Esterbrook #117 Engrossing


c1873 Salesman sample card

Description:

  • Name(s): Engrossing, Fine
  • Shape: Straight
  • Finishes: Bronze
  • Tip: Pointed
  • Prices: 60¢ per gross

Comments:

  • “Engrossing” usually indicates a pen that is either flexible or a broad, cut tip. Engrossing was a term for fancy writing that we would call calligraphy today.
  • There are conflicting descriptions of this pen.
  • In 1883, the pen is described as “The finest point of its class.”
  • Yet, in the 1890 Esterbrook Pens and What They Will Do it says the pen is “A Small Blunt Point.”
  • The two examples we have seem to point to a blunt point rather than a very sharp point. In the case of 1883, “fine” may have really meant that it was a very smooth and quality point, rather than fine vs. broad.

Other Images:

c1874 Salesman sample card

1883 Esterbrook catalog

c1890 Esterbrook Pens and What They Will Do

References:

The existence of this pen is confirmed or surmised by the following:


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