Fountain Pen Review: Esterbrook JR Paradise Orange Sunset

The Esterbrook Pen Company is now one of the world's most prolific makers of fountain pens and accessories. Since 2018, the year that Kenro Industries revived the brand, the Esterbrook Pen Company has launched one product after another. But we are not complaining! Please keep them coming, Esterbrook! 

Just recently, the Esterbrook Pen Company launched a new set of fountain pens in their JR Pocket Pen series. Introduced as part of the revival of the iconic J fountain pen, the JR Pocket Pen Paradise Collection is the first limited edition set from Esterbrook and it is themed as a tropical vacation for fountain pen lovers. The Paradise Collection makes me miss the sea even more now that most of us cannot go out to take vacations. Think soothing breezes, warm ocean currents, bungalows, painted buoys, panoramic views for miles, mangroves, marinas, and lounging for hours with a cocktail in hand and mellow melodies floating through the air. It's the perfect series of fountain pens for us right now! 

A new packaging design also accompanied the launch of the limited edition JR Pocket Pen Paradise Collection. I love the new Esterbrook red boxes and they look so neat!

The J model was Esterbrook’s original sleek and suave, classic 1940’s and 50’s pocket pen that appealed to many people then and now. It was well-received for its elegance and practicality, which was a key selling point after the war. The new Esterbrook Pen Company revived the J model in 2020 and called it the JR, short for J Reborn. 

The JR Pocket Pen is an excellent "heritage" pen, built and designed for a comfortable writing experience. It's stylish and meant to match the user's style, with an elegant, non-fussy compact size. It's a slimmer pen than the Estie but also fills with ink through cartridges or converters. The JR Paradise Collection is offered in three beautiful limited edition colors, Lemon Twist, Orange Sunset, and Blue Breeze. Each color features an accented trim near the dome.

The new Esterbrook J Reborn is available in three tropical colors: Lemon Twist, Orange Sunset, and Blue Breeze.

I got the Orange Sunset fountain pen and it's so beautiful! The pen's material looks as if it's glowing especially under a bright light. It looks like a glowing fire rod or sweet orange candy sticks. This orange pocket fountain pen is an amazing modern design honoring an iconic pen. The bright orange resin is perfectly complemented by the gold-plated trims, while the turquoise accent on the finial is an eye-catcher.

Esterbrook JR Pocket Pen Paradise Collection Orange Sunset

The Esterbrook JR Paradise Orange Sunset fountain pen has the following measurements and specifications:

• Length, capped: 5 in | 12.7 cm
• Length, uncapped: 4.6 in | 11.7 cm
• Length, cap posted: 6.1 in | 15.5 cm
• Length, barrel only: 3.2 in | 8.1 cm
• Length, section to nib: 1.5 in | 3.8 cm
• Length, cap: 2.3 inches | 5.8 cm
• Full pen weight: 19.8 g | 0.7 oz
• Body material: Resin
• Trim: Gold
• Cap: Screw on, postable
• Clip material: Gold-plated metal 
• Nib: Steel Jowo available in Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad, Stub 1.1mm, and Esterbrook specialty nibs Journaler or Scribe 
• Filling mechanism: Cartridge or converter (both included with purchase)

The Esterbrook JR Paradise Orange Sunset has a screw-on cap.

Esterbrook JR fountain pens can be filled with ink using international cartridges or an Esterbrook converter, both included with each purchase. Unlike other pocket pens, the JR takes on a full ink converter which makes it easier to fill from ink bottles. The section of JR Pocket Pens has an ergonomic grip that ensures comfortable writing. While it is a pocket pen, the body is long enough to use for writing without the need to post the cap. 

The JR's cap, section + converter, and barrel.

The JR's cap looks very similar to the vintage J fountain pen's cap.

The Esterbrook logo is etched into the pen's cap ring.

The Orange Sunset's cap finial, which is a new design, is also very similar to the black button jewels found in the earlier J fountain pens. 

The JR Orange Sunset barrel shows some beautiful marbling and swirls patterns.

The JR Paradise fountain pen is fitted with a #5 steel nib made especially for Esterbrook by Jowo from Germany. It is available in a variety of sizes, including Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad, 1.1 stub, and the Esterbrook specialty nibs Journaler (by Gena Salorino of Custom Nib Studio) and Scribe (by J.J. Lax Pen Co.). The markings on the nib include the Esterbrook Eternity logo and "M" (nid width).

