The Esterbrook 'J' double jewel series was made in three sizes the 'J', this pen, was the largest, the 'LJ' was about the same length but slimmer, and the 'SJ' was shorter.
Introduced in 1948, the earliest pens, such as this example, didn't have the 'R' registration symbol on the imprint.
The pen is finished in 'Dubonnet Red', some batches were a darker red and some more vivid, this is one of the much brighter pens. It has an excellent surface and a clear barrel imprint. The 'double grooved design of the clip is carried through to the cap band and the filler lever, all in good condition. It is a 'double jewelled' pen, with a black stud at the barrel and cap ends.
A new ink sac has been fitted, as the old one had hardened with age, and the pen has b been serviced and tested. The nib is horizontally engraved 'Esterbrook 9128', again with double grooves, later pens had nibs that were were engraved vertically. Esterbrook listed the 9128 nib as 'extra fine extra flexible', I agree that it is fine but have found the flex to be limited. In the right hands, however, it could produce some very attractive results.
At 13 cm. capped and an impressive 15.5 cm. with the cap posted, this is a long and very well balanced pen with a satisfying solid feel. The stainless steel trim, thick celluloid, and good build quality make the Esterbrook J very practical and durable pen.