I just received my first Esterbrooks. One was identified as a J Series double-jewel, as shown here. It has "BELL SYSTEM PROPERTY" engraved, just like the engraved example shown on that page, in black.

There is some goo on the cap that looks like a label was stuck to it.

Before I fill it, should I soak the tip in water? Should I take it apart to see if the sack is OK?


--John

I would soak the nib a bit, sure. If it was put away full of ink, as pens so often seem to be, it may be clogged.

I would plan to replace the sac -- if it's original, it's more than 50 years old now, and is stiffer than is good for the J-bar, lever, and barrel. Probably the easiest pen to replace a sac on, too.

Peter

My "Bell System Property" Black J still has its original Esterbrook sac. If the lever moves smoothly, the sac is very likely still OK. Go ahead and use it until it breaks, then replace it.