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Alternative Source For Esterbrook J's

sargetalon

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sargetalon Antique

sargetalon

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Hello everyone. Sorry if this has been asked before but I searched and could not find my answer. I'm new to fountain pens and have yet to dabble into anything vintage. I came across a picture of an esterbrook and decided I had to have one. After researching everything google could offer, I've set my heart on a Dubonnet Red J that has been restored and I'm confident I can find one in great condition.

 

My problem has been finding one in good shape from a reliable seller at a reasonable price. Are there any sources outside of eBay for these pens? I've looked and not been successful finding any. Was hoping I just wasn't looking in the right places. Any input you have would be great because I'm dieing to track one of these down.

PELIKAN - Too many birds in the flock to count. My pen chest has proven to be a most fertile breeding ground.

fpn_1508261203__fpn_logo_300x150.jpg

THE PELIKAN'S PERCH - A growing reference site for all things Pelikan

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OcalaFlGuy Museum Piece

OcalaFlGuy

Posted
Posted (edited)

You mean one like this?

 

2012-07-02_15-37-47_411.jpg

 

Contact FPNers PenFisher and Tom Heath via PM as they both IMO give Maximum bang for the buck on their restored Esties. Our own Estieville Moderator Brian, can probably also help you at AndersonPens.net.

 

and, :W2FPN:

 

Bruce in Ocala, FL

Edited by OcalaFlGuy
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WayTooManyHobbies Extremely Rare

WayTooManyHobbies

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Posted

Tough to answer that - what do you think a reasonable price is?

 

Prices for nice Esties seem to be climbing steadily on Ebay, and I don't see a strong demarcation between the cost of restored and unrestored pen. Certainly Dubonnet Red seems to be one of the more popular colors.

 

For restored models, the Anderson's (no affiliation) seem a likely source, along with the classifieds here and Peyton Street.

 

Unrestored can be scary, but Esterbrooks are about the most resilient pens I've seen. They are also remarkably easy to work on. I'd suggest biding your time on Ebay until something hits, and asking around the board to see if anyone local can walk you through the repair. There's also a very nice pinned topic describing a sac replacement in the Esterbrook forum.

 

Good luck!

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Vipersdad Mint

Vipersdad

Posted
Posted

Hello everyone. Sorry if this has been asked before but I searched and could not find my answer. I'm new to fountain pens and have yet to dabble into anything vintage. I came across a picture of an esterbrook and decided I had to have one. After researching everything google could offer, I've set my heart on a Dubonnet Red J that has been restored and I'm confident I can find one in great condition.

 

My problem has been finding one in good shape from a reliable seller at a reasonable price. Are there any sources outside of eBay for these pens? I've looked and not been successful finding any. Was hoping I just wasn't looking in the right places. Any input you have would be great because I'm dieing to track one of these down.

 

Find your Estie, throw a 2314-B nib on it with some Zhivago and you will be ready to "rock and roll". Enjoy.

 

Vipersdad

"Hey, Cameron. You realize if we played by the rules right now we'd be in gym?"

 

. . . . Ferris B.

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Uncle Red Donor Pen

Uncle Red

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Fountain Pen Recycler has a lot of Esties right now. I've been happy with their service and pleased with the products so far. I've got a Transition J on the way and can update everyone.

 

Vipersdad, I've got an Osmiroid 4B nib coming in too.

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sargetalon Antique

sargetalon

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You mean one like this?

 

2012-07-02_15-37-47_411.jpg

 

 

 

Yes! One exactly like that would be sweet.

 

WayTooManyHobbies, I think a reasonable price would be in the $45-50 range for a restored J. I hope that's not too off the mark. I'm seeing specimens on eBay priced at $70-125. Not worth it at that price, to me anyways.

PELIKAN - Too many birds in the flock to count. My pen chest has proven to be a most fertile breeding ground.

fpn_1508261203__fpn_logo_300x150.jpg

THE PELIKAN'S PERCH - A growing reference site for all things Pelikan

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OcalaFlGuy Museum Piece

OcalaFlGuy

Posted
Posted

Red, Thanks! :thumbup: That's the first I've seen of that site.

 

They have some of the more reasonable on-line pen prices I've seen in awhile. They also do repair work. May be an economical place to send Esties in for resacs for those who don't want to do it themselves.

 

Bruce in Ocala, FL

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pajaro Museum Piece

pajaro

Posted
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The pen restorers quoted above restore pens nicely and the prices are OK. They are, however, pricewise about where ebay sellers and restorers like Applejim and Oldretiredperson are. There are other ebay sellers and restorers whose offerings don't seem to fetch the higher prices of those quoted above. A Transitional J in gray-green in very nice shape and one of those despicable 1551 nibs for $23 I bought a short time back, and another restorer's red J restored with a new sac and some 2xxx nib was about $18 shipped. That's bang for the buck, but the sellers might not be well known. I have bought from them before, and every purchase as good as the wares of the better-known sellers.

 

I am not naming these sellers for you to steal bargains from me. :roflmho: The lower prices are there, and all that's required is patient looking and taking a chance to make a low bid on an auction with no expectation of winning. You will win some.

 

Maybe we should stop trying to recruit new Estie collectors, as that will cause prices to rise. Just kidding, maybe.

Edited by pajaro

"Don't hurry, don't worry. It's better to be late at the Golden Gate than to arrive in Hell on time."
--Sign in a bar and grill, Ormond Beach, Florida, 1960.

