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Lincoln Resurrected

A company’s archives always provide a wealth of information and frequently fascinating finds. Such was the case when the owners of Curtis Australia—during a bout of fall (yes, it’s fall in Australia) organizing—came upon an amazing discovery.

“We noticed a mysterious sealed and padded bag hidden in a far corner of our vault, underneath a large quantity of paperwork,” says Heather Curtis of a find she and her husband, Glenn, recently made.

“When we opened the bag we found 60 sterling silver Abraham Lincoln pen overlays we had produced. Needless to say, we were absolutely stunned,” she continues. “It was like uncovering buried treasure.”

Treasure indeed. The mold for these overlays had been publicly destroyed at Fahrney’s pen store in Washington, D.C. in July of 2009, insuring that the number of pens produced would be clearly limited. And while this new discovery will not affect the number in the edition, additional—and unexpected—pens are now available.

Ironically coinciding with the 12 Oscar nominations Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln received, as well as the Best Actor award it garnered for Daniel Day-Lewis in its title role at this year’s Academy Awards, this misplaced cache was indeed a fortuitous find. Lincoln, released with much acclaim late last year, is a revealing drama focusing on the sixteenth US President’s tumultuous final months in office.

Currently, the Curtis Australia Presidential series comprises three limited edition pens, including Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, in addition to Lincoln. Each of the pens is embellished with a finely sculpted sterling silver overlay that includes the likeness of its namesake, as well as pertinent details reminiscent of his life and work. Each is handcrafted using the lost-wax casting method of production, a hallmark of fine jewelry making.

Pen collectors, history buffs, and movie fans alike will undoubtedly be delighted to hear the news of more Lincoln pens on the horizon. Write Info@curtisaustralia.com for more information.

Curtis Australia is a Melbourne-based jewelry and pen atelier known for its handmade luxury products. Its heritage traces to the 1890s, when leather goods were first made by founding members of the same family in rural Australia—goods with a reputation for durability and quality. Almost a hundred years ago jewelry became the focus, and the company has evolved into the prestigious Curtis Australia brand, offering a wide selection of luxury pens, jewelry and accessories. 

More holiday gift ideas for the pen lovers in your life!

Now you can express your love of pens with quotes on embroidered shirts or etched mugs from Ask Woosters. Twill or denim shirts have detailed embroidery on the front, and the mugs are deeply etched in glazed ceramic. These shirts are perfect business casual or weekend wear. The mugs are oversized, and make great desk accessories, as well as wonderful way to enjoy your favorite beverage. Mugs are $11; shirts are $49. 

Speaking of Presidents...

Honoring the 150^th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, Krone is introducing the second edition of its Abraham Lincoln Tribute Series. The cap and barrel are "Union" navy blue resin, and the sterling silver cap band features Lincoln's signature. The sterling silver clip serves as a canvas for a bronzed portrait of Lincoln. The cap crown houses an authenticated piece of wood obtained from Lincoln's private office in the White House, where he signed the Emancipation Proclamation. A framed piece of parchment, with Lincoln's actual handwriting, accompanies each pen. Just 88 piston-filled fountain pens (nib sizes in fine, medium and broad) and 28 rollerballs are available. The former is priced at $3,900, and the latter at $3,800.

Coming soon...the Ohio Pen Show!

The eighteenth Ohio Pen Show is right around the corner--November 8 - 11, 2012--at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Hotel. A variety of pen companies will be in attendance, and on Saturday there will be an auction of vintage pens. The public show is on Saturday, from 9 am to 5 pm and on Sunday, from 10 am until 5 pm. Come join the fun, either as an exhibitor or attendee!

Montblanc Honors Pablo Picasso

This limited edition writing instrument from Montblanc honors the famed Spanish modern artist, known for catapulting the cubist movement forward in the twentieth century. This piece will be issued in a worldwide limited edition of 91 pens to honor his prolific lifetime.

The design is mainly inspired by the Picasso writing and sketch “Portrait de Jeune Fille” from 1936. The shape of the fountain pen is based on a simple pencil shape, symbolizing the minimalism of Picasso. The cap is made of 750 solid gold, with a Montblanc emblem in mother-of-pearl. The body of the pen is made of black lacquer and 750 solid gold with red lacquer. Finally, the instrument features a rhodium-plated 18-karat gold nib. The Pablo Picasso is priced at $33,500.

Audrey Hepburn and S. T. Dupont

The Audrey Hepbrun™ collection was inspired by the famous Riviera bag created by S. T. Dupont at the beginning of the 1950s. The actress discovered it in 1953 and adopted it immediately. Serving as both a travel bag and handbag, this unique model went everywhere with the actress, who loved its form and feminine detailing--like the secret compartment it had. Today's Audrey Riviera is made of grained pink calfskin with white straps and can also be produced upon request in all kind of leathers and colors, crafted by hand in S.T.Dupont's Faverges workshops.

