Esterbrook Dollar Pen?

[gopernoper]

Hey all,

Im looking into my first esterbrook pen, and I was wondering what was the difference between the J and the dollar pen? I love the aesthetic of the dollar pen and the J, but aside from looks, what are the differences? Is any one more expensive than the other? What would you recommend to start? I have a budget of about $10 excluding shipping, as Im a high school student. I need a workhorse thatll take lots of notes, and be cost friendly. What is your suggestion? Thanks.

[amberleadavis]

The J pen is a less expensive choice. Do a quick search. As I recall the ends are different and the Dollar Pens are older and harder to find thus more expensive. I doubt you will find a Estie Dollar Pen that cheap.

[inkstainedruth]

The clips on the Dollar pens are different -- the ones I've seen are flat and have little holes cut in them down the length of the clip, while the J series clips are solid, thinner in width but thicker in height, and say
Esterbrook.

Beyond that I couldn't tell you -- I don't have any Dollar pens (just J series pens), so I don't know if the colors are the same or not.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[amberleadavis]

From Esterbrook.net

 

 

Dollar Pen.

 

http://www.esterbrook.net/images/btr.jpg

 

http://www.esterbrook.net/bah.shtml

 

 

Double Jewel J pen.

 

http://www.esterbrook.net/images/jred.jpg

 

http://www.esterbrook.net/j3.shtml

[Larry Barrieau]

A ten dollar Esterbrook will be difficult to find. If you do, it will probably need resacing. Even under $20 Esties are not that plentiful.

[gopernoper]

Ok. Ill try to find a J then. Unfortunately EBay doesnt have much that would be friendly to my wallet haha. It may take a long time to find one, but maybe someday. I wouldnt mind doing a re sac, it shouldnt be too difficult, especially on a lever filler.

[corgicoupe]

Your best source is gweimer at MidnightPens on etsy. But you will have to pay $30-$40 for a restored pen. It will last you until retirement.

[gweimer1]

As stated, it's easy enough to find an Esterbrook for under $20, but not as easy to find a nice one that's ready to use. I may be able to work out something. Contact me offline, and let's see what we can do for you.

[amberleadavis]

@GoperNoper - TAKE that OFFER!

[corgicoupe]

^^^^^ What she said.

[Misfit]

I third the motion (a nod to amberleadavis).

[ISW_Kaputnik]

I paid more for my Dollar pens than my Js, SJs, and LJ. My favorite Dollar Pen cost me $40, and I had to re-sac it myself. I've gotten Js for as little as $7.00 (again, needing a new sac).

 

But $40 is not horribly expensive, they work about the same, take the same nibs, and I like the styling on the Dollar Pens better.

[peterg]

Other than what you can see, the main difference is that the Dollar pen takes a large 19 sac while the J was throttled down to only accept a 16, so expect much less capacity with the J.

[JakobS]

Other than what you can see, the main difference is that the Dollar pen takes a large 19 sac while the J was throttled down to only accept a 16, so expect much less capacity with the J.

 

Size 18 sac....

 

 

The Dollar offers a flat top design with a stainless steel finial that I find a bit more interesting than the Jewel on the J. The Dollars are more expensive generally because they are less common. Ten years ago you could find one for $10-$15 in need of a new sac, but those days seem to have passed. Either pen, as long as you stay away from the early solid plastic Dollars, will last a long time as solid writers, even with an occasional drop on a carpeted floor....

 

They are well worth the investment...

Edited September 12, 2018 by JakobS