Esterbrook Dip Pen Shape Names

[AAAndrew]

I have created a first pass at an attempt to standardize the names for the various shapes in which steel dip pens were made.

 

I also posted about this in the main forum but thought I'd point out to those in this neighborhood that my attempt at codifying standard names for dip pen shapes began with Esterbrook nibs. This list is based on trying to catalog all of the Esterbrook pens listed on The Esterbrook Project.

 

The shape glossary, found here, does not include all of the multitudinous shapes found in Europe, but should work for the majority of pens made in the US.

 

Anyway, just though I'd point out this resource for those interested in the "old-school" Esterbrooks, like the 048 Falcon.

 

Here's a sample: (Use of The Esterbrook Project images by permission)

 

Leaf

Similar to a Spoon, but the body is bottom heavy with a deep curve at the bottom but quickly narrowing at the top. The body has a rounded profile.

Esterbrook #256 Tecumseh

 

Long stub

A longer , straight-bodied stub.

Esterbrook #312 Judge’s Quill

 

 

Pinched Center

A normal heel, then the beginning of the body is pinched in and down to make a center ridge that extends up to the main body, which is generally smaller and then tapered or rounded towards the tip.

Washington Medallion Pen

Esterbrook #54 Superb

 

 

 

 

https://thesteelpen.com/2018/12/07/pen-shapes-a-proposed-glossary/

Edited December 8, 2018 by AAAndrew

[bsenn]

Interesting as always Andrew. Thanks for sharing!

[Inky.Fingers]

That Esty 256.. is a real looker! Does it flex?

[AAAndrew]

The Tecumseh is a bit flexible, and almost impossible to find.

[pajaro]

I have several Falcon 048 nibs that appear to flex.

[AAAndrew]

Esterbrooks flagship pen, the 048 Falcon was manufactured from almost the beginning of the companys history (at least the late 1860s) until the end of steel pen production. The early ones tend to have more flex than the newer ones. Find yourself a nice one with an old imprint and you can have a decently flexible pen, though it was always labeled as a general business pen, not something truly flexible, i.e. for penmen.

 

From the 1883 catalog.

This is a pen suitable for the general business writer. It has a degree of fineness equally between a sharp-pointed and a coarse pen, and elasticity sufficient to enable it to write with ease and freedom...

 

Flexible is a relative term, as Ive pointed out many a time. What seems wildly fine and flexible compared to a modern flex fountain pen was considered a firm, medium pen in the world of dip pens.

 

An example.

[corgicoupe]

You should make a video showing how you write like that.