An interesting question from a reader in my Instagram in-box this week.
If you want to buy a Vintage Filofax, which models should you be looking at? Which ones do you consider to be good quality? And for each of the models you recommend what is a sensible price to pay?
Yep it is a tall order, I know we all have our favourites. This particular reader is waiting for a Winchester to arrive so that is a good start!
Please leave your favourites and also ones to avoid in the comments below...
4BLCF Billingham for my husband. It is the kind of filofax that would look great to take out of your rucksack at the campfire at night and start journaling your advantures in the wild. But he wouldn't use it so if it ever appears I needn't be sad that I probably cannot afford it:)
ReplyDeleteI would love a Portland Grand. The Portland is already beautiful and the extra large rings makes it that much better.
ReplyDeleteI think that I've been very lucky over the years with being able to find older models on eBay, Adspot or via the Facebook sales groups. I currently own a red Winchester, tan Kensington & black Ascot, which are all wonderful quality binders. My plan is to choose my favourite & sell the others. Prices can vary quite a bit, so I take my time & stick to a budget.
ReplyDeleteI would love a Bridle ��
ReplyDeleteSomewhere in the attic I may find my first Filofax from 1986,a chestnut brown personal size.I have no idea of the name, Portland or whatever, or if from 1986 or maybe 1987 when I bought it, or if it is indeed now considered vintage era, the mid 80s!! I bought it for my first teaching job in my early 20s as Filofaxes were all the rage and I just HAD to have one and be in with the in crowd, they were massively fashionable then!!! Now I have to have one to actually be organized,and I do have a little small scale fun with dashboards,die cuts and self design. Computers were very basic back then and the paper spooled onto a printer, on what was like a long roll of horrid quality paper like WW2 toilet paper,but with holes down both side edges.Print your own inserts were not heard of, or indeed a variety of brands, no internet then either, or memory sticks, all was square floppy disc storage and huge box like screens; so it was a case of buy Filofax or Filofax. Glad things have moved on in terms of choice, though internet shopping can make anyone get carried away and feel bamboozled with the selections. The trouble with computers, mobiles etc is that technology can crash or not be charged up enough. A planner is accessed quickly and does not crash, unless your coffee cup drips over a page or two,but that is another story..............!!!
ReplyDeleteI would opt for models up to around 1990, as these were certainly built to last. Virtually any of the range would be a good "vintage" acquisition - the exact model would depend on what style you like. For a long time I used the original late 1980s prices as an upper limit on what figure I regarded as reasonable to pay today. Those still make for a pretty good yardstick, but there will of course be variations of supply and demand, and I've had to break my rule a few times.
ReplyDeleteim an early collector so I own them all!
ReplyDeleteI am slowly acquiring the Hamilton in every possible version. That is my favorite one :)
ReplyDeleteI have both the personal and pocket zipped Hamiltons. Even though I have other models, these the two I mostly use especially the zipped pocket. I just love the leather smell and style!
DeleteI would like a York, preferably in tan. Just like the one in Steve's photo though I'd like any size including Deskfax. Made in Italy and seem to be very well made. Unfortunately they tend to be outside of my price range at present.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what would be a 'sensible' price though some ebay sellers go overboard with unrealistic expectations.
I started my filofax association with an early green vinyl binder in the mid 80' as a teenager, but when I went to University and started my career in film and TV production, I swore by my 4HLF (no clue what the name is) in tough hide leather. I went everywhere with me. I picked up two pocket versions - no name on them - in the old 4 hole version. Still the best pocket option in my opinion - allowing for moving sheets between different sizes of folder. They acted as sketchbooks and address books and more besides. I finally picked up a wonderful A5 Richmond in the early 90's, which sits on my desk to this day. My favourite find several years ago were two 2HL7/8's that were on sale to clear in a store - Pretty much what the new 'Classic' is, but in tough hide leather. Simple, and beautiful, I handed one over to my mother about a decade ago, who runs her life from it. Pretty much indestructible, and probably the best value of all of them. From what I see now, the new ones are built to fall apart. I now only look out for vintage.
ReplyDeleteI have been using a personal sized Kensington organizer for a few years now. It's a super organizer but I find it too big to carry on my person.
ReplyDeleteSo, for those times when I am on the run. I recently bought a pocket sized Kensington, to use as a wallet as well as an organizer. It is NOS and was purchased on eBay for $40 Canadian. It was a very good deal, methinks :)
I love the Sandhurst in Tan and am lucky enough to have it in slimline, Personal, A5 and deskfax. Could I keep to just one?..... Noooo ��
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