What Are Good Prices For Vintage Sheaffers On Ebay?

[PotatoJesus]

So I've gained a lot of interest in vintage pens recently, specifically Sheaffer (really like the design of the pens) and I since this is a relatively new market for me, I'm not sure if some of the pens Im looking at are overpriced or not. Of course, I understand that the price will vary from model to model and how good of a condition the pen is, but I feel like knowing a general price range will help me to better determine if purchasing the pen is worth my while. To reiterate my question in clearer terms I guess, by model what is the average price I should expect to pay for a pen? Average price for a pen that is in okay condition, as I don't mind scratches/dings/chips in plating/etc. I think if the pen is restored or not plays into the price but it seems to me the effect on it widely varies. I appreciate any insight!

[FarmBoy]

Sheaffer pens seem to trade in the $3 to $2500 range with a few exceptions outside that range.

 

Might be easier if we pick a specific model or two and narrow it down.

[PotatoJesus]

Sheaffer pens seem to trade in the $3 to $2500 range with a few exceptions outside that range.

 

Might be easier if we pick a specific model or two and narrow it down.

I guess from the ones I spot most often Sheaffer Balance Lifetime and Sheaffer Triumph, I know from here http://www.peytonstreetpens.com/resources/pen-resources/sheaffer_models_part_1/ that still encompasses a lot of pens but those are generally the models that really catch my eye (Not sure what the stripped finish is called but I love it)

Edited March 3, 2018 by PotatoJesus

[Roger W.]

I don't know that anyone tracks the data but, what you need to do is follow the pens you like and watch what prices they bring. Soon you will see the highs and the lows as long as you are tracking average pens. Then you will have a feel for what a fair price for a particular Sheaffer would be. For unusual pens, and you may not be able to determine this without years of experience, the price can be vastly different than you might otherwise expect. You might see a particular model bring $50-$100 but, one you are watching might bring $250. Maybe two bidders got overly enthusiastic or maybe they is something special about that particular pen. Experience is the best teacher. There are also trends. A snorkel demo will typically be $250-$350 though a few years ago a couple went over $1,000. They don't come up often and if two bidders really wan to get one at a particular time it can throw the average price way off.

 

Roger W.

[Chrissy]

In order to find out regular prices, it's a good idea to watch them on ebay and see how much they fetch.

 

You can also search for particular models, then check the Sold Listings box and see how much they sold for over the last 3 months.

[Ron Z]

Keep in mind that eBay is a low price market with no guarantee that the pen has been restored, or was "restored" i.e. not really fixed properly. The sold price for an eBay listing is a gauge of some sort, but not an accurate predictor of prices in general. If you want to use the pen, factor in the price of restoration including shipping charges into the price you are willing to pay.

 

Model, color and condition as well as the nib size all effect price.

[Parker51]

Also, please keep in mind that Sheaffer's used some unique filling mechanisms which are such a challenge to repair that it is almost a requirement that they be serviced by an experienced restorer who has deep broad knowledge or is a specialist in that specific filling mechanism while the same model may have a lever filled version which an be serviced by an experienced hobbyist. So, a pen needing to be retored which is a lever filler will bring more money than a plunger filler, while both pens fully restored will result in the plunger filler being the higher priced pen. And as far as snorkel filler pens, the cost of restoration is also significant which results in a significant price difference for a fully restored pen versus one in the wild.

[CraigR]

As some others have mentioned, price will be determined by model, condition, and demand. I have bought a lot of pens from Ebay with varying degrees of success. I prefer to buy from other known collectors such as the ones on this forum and one or two others. If you have an idea of the particular Sheaffer you are interested in, post a Want To Buy or In Search `Of type of ad, or contact the collectors and ask if they have one they would like to part with. My best vintage working pens came from other collectors. As Ron mentioned, be ready to add the cost of restoration to the price of any pen on the auction sites. Some of the filling systems are trickier than others and best left to professionals to work on. Keep an eye on the classifieds and Sheaffer's forums here on FPN to get a feel for the market. Best wishes!

[PotatoJesus]

Also, please keep in mind that Sheaffer's used some unique filling mechanisms which are such a challenge to repair that it is almost a requirement that they be serviced by an experienced restorer who has deep broad knowledge or is a specialist in that specific filling mechanism while the same model may have a lever filled version which an be serviced by an experienced hobbyist. So, a pen needing to be retored which is a lever filler will bring more money than a plunger filler, while both pens fully restored will result in the plunger filler being the higher priced pen. And as far as snorkel filler pens, the cost of restoration is also significant which results in a significant price difference for a fully restored pen versus one in the wild.

Are there any repairmen that would be specifically recommended to restore Sheaffer pens?

[PotatoJesus]

Also, i would like to thank everyone for the tips they have posted so far. They will be very helpful for when I try to expand into the world of vintage pens

Edited March 3, 2018 by PotatoJesus

[CraigR]

Are there any repairmen that would be specifically recommended to restore Sheaffer pens?

Ron Z owner of Main Street Pens would be an excellent choice. See his post above.

[corgicoupe]

I have used Danny Fudge for straightforward restoration and have been satisfied.

[mitto]

I would also recommend Ron Z of Main Street Pens.