The Medium nib on the Orange Sunset wrote smoothly out of the box. It is one of the smoothest medium nibs I have tried and I'm glad that I can comfortably use it for regular writing for notes, lists, and journaling.

The Esterbrook Eternity symbol/logo is made up of two connected "E's," with no beginning or ending representing a timeline of perpetuity, linking tradition to modernity. It is a reminder of founder Richard Esterbrook's spirit and hard work, so the two connected E's are also translated to "Esterbrook Endures." The symbol/logo made its first appearance on the red polishing cloth that was included with the Estie Lilac. 

The medium nib in this Orange Sunset fountain pen wrote smoothly out of the box.

Esterbrook Pen Company offers a wide variety of fountain pen sizes. They have regular-sized fountain pens such as the Estie in oversize (called OS) and regular sizes, but they also offer compact, pocket-sized pens like the JR. 

Three Esterbrook fountain pens, from top: Estie Rocky Top OS, Estie Frontier Green regular, and JR Pocket Pen Paradise Collection Orange Sunset.

Two Esterbrook JR Pocket Pens, Tuxedo Black and Orange Sunset.

The JR Pocket Pen has the same length as a Pelikan Souveran M400, but I forgot to include one in this set. The JR is the smallest pen in this group, but when you uncap the pen, it is almost the same length/size as the Montegrappa Miya 450. Uncapped, it's the smallest and slimmest pen in this lot of pens. Despite that, the JR is a well-designed pen that looks classy and elegant, and comfortable to use.

From the top: Lamy Al-star Copper Orange, Leonardo Officina Italiana Furore Arancio, Esterbrook JR Paradise Orange Sunset, Montegrappa Miya 450, and TWSBI ECO yellow.

To test how the medium nib in this JR fountain pen writes, I filled it with matching orange ink, the brand new Esterbrook Tangerine. The Orange Sunset wrote so well out of the box, and the #5 Jowo steel medium nib wrote smoothly. I did not experience any scratchiness, hard starts, or ink skipping. I had no problems using the JR Orange Sunset fountain pen out of the box.

I'm so happy that I can use this orange fountain pen for regular writing for my notes, lists, and journaling. The Esterbrook JR Orange Sunset is such an enjoyable pen. It's elegant, classy, versatile, and one that can be used for long periods of writing without any discomfort.

The JR Orange Sunset wrote smoothly out of the box and is perfect for long writing periods. 

Esterbrook launched several products lately, including the Paradise pins, and Patience the Tortoise. All important collectibles!

As with the first JR fountain pen I received in 2020, I am very happy with the JR Orange Sunset, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to have a similar experience of using the Esterbrook JR fountain pen or explore the brand. The JR Pocket Pen Paradise Orange Sunset is a neat, lovely fountain pen designed for long-term use. Get one for your collection! Or better, get the JR Paradise Collection set now!

Rants of The Archer thanks the Esterbrook Pen Company and Kenro Industries for providing the Esterbrook JR Pocket Pen Paradise Collection Orange Sunset for review purposes. The JR Paradise Collection and the entire Esterbrook selection are available at Esterbrookpens.com where it retails for around US$175. Aside from the JR Pocket Pen collection,  the following collections are also available: Camden, Estie, Estie Peacock, Estie Rocky Top, Sparkle, Phaeton, Popeye, and Navy Nook. 

To learn more about the Esterbrook Pen Company, where to buy their pens, and for other details on purchasing their pens, visit their website at https://www.esterbrookpens.com/ or follow them on social media:

• Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/esterbrook_official/)
• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/esterbrookpens)

Review: Esterbrook Scribe Nib

Esterbrook Scribe Nib by New York-based nibmeister Joshua J. Lax.

Last month, I wrote about Esterbrook's fountain pen accessories, the MV (modern to vintage) Adaptor, an accessory that allows fountain pen owners to enjoy vintage Esterbrook nibs in their modern Esterbrook fountain pens, and the Gena Salorino Journaler nib, a "medium stub grind" based on the vintage Esterbrook 9314M nib. Now here's the second new nib offering from Esterbrook Pen Company, The Scribe Nib. 

To keep on with the tradition of providing good quality specialized nibs, the company launched the Esterbrook Custom Nib Program to highlight exceptional American nibmeisters. Following the successful release of the Journaler nib, the Esterbrook Pen Company launched The Scribe Nib, crafted by New York-based nibmeister Joshua J. Lax of J.J. Lax Pen Company.

The Scribe Nib is an architect nib modified from a Broad Esterbrook nib.

