The value of scarcity

Well, this one was so illustrative of... something related to values of rare objects. This Conklin ring top crescent fill filigree pen:



.... just sold for $128.00. This bottle of Conklin No. 204 red fountain pen ink (most of which has evaporated):



... just sold for $127.50.


I don't know that there is any need to say anything, but it is amusing or something. I think.

I dont collect ink bottles, but i take it might be a scarce color and/or the packaging was potentially NOS. Also the pen is a ringtop, so that hurts the value a bit.

Part of the challenge for me with this is that I don't play with and don't know the market for old ink bottles. This one certainly charms.

I'd value the ringtop pen, retail, restored, with warranty, if quite clean... around $250-275. Others are free to disagree. If i'd happend to have that ink bottle and had it for sale? Well, whether being reasonable or in stark ignorance, I doubt I'd have asked as much as $30.

Make of that what you will

regards

david