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Thread: esterbrook model A

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    Default esterbrook model A

    I recently inherited my gggrandfather's esterbrook. My online research leads me to believe it is an early dollar and a half pen. It's a beautiful dark green marble. 4 3/8 inch long. Flat bottom and top. No jewels.
    While attempting to install a new ink sac I broke the section piece. (rookie mistake).
    For sentimental reasons I really want to restore it for my personal use but have not had any luck on ebay finding a replacement section piece.
    Any help would be greatly appreciated.
    Last edited by oldfarmroad; February 15th, 2021 at 08:28 PM. Reason: additional info

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    Senior Member pajaro's Avatar
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    Default Re: esterbrook model A

    I don't think I had any luck finding Esterbrook sections for sale. The few sections I have came from donor pens, and these were J-series pens that had been ruined, the barrels being cracked or broken beyond repair, yielding spare parts. I used most of these.

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    Default Re: esterbrook model A

    I purchased one off ebay in hopes of harvesting the section to use with my pen, but it was too large diameter. This was before I realized that there are many models and sizes.
    The one I have is the shortest and slimmest model that I've seen on ebay. There are a few complete pens available but I hate to pay $60-100 just to get a section.
    Thanks for your response

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    Default Re: esterbrook model A

    Sections are best test fit when repairing to avoid getting one that isn't a good fit.

    That said an Esterbrook section fits in the 'mostly postage' category of parts. I'd guess the going rate to be $10 or so.

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    Senior Member pajaro's Avatar
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    Default Re: esterbrook model A

    There is a book, "The Fountain Pens Of Esterbrook" by Paui Hoban. It has a lot of information and pictures, and is a great resource, if you can find one, and can clarify which model is which.

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    Senior Member Jon Szanto's Avatar
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    Default Re: esterbrook model A

    You don't necessarily have to look around for the book, as Brian Anderson's excellent Esterbrook site is always available and one should be able to nail down the ID on this pen there. Look for the "Dollar" series menu entry on the left.

    If the OP will send me a private message, I may be able to help with a section, pending just a moment of discussion and measurements.
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

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    Senior Member pajaro's Avatar
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    Default Re: esterbrook model A

    Of course you don't have to buy the book. However it is not a bad thing to have. You might enjoy it. I don't think it cost me much, and I still enjoy it and the pictures. Literature is useful to collectors of anything. You can also rely mainly on web sites. A chac'un son gout.

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    Senior Member Jon Szanto's Avatar
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    Default Re: esterbrook model A

    Quote Originally Posted by pajaro View Post
    Of course you don't have to buy the book.
    Ok, indeed, indeed! I only meant the resource if the OP needed a fairly quick place to check ID of the pen, gather information, etc. Books are great, it's just that it would take a bit of time to get their hands on it, whereas you can dial up the site immediately. That's all.
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

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    Default Re: esterbrook model A

    I believe Paul said he finally ran out of copies.

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    Default Re: esterbrook model A

    Paul told me the same thing. I'm so glad I got one before that happened.

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    Default Re: esterbrook model A

    No need for hearsay or guessing. It says on his web site that it's sold out. Maybe there are used copies somewhere though.

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    Default Re: esterbrook model A

    Sorry I suggested iit if they are unobtanium. I don't feel like selling mine, but I'm 72 and it might come on the market.

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    Default Re: esterbrook model A

    Many thanks to Jon on this thread for trying to help out. Further research has me believing my Esterbrook is a model AQ or possibly AR.
    The inside diameter of the barrel is approx 7.7 mm and the length of the barrel is 7 cm.
    If anyone has a lead on a donor pen please let me know.
    I'm on a quest. lol. I WILL one day write with my Gggrandfather's pen!

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    Senior Member FredRydr's Avatar
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    Default Re: esterbrook model A

    If you have the broken pieces for a pattern, have a penmeister turn a replacement section so that you may restore your heirloom to its former glory.

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    Default Re: esterbrook model A

    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    If you have the broken pieces for a pattern, have a penmeister turn a replacement section so that you may restore your heirloom to its former glory.
    Alas, in my frustration I pitched it out. Rookie mistake #2. Appreciate the advice!

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    Default Re: esterbrook model A

    There is no shortage of any type of Esterbrook section. Problem is you kind of need the box of sections and the barrel to get in the same place to get a good fit.

    I stopped selling parts like this because I heard “ your part doesn’t fit my pen” to often and then we had to sort out refunds. Just once I wanted to hear my pen didn’t fit your part.

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    Default Re: esterbrook model A

    Hearing that is actually encouraging news.
    I'm open to suggestions

    Jim

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    Default Re: esterbrook model A

    Your pen would be an A. The Dollar pens were B (full size), A (slender) and H (Demi). The second letter was the color.

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    Default Re: esterbrook model A

    Good news! I fulfilled my dream of fully restoring my gggrandfathers esterbrook model A slim.
    Many thanks to jkll on eBay, and to others here.
    I'm still left with a question regarding the true year/ model of mine.
    The one I bought for parts was listed as a model A slim.
    Very thankful that the section piece of this fit my pen perfectly.

    My question evolves from when compared side to side and measured, my pen is 11 cm long sheen capped, the other (donor model a A slim is 12.5 cm.
    I have yet to find another Esterbrook of this short length.
    There haven't been any aftermarket "repairs" or alterations.

    I love how my restored pen writes. The 2556 nib is silk smooth. It's almost like writing on glass.
    It's almost magical to put pen to paper and see your thoughts magically appear.

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    welch (March 12th, 2021)

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    Default Re: esterbrook model A

    An A (Slender) and an H (Demi) are the same diameter, the H being shorter than the A. An A (Slender) and a B (Full size) were the same length with the B being larger in diameter.

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