Here's the deal for the 150th Anniversary of Esterebrook contest!
Anyone can enter with these "loose" rules:
1) In about 150 words or less (less is good!) tell us what you like about Esterbrooks!
2) This should be handwritten with an Esterbrook, in any color(s) of ink you like, or heck, type it out!
3) Deadline is noon on Labor Day (September 1st)
Judging will be on all aspects of your "story" or essay, or poem whatever! It could be a very keen technical essay, or be as creative in your telling as you wish, (The Estie that Saved My Dog's Life and Won Me the Olympic Gold Before It Captured a Nuclear Sub Off the Coast of Milwakee ... you get the drift), and be creative in your penmanship, artwork, presentation, but be truthful about the Esterbrook(s).
I might have to edit this and add more as we go along in case I've overlooked something crucial.
Please hit me with any Qs you may have.
I encourage other prize offerings; Donors can choose the winner for their prize if desired.
My prize offering is more than just a gorgeous little highly polished blue Esterbrook, it's what I call...
...... ~ The Indigo Streak ~ ... Like I said, be creative if you want.
Ah yes... the Streak includes a Pendleton Point smooth, crisp cursive italic nib ( a rescued Esterbrook 2668).
Enter the contest or ask Qs/make comments by adding your reply below. Please feel free to say something appreciative about any of the entries.
That's all for now ~ Happy 150th anniversary Esterbrook!
Full Version: CONTEST: to celebrate Esterbrook's 150th Anniversary!
This is going to be a great contest. I will have to submit mine later in the week though.
QUOTE (MS3607 @ Aug 21 2008, 01:54 PM) 
This is going to be a great contest. I will have to submit mine later in the week though.
Thanks for the reply. I was wondering if anyone would give it try. I guess if I really wanted to be generous I'd give an icicle away.
Since i just stumbled upon my first Esterbrook, I'll give it a try.
absolutely! Hopefully I will have time this weekend. I love many pens but my Seafoam green "J" has a special place in my heart (collection). Great Idea!
I'd like to enter this one, myself. But then, I've already said my piece. I'll throw in a "specially autographed" copy of "The Fountain Pens of Esterbrook" as an additional award to the winner. I look forward to seeing what you guys have to say.
QUOTE (Hobiwan @ Aug 22 2008, 02:15 PM)
I'd like to enter this one, myself. But then, I've already said my piece. I'll throw in a "specially autographed" copy of "The Fountain Pens of Esterbrook" as an additional award to the winner. I look forward to seeing what you guys have to say.
That is TOTALLY ROCKIN!
THANK YOU! It is totally cool that you will be checking out the resposes too! May I ask you to be on the panel of judges? ... That would be me thus far, and you if you could? I would like to offer the winner the choice of The Blue Streak, Or the AUTOGRAPHED COPY The Fountain Pens of Esterbrook and use the other as 2nd prize.
OK...do we have a 3rd prize offer??? A "cracked ice" would be nice.
Well, there's certainly no problem coming up with what I like about my Esterbrook. The trouble would be in keeping it under 150 words! 
Ditto! Hey! We are practically neighbors! I'm in W-S.
QUOTE (AndiN @ Aug 22 2008, 08:57 PM)
Well, there's certainly no problem coming up with what I like about my Esterbrook. The trouble would be in keeping it under 150 words!
Same here but I will give it a go.
Oh Yea....Welcome to FPN Hobiwan and AndiN
QUOTE (AndiN @ Aug 22 2008, 08:57 PM)
Well, there's certainly no problem coming up with what I like about my Esterbrook. The trouble would be in keeping it under 150 words!
Who's counting? Just a guidline, BUT... you don't get more points for more words. =)
pb2
Do you want entries posted or sent through PM?
QUOTE (klangbogen @ Aug 23 2008, 04:37 PM)
Do you want entries posted or sent through PM?
Preferably post them to share. I'm sure we will all enjoy them. I think it's important. If you don't have "scan-ability", then please type them. Maybe add what you would have written with: PIP (pen, ink, paper)
Thanks!
QUOTE (jmw19 @ Aug 23 2008, 09:25 PM)
Congratulations JMW19 !!! You are the first to jump into the Contest!
Thanks for your fun, expressive thoughts! Adding a photo of you Dubonnet Red beauty is a plus! Also the PIP, (pen,ink,paper) is always interesting to us of course.
Thanks again!
Here is my attempt!
QUOTE (pb2 @ Aug 24 2008, 10:36 AM)
Congratulations JMW19 !!! You are the first to jump into the Contest!
