I recently popped into an antique store near my house. I didn't even know it was there. Construction has forced me to explore alternate ways to enter and exit the neighborhood. I went in thinking i would ask about fountain pens, she would say no, and I would have the 1st time jitters over with. Instead she said yes. The first pen she brought out was a green pen in very poor shape. It had Packard on the clip, a crack by the lever, sort of a mottled look, and the top of the cap where the clip is attached can be pulled out. I knew I'm not up to this. The 2nd was a 7 inch long pen clear at one end and black at the nib end. I looked it over and the nib said Esterbrook 9788 made in USA on the silver colored nib. The black barrel has etched Esterbrook Made in USA. The clear end is very clear, not cloudy or very scratched up. I unscrewed the clear end and moved the lever and the sac looks black and seems pliable to me. This is my very 1st experience with anything vintage. It looks like this one on ebay item # 140142322813 . I'm sure I overpaid @ $20. At least I did get 20% off the price. any knowledge, advice, OMG what were you thinkings, etc will be appreciated. Thanks. Sorry about the lack of proper vocabulary...I'm learning.

Sounds like it might be a good buy. I have a desk pen that I use - a Sheaffer base and a no-name pen that has a great 14K flexy nib.

And I think the 9000 series is higher than the 2000 series of Esterbrook nibs.

I agree
Sounds like a good buy.
the 9788 is a great nib too. Should have some flex to it.

Good for you! That wasn't so bad now was it! Go find more!

I have a Black desk base for it I'll gladly send to you for the cost of postage.

Steve

I have a couple desk pens and holders including the one you just got. It's fun to keep near the phone all inked up and ready to write when you need it.

I also keep my grocery list there and am getting my wife to use it. Hate it when she shows me her inky fingers, but I guess it's a sign of love =-).

Enjoy it.
pb2

That 9788 alone would cost at least $20.00, eh? Now you can get another Esterbrook and trade nibs around for variety!

Mars

Thanks for the info and the yahoos. I appreciate it. I'm typically the type who likes to do a little research before I go looking. Thanks o all I read in these forums, I guess I'm better educated than I thought! No it was great fun. I'm on the prowl. There is a "flea market" (mostly junk and el cheapos) near me. I've found some vintage kitchen items, gues I need to ask about pens now!

The nib is worth the twenty bucks: and it isn't a dip-less nib. Fountain pen can use it. too. 9788: "Shaded Writing" or Flexible Medium.

. What is dip-less? Also, does the nib screw off? It looks like it, but it won't budge.

Give the section a little soak in some water for a little bit and it should loosen it up. (Maybe 10 minutes or so)

Thanks Firefyter-EMT. That worked.