(5 Pack) R. Esterbrook & Co. Vintage Calligraphy Pen Nibs - #988 Radio
 
The R. Esterbrook & Co. #988 Radio Pen is a legendary "spoon-style" nib, originally introduced in 1913 as part of Esterbrook’s innovative 900-series. Named "Radio" to evoke the cutting-edge technology of the early 20th century, these nibs were specifically engineered with a special silver-colored plating to resist the rust and corrosion that typically plagued standard steel nibs. This particular model is a remake of the famous #788 Oval Point, featuring a firm, rounded medium tip and a high ink capacity that made it a "workhorse" for bookkeeping, general correspondence, and clerical work across American offices and schools.
Technically, the #988 is prized by modern calligraphers and artists for its smooth, reliable performance and beginner-friendly "medium-stiff" action. While it is primarily a writing nib, it offers a slight degree of flexibility that allows for subtle line variation in decorative scripts or pen-and-ink drawings. These vintage New Old Stock (NOS) nibs, often sourced from original factory boxes, maintain a superior snap and durability compared to modern mass-produced alternatives. As with all vintage Esterbrook steel nibs, they arrive with a protective factory lacquer that must be removed by dipping and wiping several times before the ink will flow consistently.