Thanks for your fun, expressive thoughts! Adding a photo of you Dubonnet Red beauty is a plus! Also the PIP, (pen,ink,paper) is always interesting to us of course.
Thanks again!
Thanks for your fun, expressive thoughts! Adding a photo of you Dubonnet Red beauty is a plus! Also the PIP, (pen,ink,paper) is always interesting to us of course.
Thanks again!
Thank you for inspiring it - I hope there are many more. I know there are plenty of fans with the talent to top my submission, but I'll gladly take the honor of first post.
Jakob, that is delightful - I'd much rather see your nib than mine, though getting them to scan well is a miracle.
Best,
Jon
QUOTE (JakobS @ Aug 24 2008, 03:08 PM)
Here is my attempt!
Great entry JakobS! I like the "mountain effect" or pyramid of praises with "Everyman's pen" at the pinnacle!
Rockin!
Thanks! I enjoy the history and pens of Esterbrook so much I couldn't but help to celebrate it's anniversary in some small way!! And what a great way to do so by the way!!!
Well, here you go. I could have easily made this longer..................
I do not have the capability to scan to a jpg or similar so I hope the uploaded pdf file will work. If not I will type it out here in the form.
I do not have the capability to scan to a jpg or similar so I hope the uploaded pdf file will work. If not I will type it out here in the form.
You guys are all making me jealous. With all of your expressive words with ink about a pen. I must post my own musing asap.
QUOTE (MS3607 @ Aug 25 2008, 11:43 AM)
You guys are all making me jealous. With all of your expressive words with ink about a pen. I must post my own musing asap.
I'm jealous, too. I thought I would enter, but now I'm not sure I could come up to the high standard already set.
My .02
No matter what my handwriting indicates, I SWEAR I'm not a mass murderer.
Happy Birthday Esterbrook!
Bruce in Ocala, FL
Click to view attachmentClick to view attachment
No matter what my handwriting indicates, I SWEAR I'm not a mass murderer.
Happy Birthday Esterbrook!
Bruce in Ocala, FL
Click to view attachmentClick to view attachment
QUOTE (EventHorizon @ Aug 25 2008, 12:41 PM)
Well, here you go. I could have easily made this longer..................
I do not have the capability to scan to a jpg or similar so I hope the uploaded pdf file will work. If not I will type it out here in the form.
I do not have the capability to scan to a jpg or similar so I hope the uploaded pdf file will work. If not I will type it out here in the form.
Bravo, and many thanks for your entry Event Horizon! I love the "wondering" references to the past; the student and soldier, and looking at it in your hand asking the powerful quote all writers must refer to: " Who's life did it change when pen went to paper?" Very cool. Thank you!
Also, thanks for finding a way to get it to us. BTW, I've had decent results just taking a photo of writing as in The Blue Streak
QUOTE (OcalaFlGuy @ Aug 25 2008, 08:20 PM)
My .02
No matter what my handwriting indicates, I SWEAR I'm not a mass murderer.
Happy Birthday Esterbrook!
Bruce in Ocala, FL
Click to view attachmentClick to view attachment
No matter what my handwriting indicates, I SWEAR I'm not a mass murderer.
Happy Birthday Esterbrook!
Bruce in Ocala, FL
Click to view attachmentClick to view attachment
Thanks a lot OcalaFIGuy! After reading your entry I ATE TWO OF MY PENS!!
But you are quite right, they are as you inferred... they are sweet!Thanks man! That Falcon looks tres fab with the Copperburst too. Great entry!
QUOTE (Aunt Babe @ Aug 25 2008, 02:27 PM)
That's hilarious! Bunny award!
!You bring up a good point too Aunt Babe; they are alive and do have feelings don't they?! HA!
Great story!
Thanks!
pb2
QUOTE (penspouse @ Aug 25 2008, 12:57 PM)
QUOTE (MS3607 @ Aug 25 2008, 11:43 AM)
You guys are all making me jealous. With all of your expressive words with ink about a pen. I must post my own musing asap.
I'm jealous, too. I thought I would enter, but now I'm not sure I could come up to the high standard already set.
Ah, give it a try, nothing to it, whatever that comes to you, cannot go wrong!!
Click to view attachment
I hope that I did this write since it is the first picture that I have posted.
If it does than my day is complete.
I hope that I did this write since it is the first picture that I have posted.
If it does than my day is complete.
Ok it came out a little on the fuzzy side, can anyone tell me how to avoid that the next time.
QUOTE (MS3607 @ Aug 25 2008, 11:53 PM)
Ok it came out a little on the fuzzy side, can anyone tell me how to avoid that the next time.