The Scribe Nib is Josh's take on an architect nib. An architect nib writes thin lines on the downstrokes and thick on cross strokes. Writing out the letters such as t and f will have thin downstrokes and thicker lines when we cross them. To create The Scribe Nib for a wider audience, Josh was given the task of cutting these nibs en masse, keeping the integrity of an architect, while avoiding any catch on the top or bottom as one writes with it. Working on The Scribe Nib, Josh also took inspiration from the Near East, rather than the more common architect nibs based on European and Far Eastern styles of writing. 

Joshua J. Lax attended Richard Binder's master class on fountain pen restoration and nib work. He is the founder of the Big Apple Pen Club and helped design a pen for ASA Pens of India.

Regular B nib (left) and The Scribe Nib (right). Notice the difference?

So what is an architect nib? An architect nib is cut into a pointed tip like an arrow and it's ideal for people who like writing block letters, or those who like writing in print. This nib produces a different type of line variation depending on how a writer holds the pen. An architect nib is actually the opposite of stub nibs and produces thin downstrokes and wide cross stokes. This nib is very expressive, though it takes some getting used to.

The Scribe Nib is cut from a regular No. 6 B nib and fits the Slim, Standard, and Oversized Estie fountain pens. It's available for US$60 from Esterbrook and is purchased with a fountain pen. It will be a replacement for any standard nib, and the pen will come with The Scribe and not as a second nib unit.

The Scribe Nib is my first architect nib and Josh's work is an exceptional one.

It was my first time writing with an architect nib and I was surprised at the shape of the nib. I am more used to writing with stubs, italics, and regular broad nibs, which are all the opposite shapes of an architect nib. I got used to it after writing a whole page of text and I love the thick cross strokes as I wrote with it. The nib wrote smooth and Josh's nib work is exceptional. There really wasn't any catch on the top or bottom of the architect nib.

I got used to writing with The Scribe Nib after a full page. I love this nib's wide cross strokes.

The Esterbrook Pen Company and Joshua J. lax did an exceptional job with The Scribe Nib.

In the depths of the Scriptorium (place for writing), Scribes were employed to keep track of it all. Most of what we know about the history of this part of the world is because of them. Writing in Aramaic, the scribes were drafting with characters that had spiritual meaning.  And while they were often writing and copying the mundane, they were also responsible for religious and political manuscripts and for catering to the needs of the sultans as court calligraphers. Tughras, the signature of the sultans, were designed and executed by the scribes, each a complex commission. It is in these seals that we see the curves, movement and arching flourishes the scribes were so adept at.

The Scribe Nib is meant to capture these same elements and rhythms for the modern writer. It is a very specific nib that Josh has managed to make usable for everyone. It gives the writer the flexibility of fine downstrokes and broad horizontal strokes and can also be used in reverse for additional variation. Whether you are looking to add more flair to your writing style, are looking for an architect without the need for a personal grind or want to expand your calligraphy skills this is an excellent addition to your collection or as a gift for someone to treasure in theirs.

The Esterbrook Pen Company and Joshua J. Lax have done an exceptional job and The Scribe Nib is  unique and excellent. This nib would be a great companion to a new Esterbrook fountain pen. Get one for your writing pleasure now!

Rants of The Archer thanks the Esterbrook Pen Company and Kenro Industries for providing The Scribe Nib for this review. The nib is available at Esterbrookpens.com. To learn more about the Esterbrook Pen Company, where to buy their pens and accessories, and for other details on purchasing their products, visit their website at https://www.esterbrookpens.com/ or follow them on social media:

• Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/esterbrook_official/)
• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/esterbrookpens)

Review: Esterbrook Journaler Nib

Esterbrook Journaler nib by Gena Salorino

Two weeks ago, I reviewed and featured Esterbrook's MV (modern to vintage) Adaptor, a pen accessory that allows collectors to enjoy vintage Esterbrook nibs in modern Esterbrook fountain pens. The MV Adaptor is a brilliant accessory, but the Esterbrook Pen Company's efforts to continue the Esterbrook story do not end there. 

To keep on with the tradition of providing good quality specialized nibs, the company launched the Esterbrook Custom Nib Program to highlight exceptional American nibmeisters. Gena Salorino of the Custom Nib Studio in Los Angeles has created the first edition nib in the series, and I am so excited to try it.

The Journaler nib is a medium nib modified into a medium stub.

