Esterbrook M2 - 9128 nib

[vans4444]

Esterbrook M2

 

I was surprised to see that there is not a review of the Esterbrook M2 so I thought I would fill the hole with a quick review

 

First Impressions

 

I know earlier Esterbrooks have a strong following. However, I understand that this pen was made in the later 1950’s. Was Esterbrook perhaps past their heyday I the late 1950’s? I don’t know enough about Estaerbrooks to comment, but my first impression is of a well made pen, in very good condition, with a nice bright silver cap.

 

Appearance and Finish.

The barrel is a good looking dark blue with a silver coloured screw top. Imprinted on the barrel is “Esterbrook Made in England”.

 

This is obviously not a top of the line pen but it still feels well made and firm. I have read that the plastic is a little softer than earlier pens, but I can see no evidence of this with the pen.

 

The cap has an indentation at the top, one of the indications that it is an M2

 

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww3/vans4444/Pens/Esti2.jpg

 

Design/size/weight.

Capped it is 5.25” and about 7/16” in diameter. Posted it is a good size and balance for my large hands. As expected it is quite light

 

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww3/vans4444/Pens/Esti1.jpg

 

 

Nib

It came with a 9128 nib, which is an extra fine flexible steel nib.

 

I have copied the following from vemiculus’s review of the SJ as it sums up my views about the nib (vemiculus, I hope you don’t mind)

 

”The 9128 is a respectable flexi. It can do copperplate elegantly, and the steel construction means it's virtually indestructible. Mine was a little scratchy out of the box - it is very fine, after all - but soon relaxed after a bit of a flex workout. The line is medium-wet, and it doesn't deposit blobs at the flex, like some pens do. All in all, very satisfactory!”

 

The nib in the M2 does not have “made in the USA” stamped on it, so I assume it was made in the UK.

 

Filling System

By this time Esterbrook had changed to aerometric filling. The sac looks original and it works flawlessly taking in a good volume of ink

 

Cost/value

I have not seen these very often so I don’t know their value. I got mine for about £10.00. which is really excellent value for money.

 

Overall

This is a really good every day writer. The nib is not as smooth as a Sailor EF but it is much more flexible making it fun to use.

[Nib Joy]

I have one of these with a 2668 nib that writes smooth as glass. I also like the cap which is a heavy (Brass?) material with chased grooves. The aerometric filler is nice and the hold is comfortable. The only problem with mine is the threads to unscrew the filler got stripped. That part of the pen is somewhat cheap compared to the nice heavy cap. But I still like this pen and like my other Esterbooks, a totally reliable writer.

[The Ant]

These are surprisingly expensive (>$30) right now

[pajaro]

I just bought an unused M2 for $18, including shipping. Really nice with no color fading/changing unlike my other 2 turquoise M2s.