Try the macro setting on your camera (on mine the icon looks like flowers) as it seems to help me once in a while.
"Simplistic elegance".........I like that
QUOTE (MS3607 @ Aug 25 2008, 11:50 PM)
Click to view attachment
I hope that I did this write since it is the first picture that I have posted.
If it does than my day is complete.
I hope that I did this write since it is the first picture that I have posted.
If it does than my day is complete.
MS3607,
You did this write!! ...er, I mean RIGHT!
Very nice entry! Economy, beauty & elegance, even relationship. These are things important to us!
I'm begining to get a picture here of Esterbrook people. Not so much a cult at all as a discerning group of individuals who appreciate ....all of the above! An honest, simply elelgant, trusty Estie!
Thanks!
pb2
pb2 you got it just right. I love the comfort that comes from using a pen that has value that is not only affordable to me but also value that goes up, to me anyway, the more I use it and develop that relationship that one has with said pen. Not saying that I am in love with my pen, its just that there is so many intimate emotions that are shared between someone and their pen. You tell it more than you will tell almost anyone else in this small little world. And as a reward for trusting it with our deepest memories the pen will translate our experiences to paper, good and bad.
Here is my Subliminal Entry :-
QUOTE (Have Fun @ Aug 26 2008, 07:03 PM)
Here is my Subliminal Entry :-
Great entry! You had me Rappin' dude!! .... Totally aptly named: HAVE FUN!
Definitely fun.
Thanks!
PB2
*****
THanks, pb2! I'm actually waiting for estie #4 to come in the mail.
Now I need to go to pendemonium to get some sacs, and I'll be set!!
-c
Now I need to go to pendemonium to get some sacs, and I'll be set!!
-c
You guys are doing great!!! Don't forget the deadline is September 1st and there are two prizes.
First place winner gets first choice of the Blue Streak or
The Fountain Pens of Esterbrook signed and inscripted by the author, Paul Hobin (Hobiwan)himself!! The Second place winner get the other!
Cool huh?
First place winner gets first choice of the Blue Streak or
The Fountain Pens of Esterbrook signed and inscripted by the author, Paul Hobin (Hobiwan)himself!! The Second place winner get the other!
Cool huh?
QUOTE (MS3607 @ Aug 26 2008, 02:45 PM)
pb2 you got it just right. I love the comfort that comes from using a pen that has value that is not only affordable to me but also value that goes up, to me anyway, the more I use it and develop that relationship that one has with said pen. Not saying that I am in love with my pen, its just that there is so many intimate emotions that are shared between someone and their pen. You tell it more than you will tell almost anyone else in this small little world. And as a reward for trusting it with our deepest memories the pen will translate our experiences to paper, good and bad.
I can certainly relate to the word "comfort" when it comes to an Esterbrook. "Pleasure" is another one. Kind of like a friend...a Pen Pal?
Hello All,
It's with some diffidence - in light of the very high standard already in evidence here - that I submit an entry.
It comes along with two apologies. First, I apologize for inflicting a sonnet on this distinguished group. It didn't start out that way, I promise; these things just happen sometimes.
Second, I apologize for the awkwardness of my hand. On a good day I can almost replicate my pre-Carpal Tunnel writing; but this, regrettably, was not a particularly good day. Because the handwritten version is not as legible as one might hope, I've also keystroked the text below.
The pen is an SJ (transitional) in Pearl Gray, fitted with a 2314M Relief nib. The ink is Skrip Blue-Black, and the paper is Black n' Red.
Thanks to pb2 for honoring dear old Esterbrook, and thanks to all of you for enduring this bit of doggerel.
Cheers,
Jon
Esterbrook: A Sonnet
Are there better pens? Some would answer 'Yes';
Decked out in gold or silver, fine and fair,
Or richly jeweled. Better pens? I guess –
More elegant, more costly, or more rare.
The Esterbrook was of a different kind –
A humbler kind (forgive me, but it's true);
A pen built for a hard day's work, designed
For life on Main Street, not Park Avenue.
No pretense there, no gaudy show to see,
With nothing forced, or feigned, or falsely grand;
Content to be what it was meant to be:
An honest tool to fit a writer's hand.
A pen made for an age that understood
The simple greatness born of being good.
It's with some diffidence - in light of the very high standard already in evidence here - that I submit an entry.
It comes along with two apologies. First, I apologize for inflicting a sonnet on this distinguished group. It didn't start out that way, I promise; these things just happen sometimes.
