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Primer in Esterbrooks


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#1 Truman

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Posted 02 March 2012 - 01:10 AM

My apologies for such a simple, and probably obvious, question about Esterbrook models. I've seen J, SJ, and LJ references. Could someone explain the specs or the differences in them? I have 2 that I purchased as J's but one is just a fraction longer than the other. I have a red and a rootbeer thus far. My parents have a green and a blue one that I am going to ask to have next time I visit. (they will happily let me have them)

Thanks for your expertise!



#2 david i

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Posted 02 March 2012 - 03:30 AM

My apologies for such a simple, and probably obvious, question about Esterbrook models. I've seen J, SJ, and LJ references. Could someone explain the specs or the differences in them? I have 2 that I purchased as J's but one is just a fraction longer than the other. I have a red and a rootbeer thus far. My parents have a green and a blue one that I am going to ask to have next time I visit. (they will happily let me have them)

Thanks for your expertise!




Hi,

Far from my area of expertise, though I've been happy to own a few "better" Esties over the years.

What passes for my understanding is that the "J" family ran 1940's maybe to early 1960.

"J" is the full length fat pen.

"LJ" is the full length slender pen.

"SJ" is the short slender pen.

Most often seen as the typical marbled colors.

Pastel Purse pens and the early dollar pens with the holed clips I believe are not considered part of the family.

Too there are deluxe metal capped pens and later cartridge pens... and more.

If you want to read in more detail, there are profiles (we might be overdue here as well) at

Richard's

http://www.richardsp.../profiles/j.htm

Pendemonium

http://www.pendemoni..._esterbrook.htm

Brian Anderson.

http://esterbrook.net/

Tyler Dahl

http://tylerdahlpens...esterbrook.html

Recognize that no one knows it all, so I make no promises as to the accuracy of any of the above.

Do share your finds with us :)



regards

David





David R. Isaacson MD. Website: VACUMANIA.com for quality old pens with full warranty.
Email: isaacson@frontiernet.net

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#3 Truman

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Posted 02 March 2012 - 03:55 AM

Hi David! As always, thank you for your thorough response! I find Esties to be fun, inexpensive pens - .and easy to find to boot. As mentioned I only have 2 thus far but it sounds like the J;s are my type of pen.

#4 Blotto

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Posted 02 March 2012 - 10:55 PM

A few years ago I put together some Esterbrook Cliff notes for myself. They only go as far as late '50s -- Pastels, Safaris etc, are not my cup of tea.
Hope they help.

Dollars through Icicles came in six colors. Black, grey, brown, green, red and blue.

Icicles (Late in production, spoon levers) Not in black.
Three rib clip (like the J series, stamped ESTERBROOK)
Reportedly two sizes, 5.0” X .42” (Same size as the LJ) & SJ
Made, and imprinted accordingly in USA and Mexico (Mexican colors are brighter}

J Series (1948-1957. Earlier versions do not have ® imprint on barrel.)
The J 5.0” X .47” (Easy differentiator vs. the LJ: barrel jewel is smaller than the cap jewel)
The LJ 5.0” X .42”
The SJ 4.7” X .42”

Transitionals (1944-1948 )
Early versions have 3 rib cap jewel, no name on clip
Mid have solid cap jewel, no name on clip
Late have solid cap jewel, ESTERBROOK on clip
No barrel jewel.

J 5.0” X .47”
LJ 5.0” X .42”
SJ 4.6” X .42’

Visumasters (1941)
Three rib clip with ESTERTBROOK on metal cap button. No barrel jewel.
5.0” X .47”
Subtle variations in barrel end shape.

Bandless Dollars ( Early 1940’s)
No cap bands ( just three empty bands)
No jewels
Clip is triangular shape, two hole, rib extends from lower hole to bottom of the clip, AND upper hole to metal cap button
Three sizes B, A & H

Dollars (1934-1942)
No jewels.
One, solid, narrow cap band.
Three clips:
Early: pentagonal shape, two holes, no rib (1934)
Mid: triangular shape, two hole, rib extends from lower hole to bottom of the clip (1938)
Late: Triangular shape, two hole, rib extends from lower hole to bottom of the clip, AND upper hole to metal cap button. (1941-1942)

Three sizes:
B (Full) 4.8” X .47”
A (Slender) 4.7” X .47”
H (Demi) 4.4” X .42”

V Clip (1932-1933) Available in plastic and BHR.
Pentagonal clip. one large hole, rib extends from bottom of hole to end of the clip.
5.0” X .47”

Dan

Edited by Blotto, 02 March 2012 - 11:05 PM.


#5 Gary

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Posted 02 March 2012 - 11:20 PM

Blotto,
Your post is excellent. That took lots of 'pen-looking-at' to get that info. Maybe we can talk Dr. I. into pinning that post so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle 5 years from now.
GaryR

#6 Blotto

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Posted 04 March 2012 - 07:22 PM

Blotto,
Your post is excellent... Maybe we can talk Dr. I. into pinning that post so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle 5 years from now.
GaryR


Gary:
Thanks, but not worth a pin. Too superficial. Doesn't mention all the anomalies, hard to find stuff or details (like lever shapes
and imprint variations.)
Some colors, filling systems (other than lever), Cracked Ice Dollars, Relief Pens from Conway Stewart,
bodies made by Wirt, demonstrators and all the models made in their death-throes, including those cutsey Pastel Purse pens,
Parker cartridge wannabes, BP's and felt-tips are also missing.

Just covers the older, usual suspects you're likely to find for ±$150 or less...but still about 85% of what's out there.

For me, Brian Anderson's pages remain definitive and comprehensive.
Dan

Edited by Blotto, 04 March 2012 - 07:34 PM.





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