The Esterbrook 'J' double jewel series was made in three sizes the 'J', the 'LJ', this pen, 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 classic black with stainless steel trim. 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.
The pen has been restored and tested and is now in excellent working order. The nib is engraved 'Esterbrook 9314 M', The '9' series nibs were known as 'Master', much more expensive than the standard 'Dura'. This example still has the factory chalk marks indicating the nib choices available to the dealer. These marks were meant to be rubbed off by the retailer but a few pens survived with the marks intact.
The 9314M is listed, in the comprehensive Esterbrook nib code document, as a 'Medium Stub'. The stub nib gives a wide vertical and a narrower horizontal line producing an Italic effect but the stub is much more forgiving and easier to use than an Italic. this nib also has a left oblique profile so the amount of line variation can be adjusted by turning the angle of the pen. This allows character to be added to the writing, with a little practice some impressive results can be profuced.
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 LJ very practical and durable pen.