Second, I apologize for the awkwardness of my hand. On a good day I can almost replicate my pre-Carpal Tunnel writing; but this, regrettably, was not a particularly good day. Because the handwritten version is not as legible as one might hope, I've also keystroked the text below.
The pen is an SJ (transitional) in Pearl Gray, fitted with a 2314M Relief nib. The ink is Skrip Blue-Black, and the paper is Black n' Red.
Thanks to pb2 for honoring dear old Esterbrook, and thanks to all of you for enduring this bit of doggerel.
Cheers,
Jon
Esterbrook: A Sonnet
Are there better pens? Some would answer 'Yes';
Decked out in gold or silver, fine and fair,
Or richly jeweled. Better pens? I guess –
More elegant, more costly, or more rare.
The Esterbrook was of a different kind –
A humbler kind (forgive me, but it's true);
A pen built for a hard day's work, designed
For life on Main Street, not Park Avenue.
No pretense there, no gaudy show to see,
With nothing forced, or feigned, or falsely grand;
Content to be what it was meant to be:
An honest tool to fit a writer's hand.
A pen made for an age that understood
The simple greatness born of being good.
QUOTE (OcalaFlGuy @ Aug 25 2008, 08:20 PM)
My .02
No matter what my handwriting indicates, I SWEAR I'm not a mass murderer.
Happy Birthday Esterbrook!
Bruce in Ocala, FL
Click to view attachmentClick to view attachment
No matter what my handwriting indicates, I SWEAR I'm not a mass murderer.
Happy Birthday Esterbrook!
Bruce in Ocala, FL
Click to view attachmentClick to view attachment
I perceive there is a subliminal message on your page..... BUSTED! YOU ARE A CROSS FAN!
QUOTE (Univer @ Aug 29 2008, 06:15 PM)
Hello All,
It's with some diffidence - in light of the very high standard already in evidence here - that I submit an entry.
It comes along with two apologies. First, I apologize for inflicting a sonnet on this distinguished group. It didn't start out that way, I promise; these things just happen sometimes.
Second, I apologize for the awkwardness of my hand. On a good day I can almost replicate my pre-Carpal Tunnel writing; but this, regrettably, was not a particularly good day. Because the handwritten version is not as legible as one might hope, I've also keystroked the text below.
The pen is an SJ (transitional) in Pearl Gray, fitted with a 2314M Relief nib. The ink is Skrip Blue-Black, and the paper is Black n' Red.
Thanks to pb2 for honoring dear old Esterbrook, and thanks to all of you for enduring this bit of doggerel.
Cheers,
Wow Jon ... I am truly blown away! This is really great.
Jon
Esterbrook: A Sonnet
Are there better pens? Some would answer 'Yes';
Decked out in gold or silver, fine and fair,
Or richly jeweled. Better pens? I guess –
More elegant, more costly, or more rare.
The Esterbrook was of a different kind –
A humbler kind (forgive me, but it's true);
A pen built for a hard day's work, designed
For life on Main Street, not Park Avenue.
No pretense there, no gaudy show to see,
With nothing forced, or feigned, or falsely grand;
Content to be what it was meant to be:
An honest tool to fit a writer's hand.
A pen made for an age that understood
The simple greatness born of being good.
It's with some diffidence - in light of the very high standard already in evidence here - that I submit an entry.
It comes along with two apologies. First, I apologize for inflicting a sonnet on this distinguished group. It didn't start out that way, I promise; these things just happen sometimes.
Second, I apologize for the awkwardness of my hand. On a good day I can almost replicate my pre-Carpal Tunnel writing; but this, regrettably, was not a particularly good day. Because the handwritten version is not as legible as one might hope, I've also keystroked the text below.
The pen is an SJ (transitional) in Pearl Gray, fitted with a 2314M Relief nib. The ink is Skrip Blue-Black, and the paper is Black n' Red.
Thanks to pb2 for honoring dear old Esterbrook, and thanks to all of you for enduring this bit of doggerel.
Cheers,
Wow Jon ... I am truly blown away! This is really great.
Jon
Esterbrook: A Sonnet
Are there better pens? Some would answer 'Yes';
Decked out in gold or silver, fine and fair,
Or richly jeweled. Better pens? I guess –
More elegant, more costly, or more rare.
The Esterbrook was of a different kind –
A humbler kind (forgive me, but it's true);
A pen built for a hard day's work, designed
For life on Main Street, not Park Avenue.
No pretense there, no gaudy show to see,
With nothing forced, or feigned, or falsely grand;
Content to be what it was meant to be:
An honest tool to fit a writer's hand.
