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Flyaway Cap

Vespagirl

By Vespagirl
in Esterbrook

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Vespagirl Near Mint

Vespagirl

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I just receive my first Esterbrook last week. This is a sweet little marbled grey SJ which I adore writing with. I have one problem, however, the cap is very loose when posted. Today, it even flew off while I was writing.

 

Since this is my first Esterbrook, I have to ask, is this normal? I have rather small hands and I can write with the pen unposted, but I find it more comfortable posted and I have a fear of losing the cap. Any suggestions? The cap and barrel appear undamaged.

 

Thank you for the help.

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corgicoupe Collectors Item

corgicoupe

Posted
Posted

You probably need to press it on just a tad more.

Baptiste knew how to make a short job long

For love of it. And yet not waste time either.

Robert Frost

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Sasha Royale Museum Piece

Sasha Royale

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Posted

Is is NOT normal for a new Esterbrook. However, your SJ is the same age as am I. Some of my parts are loose, as well. Nothing about which to be concerned. I never post the cap on my many vintage fountain pens. Over the decades, the material can become brittle. Flaws can develop in the cap. I would advise against JAMMING the pen into the cap.

 

I have no stake in the longevity of your Esterbrook cap. However, if someone splits my Esterbrook, we may see mayhem. On the other hand, I have three dozen Esterbrooks, and would not miss one of them. How many do you have ?

Auf freiem Grund mit freiem Volke stehn.
Zum Augenblicke dürft ich sagen:
Verweile doch, du bist so schön !

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corgicoupe Collectors Item

corgicoupe

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I too would not suggest jamming the cap on the barrel, but I believe they can be pressed on firmly enough that they not fall off. I am open to be corrected on that.

Baptiste knew how to make a short job long

For love of it. And yet not waste time either.

Robert Frost

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Vespagirl Near Mint

Vespagirl

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I try to press firmly, but I am hesitant to push too hard. I really do not want to crack the top.

 

This is my first and, at present only, Esterbrook. I am enjoying this one so much that I certainly think I will get more when funds allow. It is nice to enjoy this one while I can. A beautiful pen of this age, especially when it works this well, is a gift. I will just have to learn not to post the cap.

 

Thank you for the advice.

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ac12 Donor Pen

ac12

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quote: Today, it even flew off while I was writing.

 

How are you writing that a cap would "fly off" while you are writing?

Sorry but I just cannot picture this.

San Francisco Pen Show - August 28-30, 2020 - Redwood City, California

www.SFPenShow.com

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Vespagirl Near Mint

Vespagirl

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Fair question! I don't really remember exactly what I was doing, but, knowing me, I think I swung it up after setting the pen down for a second. Since the cap was posted, it experienced the greatest centripetal motion.

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gweimer1 Antique

gweimer1

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The cap rings sometimes go out-of-round over the years, with age and use (even abuse). I've seen a bunch of those, and I have had a few that don't post well. It's something I've seen more on the slender pens, like the LJ or SJ. You can press the cap on with a little bit of pressure, but I wouldn't jam it on. Esterbrooks are pretty forgiving, but they do have limits.

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Vespagirl Near Mint

Vespagirl

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The cap rings sometimes go out-of-round over the years, with age and use (even abuse). I've seen a bunch of those, and I have had a few that don't post well. It's something I've seen more on the slender pens, like the LJ or SJ. You can press the cap on with a little bit of pressure, but I wouldn't jam it on. Esterbrooks are pretty forgiving, but they do have limits.

That's good to know. Thank you.

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NinthSphere Vintage

NinthSphere

Posted
Posted (edited)

quote: Today, it even flew off while I was writing.

 

How are you writing that a cap would "fly off" while you are writing?

Sorry but I just cannot picture this.

 

I'm picturing Vespagirl as one of these arm flailing tube folks.

 

http://www.answermysearches.com/wp-content/uploads/e9282.bluedancer.jpg

Only makes sense that the cap would fly off while writing. :lticaptd:

Edited by NinthSphere
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