Esterbrook Jackson Stub #442 Pen Nib (Vintage - 1920s)

This Esterbrook #442 Jackson Stub nib is a medium-width, stub shaped dip pen for general writing and drawing. It's a relatively firm nib, though some line variation is achievable. The flat, "stub" writing surface moves very smoothly on paper and makes a pleasing line even for print writing. This pen was manufactured by R. Esterbrook and Co., America's first pen company, sometime in the 1920s.

Unlike later versions of the Jackson Stub, these nibs are beautifully hand-ground from the tip to below the chevron-shaped vent hole. Side cuts are also present—these small notches make this early version more flexible than the later ones.

Thanks to the protective coating applied to all dip pens (even new ones produced today), these 100-year-old pens are in excellent vintage condition. They've been checked for rust and other defects by our experts and are ready to return to service on your desk.

As with any dip pen, you will need to remove the protective coating so that ink will stick to the nib consistently. To remove the coating, simply dip your new pen in ink a couple of times and wipe it off. Repeat until the ink coats the nib completely and doesn't bead up. This process takes about 15 seconds and only needs to be done once, before you use the pen for the first time.

Sold individually. Made in the United States.

About R: Esterbrook & Co.:

Founded in 1856, R. Esterbrook & Co. was the United States' very first manufacturer of steel dip pens. Formerly, these important 19th century tools had to be imported from Europe, but Richard Esterbrook brought expertise and craftspeople from England and opened a factory in Philadelphia.

For over 100 years until the company finally went out of business in 1970, Esterbrook produced the finest steel pens in the country, with a level of quality and a range of shapes that would put contemporary nib manufacturers to shame. Whenever we're able to get our hands on a vintage batch of Esterbrook pens, we're excited to offer them to you. Supplies, of course, are limited.