Where to find bulk vintage pens for repair practice

[urushi4u]

I guess this may be a closely guarded secret for some and I should do some hard work and make some contacts, but is there some obvious way to source a load of beat-up pens as a job lot?

I'm thinking I'd like to start fixing up pens as a hobby, but ebay prices are too crazy for practice/learning/mistake work from what I've seen. I'm not looking to make a fortune or set up in business, just something to pass the time.

[penwash]

I guess this may be a closely guarded secret for some and I should do some hard work and make some contacts, but is there some obvious way to source a load of beat-up pens as a job lot?

I don't think it's a closely-guarded secret, but you are absolutely correct that it does take some hard work and making the right contacts. And it takes time also.

eBay prices even for truly junk pens are now crazy high. Everyone seems to want to get into restoration and "make a quick buck" <--- I wish it were that easy.

[fountainpenkid]

A pen show may be your best option if you're near one.

[FredRydr]

Vendors of vintage pens at pen shows invariably have third-tier pens in poor shape that just aren't worth restoring. They are often put into a "dollar box" of whole pens and parts that hobbyists sift through. If you don't see, ask.

[Farmboy]

That box has a name.

[Jon Szanto]

That box has a name.

[urushi4u]

Thanks for the guidance. I'm in the UK but there is a pen show coming up reasonably close to me. I'll try there.