Krone's homage to Churchill

Krone is introducing the Winston Churchill writing instrument collection in honor of the eponymous British prime minister. The tortoise-colored Italian resin is reminiscent of Churchill's signature cigar, and the British Lion, as he was known, in raised sterling silver relief decorates the cap; "Winston Churchill" is engraved on the cap band, which also features a piece of Churchill's own cigar. The barrel's overlay frames two hand-painted images: a portrait of Churchill flashing the victory sign and an artist's rendition of the British Lion. Churchill's quote, "Never, never, never give up" underscores both miniature paintings. There are 38 piston-filled fountain pens ($5,900) and 38 rollerballs ($5,700) available. Nib choices include fine, medium and broad.

Sheaffer and Ferrari--a racy duo

Sheaffer, in partnership with Scuderia Ferrari, is introducing the Ferrari Official Licensed Writing Instruments. Comprising four collections, these pens are inspired by the instantly recognizable racing red of a Ferrari auto. The collections include the Ferrari VFM, Ferrari 100 (also includes a black version), Ferrari 300 and Ferrari 500, each with the world-renowned White Dot symbol of Sheaffer's commitment to quality and design. The Ferrari VFM and 500 comes in a ballpoint; the Ferrari 100 and 300 collections include a fountain pen, rollerball and ballpoint; the Ferrari 100 also comes in a ballpoint/pencil set. Each fountain pen has a steel nib. Prices range from $24.95 to $85. 

Miami Pen Show this weekend!

Don't miss the Miami Pen Show this weekend, July 20-22, at the Miami Marriott Dadeland Hotel, 9090 S. Dadeland Boutlevard, Miami, Florida. Hours on Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 pm. Come share and explore your love of pens!

She stole the tarts...

Retro 51's Queen and King Tornado rollerball pens are a great gift for the card player in your life. Priced at under $50, they make a great gift. The Tornado swept on the scene several years ago, and since that time it has seen several popular renditions. Check our some of the other new Tornado pens at Retro 51.

The hot color for spring

Pilot, well known for its gorgeous maki-e pens as well as its amazing and right-priced Vanishing Point fountain pens, has a fabulous orange demonstrator in its Custom 74 line. And since orange is the hot new color for spring (and since demonstrator pens are some of my favorites), I thought I'd give it a mention. The Custom 74 comes in an array of colors, including Black Smoke, Blue Tint and Violet (as well as clear), but the orange really pops and makes me think of sunny days and spring flowers. It's priced at $200, which is really amazing for a fountain pen with a 14-karat gold rhodium-plated nib.

Karl Lagerfeld and S. T. Dupont join talents

Karl Lagerfeld, the renowned fashion designer, refined collector and admirer of S.T. Dupont products, wished to lend his talent to the creation of a writing instrument collection. A bottle in the shape of a fan was the inspiration behind this collection, named Mon Dupont. The pens are available in two versions: the Chic Collection, in black lacquer and palladium; and the Prestige Collection, in "lotus red" placed lacquer with yellow gold trim. The red lacquer was specifically developed by S. T. Dupont and inspired by Chanel varnish. Mon Dupont includes a fountain pen, a rollerball and a ballpoint. The curved clip is adorned with a garnet-colored agate. The packaging, also designed by Lagerfeld, is a jewel box in the shape of a hand-held fan. A matching lighter is also available.

Honoring Frank Lloyd Wright

ACME, based in Hawaii, is paying homage to Frank Lloyd Wright with a few of its latest introductions. The Taliesin Anniversary cartridge- or converter-filled fountain pen is based on the architect's Teliesin in Wisconsin. Taliesin, which means "shining bow" was the Welsh name that Wright bestowed on his home, which he designed in 1911. Available now, the etched pen is a limited edition of just 1,911 pens, each with a steel nib. A fountain pen and rollerball set is available for $250 and comes in a collector's box. The new Frank Lloyd Wright architect's pencil is ACME's first-ever architect's pencil (or lead holder). It features the Ennis Block pattern on the grip and includes Wright's signature on the red background. Priced at $60, eraser and refill leads are included. Apparently red was Wright's favorite color.

Tribute to the Mont Blanc

Montblanc is honoring Europe’s iconic summit and its namesake with a collection of writing instruments, jewelry and leather goods. And because Montblanc believes in the importance of preserving the natural beauty of this mountain region for future generations, the sale of the Tribute to the Mont Blanc Collection will support projects and organizations that work toward the protection and maintenance of it.

The Pen

While the ergonomic shape of the original design has been maintained, the Meisterstück Tribute to the Mont Blanc has been transformed from black to a pure white lacquer paying tribute to the snow-capped peak. The Montblanc emblem at the top of the cap is crafted from snow quartz to reflect the glaciers and their eternal ice, and the platinum-plated writing section of the pen is engraved with the impressive panorama of the Montblanc Massif, with each peak named. The fountain pen shown is priced at $2,040; there is also a Mozart fountain pen with rose gold trim.