Gena's nib work for Esterbrook Pen Company is called the Journaler. In her own words, the Journaler is a “medium stub grind, based on the vintage Esterbrook 9314M nib. The idea is that it’s smooth and friendly enough for everyday use, gives your writing some flair, all without being too huge for practical writing.”

The vintage Esterbrook 9314M nib is a Relief medium stub. Gena produces a similar nib by grinding a modern No. 6 Esterbrook nib into a stub. The result is the Journaler, a smooth medium stub nib. 

The Journaler fits the Slim, Standard, and Oversized Estie fountain pens, as well as the new Camden. The Journaler nib is available for US$50 from Esterbrook and is purchased with a fountain pen. It will be a replacement for any standard nib, and the pen will come with the Journaler and not as a second nib unit. 

The Journaler is a reproduction of the vintage Esterbrook nib 9314M, a Relief Medium Stub.

A comparison: nib on left is a regular 1.1, the nib on the right is the Journaler.

I love broad and stub nibs, and I have several stub nibs that were modified from broad nibs. After trying the Journaler, it has become the perfect medium stub nib for me. The modern steel nib is firm, but not hard, and writing with it produces modest line variation. It makes my block letters look great with wider vertical strokes and slimmer horizontal lines.

To try the Journaler nib, I chose my favorite Robert Oster Orange Zest, a wet and expressive ink. There wasn't much shading, but the strokes and lines were uniform and consistent. I did not experience any skipping or hard starts and the stub nib wrote smoothly.

The Journaler's line variation is perfect for my shape art. The combination of wide and slim strokes is so beautiful!

I'm so happy with the Journaler nib and I think it's been made perfectly for my slim block print writing style, but I bet it can also be used for sketching, cursive writing, or even freehand calligraphy!

Gena did an excellent job with the Esterbrook Journaler nib.

Gena and Esterbrook Pen Company have done an excellent job and the Journaler is a great nib. This nib would be a great companion to a new Esterbrook fountain pen. It's like writing with a vintage medium stub using a modern No. 6 stub nib! Get one for your writing pleasure now!

Rants of The Archer thanks the Esterbrook Pen Company and Kenro Industries for providing the Journaler nib for this review. The nib is available at Esterbrookpens.com. To learn more about the Esterbrook Pen Company, where to buy their pens and accessories, and for other details on purchasing  their products, visit their website at https://www.esterbrookpens.com/ or follow them on social media:

• Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/esterbrook_official/)
• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/esterbrookpens)

Review: Esterbrook MV Nib Adaptor

Esterbrook MV Nib Adaptor and proprietary ink converter

When I was new to fountain pens in 2008, I saw many pens from the senior members of our local pen group. There were colorful modern pens and unique vintage pens that fascinated me then. Two brands—Lamy, a modern, and Esterbrook, a vintage, really stood out for me and it's quite interesting how the two pens share a common feature that is practical and useful: their interchangeable nibs. I got several Esterbrook Js then and had a couple of nibs to fit into the pens. It was fun! 

However, modern pens with easier filling mechanisms suited my daily writing habits, and I placed my vintage Esties in storage. The vintage nibs that I love also went to storage, including the smooth 1551 medium Student nib and the wet and smooth 9968 broad nibs. But then something wonderful happened. The new Esterbrook Pen Company invented a tool that takes modern to vintage in just a couple of turns—the Esterbrook MV Nib Adaptor. Now I can enjoy writing with my vintage Esterbrook nibs again using my modern Esterbrook pens! Brilliant!

Esterbrook and their retailers sold the MV Nib Adapter including one vintage Esterbrook nib chosen at random. Mine came with a 1550 firm extra tine nib, a vintage nib used by accountants and bookkeepers. Also included in the package is a proprietary converter that fits the vintage nibs better than regular standard international converters.

The MV (modern to vintage) Nib Adaptor was designed and engineered by the Esterbrook Pen Company to allow new and modern-day Esterbrook fountain pens to accept vintage nibs from more than 200 different points/widths. Designed as a replacement section, the MV Adaptor has a similar shape as the vintage Esterbrook grip sections from the 50s and 60s. It is threaded to fit the shape of vintage Esterbrook nibs and feeds and allows seamless ink flow using a proprietary converter. The Adaptor is available only in black, though, but this is fine as there are many pens with different sections and barrel colors. 

The MV Nib Adaptor fits the Estie, and allows a vintage nib to be used in modern Esterbrook fountain pens.

The MV Adaptor is also a replacement section for the Estie.

The Adaptor is threaded to accept vintage Esterbrook nibs such as this Master Duracrome Point 9968.

