New Article in the Pennant on Early Esterbrook History

[AAAndrew]

My latest article on steel pen history is out in the new issue of The Pennant (Pen Collectors of America's excellent magazine). In it I cover up to 1861 when they open their first factory. 

 

There has been a lot written over the years on the history of the company. I try to document what there is actual evidence for and cut through some of the tales passed down through oral history or hyperbole or just plain marketing hype. (No, Richard Esterbrook did not invent the steel pen, nor did he make the first steel pens in the US)

 

I've attached images of the first two pages. To see it all, and to read my follow-up article I'm in the process of finishing, then join the PCA Membership (pencollectorsofamerica.org!

 

 

[gweimer1]

So it's your story!  Cool read, and I've already been looking at it.

[AAAndrew]

Thanks. It's part of a long-running series on the history of the US steel pen industry going back to the first issue of 2019. I'm currently finishing up the writing for my 14th article on the topic, covering Esterbrook's early years. I have a few more articles sketched out then may take a break for a bit to do some more research. 

 

I'm glad you like it. 

[jchch1950]

Thank you for the information.For me ,at my age, is never too late to learn more.

[AAAndrew]

On 3/25/2023 at 2:21 AM, jchch1950 said:

Thank you for the information.For me ,at my age, is never too late to learn more.

 

Never too late. I published my first article on the history of the steel pen industry at 55 years of age. 

[amberleadavis]

WOW thank you!

[Steven P]

Does anyone out there have a better copy/scan of the  c. 1880s, Esterbrook team photo attached given to me by Hobiwan? Also I am looking for photos of former Esterbrook Company Presidents: Francis (Frank) Wood), J. Henry Longmaid, Edward Wood, Albert Frost, Sydney E. Longmaid (Henry's Son), and Kenneth N. McDonald. Thanks.

[AAAndrew]

This picture always makes me pause. 

 

I'll see if I can find some of the earlier folks, but in the meantime, here are some of the later presidents. 

 

These are from newspaper articles.

 

Here's Albert G. Frost.

 

 

Kenneth McDonald

 

 

 

Sidney Longmaid