A pen and lighter set for a touch of glamour

Taking inspiration from the hat worn by Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face, the Audrey Hepburn™ collection has an elegant bow design in powder pink and white Dupont lacquer for the Line 8 lighter and the Liberté fountain pen and ballpoint. Liberté is a line for women, launched two years ago.

Swann holds special preview with Rick Propas

Waterman Patrician Turquoise, ca. 1931;
Lot  394

This Wednesday, a special preview event (6 to 8 p.m.) will be held for Swann's upcoming inaugural auction of Fine & Vintage Writing Instruments. Swann's pen specialist, Rick Propas, will be available to display pens and answer questions; light refreshments will be served.

The auction will be held in New York City on September 13, 2012 at 1:30 pm. It includes over 400 lots featuring vintage Chilton, Montblanc, Pelikan, Parker pens and many more, as well as a fine selection of modern limited editions; the exhibition schedule began September 8. For more information, take a look at the exquisite 3-D auction catalog. 

Swann Galleries is at 104 East 25th Street, Manhattan, 212.254.4710.

Click and write!

Cross is  introducing its new Click pen that combines gel ink technology with a clever "click" mechanism. The pen is priced at around $25 and comes in a variety of colors and finishes, including satin black, satin chrome, pearlescent teal or pearlescent white--all with black trim. The pens are available this month. I think they offer good value and a good look, from the Century line.

In time for Halloween...

ACME Studio has just announced its Dracula pen set commemorating the 100^th anniversary of Bram Stoker’s death. The pen comes in a "coffin" that plays Bach’s “Fugue in ‘D’ Minor” when opened, and the entire set is encased in a Dracula book that includes a bottle of blood-red ink and a red refill. Dracula is a limited edition run of 999 fountain pens; the set includes an interchangeable rollerball option. 

“We were so thrilled and honored to translate Bram Stoker’s classic tale into a limited edition pen for our collection,” says Adrian Olabuenaga, co-founder of ACME Studio. “Each little detail was so exciting to craft, from the blood-red ink color to the haunting music that plays when the coffin is opened. We wanted to create something that would honor Bram’s memory while adding a touch of fun and spookiness – and just in time for Halloween!” 

The set retails for $500.

For that not-so-fresh feeling...

Not sure if any of you have been following the hilarious aftermath of BIC's launch of its pens "for Her." They've gotten a ton of press of late, so I thought I would give them some attention, too--especially since my lady hands are sorely in need of just such pens after a long summer of barbecuing and other tough stuff. And, frankly, they make me feel pretty. Here are a few choice quotes, thanks to the Huffington Post: 

1. "What's next, ladies attending universities? Pens to encourage literacy in the lower orders?" 
2. "My excitement turned to tears when I realized that they do not come with paper-for-her."
3. "When I saw these I just had to have them, so I asked my Husband to buy them for me. He refused, as he said that owning a pen might make me Think, and then have Ideas of My Own."
4. "What do I do with them?"
5. "I can barely adjust my crotch, I am so angry. Make pens For Him. Strong pens. Manly pens. Pens that dress on the right." 

I guess there is no such thing as bad publicity, but what were you thinking, BIC? Anyway, check out the new and sleek and pastel BIC for Her; batteries not included. 

Colibri launch

From the Colibri Equinox collection

I just got back from a vacation of sorts--visiting my home on the East Coast and enjoying the environs' beautiful beaches. While there, I got a call from my old friend Les Mann, whom I've known for almost 20 years. Our paths have frequently crossed due to our mutual and varied incarnations in the pen business. Time and experience have taught me that Les knows pens, so I was thrilled to learn that he's in charge of the introduction of the new Colibri writing instruments and accessories, including lighters, cigar cutters and cufflinks. I met him at his headquarters in RI, and I got to see the collections "hot off the press." My first impression? The pens and other accouterments are attractive and well packaged, affordable, and varied--with something for the conservative businessperson as well as the more adventurous. Keep an eye on Colibri products...I predict they will find their niche as well-designed and moderately priced accessories and as great gift ideas, too. The new collections will be in your favorite pen, gift, jewelry or smoke shop soon.

Guest blogger on CrazySexyLife.com

Photo credit: Danielle Civello

Please check out my latest post as a guest blogger today on CrazySexyLife--it's about pens. But then again, it's always about pens!

Swann inaugural auction

Swann's inaugural auction of Fine and Vintage Writing Instruments will be held in New York City on September 13, 2012. Including over 400 lots featuring vintage Chilton, Montblanc, Pelikan, Parker pens and many more, as well as a fine selection of modern limited editions, the auction will take place at 1:30 pm, with an exhibition schedule beginning September 8. For more information, take a look at the exquisite 3-D auction catalog.

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. 

A friend in need

Stan Pfeiffer, pen collector, multi-year host of the LA Pen Show, attorney and friend passed away on July 27. This weekend, at the Washington DC Fountain Pen Supershow, raffles will be held to defray some of Stan's medical expenses from his lengthy illness and the damage to his house from a fire that nearly destroyed it. The drawings will be held at the end of the show on Sunday, August 12, and you need not be present to win. Raffle tickets are $5, and prizes include pens, ink, journals and hardbound copies of the Stylus Annual. Stop by the Shaw Pens table to purchase tickets throughout the weekend and to get more information.

New from Montblanc....coming in July!

Limited to just 50 pieces, symbolizing the number of states in the US, the Statue of Liberty Artisan Edition from Montblanc showcases the company's craftsmanship and design. The intricate 750 solid gold fittings over the gray PVD coating on the writing instrument is inspired by the elements of the neoclassical sculpture. The barrel is engraved with the official date of the American Independence Declaration in Roman letters. The cap symbolizes the crown of the statue in an abstract manner with a clip in the form of a torch embellished with a citrine jewel, a symbol of freedom. The three-dimensional pattern of the writing instrument commemorates the steel construction of the actual statue conceived by Gustave Eiffel. As a mark of the quality and craftsmanship of this piece, a mother-of-pearl Montblanc emblem is featured at the very summit of the writing instrument. Previous artisan editions from Montblanc include tributes to Max Reinhardt, Frida Kahlo and the Presidential Series, all in the form of exquisitely crafted Montblanc pens.

 

The Montblanc Statue of Liberty Artisan Edition will be available at Montblanc boutiques nationwide from July 4, 2012. The piece will be specially featured at Montblanc’s Flagship boutique on Madison Avenue. 

Andrew Jackson commemorated by Montblanc

Montblanc pays tribute to the seventh president of the United States with the launch of the Andrew Jackson Artisan Edition writing instrument. In 2007, Montblanc launched the America’s Signatures for Freedom collection in dedication to the life and work of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. Previous editions include tributes to George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, all in the form of beautifully crafted Montblanc writing instruments. These legendary American political leaders laid the groundwork for our nation’s freedom, independence and values. Limited to just 50 pieces, symbolizing the number of states in the Union, the Andrew Jackson Artisan Edition showcases Montblanc’s premier craftsmanship and design. The intricate 750 solid white gold overlay is inspired by the ceiling of Jackson’s reception hall in the White House, and a mother-of-pearl Montblanc emblem is featured on the cap crown with Jackson's signature and the dates of his legislative period. The clip is engraved with a portrait of Jackson, and it is bejeweled with a sapphire referring to his blue eyes. Black elements on the cone, cap and ring pay tribute to his celebrated military career. As in all writing instruments in the series, "America's Signatures for Freedom" is engraved on each handcrafted 18 karat gold nib and complemented with 13 stars to commemorate the States that adopted the Declaration of Independence. The Montblanc Andrew Jackson Artisan Edition, priced at $33,300, will be available at boutiques nationwide from February 20, 2012.

Be Mine

So Valentine's Day is just a month away (what, you say you haven't put away the Christmas decorations yet?), and since it's typically a day about notes and cards and love letters, how can it not also be about pens? Montblanc apparently agrees, since it is promoting its very own "Ink of Love" in gorgeous red, priced at about $20 per 30 ml bottle. To go along with it, Montblanc suggests purchasing a Bespoke Nib for the focus of your affection. According to company literature, Montblanc has developed a computer software program that will analyze handwriting and create the perfect nib for one's unique writing speed, angle, pressure and more. What could be more personal? The $850 for the Bespoke Nib does not include a pen, but it does include a bottle of ink. Dinner, flowers and entertainment are up to you.

Alfred Hitchcock from Montblanc

Montblanc is introducing the Alfred Hitchcock collection, comprising two editions, each featuring iconography from Hitchcock's movies and career: the Limited Edition 3000 and the Limited Edition 80. The former, available as a fountain pen ($3,745) or rollerball ($3,195), has sterling silver appointments and 53 marks on the section symbolizing every movie Hitchcock directed during his career, which spanned nearly six decades. There are 3,000 146-size fountain pens and 3,000 rollerballs available in this edition. The Limited Edition 80 (pictured) has white gold appointments and features a dramatic swirling "vertigo" effect in black lacquer enhanced with blood red. In addition, the "Psycho" knife clip is set with diamonds. Just 80 fountain pens are available; price available upon request.