Did you know the MV Adaptor fits Estie Oversize pens, too? It fits my Rocky Top OS perfectly!

Contrary to the belief that vintage Esterbrook nibs are only available in extra fine and fine points, they are also available in firm broad and flexible widths.

My vintage Esterbrook pens may not be in my daily carry as frequently as I want them to be, but with the MV Nib Adaptor, I can use my vintage nibs all the time! I only wish that the MV Nib Adaptor can also fit the Esterbrook JR pens for the perfect reimagined/revisit look! For now, I am glad that I can use my vintage Esterbrook nibs again in my beautiful modern Esterbrook fountain pens. Do you want to have a modern and vintage pen experience? Get an Esterbrook Estie and MV Nib Adaptor now!

Rants of The Archer thanks the Esterbrook Pen Company and Kenro Industries for providing the MV Nib Adaptor for this review. The MV Nib Adaptor is available at Esterbrookpens.com where it retails for US$40. 

To learn more about the Esterbrook Pen Company, where to buy their pens, and for other details on purchasing their pens and accessories, visit their website at https://www.esterbrookpens.com/ or follow them on social media:

• Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/esterbrook_official/)
• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/esterbrookpens)

Fountain Pen Review: Esterbrook JR Pocket Pen Tuxedo Black

When I was new to fountain pen collecting, I ventured into vintage Esterbrooks and had close to ten pieces at one time. Difficulty in maintenance and sourcing replacement parts made me let go of some of the pens, keeping only the ones in better condition. I still have four Esties and though I want to have more, my previous concerns keep me from adding another Estie to my collection. But I got one more! This time it's a modern Esterbrook pen.

The JR Pocket Pen, inspired by the classic and vintage "J" fountain pen was launched by the Esterbrook Pen Company in September 2020. The JR Pocket Pen is a revival of the 1940s and 50s pocket pen and comes in the compact size that most of us loved with the vintage J Esties.

 

The Estie J that we all love is now truly reborn in the Esterbrook JR Pocket Pen.

The JR, short for "J Reborn," is an excellent "heritage" pen, built and designed well for a comfortable writing experience. It's a slimmer pen than the Estie J, and it fills with ink through cartridges or converters, but it feels almost the same as holding an original J fountain pen. The clip and accents are plated to match the nib and cap ring.

This new version of the Esterbrook J is offered in three colors, Capri Blue, Carmine Red, and Tuxedo Black. Tuxedo and Carmine are available in palladium trim and Capri in gold. The JR's JoWo nib and finial are engraved with the Esterbrook Eternity symbol. 

Esterbrook JR Pocket Pen Tuxedo Black

The Esterbrook JR fountain pen has the following measurements and specifications:

• Length, capped: 5 in | 12.7 cm
• Length, uncapped: 4.6 in | 11.7 cm
• Length, cap posted: 6 in | 15.2 cm
• Length, barrel only: 3.1 in | 7.9 cm
• Length, section to nib: 1.4 in | 3.6 cm
• Length, cap: 2.5 inches | 6.4 cm
• Full pen weight: 19.8 g | 0.7 oz
• Body material: Resin
• Trim: Chrome/Palladium
• Cap: Screw on, postable
• Clip material: Palladium plated metal 
• Nib: Stainless steel nib in rhodium plating in Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad, or Stub (1.1mm)
• Filling mechanism: Cartridge or converter (both included with purchase)

The JR Pocket Pen has a screw-on cap.

Esterbrook JR fountain pen can be filled with ink using international cartridges or an Esterbrook converter, both included with each purchase. Unlike other pocket pens, the JR takes on a full ink converter which makes it easier to fill from ink bottles. 

This pen's section has an ergonomic grip that ensures comfortable writing, and the body is long enough to use for writing without the need to post the cap. I do not usually use my fountain pens posted because they become uncomfortably long and top-heavy.  

The JR's barrel, section + converter, and screw-on cap.

The JR's cap looks very similar to the vintage J fountain pen's cap. However, Esterbrook has included some changes into the new pen. The cap finial (and barrel end) is now a flat chrome-plated metal instead of the black button jewels found in the earlier J pens. The JR pen's ribbed clip is also longer and does not have the Esterbrook logo, which is now etched in the JR's smooth cap ring. (Comparison photos below.)

The JR's cap ring bears the Esterbrook logo.

The JR's finial is a flat metal engraved with the Esterbrook Eternity logo.

