I just got what I think is a J series double jewel off of eBay.
eBay Item

They seller said it was a cartridge but I'm not sure. I don't see a lever but...

Do any of the J series come with cartridges?

Looks like the buyer is confused --- they're assuming about the cartridge and couldn't get the pen open.

William

I've seen auctions where the seller refers to a hardened sac as a cartridge, since if they are able to pull it out, that's just what it looks like. Or they are just uninformed and assume al fountain pens use a cartridge.

I don't like to say never when it comes to Esterbrook, but I've never seen a J series pen that wasn't a lever filler (excluding some made in Brazil which were aerometric)

Best-
Brian

Well this gives me an idea. So, I grabbed the box o'parts and had a look. I think one could easily make an aero-fill J from parts. It wouldn't be possible to disguise the lever though. It would be possible to stuff the guts in with a little modification to the section and sac hoop. May be a project for the shop some evening. It would be a good way to use up some not so good bits and pieces.

Todd

All the J's I have are lever fill. If all it needs is a sac, $10.03 is a good price.

Thanks for the replies. I'll let you all know when I get it in...

I got the pen in the mail today. Yep, it's a sac unit, and it needs one.

The rest of the pen is in great shape. No scratches.

Any recommendations for cleaning the nib to get it ready for a new sac?

Remove the section and nib and soak them in 5% ammonia solution for a few hours. Rinse well and then unscrew the nib unit. Scrape off as much of the old sac as you can. Toss the pair back in fresh solution for a while. **If you have an ultrasonic cleaner use it.** Take them out rinse well and wash with soap and water using an old toothbrush. Dry everything out and install a #16 sac (1 15/16" long) and give the shellac overnight to dry. Talc up the sac and insert the whole thing in the barrel and you are ready to go.

You may want to soak the cap also, they are usually pretty gunky. I fill them with water and stand them on end in a glass. You will most likely need to change the water a number of times and going at it with a bottle brush helps.

Todd

Thanks for the info. I got it cleaned up and I'm looking for sacs. I've spotted Silicon sacs that look more durable. Are they recommended for Esterbrook's?

IMO, the only real need for silicon sacs is for a pen that is prone to discoloration, but has not yet discolored. I know that they are used by some in clean Jade Sheaffers for that reason. I used one in my Bexley DeluxeII demonstrator, just because it looks good. For an Esterbrook J, a silicon sac is overkill (plus more expensive, and harder to get to adhere.)

Best regards, greg

Greg is correct, just use a normal rubber sac on an Esterbrook.

Todd

You can also use one of those ear wax removal "bulbs" sold at drug stores, place a spare section on the end, and then suck up water (or water/ammonia solution), screw the nib in and squeeze the bulb forcing he water through the nib. Works great. A couple of bulb fills and it should be as clean as a whistle.

Best-
Brian

At the risk of being repetitive, I'd like to recommend the Radio Shack desoldering bulb. Without the nylon insert, it happens to be exactly the right internal diameter for the Esterbrook series Renew Point nibs, and many others. I have used it for several years without problems... It ain't expensive.

Regards,

Gerry

I have it cleaned. Thanks for all the input.

Now I'm waiting for the new sac and shellac to come in the mail.

This took me a bit to respond to. My parts came a week or so ago from Wood Bin.

I can't believe how easy it was to replace the sac. The instructions from Richard Binder's site were right on. Just look under Reference Info on his site for a ton of information.

I have a question that I will post in a different thread regarding ink in the cap. Thanks for all the great input.