©The Esterbrook Project

Esterbrook # 128 Extra Fine Elastic Pen

Photo
Writing sample

Description:

  • Name(s): Extra Fine Elastic Pen
  • Shape: Straight
  • Finishes: Gray, Copper, Gold, (Nickel?)
  • Tip: Pointed
  • Prices: ¢65 per gross, $1.00 per gross, $1.50 per gross for gold-plated

Comments:

  • One of Esterbrook’s core pens. Produced from very early, and all the way to the end. A more durable, but also still very flexible, alternative to the A1 Professional. A very good calligraphy pen.
  • According to trademark info, (1913 application) the name was first used in April, 1868. Trademark registered June 24, 1913, #92,201. Renewed Jan 17, 1933, #300,436.
  • Retained for WWI production
  • The Penman’s Favorite. In use in the best colleges in America. Most popular pen.
  • Flexible, Fine
  • A little heavier than A1 Professional. A popular pen with Business Colleges and Fine Writing. Leading Business Pens.
  • Standard Commercial Styles

Other Images:

Image from the 1873 salesman sample book.
128 from 1873 Salesman Sample Book
Another 128 from the 1873 Salesman sample book, but it's in a slot labeled "333c"
128 From 1873 Sample book, but put into a 333c slot, for some reason.
Another example from the 1873 salesman sample book, but this is labeled 128c, which usually means copper-coated, though this example does not appear to be coated in copper.
Also from the 1873 Salesman Sample Book. Usually “c” denotes “copper coated” but it’s hard to see if it is really copper coated.
From the 1874 Salesman Sample Book. This appears to be nickel plated, but it’s not labeled as such.
From the 1874 Salesman Sample Book. This one is labeled as “copper coated” and is very obviously coated in copper. Not many copper-coated pens survive.
From 1876 Illustrated Price Guide
1883 Esterbrook catalogue
1883 Esterbrook Catalogue – Gold Plated
1887 Anderson and Krum pricelist
1890 Esterbrook Pens and What They Will Do
1918 Cameron Amberg catalogue
1926 Esterbrook Catalogue
1938 Esterbrook Catalogue
1938 Esterbrook Catalogue – gold plated

References:

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

Quick Links

Home : 0-99 : 100’s : 200’s : 300’s : 400’s : 500’s : 600’s : 700’s : 800’s : 900’s : 1000-ABC : Lettering