The JR's section has metal threading, which prevents loosening and breakage, and ensures a more secure fit into the pen's barrel.

The Esterbrook JR Pocket Pen is fitted with a #5 steel JoWo nib from Germany. It is available in various nib sizes: extra fine, fine, medium, broad, and stub 1.1. The markings on the nib include the Esterbrook Eternity logo and "1.1" (nid width).

The 1.1 nib on the JR Pocket Pen wrote well out of the box, smooth and wet to my liking. I can use it for regular writing for my notes, lists, and journaling, but I can also use it to do some beautiful italic calligraphy.

The Esterbrook Eternity symbol/logo is made up of two connected "E's," with no beginning or ending representing a timeline of perpetuity, linking tradition to modernity. It is a reminder of founder Richard Esterbrook's spirit and hard work, so the two connected E's is also translated to "Esterbrook Endures." The symbol/logo made its first appearance on the red polishing cloth that was included with the Estie Lilac. As new Esterbrook pen models are released, the Eternity symbol/logo is included in finials. 

The JR's stub 1.1 nib is smooth and wet, perfect for regular writing and italic calligraphy.

The J series was Esterbrook's most popular and best-selling pens when they were introduced in the 1940s. The classic double jewel J in the image below is the full-sized pen. The series has two more sizes, LJ (slender/slim), and SJ (demi, or the equivalent of the pocket pen back then).

Overall, the JR pen looks similar to the J, but it is slimmer than its vintage cousin. The barrel obviously does not have the lever anymore, but it has an extra ring towards the end. The barrel is also missing the Esterbrook imprint found in the vintage pen. The materials for the two pens are also different, but I like the turned acrylic that Esterbrook used in the JR. It has depth and unique marbling, and exceptional gloss. This JR is a neat, black pocket pen.

Top: Esterbrook JR Pocket Pen; bottom: Esterbrook Double Jewel J.

The JR has a longer section with an ergonomic design for comfortable writing.

The JR Pocket Pen shares the same length as a Pelikan Souveran M400, slightly shorter than Otto Hutt design04, but longer than a Kaweco Sport. The Lamy Safari is the only full-length pen here and it provides a good size comparison. Uncapped, it's the smallest and slimmest pen in this lot of pocket/short pens. Despite that, the JR is a well-designed pen that looks classy and elegant, and comfortable to use.

To test how this pocket fountain pen writes, I filled it Bleu Calanque, a J. Herbin ink with an average flow. The JR wrote so well out of the box, and the #5 JoWo steel 1.1 nib wrote wet and smooth. I did not experience any scratchiness, hard starts, or ink skipping. I had no trouble writing at all. 

I'm so happy that I can use this pen for regular writing for my notes, lists, and journaling, and also for italic calligraphy and ink art. The Esterbrook JR is such an enjoyable pen. It's elegant, classy, versatile, and one that can be used for long periods of writing without any discomfort.

The JR is perfect for regular writing - notes, lists, journaling.

The 1.1 JoWo nib is also perfect for italic calligraphy!

The Esterbrook Pen Company has a long history of pen making. At its peak in the 1940s and 1950s, the company was the largest pen manufacturer in the United States. US presidents signed legislation with their Esterbrook pens. Donald Duck was brought to life with an Esterbrook, and Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz used an Estie for all his comics. Millions of students grew up learning how to write using Esterbrook pens. Now that the J has been reborn, more people will be able to enjoy the brand and continue the history of one of America's iconic pen brands.

Each purchase of the Esterbrook JR includes a polishing cloth, a small fabric bag, and this lovely vintage-themed stamp.

As with the Estie Lilac I reviewed in September last year, I am very happy with the JR Pocket Pen, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to have a similar experience of using the Esterbrook J fountain pen or explore the brand. The JR Pocket Pen is a neat, lovely fountain pen designed for long term use. Get one for your collection!

Rants of The Archer thanks the Esterbrook Pen Company and Kenro Industries for providing the Esterbrook JR Pocket Pen for review purposes. The JR fountain pen and the entire Esterbrook collection is available at Esterbrookpens.com where it retails for around US$175. Aside from the JR Pocket Pen collection,  the following collections are also available: Camden, Estie, Estie Peacock, Estie Rocky Top, Sparkle, Phaeton, Popeye, and Navy Nook. 

To learn more about the Esterbrook Pen Company, where to buy their pens, and for other details on purchasing their pens, visit their website at https://www.esterbrookpens.com/ or follow them on social media:

• Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/esterbrook_official/)
• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/esterbrookpens)