Resources and Documentation.

I have tried to limit the information in this site to verifiable facts. Any speculation is identified as such. I have taken as my sources a number of publications either by the Esterbrook Company itself, such as catalogs, prices lists, advertisements, etc… or publications by major retailers of Esterbrook products.

There are many sources, and not all have found their way here, and more may well be discovered. Each nib page includes the sources that have verified the information on that page. You can click on these sources and view them for yourself.

A page with all of the sources can be found Here.

Finishes, Shapes and Tips

While classifying the pens I have developed some standard terms for three important characteristics of each pen: the finish (i.e. color) of the pen, its shape, and the type of tip on the pen.

This mainly comes from my website that looks at all US steel pen manufacturers: The Steel Pen. I have included the information here for convenience.

To see what these terms mean, visit the Finishes, Shapes and Tips page.

The Stub Pen and the History of the #442 Jackson Stub

A bit more information about stub pens and a short little history of when and how the 442 Jackson was introduced, and the controversy around it.

History of Esterbrook

In 2023 I published a two-part history of the Esterbrook family and business from Richard Sr.’s birth to when the company ceased manufacturing steel pens.

You can find the first part Here.

And the second part Here.

Dating Esterbrook Ephemera by Office Location

It can be very difficult to even roughly date Esterbrook ephemera, such as boxes, advertisements, and salesman sample books. One way to get at least a rough idea is by the address of the office often included on the ephemera.

This page will give you a list of offices and the earliest confirmed date it was used.

Always Looking for More

If you come across other sources, catalogs, or anything of interest, I would love to see it. Perhaps you will find something historically important, or may be able to solve one of the many mysteries still to be solved.

Regardless if you think it’s common or rare, feel free to Contact Me and share your find. You already know it’s pretty cool, but never know when it will also be important.