Based on the Conway Stewart Belliver, the Poinsettia Special Edition of fifty pens features a mix of deep burgundy, brick red and black veins splashed with traces of iridescent green. Set off with gold trim, the colors of the Poinsettia Special Edition conjure the holidays, making it the perfect pen for those last-minute cards or as a gift. It is available as a fountain pen or rollerball; the cartridge- or converter-filled fountain pen has an 18-karat nib in extra fine, fine, medium, broad, extra broad, italic fine, italic medium and italic broad. The fountain pen is priced at $490 and the rollerball at $460.

Pelikan's Lizard

While recalling an historical model that dates to 1937, the new Pelikan M101N Lizard has been updated to reflect today's fountain pen manufacturing: the lizard-patterned barrel and cap of the fountain pen are made of cellulose acetate. The clip and bands are palladium plate, and the 14-karat gold nib (extra fine, fine, medium and broad) is rhodium plated. This special edition, priced at $625, is available in a limited quantity beginning in December--just in time for Pelikan's 175th anniversary in 2013. Looks like next year holds more surprises in celebration.

Batman

Montegrappa and Warner Bros. Consumer Products have recently announced their partnership under a licensing agreement, allowing Montegrappa to develop new collections inspired by DC Comics characters, beginning with Batman. 

THE BATMAN PENS
Appropriately, there will be 1939 Batman fountain pens and 1939 Batman rollerballs, the number signifying the year of his first introduction. All of the pens’ components are made of aluminum with a black anodized finish--except for the clip, which is fashioned from ruthenium-plated brass. These materials give the pens a dark gray hue evoking the color of Batman's original costume, and the pens’ surfaces are engraved with bats in flight. The fountain pen has an 18-karat gold nib bearing the Batman logo. In addition to the pens being offered for individual sale, there will be 500 sets that also include cufflinks and a wristwatch. These are exclusive to the box sets. The cufflinks are jet-black representations of the Batmanlogo in three dimensions, with the bat-shape cutout exposing a carbon fiber surface. 

Based on the Montegrappa NeroUno watches, the matching wristwatch is powered by a Swiss-made Ronda quartz movement, housed in a 42mm stainless steel case finished in black PVD, with six screws securing the back. As befits a model in the Cult Collection, the packaging for the Batman editions bear bats-in-flight patterns, the inner box featuring a large Batman logo on its lid, while the inner lid shows Gotham City at night.

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!

Don't miss tonight's presidential election debate...

But there's nothing debatable about Montblanc's Signatures for Freedom collection, first launched in 2007. Each pen is an example of truly beautiful workmanship, and the series as a whole is inspired by the lives and visions of previous commanders-in-chief whose services laid the groundwork for our nation's freedom, independence and values. Limited to 50 pieces honoring the number of states in the union, the collection includes tributes to George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. For the serious patriot and serious Montblanc writing instrument fan, Airline International has a three-piece set with matching numbers (50/50), exclusive to that store and priced at $145,000. Shown here are Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.

Listen up, Onoto fans...

Webster’s is a family business serving London and the Southeast UK, with six stores retailing luxury pens and accessories. The company has commissioned Onoto, the classic British pen manufacturer based in Norwich, to craft a limited edition of 40 fountain pens, with just 10 available in a set with a matching rollerball in honor of the retailer's fortieth anniversary.

In addition to the inscription ‘Websters 1972-2012’, the individually numbered pens each feature a sterling silver cap embossed with the Queen’s Jubilee hallmark. This unique cap is interchangeable between the fountain pen and rollerball, with an additional clear cap supplied for the rollerball. Available with an 18-karat gold two-tone nib, the pen has an acrylic resin barrel and is presented in a beautiful, burrwood gift box. The Webster’s anniversary pen accepts both bottled ink – with a converter supplied – and international standard cartridges. As with all Onoto’s products, the pen comes with a lifetime warranty.

