I'm curious to know why some Esterbrook pens have an imprint and some don't. I have an SJ and a Transitional J that don't have an imprint, and a J that does ("Esterbrook Made in USA").

So, why imprints on some, but not on others?

Also, how can you tell when a pen was made? I know that there are certain ranges of years for the different models, but is there a way to narrow it down to a definite year? Also, were pens made outside the range of their years? For example, it's my understanding that the Trans-J was in production from 1944 to 1948 (thank you esterbrook.net), but were they made after 1948 as well?

Just trying to get a better understanding of Esterbrooks.

t!

generally speaking:

1932-4: V clip
1934-6: earliest of two hole clip designs
1936-42: 2nd and third two hole clips
1941-2: Visumasters
1942-3: Twist fillers
1944-7: transitional flat barrel end
1948- : Classic double jewel J series
1949-55: SM Deluxe, pastels
1955: LK deluxe
1957: All plastic Safari
1958: Metal Capped "DeLuxe" Safari, plunger filler
~1960: M2 aerometric
~1963: "dollar" style felt tip markerd
1964: Esterbrook marked Flo-Masters

These come from a combination of catalogs, Paul Hoban reference, trademark info, etc. Whether or not Esterbrook manufactured pens outside these guidlines, I don't know. Consider standard dollar pens were still in stock at many stationers during the war when twist fillers were produced, so perhaps yes, itentionallly, perhaps no.

I must admit, I haven't seen an esterbrook without an imprint in the J series, but I've seen evidence of some being polished off, could this be the case?

Looking forward to hearing any other replies. Anyone?

Best-
Brian