eshell-buffer-shorthand

eshell-buffer-shorthand is a variable defined in `esh-io.el'.
Its value is
nil


Documentation:
If non-nil, a symbol name can be used for a buffer in redirection.
If nil, redirecting to a buffer requires buffer name syntax. If this
variable is set, redirection directly to Lisp symbols will be
impossible.

Example:

echo hello > '*scratch* ; works if `eshell-buffer-shorthand' is t
echo hello > # ; always works

You can customize this variable.