The Famous Esterbrook Signature

[AAAndrew]

We're all quite familiar with the famous signature of Richard Esterbrook which graces so many fountain pens, desk sets and pretty much any opportunity to brand something with the Esterbrook name.

 

 

 

I recently picked up another early Esterbrook steel pen box and found that the signature was a bit different than what I remembered.

 

 

 

 

 

This led me to start pulling out boxes and what I found was that each time they changed the label design for the back of a steel pen box, someone re-signed the signature. Each time it's slightly different from the time before.

 

I've gather a few examples and put them in very rough chronological order in a new post out on my site.

 

Esterbrook: The Famous Signature.

 

 

I've also gathered the boxes into a single image so it's easier to compare.

 

 

[aalmcc4]

Love those boxes AAAndrew!

[Anne-Sophie]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful collection!

[Inky.Fingers]

do you think each changes reflect the nib that was sold in the box?

Edited May 11, 2019 by _InkyFingers

[Hobiwan]

Great study, dude!

 

A fascinating look at writing style evolution in dealing with internal details; like "how to connect the small 'r' to other letters like the 'b' and 'o'". Apparently, the older style "b" started higher, necessitating use of the single-footed "r'. When I was learning cursive in first- thru third grades (1948 - 1950), the "b" started at the base line, and we used the pi-shaped "r". Looks like a couple of the Company's signature writers got confused ...

 

Pity the last writer couldn't hold a straight line. I have the same disease ....

[wvbeetlebug]

Neat!

[AAAndrew]

Just to add to this, I recently purchased a clipping from an autograph book owned by a prominent Quaker in New Jersey. From the timing and location, I believe this is the signature of Senior, not Junior. But it's from the late 1880s. So, here's the real deal. 

 

 

 

 

Here are the signatures of the whole family: Richard Sr., his wife Mary, Jr, and his wife Antoinette. From an 1879 deed. Notice Sr.'s writing out the R. Esterbrook & Co. at the bottom. 

 

[Estycollector]

I think Antoinette had the best penmanship for a signature. 

[putteringpenman]

1 hour ago, AAAndrew said:

Just to add to this, I recently purchased a clipping from an autograph book owned by a prominent Quaker in New Jersey. From the timing and location, I believe this is the signature of Senior, not Junior. But it's from the late 1880s. So, here's the real deal. 

 

 

 

 

Here are the signatures of the whole family: Richard Sr., his wife Mary, Jr, and his wife Antoinette. From an 1879 deed. Notice Sr.'s writing out the R. Esterbrook & Co. at the bottom. 

 

This is fascinating! Thank you so much for sharing!

[IThinkIHaveAProblem]

Very cool!

[PAKMAN]

7 hours ago, AAAndrew said:

Just to add to this, I recently purchased a clipping from an autograph book owned by a prominent Quaker in New Jersey. From the timing and location, I believe this is the signature of Senior, not Junior. But it's from the late 1880s. So, here's the real deal. 

 

 

 

 

Here are the signatures of the whole family: Richard Sr., his wife Mary, Jr, and his wife Antoinette. From an 1879 deed. Notice Sr.'s writing out the R. Esterbrook & Co. at the bottom. 

 

Thanks for sharing this!  Very Cool!

 

[inkstainedruth]

@AAAndrew You always find the most interesting stuff!  Thanks for posting (somehow I missed this thread before now).

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth