I like Esterbrooks, bought one as my first vintage pen from a local dealer. Got another from my mom that she carried in the 40's, another I bought off FPN. They are all faulty to one degree another, the dealer pen leaks such that my fingers get thread-marked whenever I use it. The FPN pen drips a blob of ink every so often. Mom's pen I don't know, other than even though I love her, I won't spend $75 to get her pen refurbished.

My basic question regarding these Esterbrooks is, who would resac/renib these so that they can be daily users without charging more than the pen itself is worth?

I haven't been using Esterbrooks very long myself, but what I have found is that they are super easy to work on. Changing the nib is a no brainer. You screw out the old one and screw in the new one. To replace the sack is a little tricky but can be done if you are careful. I suggest you give it a try.

Tony

See Mr. Brian Anderson at Esterbrook.net for great help and service...

Most of my Esties do get some ink up by the nib and section. I am trying some silicone grease to seal this part better...jury is still out on that...

Sac replacement and bar allignment on Esties is pretty simple for those in the know. The hardest part is getting the section out from the barrel without cracking anything...

Oh, and if you do make it a daily user, watch those caps. They like to unscrew themselves when you aren't looking...make sure threads are engaged when you clip it, or put into a carry pouch.

Esties are generally pretty inexpensive to work on. Alas, some replacement parts are a bit of a problem. It's been easier to just find a new pen than to find matching caps etc. And the jewels are not easy to replace, or very available. But the stuff needed to re-sac is no problem...

I'm here in the cities. I'll help you out.

I have 15 sacs ordered... and about 30 nibs if it turns out to be a nib problem.

I appreciate all the info and the offers. I am getting one of them back from a restorer and will put all three of them together and get them fixed up.

My favorite restorer does a great job is cheap and fast! Link at the bottom of the page.

The most I've paid to refurbish a FP has been $50 and that was on a very old Waterman that the previous owner had dipped in some kind of art paint and tried to write with it.

Along with Perry's contact (which looked like very reasonable prices) there are others within FPN that refurbish. Go to the repair forum and you should be able to get a few names. As long as the refurbish is only a good cleaning, a new sac and general inspection the cost should be very manageable. If you need a new nib. that would be say $12 - $30+ depending on what you want. As for the "worth" of the pen, that's a matter of personal opinion. To me, they are all worth it. Maybe not right a way and maybe little pieces at a time but always worth it. Good luck.