Esterbrook Introduces the Phaeton 300

In 1964, we introduced the Phaeton 300, a new fountain pen developed as Esterbrook adapted its range to the changing writing-instrument market. The model had a more contemporary appearance than the familiar J-family pens and was offered in several colors, with a matching ballpoint also available. Contemporary advertising priced the fountain pen at $3.95. The Phaeton represented a notable departure from one of Esterbrook's longest-running fountain-pen features. Instead of the user-interchangeable Renew-Point units associated with earlier models, the Phaeton 300 used a hooded, fixed nib assembly. Period advertising promoted four available point choices—extra fine, fine, medium and broad—but these were selected as part of the pen rather than exchanged through the traditional Renew-Point system. The model arrived during a period of wider product experimentation that also included the Felt-Riter and other newer writing instruments. With the historic Esterbrook company approaching major corporate changes later in the decade, the Phaeton 300 became one of its final significant American fountain-pen designs.