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. The 'Icicle' pens, featuring longitudinal lines giving a 'panelled' effect were only made in the LJ size and are a good deal harder to find than the mottled pens. This pale grey colour suits the name well.
Introduced in 1948, the earliest pens, such as this example, didn't have the 'R' registration symbol on the imprint. Many of the Icicle pens available were made later in South America and are slightly different from this original British made version.
The pen has an excellent surface with a good shine 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 9555', The '9' series nibs were known as the 'Master Point' nibs and are all tipped with Iridium. They were originally much more expensive than the standard 'Dura' nib. The 9555 is listed, in the comprehensive Esterbrook nib code document, as a 'firm fine', an accurate description.
At 13 cm. capped and an impressive 15.4 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 attractive, practical and durable pen.