I would like to get a couple of Esterbrooks, one for me and one for my dad. I think the J size. (if I understand correctly this is the "standard" size)
I would like either a fine nib or an italic nib, and for my dad a stub nib is what I think he would like. (He used to use an Esterbrook with a stub nib and liked it a lot).

I see sites that specialize in vintage pens, but don't see too many Esterbrooks. What should I look for?

I know these are newbie questions, but I would appreciate any input/advice.

Thanks in advance

Jack

hi
put a want to buy (wtb) on the marketplace forum and i'm sure you will get answer. stubs are a bit more expensive than fine nibs--but not too much.

:bunny1: :bunny1: :bunny1: :bunny1: :bunny1:

Jack-

The J is the largest of the three J series pens, although don't be fooled by some people's ebay-ish descriptions as being oversized. They simply are not. The J is a good size pen.

As for nibs, fines are 2556 or 9556 and are easily found. Italics are 2312 or 9312 and are quite hard to find. Stubs are the 2284 or 9284 and are somewhere in the middle, not easy to find, but certainly easier than the italics.

9xxx series nibs are tipped, whereas 2xxx (and 1xxx) series nibs have the metal folded over at the tip to create the writing surface, and wear considerably more than a tipped 9xxx series nib.

As far as what to look for, make sure if it's a double jewel model that both cap and barrel jewels aren't chipped. Replacement is not easy and with the abundance of these pens around, it doesn't make sense to get one with bad jewels.

Hope that helps-
Brian

How hard is it to change nibs in an Esterbrook J type? Is it reasonable to get a body and nib and then look for another such as an italic?

Thanks

It is probably easier to change the nibs on Esterbrook pens than any other type. They just screw in and out.

If you are't picky about color, I could probably sell you 2 or 3 J models that I have resacked. I'd have to look but I'm pretty sure I have at least 1 stub nib I can spare.

PM me if you are interested.

AndyHoffman

You mean which Esterbrook to buy first! They're quite addictive.

Elaine, I am afraid that you are right. I am probably going to get 4 or 5 (or 6) in the near future.

How many are enough? ( I'm afraid is the answer is "one more".)

Jack

I don't think I'm the best person to ask


Edit: Those aren't all of my Estie's

Beautiful pens, Elaine

I am thinking I might need a desk set. Unfortunately(?) I have two offices. But, having desk sets might be redundant since I have 3-5 pens with me most of the time. Who can say...?

Jack

What do you think of these?

Sorry about the bad pictures, I need to learn more about how to do that.

Andy

(Oops. Now how do I fix that?)

I like them both. The picture size was not a problem, I just added the image into the iPhoto library and was able to see them fine. Let me know how much and what nibs they have, please.

Jack

I sent you a PM with that information.

However, I still wish I knew how to get the photo's right.

Andy

I have only posted one picture, but here is what I did.

I took the picture with my digital camera and uploaded it to the computer. I opened it with a photo editing program. (I used Photoshop, but i think most of them would be able to do the same.) I adjusted the resolution of the photo to 72 pixels per inch and then adjusted the dimensions to where it would fit on a smaller monitor - I used a width of around 7 inches. (In Photoshop you can adjust the number of pixels and it will show the new length or width of the picture, or you can adjust the width and it will change the pixels to the right number.)

In rereading this, it doesn't seem as simple as it really is. I think I gave too much information, so if it unclear let me know and I'll try again.

Jack

The Esterbrook J series has equivalent sizes to the SJ, LJ, and J in the Dollar Pen (and/or $1.50 pen) series and Brian shows one of the "J size" for sale on his site for $30. Brian's site

The are also Transitional J's which are J size. They are the same as the regular J, but made without a bottom/barrel jewel. There are two in my photo below (a blue and a green.) The Dollar Pen I show (with the two hole clip) is the ladies size, equivalent to the SJ--not the one you'd want!


You may find a nib you'd like at: PenKreatiions, which I believe is Lisa Hane's site. If you want a stub, she does show several at the bottom of her list. The 2314/9314 doesn't give a lot of line variation. 2312 italic nibs are among my favorites, but if you can find them, they may be $25. or more. I lucked out on mine. You'll find various stubs on eBay now and then, and it's best to get them new (NOS) if sold separate from a pen. For pens themselvers, I'd watch the Marketplace, the PT green board, Brian's site, etc. There's a better chance of getting a working pen in nice condition from other pen folks.

Hope this helps!
Ann

Thank you Ann,

What beautiful pens (and photo). I really appreciate the nib suggestions and I will be on the lookout.
I think I might like to try a flex nib at some point also.

I appreciate the links to the sites, I am always looking for ones to bookmark. (I hope my browser has no maximum - I haven't reached if if there are).

Jack

Nice Collection! It never occurred to me to take my Esties out in the garden to play

Did y'all have a good time boys?

Andy

Believe it or not, I'm afraid I may have reached my limit, but since my spreadsheet got destroyed recently, I don't know how many that is. Probably somewhere around 500, but I'll let you know after I receive my next one.



Slight correction, that would be an earlier model B, which is the flat top equivalent to the J.

Best-
Brian