 

 

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inkstainedruth Ancient Artifact

inkstainedruth

Posted
Posted

Or, you know, you *could* just get lucky....

I found an SJ in an antiques mall at the end of September (after finding the Estie I had seen last spring in a different place was *long* gone... kinda too bad because the first one I saw was blue). Haven't replaced the sac on it yet, mostly because I really want to have a day to just devote to reading up and doing the work (with no other distractions like laundry and/or annoying emails). Mine's not a red one, though (wow, that *is* a nice color!) -- just a basic black one (but still a cute little pen). But even with the cost of materials and supplies to do the repair work it still wasn't as expensive as my Parker Urban, the most expensive pen I own. Plus, of course, to paraphrase the credit card ads on TV: "Being able to say 'I restored it myself!' -- Priceless...." :thumbup:

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

"It's very nice, but frankly, when I signed that list for a P-51, what I had in mind was a fountain pen."

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pajaro Museum Piece

pajaro

Posted
Posted

Or, you know, you *could* just get lucky....

I found an SJ in an antiques mall at the end of September (after finding the Estie I had seen last spring in a different place was *long* gone... kinda too bad because the first one I saw was blue). Haven't replaced the sac on it yet, mostly because I really want to have a day to just devote to reading up and doing the work (with no other distractions like laundry and/or annoying emails). Mine's not a red one, though (wow, that *is* a nice color!) -- just a basic black one (but still a cute little pen). But even with the cost of materials and supplies to do the repair work it still wasn't as expensive as my Parker Urban, the most expensive pen I own. Plus, of course, to paraphrase the credit card ads on TV: "Being able to say 'I restored it myself!' -- Priceless...." :thumbup:

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

 

You are right. The most important thing is to be lucky.

 

I still haven't restored one of these things, but I have a sackless M2 coming in the mail that will force me to break down and do it.

 

 

 

"Don't hurry, don't worry. It's better to be late at the Golden Gate than to arrive in Hell on time."
--Sign in a bar and grill, Ormond Beach, Florida, 1960.

 

 

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WayTooManyHobbies Extremely Rare

WayTooManyHobbies

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Uncle Red, that's a great site - good prices.

 

There are several nice-looking red Esties on Ebay, including a choose-your-color listing. In your place, I'd keep looking at the FPN classifieds, shooting for an Ebay win, and trolling any local antique shops. Esterbrooks are fairly easy to find, and very easy to bring back to life.

 

I kept looking, and there's a buy it now Ebay listing for an SJ, $45 shipped.

 

Darn, now I want one.

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WayTooManyHobbies Extremely Rare

WayTooManyHobbies

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Posted (edited)

I really need to stop looking...

 

Here's a buy it now Esterbrook J in red for $50 shipped. It is a transitional, though, just in case that's a concern.

Edited by WayTooManyHobbies
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OcalaFlGuy Museum Piece

OcalaFlGuy

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That's actually a very nice pen. The 9668 is a very nice Medium nib too.

 

He's a bit high on the price IMO if it hasn't been resacced/restored. It may have been resacced, it hasn't been restored. There's lots of ink in the threads that haven't been cleaned out.

 

The 3 ribbed J Transitional IS my favorite semi-common Estie. IMO a very clean classic look that still screams Esterbrook. Much cleaner looking than a double jewel pen.

 

I'd ask if it's been resacced. Also if the clip is firmly attached to the cap ie; not spinning.

 

I'd probably offer him $40 for it whether it has or not. I might go $50 on it with better pics IF it had been fully restored.

 

But yeah, that is a nice one. :thumbup:

 

Bruce in Ocala, FL

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sargetalon Antique

sargetalon

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I've never been much for patience but I think I found 2 nice examples and I swear I'm staying away from eBay for....at least a week. Very happy and got each for less than $40 with shipping so I see it as a win-win. Now to wait for the postman.

 

Cobalt Blue J with 9550 & 1461 Nibs as well as an extra sac

 

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f282/jdanley/Esty_4_zps7914817a.jpg

 

Dubonnet Red SJ with 2968 Nib

 

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f282/jdanley/Esty_3b_zps7f6e2aea.jpg

PELIKAN - Too many birds in the flock to count. My pen chest has proven to be a most fertile breeding ground.

fpn_1508261203__fpn_logo_300x150.jpg

THE PELIKAN'S PERCH - A growing reference site for all things Pelikan

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pajaro Museum Piece

pajaro

Posted
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Those are two very nice pens. Very nice indeed.

"Don't hurry, don't worry. It's better to be late at the Golden Gate than to arrive in Hell on time."
--Sign in a bar and grill, Ormond Beach, Florida, 1960.

 

 

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FarmBoy Museum Piece

FarmBoy

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You mean like these? They're right here.

Ron,

 

Very good price on a restored Esterbrook. Surprised they are still available.

San Francisco International Pen Show - The next “Funnest Pen Show” is on schedule for August 23-24-25, 2024.  Watch the show website for registration details. 
 

My PM box is usually full. Just email me: my last name at the google mail address.

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JonSzanto Antique

JonSzanto

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Posted
Very good price on a restored Esterbrook. Surprised they are still available.

Indeed.

"When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick; and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

~ Benjamin Franklin

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Vipersdad Mint

Vipersdad

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You mean like these? They're right here.

http://www.mainstreetpens.com/salepens/sjestie.jpg

 

Estie "Porn" . . .

"Hey, Cameron. You realize if we played by the rules right now we'd be in gym?"

 

. . . . Ferris B.

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