The Dynamics of Collectible Valuation

Just realized I left out one of my favorite 0.4 pieces, the Tombow Dimple Pro. Elite feel to the tip/grip! I still remember the first time I wrote a few lines with it.

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ā€œI drew a couple straight lines with it once, it passed the testā€ā€¦

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Did you ever find a TOMBOW Variable 0.4mm?

I have to amend my previous statement. The Pentel Accugraph series is absolutely first rate. The mechanism is so nicely done. Build quality feels superb. The click mechanism has just the right amount of tension and click sound, plus spring rebound. The immediate impression is high-end surgical precision. The PG2003, PG1804, and PG1505 all share the same quality mechanism–just fitted with different chucks for lead sizing. Right now I’ve got just the PG2003 and PG1505. Every time I pick them up and use them… I feel like I shouldn’t use anything else. :smirking_face: The body coatings are fragile, though. Very easily chipped. I’m also hooked on diversity. I very much enjoy using different pencils, for they each have their own interesting designs and features.

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A man with an Accugraph is happy man…

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In the last year and a half / two years, I spotted a couple of them on the Bay, probably listed by accounts linked to proxy services for people like me, who are too stupid to be able to use Zenmarket and similar services for themselves, and are therefore bound to pay any sorts of premiums. In both occasions, they were simply too expensive for my budget at the time, and since I had a pleasant-but-not-spectacular experience with the Variable 0.5 (great gimmick, form factor with too extreme a taper), I thought to myself it was a better idea to let the opportunity slip away.

On the other hand, I was lucky enough to find the whole trio of the Accugraph series on the Bay (1505, 1804, 2003 2nd gen) listed as a single lot for a more than reasonable price, and those I did get for sure. I can confirm the greatness you describe, even though I find the tip section on all of them a bit too long, so I am forced to keep my fingers too up in the air with respect to my optimal writing position. Their best performance is probably at the drafting table, where the precision point and the overall form factor becomes simply amazing. Also, the clips are removable without too much hassle, so… spot on again!

If I find a super-deal on a Variable 0.4 I may eventually decide to get it for the sole purpose of adding one to the collection, but so far I am very happy with my selection of 0.4 models (from a humble Pilot S3, to a Pentel PG4, to a Mitsubishi M4, to an Injecto with its cartridge, to a very handy Pilot H-1084, to my absolute love of a Pilot H-1094, the icing on the cake of 0.4 specimens), and I do not plan to devote resources to the Variable for now. Sure, I can consider trades, but those model command high figures, and corresponding values in tradable pieces. :slight_smile:

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Fantastic! So lucky that you were able to find the trio Accugraph series on eBay… Italy?

Incidentally, the nose cone from the P20x is compatible, so you could swap for a shorter pipe.

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They look fantastic, like brand new. You also have the first versions, which have a premium on them.

Accugraphs are a clear example of price increases over time. Nowadays, one in NOS condition is easily selling for over 20,000 yen.

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Actually, if you watch long enough you can occasionally find some deals. A few PG2003’s in pretty good condition have sold from about $80 USD to $120 USD [with sticker & box]. A rather rough looking one went for about $65 USD.

In the beginning when I first learned about them (about 8 years ago), I’d gotten one without the lead indicator window [Aucfree link]. Nice price, right? Exchange rate was awful, though. Nearly parity. So that 5,500 Ā„ became $65 USD. Anyway, I preferred the cleaner look w/o the indicator. But eventually I stumbled upon one with it that had a badly tarnished grip, much more recently (I think I paid about $75). Got a good deal on it and the grip cleaned up very nicely.

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