Well I had to go away for a couple of days on an urgent matter and just before I left I was rummaging aimlessly around on Ebay. Up popped an Estie with the 'Bell Sytems' imprint and a starting price of $15. I had just about that much left in the donor pen account so I plunked it on and left. Not sure why I did it. An impulsive and slightly petulant thing no doubt.
Anyway, I get back home 2 and half days later to find a message saying I won the auction at the asking price of $15! Totally unexpected. Probably needs restoration. I checked the seller out and it seems they are not pen specialists but people who buy 'lots' from house sales and such. This was the only pen they had for sale. They are claiming it is an LJ, and it has a clearly marked 9556 nib.
My good fortune or a 15 dollar lemon?
Time will tell.