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New Article in the Pennant on Early Esterbrook History

AAAndrew

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AAAndrew Antique

AAAndrew

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My latest article on steel pen history is out in the new issue of The Pennant (Pen Collectors of America's excellent magazine). In it I cover up to 1861 when they open their first factory. 

 

There has been a lot written over the years on the history of the company. I try to document what there is actual evidence for and cut through some of the tales passed down through oral history or hyperbole or just plain marketing hype. (No, Richard Esterbrook did not invent the steel pen, nor did he make the first steel pens in the US)

 

I've attached images of the first two pages. To see it all, and to read my follow-up article I'm in the process of finishing, then join the PCA Membership (pencollectorsofamerica.org!

 

 

EsterbrookPart1Midkiff 1.jpg

EsterbrookPart1Midkiff 2.jpg

 

“When the historians of education do equal and exact justice to all who have contributed toward educational progress, they will devote several pages to those revolutionists who invented steel pens and blackboards.” V.T. Thayer, 1928

 

Check out my Steel Pen Blog. As well as The Esterbrook Project.

"No one is exempt from talking nonsense; the mistake is to do it solemnly."

-Montaigne

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AAAndrew Antique

AAAndrew

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Thanks. It's part of a long-running series on the history of the US steel pen industry going back to the first issue of 2019. I'm currently finishing up the writing for my 14th article on the topic, covering Esterbrook's early years. I have a few more articles sketched out then may take a break for a bit to do some more research. 

 

I'm glad you like it. 

 

“When the historians of education do equal and exact justice to all who have contributed toward educational progress, they will devote several pages to those revolutionists who invented steel pens and blackboards.” V.T. Thayer, 1928

 

Check out my Steel Pen Blog. As well as The Esterbrook Project.

"No one is exempt from talking nonsense; the mistake is to do it solemnly."

-Montaigne

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AAAndrew Antique

AAAndrew

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On 3/25/2023 at 2:21 AM, jchch1950 said:

Thank you for the information.For me ,at my age, is never too late to learn more.

 

Never too late. I published my first article on the history of the steel pen industry at 55 years of age. 

 

“When the historians of education do equal and exact justice to all who have contributed toward educational progress, they will devote several pages to those revolutionists who invented steel pens and blackboards.” V.T. Thayer, 1928

 

Check out my Steel Pen Blog. As well as The Esterbrook Project.

"No one is exempt from talking nonsense; the mistake is to do it solemnly."

-Montaigne

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amberleadavis Pen Dust

amberleadavis

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WOW thank you!

Fountain pens are my preferred COLOR DELIVERY SYSTEM (in part because crayons melt in Las Vegas).

Create a Ghostly Avatar and I'll send you a letter. Check out some Ink comparisons: The Great PPS Comparison 

Don't know where to start?  Look at the Inky Topics O'day.  Then, see inks sorted by color: Blue Purple Brown Red Green Dark Green Orange Black Pinks Yellows Blue-Blacks Grey/Gray UVInks Turquoise/Teal MURKY

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Steven P New

Steven P

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Does anyone out there have a better copy/scan of the  c. 1880s, Esterbrook team photo attached given to me by Hobiwan? Also I am looking for photos of former Esterbrook Company Presidents: Francis (Frank) Wood), J. Henry Longmaid, Edward Wood, Albert Frost, Sydney E. Longmaid (Henry's Son), and Kenneth N. McDonald. Thanks.

HobanHB1-02.jpg

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AAAndrew Antique

AAAndrew

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This picture always makes me pause. 

 

I'll see if I can find some of the earlier folks, but in the meantime, here are some of the later presidents. 

 

These are from newspaper articles.

 

Here's Albert G. Frost.

 image.thumb.png.6b72a030e4e64b9d15b59c533195e6dc.png

 

Kenneth McDonald

image.thumb.png.d1695b02d955460ac546394b7277ec9d.png

 

image.thumb.png.dc32ee8acb29dac2fd2f41aae2a90a59.png

 

 

Sidney Longmaid

image.thumb.png.aa3d27ba2870d727dafbbd16769d16c3.png

 

image.thumb.png.e8f9fd3ae56bdbd984231a375db632ef.png

 

 

1950 - Esterbrook history Camden newspaper, international, executives

 

 

 

 

 

 

“When the historians of education do equal and exact justice to all who have contributed toward educational progress, they will devote several pages to those revolutionists who invented steel pens and blackboards.” V.T. Thayer, 1928

 

Check out my Steel Pen Blog. As well as The Esterbrook Project.

"No one is exempt from talking nonsense; the mistake is to do it solemnly."

-Montaigne

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