechanism. If the seller does not reveal these to you (at least with good photographs) you are without valuable information. In this particular auction, you can't even tell if the nib and feed are present. This is not a trivial observation, as you occasionally see fountain pens on eBay missing their nib entirely, and the seller is unaware that anything is wrong. Many older pens that appear in nearly unused condition are so clean because the owner put them away after dropping the pen and bending the nib dreadfully. Most antique dealers can't tell a fountain pen nib from a hunting knife, and so wouldn't notice, or would choose not to notice. You cannot infer the condition of the vital bits from the appearance of the pen cap and barrel--even if the seller has no intent to deceive you.

Also, I tend to beware of any auction with a reserve price. The seller could set the minimum bid openly, but instead has chosen to make you bid first, and find out if that is enough later. This is a ploy to get you to bid more than the pen is worth, because once you have made an offer and been told it was insufficient, it is human nature to try again. By setting a reserve, the seller is in effect trying to trick you into bidding more than your good judgement thinks is enough. There is no other reason to use a reserve price instead of simply listing the pen with the minimum opening bid. Finally, I see that seven people have already bid on this pen without reaching the reserve price. That tells you that the greatest amounts seven buyers were willing to offer were all less than the reserve. Food for thought.

ron

 

edited to remove gratuitous smiley face

Edited May 28, 2009 by rwilsonedn

[Portrait]

thank you. the pen didn't reach its reserve so not sold. I will bear your advice for future pruchases. thanks again

[scrawlysteve]

Excellent advice from Ron. If (in future) you ask the seller appropriate Q.s and get satisfactory answers (and more photos) then this kind of Swan (in GWO) could be worth a little more than it didn't go for. The No1 and 2 nibs are considered by some to be better than the larger ones (which often sell for more...)...the Leverless does not hold as much ink as the lever filler but was more expensive originally, it's also more difficult to flush...so lever filler is probably a better bet as a user...both are lovely pens though. Many would advise staying away from the Eternal nibs--too stiff, not as much fun... (Most of this info I have from my man G.G who knows a lot.. )

Good luck--and don't forget Onotos!