San Francisco Pen Show opens today!

The San Francisco Pen Show, held at the Marriott San Mateo Airport Hotel, opens today at 11 a.m. and runs through Sunday, October 7. Visit and check out some of the vintage and new pens available for sale from some of the best dealers around the world. A one-day pass is $10 and a two-day pass is $15; children under 13 are free. So bring the kids and have some fun--there's lots to do in and around San Francisco after all the pen hunting is over!

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!

I never inhaled...

THINK pens is getting its groove on with a brand new collection called Hippie. This limited edition includes 888 each, fountain pens ($275) and rollerballs ($250). The hemp-inspired resin pens are accented with silver vermeil, and the clips are in the shape of a cannabis leaf. The phrase "Absolf*ckinlutely" is highlighted on the matte silver bands. I'm just tellin' you what they told me...

Tie-dyed Hippie pen box

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.

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. 

Limited edition from Retro 51

Dallas-based Retro 51 is offering a palette of colorful lacquered metal barrels on its popular Tornado rollerball. The limited edition collection utilizes the latest ink technology and is fitted with a smooth rollerball refill retracted with a patented knurl twist-top. It is priced at $32.50.

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.

Going on about Safari

The always-favorite Lamy Safari is now available as a special edition in lime green. Bright, fun and eye catching, this color is one of my favorites and is sure to be a hit for summer and well beyond. The pens are made from sturdy, but lightweight, ABS plastic and feature an ergonomic gripping section for comfort. Safari is available as a fountain pen, rollerball or ballpoint. The fountain pen ($35) is filled by cartridge/converter and the steel nib comes in extra fine, fine, medium or broad. This cult classic in lime green will make it into my collection for sure--particularly since I own practically the whole rainbow of colors that have been introduced over the years.