Namiki

Many companies currently produce maki-e pens, but few have the long and stellar reputation of Namiki. One of their latest is the Setsugekka--a limited edition of just 999 fountain pens. Snow in winter, the moon in autumn and flowers in spring are beautifully rendered in painstaking detail on each pen. It can be yours for just $18,000.

Bigger and better for Shaw Pens

Alan Shaw of Shaw Pens is moving to a larger building in Glenside, PA, to accommodate the increased pen production needed for his growing business. The new location is more than twice the size of his previous pen shop, and he's expectantly awaiting a new laser engraver and other cutting-edge machinery. Shaw is planning an open house in the fall. Stay tuned, or wait for your invitation to come in the mail. Congrats, Alan.

Test drive

Alan Shaw of Shaw Pens recently told me about his new partnership with the Porsche Club of America. The result? A great-looking carbon fiber fountain pen produced by Shaw and available exclusively through the club. At the moment, the pen is only available with a steel nib but it looks like a future holds the option of an 18-karat nib. The pen, priced at $460, was introduced at the Porsche Parade in St. Charles, Illinois, in early July. The cap crown features the club's logo. Shaw has introduced some interesting limited edition pens of late. I am impressed with their bespoke craftsmanship and, of course, Alan's absolute enthusiasm.

Marlen Does What It Does Best: Limited Editions…and maybe a little pasta.

I always enjoy my annual meeting with Marlen—specifically with Attilio Puggina, international sales director. Thankfully his English is far superior to my Italian, but since I am also of Mediterranean origin, I can usually get by with hand gestures and an appropriate arch of my brow. Puggina is an engaging man who knows a lot about pens, having been with Marlen now for several years. This year we met once again in Switzerland during the BaselWorld exhibition, and he showed me a few of the company’s upcoming limited editions that have not yet been seen on this side of the Atlantic. I am happy to share my scoop. The first is the Imperium Romanum, an homage to the Roman Empire, which will be available in a fountain pen or a rollerball pen. Just 395 fountain pens will be available, and each will retail for under $2,000. The second is the Antiche Origini, which is comprised of buffalo horn, mammoth ivory and resin. Just 38 fountain pens will be available, each at about $5,000. Finally, is the truly amazing tribute to Botticelli (this year is the 500^th anniversary of his death). Each fountain pen is “painted” freehand with hot enamel by artists employed by Marlen specifically for this purpose. Just 28 fountain pens will be produced, each priced at a little over $5,000. All the pens mentioned here are piston filled and have 18-karat gold nibs—and they will be available in May. Their packaging, too, is quite elegant: lacquered wooden boxes specific to each theme. On a much lighter note, the company has also introduced a pen with the working title of “the Pasta Pen.” Its red, white and green resin exterior is, of course, a tribute to the Italian flag, while the shape of the pen is reminiscent of penne pasta with its angled ends. I think it’s a winner, not to mention a marketer’s dream. Mario Esposito and Antonio Esposito are the founding principals of the Marlen. The former is in charge of global marketing, while Antonio is in charge of design. Bravo, gentlemen.