How Much Do You Think This Set Is Worth?

[snollygoster]

My grandfather gifted me this Cross ballpoint pen and mechanical pencil set after I established myself as a newbie pen collector. I know that it isn't a fountain pen we're talking about, but you all seem to know your stuff (better than I do, HA).

 

He won it for achieving something he "forgot" when he worked for IBM, and they were made by Cross specially for him. He said he won it "over forty years ago".

 

I attached a photo of the set. He claims to have barely used them, they're in perfect condition.

 

There's the IBM logo (or at least the letters "IBM") at the bottom of the clip on each of them. Below the black top, "-CROSS- 10KT GOLD FILLED USA ELECTROPLATED EMBLEM" is engraved on each. The ballpoint pen and mechanical pencil are displayed on green felt in the case, and below the pad at the bottom of the green case is a booklet that explains all kinds of pens in great detail in many different language, etc. They're both twist activated. The pen has a gold spot at the tip of the black tip while the pencil does not.

 

I'm not thinking about selling the decades-old set, but I'm curious as to what it's worth. I'd appreciate an estimate. If you have any questions, please contact me.

 

THANKS!!

 

 

I

[penmanila]

Sentimental value aside, i'd say not a lot, as it was a pretty common corporate pen in its time. It's a ballpoint, it's not solid gold, although the IBM logo might attract IBM collectors. Indeed, best kept in the family

Edited December 29, 2012 by penmanila

[pokermon]

Try to find the value, and add 10-15%. The IBM logo might not mean much for most people.

[BrandonA]

Sentimental value aside, i'd say not a lot, as it was a pretty common corporate pen in its time. It's a ballpoint, it's not solid gold, although the IBM logo might attract IBM collectors. Indeed, best kept in the family

 

Only a small fraction of the world works for or has worked at IBM. This is therefore a huge negative point to me and probably the vast majority of people (if not a -ve point, definately not a +ve)

 

Nice set though, not sure of the value.

[OldGriz]

Try to find the value, and add 10-15%. The IBM logo might not mean much for most people.

 

Actually I would subtract 5-10% from the general market value because unless you are an IBM collector of sorts the insignia draws away from the value for a lot of people ...

Unfortunately, you can't put a price on the sentimental value so in the OPs case it is a priceless set....

As for the statement "and they were made by Cross specially for him". I really hate to tell the OP that these sets were made by the thousands for many many companies including IBM.

Corporate sets were a very large part of the marketing system for Cross and other well known pen companies....

I don't want to even venture a guess at how many of these sets IBM corporate ordered to give away to employees as gifts....

[Sasha Royale]

We are all proud of the nephew, who just graduated from the police academy.

Some of us "chipped in" for a Cross Pen and Pencil set, in 10k gold-filled.

They will look good in his pocket. We paid $146.

 

Used. I would expect half of the retail, if it doesn't look like a used set.

Any scratches would announce "used". Other blemishes, too. The IBM tag

screams "USED, SOMEBODY ELSE'S PEN".

 

I would prize this set, as a family trophy won by my grandfather. If there

is a certificate or plaque, keep them together. This is something for your

family to cherish into the future. (Install a new refill.)

[PAKMAN]

If it was a chrome corporate set I would say $20, for the gold it would probably sell at $50. I have a cross chrome set that I wouldn't sell for anything or even trade for a MB 149 but that all has to do with who gave it to me and how much it means to me.

[Florida Blue]

The set appears to be the classic Century model. You can still buy this set (although in more updated packaging and probably a much higher price) today from Cross. They have been making the Century since 1946 and it is probably their best selling model of all time. The Century design personifies Cross. These sets were very popular as gifts in the 50s, 60s and 70s for graduations, retirements, for teachers, people who worked in offices or in business and as corporate gifts for employees.

 

I've sold several of the gold filled Cross sets on eBay that I bought at garage sales, antique shops and flea markets. Even thought they seem to be quite common they are still desirable. I agree with pakmanpony that your set is probably worth around $50, but probably closer to $40 in my experience. It is 10k gold filled and I've found the the 14k (especially in rose gold) sells for a bit more. I think that the sets you see in Staples or on the Cross website are very overpriced and not a reflection of what a vintage or used set would sell for on the open market.

