The Esterbrook Imprint

[tntaylor]

I'm curious to know why some Esterbrook pens have an imprint and some don't. I have an SJ and a Transitional J that don't have an imprint, and a J that does ("Esterbrook Made in USA").

 

So, why imprints on some, but not on others?

 

Also, how can you tell when a pen was made? I know that there are certain ranges of years for the different models, but is there a way to narrow it down to a definite year? Also, were pens made outside the range of their years? For example, it's my understanding that the Trans-J was in production from 1944 to 1948 (thank you esterbrook.net), but were they made after 1948 as well?

 

Just trying to get a better understanding of Esterbrooks.

 

t!

[Brian Anderson]

generally speaking:

 

1932-4: V clip

1934-6: earliest of two hole clip designs

1936-42: 2nd and third two hole clips

1941-2: Visumasters

1942-3: Twist fillers

1944-7: transitional flat barrel end

1948- : Classic double jewel J series

1949-55: SM Deluxe, pastels

1955: LK deluxe

1957: All plastic Safari

1958: Metal Capped "DeLuxe" Safari, plunger filler

~1960: M2 aerometric

~1963: "dollar" style felt tip markerd

1964: Esterbrook marked Flo-Masters

 

These come from a combination of catalogs, Paul Hoban reference, trademark info, etc. Whether or not Esterbrook manufactured pens outside these guidlines, I don't know. Consider standard dollar pens were still in stock at many stationers during the war when twist fillers were produced, so perhaps yes, itentionallly, perhaps no.

 

I must admit, I haven't seen an esterbrook without an imprint in the J series, but I've seen evidence of some being polished off, could this be the case?

 

Looking forward to hearing any other replies. Anyone?

 

Best-

Brian