In Praise Of The Common 048 Falcon

[AAAndrew]

Esterbrook made millions of their flagship 048 Falcon steel pen. It was their best-selling pen for over 70 years. They're still common, relatively inexpensive and generally dismissed by those seeking the "grail pens." (they don't fit in an oblique holder, for one, so calligraphers tend to not be interested)

They can vary in quality over the years, but even the worst, the most recent made (1940's) are still, in the end, a decent pen. They actually don't get the praise I think they deserve.

This one is from the late 20's, but even the later ones are relatively nice.

So, here's to the common, the plain, the ordinary Esterbrook 048 Falcon. Long may you be ignored by everyone but me.

Andrew

[bobje]

Rock on, Andrew. Does that fold at the base prevent use in an oblique holder?

[AAAndrew]

Yes, unless you had a weird kind of oblique holder, this is too long. But that is also one reason why they’re still relatively inexpensive; they’re not wanted by the calligraphers. Long may that last.

[Bo Bo Olson]

I do have 2/3rds of a box of assorted Drafting Esterbrook pens...........so some day I'll have to go through and scribble down which is which.

 

Long, long before bar codes.....

 

I noticed looking through my nibs because of a post in the last couple of days, some nibs that are not super weak kneed wet noodle dip pens like a 99 Hunt, are still quite responsive, much more than common fountain pen wet noodles.

 

Sigh.....some day....been promising my self that for near a decade....someday, I'll start learning to write.

 

Andrew that is some hell of a normal handwriting.

[AAAndrew]

.

 

Andrew that is some hell of a normal handwriting.

It was only three years ago my writing looked like this. Just break out your pens and try them.

[Bo Bo Olson]

Practice may not make perfect; but sure beats the hell out of none....

[sirgilbert357]

 

Esterbrook made millions of their flagship 048 Falcon steel pen. It was their best-selling pen for over 70 years. They're still common, relatively inexpensive and generally dismissed by those seeking the "grail pens." (they don't fit in an oblique holder, for one, so calligraphers tend to not be interested)

They can vary in quality over the years, but even the worst, the most recent made (1940's) are still, in the end, a decent pen. They actually don't get the praise I think they deserve.

This one is from the late 20's, but even the later ones are relatively nice.

So, here's to the common, the plain, the ordinary Esterbrook 048 Falcon. Long may you be ignored by everyone but me.

Andrew

 

 

 

Gorgeous handwriting. Even without the flex, you'd be killin' it!!!

[AAAndrew]

It's true. You don't need flex, but it can be fun.

 

This is an Esterbrook 531 Flyer, which is just like their Inflexible but with a turned-up tip.

 

For a dip pen, this is considered "no flex".

 

[corgicoupe]

In either case you must have good writing skill.