Last week the wife and I toured a new, still under construction, complex touted as "resort living" for those 55+. Quite a place with a movie theatre, shops, etc all in the complex. The man who took us on a tour was probably in his early sixties and had already retired once. When I mentioned fountain pens he immediately asked if I had any Esterbrooks. We talked about Esterbrook for a few minutes and then we continued on our way.

Yesterday I looked around and found this transitional J, Gray, R. Esterbrook & Co imprint, and put a 9000 series nib in it. Really nice writer. I think I'll restore a J model for our tour guide and present it to him with some ink. I wonder how many people think "Esterbrook" first when fountain pens are mentioned?

Dennis B

Really good story! I'm sure he'll really enjoy the gift.

Actually, when you look at how good the Esterbrooks are/were, how inexpensive they were/are, and how many of them are out there - I'd imagine Esterbrook means fountain pen to a lot of folks.

I agree: particularly to former accountants, clerks, and bank tellers. There must be decades worth of folk. And all of the former Bell System employees who used those black J pens.

It is a nice gesture, the gift, too.

That is awesome! Especially since he mentioned Esterbrooks especially. I'm amazed when I find things at fleamarkets that people aren't aware that fountain pens can be restored.

If that is the one, it was a nice find, ribbed and all!

My Dad mentions often that he thinks he has an old Esterbrook 'round here some where" too.