Blue Dollar

[Estycollector]

Just found and bought what appears to be an Esterbrook Dollar in blue. This one has the cap ring which makes it a bit older than the mid war without the ring. The photos are from the auction. I will post more when received.

Edited January 4, 2020 by Estycollector

[gweimer1]

I am biased towards the Dollar pens, the trans J pens, and the Deluxe LK pens. Looks like nice color.

[Estycollector]

I am biased towards the Dollar pens, the trans J pens, and the Deluxe LK pens. Looks like nice color.

 

Thank you for responding. Do you have several Dollar pens?

 

I have one transitional and two Deluxe friction cap fit type. The Dollar pens found are one with a '34 clip and another with a '38 clip. The older one came with a flat feed 2556 nib. I only had to clean up and install a new diaphragm..

Edited January 4, 2020 by Estycollector

[Estycollector]

Blue Dollar arrived. Its the tiny Demi model and a late 30s with barrel band. Same plastic as later j models. Flat feed 9550.

 

Ill post restored photos. The new diaphragm shellac is drying.

 

I have a Demi j model that is a favorite writer and easy to carry.

[inkstainedruth]

Congratulations on the new acquisition. The mackerel celluloid in blue is probably my favorite color, but ironically the color I have the least of (I'm more partial to the J-series pens -- I'm just not all that enamored of the clip on the Dollar pens).

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[Estycollector]

Congratulations on the new acquisition. The mackerel celluloid in blue is probably my favorite color, but ironically the color I have the least of (I'm more partial to the J-series pens -- I'm just not all that enamored of the clip on the Dollar pens).

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

 

Thank you for your post. :)Like you, the blue is my favorite also. I found a J pen and pencil set that I restored and sent to my eldest to use. She said she uses the pencil for than the FP.

 

Practically, the Dollar clip is not as durable and I suspect that's why Esterbrook widened the top of the clip where it meets/bends over the jewel area. That said, these are part of any Esterbrook collectors must have pens and so now I have a '34, '38, and the Blue Dollar "demi".

 

Below is the finished restoration. I pulled out the j bar and cleaned it up with a copper brush, reinstalled and checked alignment. The diaphragm has been replaced. I let is have the standard 24 hour shellac cure.

 

This AM is checked for leaks using water and checked the ancient flat feed nib to make sure it was not clogged. I had run a mandolin string through the feed the night before.

 

All parts are now cleaned and the plastic/metal parts polished. I love these little diminutive pens. Just throw them in a pocket and go.

Edited January 11, 2020 by Estycollector

[Estycollector]

I've had the Blue Dollar for a while. It is tiny. The flat feed 9550 writes very well. The cap does not seat well for posting, but it's not a deal breaker. Makes me curious as to who this size of pen was intended.