The Esterbrook Forum Estie Loaner Program

[mhguda]

Thank you for a wonderful and generous offer. It illustrates that while our economies are all strictly quid pro quo, there is still a wish to give to and share with strangers, and the internet makes it possible.

I'd like to participate in this particular one. I have heard about Esterbrooks but have never seen one, and am very curious. I would like to loan one. My preference is for a slender pen, smallish if available (I understand that means SJ or LJ), with a slight preference for an F nib, but open to either side of the spectrum (EF to M). I am willing to contribute to the shipping fund if a way is found to make that easily organizable.

I do have a question regarding shipping times. My experience so far has been that mail, especially first-time mail, from abroad to here may take anywhere between ten days and three and a half weeks. I think mail out from here is slightly speedier. But it would add to the time between sending the pen out and getting it back. Would that be a problem? I prefer to bring it up now rather than wait until it actually does come up, and it may not happen, but I just thought I'd ask.

One reason why I would like to loan a pen is that I am considering trying to find one to buy. I've seen a number here in the classifieds, and I will keep looking... The loan will help.

So thank you in advance to all the generous loaners out there.

[OcalaFlGuy]

 

Howdy Bruce,

 

I just tried the 9048 again and while it flexes a bit it is not in the same league with my Geha or Swan.

Maybe I should withdraw it. I sure would not like to disappoint.

 

 

Addressed BC. If the Borrower is aware that all Estie Flex nibs fall more into the category of Semi-Flex when compared to vintage flex, there should be no disappointment.

 

 

Thank you for a wonderful and generous offer. It illustrates that while our economies are all strictly quid pro quo, there is still a wish to give to and share with strangers, and the internet makes it possible.

I'd like to participate in this particular one. I have heard about Esterbrooks but have never seen one, and am very curious. I would like to loan one. My preference is for a slender pen, smallish if available (I understand that means SJ or LJ), with a slight preference for an F nib, but open to either side of the spectrum (EF to M). I am willing to contribute to the shipping fund if a way is found to make that easily organizable.

I do have a question regarding shipping times. My experience so far has been that mail, especially first-time mail, from abroad to here may take anywhere between ten days and three and a half weeks. I think mail out from here is slightly speedier. But it would add to the time between sending the pen out and getting it back. Would that be a problem? I prefer to bring it up now rather than wait until it actually does come up, and it may not happen, but I just thought I'd ask.

One reason why I would like to loan a pen is that I am considering trying to find one to buy. I've seen a number here in the classifieds, and I will keep looking... The loan will help.

So thank you in advance to all the generous loaners out there.

 

I don't think anyone would think it fair to exclude you due to any postal delays which are outside your influence. As long as you mailed it back at the end of your 2 week Loan period and notified your Loaner member that it was enroute I don't see any issues.

 

The only 2 SJ/LJ's we have with Fines in them are already just going out to Borrowers.

 

Keep in mind that compared to many modern pens, ALL the Esties are a bit on the smaller side. Check the dimensions of each model out at Richard Binder's website, maybe that will help. Though there isn't a large numerical difference in Estie sizes, they way they feel in hand to me IS noticeably different.

 

It is your call, you can be next in line for one of the smaller pens when they come back or you can try a larger J with a Fine in it.

 

Bruce in Ocala, FL

[Hex]

For shame Bruce !!!

When I first started posting here I got called on the carpet for saying "Estie" rather than "Esterbrook".

It might have even been you that got on my case.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

[OcalaFlGuy]

That's funny.

 

As a habitual user of "Streaker", "C-Worder" And yes, Estie, I'd be about The Last person to have an issue with non-standardized Estie usages...

 

Bruce in Ocala, FL

[GClef]

I got called on the carpet for saying "Estie" rather than "Esterbrook".

 

Yeah...I would've been like..."Puh-leeze, whatevah."

[mhguda]

I don't think anyone would think it fair to exclude you due to any postal delays which are outside your influence. As long as you mailed it back at the end of your 2 week Loan period and notified your Loaner member that it was enroute I don't see any issues.

 

The only 2 SJ/LJ's we have with Fines in them are already just going out to Borrowers.

 

Keep in mind that compared to many modern pens, ALL the Esties are a bit on the smaller side. Check the dimensions of each model out at Richard Binder's website, maybe that will help. Though there isn't a large numerical difference in Estie sizes, they way they feel in hand to me IS noticeably different.

 

It is your call, you can be next in line for one of the smaller pens when they come back or you can try a larger J with a Fine in it.

 

Bruce in Ocala, FL

 

Thanks, and yes, I did check Richard Binder's site for the dimensions, and based on that, I wanted to choose the smaller models. If there is still one available with an M or EF in it, I would like to try that. Otherwise I will be next in line for one of the smaller ones. If that one then turns out to be too small even for me I will know that I will go ahead and look for the J to buy. I'm looking forward to the experience.

Again, thanks to all who are making this possible.

[Hex]

Bruce, you can order USPS boxes, envelopes, labels, etc., free of charge from USPS.

USPS

[OcalaFlGuy]

The freebie stuff is for Priority postage only. They won't let you use it for other than Priority. The cheapest Priority is $5 and that's only in the U.S. That is more than we should be paying to send an Estie out.

 

Bubblewrap envelopes (6 x 9) are only .74 at our Walmart, at the PO the same envelope is about $1.25. In quantities of about 8-10 at Walmart they will get down to about .60 each (and should be able to take a round trip travel or two).

 

If I didn't want to use the (in)famous pizza box triangle mailing tube, the next lightest option would probably be the clear plastic pen mailing tubes but those also run $1.25 each Vs FREE for the cardboard tubes. PVC tube weight isn't a cost/weight issue EXCEPT for mailing overseas where it's really too heavy for our use for this purpose.

 

Bruce in Ocala, FL-honestly, there's not much chance you can "out cheap" me...

[dcpritch]

... honestly, there's not much chance you can "out cheap" me...

 

THIS made me laugh out loud! :roflmho:

[melissa59]

I just tried the 9048 again and while it flexes a bit it is not in the same league with my Geha or Swan.

Maybe I should withdraw it. I sure would not like to disappoint.

 

Actually, I think this is a PERFECT reason to leave it in the loaner program.

Some NOS Esterbrook "flex" nibs are priced at $60 on eBay and a couple (like new) Esterbrook pens with flex nibs went for close to $100. If someone gets a chance to try it and they don't like it, you'll have saved them from being disappointed AFTER spending big bucks one of these nibs. On the other hand, it may be just what they are looking for.

[bphollin]

Red J, 2668 M nib

This one's claimed for now and is headed out for an apprentice Polish and Nuke Gloss ala Bruce (patent pending). We'll let you know when it is back in rotation.

 

Brandon

 

Packed up and ready to go!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7680206748_3e19eff3d3_z.jpg

[melissa59]

Aha! Excellent idea, Brandon!

I like it better than my idea of a photo requirement. :clap1:

[Nosilauk]

I'd love to try an Esterbrook out - I've been considering my next FP foray

I'm over in the UK - I'm thinking I would suit a thinner/smaller with a M nib

Please let me know what I need to do next?

 

Many thanks

[dcpritch]

From what I can tell, I think this is the latest availability:

 

Green SJ, 2668 M nib

Blue LJ, with either a 9556 F or 9550 XF nib (Currently loaned out with the 9550 nib)

Green J, 9788 M nib (Currently loaned out)

Red J, 2668 M nib (currently loaned out)

Copper J, 2556 F nib

Esterbrook M2 with either a 9284 Stub or 9550 XF nib

Copper J, 9556 F

Green SJ, 9048 "shaded writing" nib

Silver SJ, with either a 1551 M or 2668 M nib, for loan to Australia addresses only

 

Bruce, this is what I can glean from the posts above, but perhaps you could clarify to the extent you know of other pens available. I think FPNers mhguda and Nosilauk are looking for an SJ or LJ, according to their posts above. My LJ is currently out on loan but it looks like others might be available?

