Best User Vintage Pens around $100

[framebaer]

Ok So this WON"T be a POLL!!!

 

I say the following in no particular order make the best users (Approx. $100) as Vintage pens You could buy today. My criteria are that the pens are NOT FINIKY, don't leak, write smoothly, and generally are sturdy enough to carry around and use daily.

 

Skylines,

 

Pelikan 140, 400's ( the ones from the 50's)

 

Parker 51's (the common ones)

Parker 75's (ditto)

Parker Vacs ( the cheapest ones)

 

Sheaffer lever fillers

[rroossinck]

Do the Esterbrooks have a place in this list, given that they're typically found well under the $100 limit? They're typically quite rock solid, aside from needing to be re-sac'd more often than not.

[James P]

I've been most pleased with my vintage Sheaffer Balance. Yes, the nib is hard as a rock, but it's comfortable, sturdy, and writes every time I pick it up.

 

I also have a Pelikan 140 that I have mixed feelings about - I really like the look of the pen (not that they've changed much), and it's size is "cute." It also writes every time I pick it up, but the nib "sings" when I write with it, and it's not nearly as smooth as the Sheaffer.

 

If durability (and price) weren't one of your criteria, I'd probably toss in Waterman's Hundred Year Pen. But they are, so I won't. So there.

 

James P.

[MikeLip]

I also cast a vote for Esties - even with re-sacing they are a great deal, and if you need a nib or don't like what's on the pen, get a different nib and swap it!

[psfred]

I would add Sheaffer TD and Snorkel models after being refurbed. Sacs in those aren't as rugged as the 51 Aerometrics, but new sacs and seals give you a pen that will work fautllessly for a decade or more (most likely much more, as I have some unrestored Sentinels that work fine, being upwards of 50 now!).

 

Triumph nib Sheaffers are a bit smoother than most open nib models, but only by a hair. I like the looks better, though.

 

Peter

[OldGriz]

Here is my list of pens in that you might be able to get fully restored in the $100 or less range.... I will list them in price from high to low order...

1 Parker Vacumatic ~ third generation in good shape

2 Parker 51 Vac filler

3 Parker 51 Aero filler

4 Sheaffer Balance

5 Sheaffer Snorkel Triumph nib

6 Sheaffer Touchdown Triumph nib

7 Esterbrook with a 9XXX series nib

 

Now this list is only my opinion of what I consider the better vintage pens in that price or under.... if I were forced to choose only one of them I could not...

My personal favorites are the Parker Vacumatic, Parker 51 Vac and the Sheaffer Snorkels.

I have Esties and love them... they are the JEEP of the fountain pen world... the Sheaffer TD is basically the same pen as the snorkel but no snorkel filler...

The Balance... a lovely fantastic lever fill pen that stood the test of time also....

[goodguy]

Your 3 choices of Parker 75,51 and Vacumatics are wonderful and among my favorite but there are many many other pens in the 100$ price range that will make excellent writers.

Even Parker themself have few more like the British Duofold,Parker VS,Parker VP.

 

Sheaffer Snorkels,Balance,Flat tops.

Waterman has ample models in this price-too many to count.

 

Many other makers I dont know so well will have excellent writers.

Edited January 3, 2007 by goodguy

[HesNot]

What Griz said - although I am less enamored of Esterbrooks than many here. You truly can't go wrong with a "51", Vac, Snorkel or Balance.

[O'Hare]

I agree with most of what's been included so far, even if a pen needs simple maintenance, which is to be expected. But I'd like to also add the Parker 21 aero. Not always as smooth as a 51, but I think it still meets the criteria.

[georges zaslavsky]

Add also Parker Juniors with the Aerometric filling system from the mid 50's-early 60's, they are well made, have a smooth nib and great ink capacity.

Edited January 3, 2007 by georges zaslavsky

[EventHorizon]

I'll have to hang my hat on the Esterbrooks and Parkers also. I can't speak intelligently on the Sheaffer's as I only have a few and they have yet to be tried. As for Pelikan, I recently purchased my first one and it is a brand new M200 so I can't throw in on that one yet either.

[rroossinck]

I think I would consider eliminating the 21 from the list, not because it's not a terrific pen or a great writer, but because of the hood's tendencies to crack and render them somewhat useless. They're swell writers, though.

 

JMO

[mike1]

I love my Sheaffer Triumph nibbed touchdown Crest. Writes well everytime I pick it up. It came in well under $100 including restoration.

Edited January 3, 2007 by mike1

[psfred]

Oh, forgot the Parker 21 Super -- writes just like a 51 but lacks the collector -- not that I can tell in use. Parker 41 is almost identical, but they are hard to find.

 

Peter

[Dr.Grace]

I agree with Griz's list, but would add that the Sheaffer Balance is what I consider the best value: beautiful pearlized finsihes, classic styling, comfortable light weight and reliable nibs, all at a reasonable price. Esties are cheaper and write beautifully, but they're not as elegant.

 

Don

[Dillo]

Hi,

 

I would say that the Aurora 88 pens and what is based on them are good for daily use. Most Sheaffer vac-fils are good too. These pens last quite a while when they are restored properly.

 

I would take Parker "51" vacs and other vacumatic-filling pens from the list since the diaphragm does not last very long under normal use.

 

Parker "51" aerometrics, once cleaned and restored, should be good for a long time.

 

Esterbrooks are good too. I wouldn't add Snorkel, PFM, or touchdown pens since there are things in these pens that can crack fairly easily I wouldn't add Parker 61 or 21s since they can also crack easily

 

Dillon

[wdyasq]

I would take Parker "51" vacs and other vacumatic-filling pens from the list since the diaphragm does not last very long under normal use.

I'd like to hear some other opinions on this 'fact'.

 

Ron

[goodguy]

In my humble opinion the Vac system is reliable enough for everyone to use.The aero fillers are more reliable thats a fact but again that doesnt mean the vacs are not reliable and they have a unique charm that the aero will never have.

[RonB]

I'm interested in the lifespan of a Parker "51" Vac ink system. Does anyone have any opinions and observations about how long it will last once it is restored assuming it is used moderately every day? Is it most likely a few years, 10 years or 20 years?

 

Thanks

 

Ron

[goodguy]

Hi RonB

 

I second that question.I will put it as a question in the Parker forum.