 

I would suggest that you give it a light polish (with just a cloth and no harsh chemicals), buy a new refill from Staples and write with it. They are great and enjoyable pens.

[WhosYerBob]

Don't sell the set, whatever you do. Even if they don't appeal to you now, wait 5 to 10 years and they'll grow in your eyes. The sentimental value will never be equaled by whatever price you are offered for them.

[snollygoster]

1356837639[/url]' post='2548519']

The set appears to be the classic Century model. You can still buy this set (although in more updated packaging and probably a much higher price) today from Cross. They have been making the Century since 1946 and it is probably their best selling model of all time. The Century design personifies Cross. These sets were very popular as gifts in the 50s, 60s and 70s for graduations, retirements, for teachers, people who worked in offices or in business and as corporate gifts for employees.

 

I've sold several of the gold filled Cross sets on eBay that I bought at garage sales, antique shops and flea markets. Even thought they seem to be quite common they are still desirable. I agree with pakmanpony that your set is probably worth around $50, but probably closer to $40 in my experience. It is 10k gold filled and I've found the the 14k (especially in rose gold) sells for a bit more. I think that the sets you see in Staples or on the Cross website are very overpriced and not a reflection of what a vintage or used set would sell for on the open market.

 

I would suggest that you give it a light polish (with just a cloth and no harsh chemicals), buy a new refill from Staples and write with it. They are great and enjoyable pens.

 

Thank you very much, lots of helpful information there!

[lindilu]

I have a set of solid 14Kt gold cross pens, with the case, which states solid 14kt gold. Any thoughts on the value?

[Penne Stilografiche]

I have a set of solid 14Kt gold cross pens, with the case, which states solid 14kt gold. Any thoughts on the value?

My local jeweler has one in his case right now for $600, but I'd estimate the value to be $500-1000.

[Centopar]

Only a small fraction of the world works for or has worked at IBM. This is therefore a huge negative point to me and probably the vast majority of people (if not a -ve point, definately not a +ve)

 

Nice set though, not sure of the value.

 

(I know this is an ancient thread - just wanted to pick up on the above, though!)

 

IBM's the US's second-largest employer, with (as of their website today) 434,246 employees worldwide. Sure, it's not much compared to the global population, but they do (and have) employed a *lot* of people. I work in tech. I've never worked at IBM, but a VERY large number of my friends and acquaintances in the industry have at one point or another. And several of them are pen enthusiasts, who would be tickled to bits to find that set for sale.

[lindilu]

My local jeweler has one in his case right now for $600, but I'd estimate the value to be $500-1000.

Thank you very much!

[humsin]

I wouldn't ever buy a pen that has been company branded.

[penmanila]

well, normally i wouldn't myself, but certain instances arise when i might. there are companies i feel a kinship with, being a fanboy (apple, volkswagen); i could pick up pens with such associations.

 

also recently, in a big lot of pens, i found two waterman laureats with the pecten (clamshell) logo of the shell oil company. as it happens, i'm writing the book marking the 100th anniversary of shell here in the philippines, and have made friends with some shell people. i'll be giving one of these pens to those friends (who would never have seen this pen) as a gift. so it's serendipity of a kind

 

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5525/9640321255_4e76721590_c.jpg

 

I wouldn't ever buy a pen that has been company branded.

[Centopar]

well, normally i wouldn't myself, but certain instances arise when i might. there are companies i feel a kinship with, being a fanboy (apple, volkswagen); i could pick up pens with such associations.

 

also recently, in a big lot of pens, i found two waterman laureats with the pecten (clamshell) logo of the shell oil company. as it happens, i'm writing the book marking the 100th anniversary of shell here in the philippines, and have made friends with some shell people. i'll be giving one of these pens to those friends (who would never have seen this pen) as a gift. so it's serendipity of a kind

 

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5525/9640321255_4e76721590_c.jpg

 

 

I envy your Shell friend that nib.

[penmanila]

oh, that particular pen with the flexy nib stays with me. (i found and fitted a flexible gold nib onto this pen.) i'm giving him the other laureat, with the original steel nib

Edited September 20, 2013 by penmanila