I just bought
this pen
on eBay. I heard about Esterbrooks from FPN, and this estate sale was poor pictures and descriptions, so I figured I might get something interesting at a low bid.

Any ideas what it is from those photos? I'll post more details when I get it in person, but I'm hoping someone can tell me a little about the product line and normal prices for restored pens. I'm excited for getting my first Vintage pens.

--John

Very good first vintage pen! That's an Esterbrook J series. These are very reliable lever fillers, which are hardly ever found needing repair (at least in my experience).

You can find out a lot about them on the site: http://esterbrook.net/. You might be interested to know that the nibs on these unscrew and are easily replaceable - click on "nibs" on that site for a list. From the photos, yours is a 9556, which is "firm fine" - a nice nib which is very like modern fine nibs, being nice and rigid and having a consistent line width and wetness.

You might want to be careful. One week after getting my first esterbrook J, I had two more on the way. They're really great little pens.

I was looking at that site. Thanks for telling me it's a J. But, this one has metal at the bottom, unlike the photos here. How was the engraving added in those days? I suppose it was scratched with a pantograph and then filled with something for contrast?

--John

John,
Yours is a later model J ... they have "jewels" on both ends. Can't comment on how the engraving was added, but with a little cleaning and with the right nib, these old Esterbrooks are wonderful pens. Enjoy!

Todd

That is a "jewel"? Ah, I see more on the double jewl page, including one with engraving in the same style.

How much do working/clean/restored pens like that normally cost?

What years would "late model J" be around? The above reference said they started in 1948, but doesn't say when they stopped. Also, it doesn't give actual measurements for the different sizes and that's something I will want to know once I get it.

--John

You paid an about average price, though there's been an increase in the going prices in the last few months - and there have been some (very nicely restored) examples on the board for $30.

The 9xxx series nibs are the best quality types, and they definitely add a bit of value.

for yet more info - including actual measurements! - check out Richard Binder's site:
http://www.richardspens.com/ref_info/j_profile.htm
http://www.richardspens.com/ref_info/estienibs.htm

He also sells some renew-point nibs if you're interested in trying out different types.

John,

Looks like a Bell System Property Esterbrook. Probably the most common branded Esterbrook pen. The writing was hot stamped on the pen by Esterbrook at the factory. Esterbrook offered custom printing on large orders. Ma Bell had no problem filling a large order.

It is much harder to find the matching pencils. Another one that turns up pretty often is the AAA logo. Usually on black dollar pens.

Have fun.

Todd

I have one of those "Bell System Property" Estie J's also, mine came with a #9556 nib in perfect shape. From the photos in that eBay ad, I'd guess you may have some corrosion on the nib which may or may not affect its operation. Try it and see.