About This Pen

From the 1930’s-1960’s, all public offices — banks, utilities, governments — had standing desks for completing forms, and fountain pens in desk bases. Until the 1950’s, most of these were dip pens in holders that contained several ounces of ink. Gradually, these dip pen holders were replaced by holders with more modern fountain pens. Gradually, these dip pen holders were replaced by holders with more modern fountain pens but without inkwells. One of the classics of this later variety was the Esterbrook M2, a sleek, modern desk base from the 1960s. This base is an excellent example, in black. It is in flawless condition — no chips, no marks, no corrosion around the Esterbrook imprinted pen holder. The felt underneath is original. It is 3 3/4” square and just short of 3/4″ high. It comes with your choice of Esterbrook J lever-filled desk pen: a clear taper or a solid black taper. (Or, for $20 extra you can have a second pen!) Both pens have been fully restored and come with the buyer’s choice of nib, as found and priced in the nib listing here. Desk bases are fun to own and use on your desk at home or work. Enjoy!