Holes In Caps. Why?

[Chiro75]

Any idea why there are holes in Esterbrook caps? I was looking at the Franklin Christoph Marietta and they mention that the cap has some sort of vacuum break to make sure ink doesn't spurt out with capping/uncapping. Is this what the holes in the Esterbrook caps do, too?

[Brian Anderson]

Yes, this prevents the cap from being so air tight that ink will be sucked out when unscrewing the cap.

[fireant]

Yes, this prevents the cap from being so air tight that ink will be sucked out when unscrewing the cap.

 

 

You know I've always wondered but never asked. Thank you.

[Sandy1]

Hi,

 

I reckon the primary reason for cap holes was to allow the comings and goings of the Ink Putti doing nib+feed maintenance.

 

That the holes also equalise pressure when uncapping the pen was a bonus - serendipity if you will.

 

Bye,

S1

[Strombomboli]

I think I will drill a hole into the cap of my Marietta in order not to have ink over all over my fingers and desk each time I use it and despite my following religiously FCs advice on how to open it.

[PaperDarts]

Hi,

 

I reckon the primary reason for cap holes was to allow the comings and goings of the Ink Putti doing nib+feed maintenance.

 

That the holes also equalise pressure when uncapping the pen was a bonus - serendipity if you will.

 

Bye,

S1

 

This is the best explanation I've ever heard!! I'll be quoting it from now on, Sandy1.

[mhosea]

Note that on Sheaffer and Parker vintage pens, at least, the holes are located alongside the grip section when the cap is all the way on, a mm or so back from the end of the grip section. This is so that air pressure can equalize immediately when uncapping, and pressure will not build up while capping, but the nib and feed are most definitely NOT ventilated when the pen is capped.