Esterbrook was a venerable firm, having started in the 1800s as a maker of dip pen nibs. Their long tradition with a wide range of nibs carried into their earliest fountain pens, with their unique threaded nib and feed units. For some reason, no other company used this technology in the 20th Century. Their corporate marketing revolved around having the ability to write in different styles without changing pens, just like a dip pen. They were also inexpensive pens, selling in drugstores and discount stores instead of pen shops. However, their low price was not a sign of quality: the Js are incredibly durable, with thick celluloid and stainless steel components after WWII. The J generation began soon after WWII and lasted into the 1960s. These pens come in two major configurations: The "transitional" J and the J. The "transitionals", from 1946-47, are like the earlier Dollars, with a jewel found only on the cap. They are 4.9" long and .4" thick, and the shorter models are 4.6" long and .4" thick. They appear to be most often seen in black and green, but also in blue, red, and copper.

The Js, from 1949-60, come in three sizes and six colors. The standard J is 5" long and .45" thick; the shorter SJ both shorter and slimmer, at 4.6" and .4". The third size is the LJ, for "long J", which appears longer, but is actually J length but SJ girth. The differences across the models are small, but their appearance and feel in the hand is quite different.

**July 2026 Update**:

Note: Esterbrook J family fountain pens, from after WWII through the 1950s, are perhaps the best value and most numerous vintage fountain pens available, with their solid construction, good looks, and interchangeable nibs. Some years ago a bushel of Esterbrooks found me, and I've been restoring and selling them ever since.

J pens exist in four styles and six colors: full-length/full-girth J, full-length/slender LJ, short/slender SJ, and the 1945-46 full-sized, single-jewel “traditional J’s. As of April 2026, their availability here is:

J: full-length/full girth: available in black, red, green, grey/silver, copper; $50

LJ: full-length/slender: available in black, grey, and copper, $50; Bell Systems LJ pens are $60

SJ: short-length/slender: available in black, red, green, grey/silver, copper, $40.

Transitional — in black and green (not sure if the other colors were made); $50.

Note that these pens are NOT restored when they're committed for sale, but are fully restored once purchased, before shipping.

**Nibs**: Every pen comes with your choice of nib, found in the Nibs listing . Note that many of the nibs do not carry additional cost, whereas some do have a premium cost.