Nib Numbering Scheme

[kalali]

I apologize if this has been discussed before but is there a standard reference chart somewhere that describes the numbers stamped on the nibs/feeds, e.g., 1, 4, 6, etc.? I'm hoping that there is some sort of cross reference between the numbers and the nib width but that may be wishful thinking on my part...

Thanks in advance.

[jar]

I apologize if this has been discussed before but is there a standard reference chart somewhere that describes the numbers stamped on the nibs/feeds, e.g., 1, 4, 6, etc.? I'm hoping that there is some sort of cross reference between the numbers and the nib width but that may be wishful thinking on my part...

Thanks in advance.

 

Yes, it is wishful thinking and in most cases has nothing to do with nib width. It was generally simply a relative size indicator for nibs from a particular company during a particular period; a #4 nib was larger than a #2 nib, but each usually came in a variety of widths from Accountant to Signature and often in specialty styles like Gregg. So you can find #2 XF and #2 BBB. Both would often simply be designated as '2'.

[kalali]

Thanks jar.

[estie1948]

Esterbrook nibs are an exception here. The numbering on an Esterbrook nib tells you the quality of the nib (1xxx series is not generally as good as the 2xxx series which is not generally as good as the 9xxx series which is generally the best of the line) as well as the type of line it makes. For example, an Esterbrook 1550 nib is an extra-fine nib; while an Esterbrook 2550 is an extra-fine nib of a bit better quality; while an Esterbrook 9550 is an extra-fine nib that is generally the top of the Esterbrook line as far as quality is concerned. Esterbrook nib charts are easily found listing all, or nearly all, Esterbrook nibs. This is important since Esterbrook nibs and feeds screw in and are very easily changed. You can go from a Esterbrook fountain pen with an extra-fine nib to the same pen with a medium nib to the same pen with a stub nib all within just moments!