[Stompie]

English Esterbrook LJ - Red Icicle. Fitted with 9128 flexi-nib - any of you Estie specialists who can tell me if this be a good nib and pen to have please?

[OcalaFlGuy]

From what I can tell, I think this is the latest availability:

 

Green SJ, 2668 M nib

Blue LJ, with either a 9556 F or 9550 XF nib (Currently loaned out with the 9550 nib)

Green J, 9788 M nib (Currently loaned out)

Red J, 2668 M nib (currently loaned out)

Copper J, 2556 F nib

Esterbrook M2 with either a 9284 Stub or 9550 XF nib

Copper J, 9556 F

Green SJ, 9048 "shaded writing" nib

Silver SJ, with either a 1551 M or 2668 M nib, for loan to Australia addresses only

 

Bruce, this is what I can glean from the posts above, but perhaps you could clarify to the extent you know of other pens available. I think FPNers mhguda and Nosilauk are looking for an SJ or LJ, according to their posts above. My LJ is currently out on loan but it looks like others might be available?

 

I'd love to try an Esterbrook out - I've been considering my next FP foray

I'm over in the UK - I'm thinking I would suit a thinner/smaller with a M nib

Please let me know what I need to do next?

 

Many thanks

 

DCP, mhgunda's pen is already enroute to them. The Green J w/9778 was gifted by it's owner to a (very) lucky FPNer. The red J w/2668 in currently on vacation at a Spa Estie undergoing beautification treatments. Here is the most current list of available pens.

 

Green SJ, Medium 2668 nib

Blue LJ, 9556 F or 9550 XF nib (Borrower to specify which nib)*Currently out on loan*

Copper J, 2556 F nib

Esterbrook M2 with either a 9284 or 9550 XF nib

Copper J, 9556 F

Green SJ, 9048 *On Loan*

 

Nosilauk, Would a Green SJ with a 2668 Medium nib work for you? If so PM me with your name and address to mail it to and I'll try and it get out in the next day or two to you. (In Writing Instruments/Show your pen and writing thread, yesterday, there was a pic of it posted.)

 

Bruce in Ocala, FL

[OcalaFlGuy]

<Wanna hear a little secret? I think there might be a little PIF action to celebrate the end of the first month of the EFELP. Probably randomized from anyone who Borrows an Estie in the first month or gets on the list for one that's out on Loan within the first month. Don't tell anyone I told you about this though. Shhhhhhhsh. Mums the word.>

 

Bruce in Ocala, FL-allegedly

[whitedot]

Hey, Bruce!

 

Could I - very stealthily - borrow the Red J when it's ready?

 

It looks gorgeous, and the line seems to be just right!

[melissa59]

Hey, Bruce!

Could I - very stealthily - borrow the Red J when it's ready?

It looks gorgeous, and the line seems to be just right!

 

Hi White Dot. I think you made a good choice! She's a pretty one, isn't she?

It will probably be a week before I can get her in the mail. Just today, Brandon dropped her off at the pen airport (Post Office) with a one-way ticket to my place 'cause I'm going to the be the red J pen sitter. :-)

 

When I get the package I'll readdress it and send it your way.

 

I'll send you a p.m. so we can finalize the details, OK?

[OcalaFlGuy]

I've been loving the Blue Icicle! Filled with diamine macassar, it is quite fun. I'll send it back tomorrow, on to the next estie newbie!

 

 

GH, when you get back from the PO please report back here the weight of the return package and postage. I am working on the International dealie and I know how yours was packed so the weight and $ on your package will be helpful.

 

Thanks,

 

Glad to hear you're enjoying the pen visit, no hurry though, we don't have anyone waiting for one just now.

 

PS It'd be especially cool if you'd do a Show your writing and pen post in That Thread in the Writing Instruments area. Others there might like to see that neat pen and how it writes. Just a thought.

 

Bruce in Ocala, FL

Edited August 5, 2012 by OcalaFlGuy