New to pen restoration help with basics

[newpenner]

Hello All:

I am new to the fountain pen world, and have quickly ramped up my collection over the last year. I began with new pens, then discovered the joys (and sorrows) of vintage pen collecting. I've gotten some amazing deals and have been quite happy with my progress. I particularly love my numerous Esterbrooks with various nibs, a lovely little Arnold, Parkette, and several Sheaffer Lifetime Balance pens (all lever filled). As you can see, I don't have super high end pens, nor am I likely to, as I am on a budget.

And then...I purchased some amazing pens, for great prices, but I think they will need restoring. All of these pens come from a collection that hasn't been cleaned since the 1990's. I assume they'll need work. But I am guessing the first step is to fill them with water to see if they leak? I've been afraid to touch them. They all LOOK amazing, no scratches that I can see. Someone loved them, collected them, and cared for them, before passing away in 2000

I don't know the first thing about restoration! I could use some help here. What do I need to buy, what's the best way to go about it all?

Here are the pens I have purchased that likely need restoring (as well as the price I paid, which, as an aside, I'd like to know how well I may have done). All of the pens apparently "thread okay"

• Parker 51 ($50)
• Esterbrook Dollar pen with a 2048 nib  ($41)
• Sheaffer Lifetime 51/2" black barrel with silver cap, gold trim, I think it's a piston filler system? ($79)
• Vintage Orienta German Matching nib ($14.50)

I can include photos if it's helpful. But I wanted to get started with the conversation.

 

Thanks to everyone in advance for the help. 

 

[FarmBoy]

For the Parkerr and Esterbrook those prices could run anywhere from average price foe a pen in the wild to extremely good as in go give the seller more deals. 
 

One would need to see the pens to say more.