Pen Values, Auction Prices, and the Changes in Collectibility

[Jon Szanto]

We've had a few discussions about the swings (upward, recently) of pens selling online and at auction sites. I know there is some crossover with people who enjoy/wear/collect watches as well, but I'm not knowledgeable in that world. That made last night's read, regarding the current status of high-end watch auctions, a fascinating glimpse into that world. I think that once you get used to the order of magnitude difference in the money involved, there are still parallels to be drawn for many collectible items. We've specifically discussed the growth during the pandemic, and this part caught my eye:

"After growing rapidly for the last 20 years or so, interest in luxury watches—as in many other collectibles, from sneakers to trading cards to wine—exploded during the pandemic, as people around the world all of a sudden had extra time to scroll through product shots on social media and eBay, and extra savings to spend. Long a niche passion, luxury watches have become de rigueur for a broader, younger crowd, who thanks to the internet have quickly acquired specialized knowledge once limited to a small club of initiates."

It was also interesting to note that watch collecting, like pen collecting, is a somewhat recent phenomenon. Anyway, I hope some of you might enjoy the read (it seems if you are new to the Atlantic you won't get blocked by a paywall):

Inside the Frenzied World of Rare Watches and the Rich People Who Love Them

[AzJon]

I think another thing to consider is lots of new folks looking for other ways to make a buck. Finding old pens around the house or antique sales, buying them, and listing them at insane prices.

That or money laundering, which is the only other reason I could think of.

Curiously enough, Esterbrook's are pretty much the same price as they've always been, which is fascinating to me.

[Ron Z]

Actually, I've had a lot more "family" pens sent to me in the last couple of years... Pens inherited after a grandfather or someone older died, or the pen was given to them as a gift. They want the pens repaired so that they can use them rather then selling them off to get the money.

[AzJon]

That's encouraging to hear!

[Jon Szanto]

That's encouraging to hear!

Totally agree!

[amk]

Nice to hear people are loving FPs again.

I got asked to advise on a Parker 51 for the birthday of a friend of a friend. So I helped with a few recommendations and a price guide and 'what to look for' in terms of blue diamonds, aero/vac, custom caps and so on.

Well, not only did the friend buy her friend a Parker 51 - she decided to get one for herself! Enthusiasm is spreading :-)