Esterbrook Dip-Less Bases
From Penpedia
Esterbrook Dip-Less bases differed from standard bases in that they were made to hold a quantity of ink, and the pens used with them held none. Esterbrook made a variety of these bases, with several styles coming in different configurations. Sets were popular in places like banks and post offices, where large quantities of ink would be necessary.
The naming should not be confused with not needing to dip pens to use them. They aren't dipless, they just need to be dipped less than traditional pens, because the feeds in the nibs allowed the pens to hold more ink and be written with longer before needing to be refreshed.
Contents |
[edit] Base Models
[edit] 401
This is one of the first models of the Dip-Less base that Esterbrook released. It features a tallish, upright cylinder with an interior glass inkwell. Types made included models with pen chains, as double wells, and it was also available in an assortment of colors.
[edit] 404
The 404 was a highly simplified version of the 407. It featured a rather plain black plastic base with a large glass inkwell that fit into the top of it, retained with an over the top metal clip.
[edit] 407
These bases were similar in design to the 404. They had a high capacity glass inkwell that fit into the top, and was held in place with an over the top metal clip. Models could be found with a pen chain, as the bases were popular for being used in public in stores or banks. Their ink capacity and nicer styling also made them more popular than 404s.
[edit] 427
This was simply a double version of the 407, holding two 407 style bases in a larger base with a small tray space between.
[edit] 431 (Elevator)
The 431, also called the Elevator, was one of the more unique styled Dip-Less bases. The base had a virtual-reality visor sort of styling, with a rectangular shape, but a slanted and angled front. Bases could be found in black or maroon. This is one of the more rare bases, as it was only produced for a short while.
[edit] 444 (Early)
This very common and popular base is affectionately nicknamed the "Hockey Puck" base, because of its shape. It could be found in a number of colors, as well as a double set, a deluxe configuration, and with a pen chain for bases in the public sector.
Inside the base, under the lid, is a red gasket that served as a fill level indicator. It can be lost over the years, but can be easily replaced by a red Flush Valve Seal for a Mansfield #210. You can find these potentially at a True Value store, and perhaps others hardware stores. Look for a Danco Flush Valve Seal for Mansfield #210; UPC code is 3715588096. It may also be marked with part numbers 340 or 88096. You could also look for or make a gasket that is 1.6mm thick, has an outside diameter (OD) of 79mm, and an inside diameter (ID) of 55mm.
[edit] 444 (Late)
These bases were the same basic design as the earlier 444, but were changed to have colored glass bases instead of just clear glass, and the top was given a retro futuristic look, with a large concave imprint in the top leading to the pen hole.