A pen made for an age that understood
The simple greatness born of being good.
Wow Jon ... I am truly blown away! This is really great.
Use of the transitional and the relief nib is a real treat espesially with the look and texture of the Skrip Blue Black.
But I am most impressed by your honest portrayal of the Esterbrook, penned with such elegance as to honor it's simply wonderful beauty.
Thank you for honoring this forum and this contest, with your handwritten, well written sonnet.
~pb2QUOTE (pb2 @ Aug 29 2008, 08:33 PM)
QUOTE (OcalaFlGuy @ Aug 25 2008, 08:20 PM)
My .02
No matter what my handwriting indicates, I SWEAR I'm not a mass murderer.
Happy Birthday Esterbrook!
Bruce in Ocala, FL
Click to view attachmentClick to view attachment
No matter what my handwriting indicates, I SWEAR I'm not a mass murderer.
Happy Birthday Esterbrook!
Bruce in Ocala, FL
Click to view attachmentClick to view attachment
I perceive there is a subliminal message on your page..... BUSTED! YOU ARE A CROSS FAN!
I can't imagine there was that subliminal message in my submission, but yes, you wouldn't have to look far on FPN
to see that I AM a Cross fan in addition to being an Esties ADDICT.
Call me a heretic, but man cannot live by Esties alone.
Interestingly enough, boths pens sometimes suffer the same fate. Judged like books by their covers instead
of on how they write, resulting in those same judges being ignorantly misinformed and deprived of a fine writing pen.
Bruce in Ocala, FL
QUOTE (pb2 @ Aug 29 2008, 08:33 PM)
QUOTE (OcalaFlGuy @ Aug 25 2008, 08:20 PM)
My .02
No matter what my handwriting indicates, I SWEAR I'm not a mass murderer.
Happy Birthday Esterbrook!
Bruce in Ocala, FL
Click to view attachmentClick to view attachment
No matter what my handwriting indicates, I SWEAR I'm not a mass murderer.
Happy Birthday Esterbrook!
Bruce in Ocala, FL
Click to view attachmentClick to view attachment
I perceive there is a subliminal message on your page..... BUSTED! YOU ARE A CROSS FAN!
You know I'm just having fun with you right...I was making a reference to your personal photo of your Estie in the shape of a cross! Just goofin' off.
QUOTE (MS3607 @ Aug 21 2008, 01:54 PM)
This is going to be a great contest. I will have to submit mine later in the week though.
It is already!!
QUOTE (Univer @ Aug 29 2008, 03:15 PM)
A pen made for an age that understood
The simple greatness born of being good.
The simple greatness born of being good.
That is Miltonian or Keatsian classy...
"They also serve who only sit and write"?
Mars
Well,
First of all, who can follow such a nice sonnet? Second, I have no business writing with such a poor hand. But here is my humble effort, paraphrasing a favorite psalm opening. I bet Jon could do better than I with this conceit....It could sure use a rewrite...but I refuse to be embarrassed.
I originally wrote it with all the pens shown, but too sloppy.
Best,
Mars
Text in print:
At the base of the fountain
I long to drink
From the many-colored
Ester-Brook,
To quench my thirst
From babbling Cobalt waters,
That trickle sweetly
From the Brown and Copper
Tinted Earth;
Gently flowing beneath
Fern and Foliage Forest Green
And verdant J & S & L shaped branches,
Under skies of Pearl Grey Clouds
Or Dawn Grey Mist,
Opening to reveal a deep Red sun,
Shining Bright
At the base of the fountain....
(I long to drink from the many-colored
Esterbrook.)
Esterbrook: Low Brow, High Class
First of all, who can follow such a nice sonnet? Second, I have no business writing with such a poor hand. But here is my humble effort, paraphrasing a favorite psalm opening. I bet Jon could do better than I with this conceit....It could sure use a rewrite...but I refuse to be embarrassed.
I originally wrote it with all the pens shown, but too sloppy.
Best,
Mars
Text in print:
At the base of the fountain
I long to drink
From the many-colored
Ester-Brook,
To quench my thirst
From babbling Cobalt waters,
That trickle sweetly
From the Brown and Copper
Tinted Earth;
Gently flowing beneath
Fern and Foliage Forest Green
And verdant J & S & L shaped branches,
Under skies of Pearl Grey Clouds
Or Dawn Grey Mist,
Opening to reveal a deep Red sun,
Shining Bright
At the base of the fountain....
(I long to drink from the many-colored
Esterbrook.)
Esterbrook: Low Brow, High Class
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