Esterbrook - Estie "Tortoise Gold" - - No reserve price - Fountain pen

A0000004360

VINTAGE ELEGANCE, SOBRIETY / TORTOISE GOLD EDITION WITH F NIB: An exceptional high-end Esterbrook Estie fountain pen, in its highly sought-after catalog finish "Tortoise Gold," belonging to the modern contemporary collection of the legendary American brand under factory official reference E136-F. Designed as the perfect bridge between the golden age of classic cellulose and modern materials, this line is a cult object. This specimen stands out for its robust 15.0 cm closed body, made of high-density turned acrylic resin with an exquisite marbled pattern that imitates the traditional tortoiseshell in dark brown tones, amber, caramel, and translucent cream.

The cap features a friction-fit closing system aided by an internal spring that hermetically seals the nib to prevent ink evaporation, mounting a clip polished with yellow gold plating of great flexibility and bearing the brand name "Esterbrook" engraved on the lower lip. The great heritage jewel of this lot is its original steel nib with yellow gold plating, engraved with the historic Esterbrook trefoil and the date "Est. 1858." The feed system operates with international standard cartridges or a piston converter. It is presented in excellent conservation condition, complete with its original official accessories: a rigid red fabric case and an outer protective box.

Conservation Status: Collection Quality / Excellent Premium Condition

The writing instrument is presented in superb cosmetic and mechanical condition, ready for immediate use or display:

Tortoise Acrylic Resin Chassis: The exterior surface shows a magnificent and uniform mirror polish throughout its contour. Completely free of signs of wear, stress cracks on the cap edge, or scratches from drops. The visual pattern offers remarkable three-dimensionality and brilliance under direct desk lighting.

Gold Components and Engravings: In magnificent condition. The clip’s gold plating and the central band are bright, intact, and flawless. The Esterbrook gold lettering on the cap remains perfect 100%.

Impeccable Gold-Plated Steel Nib (F). The nib tines appear perfectly straight and aligned with its modern flat feeder, preserving its factory-plated iridium point to offer a spectacular vertical and horizontal stroke variation with legendary smoothness.

Mechanism and What’s Included: Fully operational. The interior is clean and comes with its official factory presentation—original boxes—greatly increasing the lot’s value for the auction.

Curious Fact for Collectors

For international appraisers and pen enthusiasts on Catawiki, the Esterbrook Estie Tortoise with F nib is a benchmark lot with very high valuation. The steel F nib with yellow gold plating provides a precise and regular line, ideal for daily writing. It features the innovative internal grip system called Cushion Cap Closure, which blocks air entry and guarantees immediate writing when uncapped. Owning a premium-state Tortoise unit with its original boxes represents a wonderful investment opportunity of extremely stable value.

I wish you the best of luck with your bids and an excellent auction to all Catawiki participants!