Year of the Dragon from David Oscarson

Dromgoole's, the preeminent pen shop in Houston, hosted a David Oscarson event last evening. David was there greeting guests and talking about his latest--and truly gorgeous--new creation: the Black Water Dragon. While it is Oscarson's eighteenth limited edition, it is his first overlay pen. And he has done well. The golden dragon overlay is rendered in great detail, with a ruby for an eye and a pearl in his open mouth. It coils around the clipless cap. The pen is rich in symbolism, and the colors are gorgeous: shiny black or translucent red. There are just 88 pieces (cartridge- or converter-filled fountain pen with 18-karat gold nib or rollerball); they are priced respectively: $5,600 and $5,400. Larry Dromgoole was his most gracious self, welcoming guests at his store on Rice Boulevard. Dromgoole's has been a Houston institution for decades, offering fine writing instruments, stationery and office supplies.

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!

Five Best Budget Pens

Lifehacker, a very cool website devoted to offering "tips and downloads for getting things done," published a list of Five Best Budget Pens "you make sure never to let someone borrow and walk away with." The article, written by Alan Henry, gives the results of a poll taken among the site's readers, and it cites several models from five affordable brands: Pilot, Zebra, Uniball, Lamy and Sharpie. Thankfully, the Lamy pens pictured are all fountain pens. What are your favorite budget pens?

Swann Galleries pen auction recap

The inaugural auction of Fine & Vintage Writing Instruments hosted by Swann Galleries on September 13 was a great success, bringing in nearly $250,000. 

Swann president Nicholas Lowry says, "Our first vintage pen auction was a crowded affair with active bidder participation both in the room and online. We are looking forward to the second auction, taking place this coming spring, as we have now firmly established ourselves in this field."

The first 45 lots sold without exception, and many met or exceeded expectations. A Montegrappa Luxor Blue Nile limited edition 750 was the top lot, bringing $5,520. Montblanc's Catherine the Great and Peter the Great, Patron of the Art Limited Edition Series, sold as a pair for $4,320.

Rick Propas, Swann's Fine & Vintage Writing Instruments specialist, said, "This sale showed the vintage Montblanc pens continue to be the "gold standard" for pen collectors around the world and that the market continues to focus on high-quality and good value pens."

Early Montblanc highlights were a1920s Simplo Original #8, $3,840; a Baby 18-karat solid gold night and day overlay safety pen, $3,600; and two Rouge et Noir pens with coral stars at cap tops, a #6 and a #6M, $3,840 each.

For complete results of the September event, an illustrated auction catalog, with prices realized on request, is available for $35 from Swann Galleries, Inc., 104 East 25th Street, New York, NY 10010.

Les Miserables mosaic in pen parts

Artist Nathan Wyburn of Wales recreated the iconic image from Les Miserables using empty Bic Cristal pens. The mosaic took 2,436 empty barrels and 3,591 lids to produce, totaling 6,777 pen parts. He produced it to launch the 2012 Bic Challenge in the UK.

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.

Dallas Pen Show this weekend!

Don't forget the Dallas Pen Show, just a few days away. Held at the Doubletree Hotel near the Galleria, it is one of the most hospitable and fun shows around. Vintage and contemporary writing instruments will be on display, and admission is just $5. The schedule is as follows:

Friday, September 21

8:00AM to 10:00AM—Exhibitor Setup (exhibitors only)

10:00AM—Show Open

8:00PM—Show Closed
 

Saturday, September 22

9:00AM—Show Open

10:00AM—All About Sheaffers, by Dan Reppert

11:00AM—All About Esterbrooks, by Lisa & Brian Anderson

12:00 noon—Fountain Pen Repairs by Joel Hamilton & Sherrell Tyree

1:00PM—Pens for Kids, by Allen Quait

2:00PM—All About Nibs, by John Mottishaw

2:00PM—Silent Auction Closes

3:00PM—The Latest in Modern Pens, by Susan Bowen

3:00PM—Checkout for Silent Auction Items

5:00PM—Show Closes

Are pens and pencils things of the past?

This is from a recent issue of The Standard, Missouri State University, entitled, "Pens and Pencils are SO Last Year," by Dayle Duggins...

When kinesiology major Tim Williams was told to take out a pen or pencil in class last week, he and his classmates exchanged confused looks and laughed. No, it wasn’t because Williams and his peers didn’t want to take a departmental survey, it was because they had yet to pick up a pen or pencil in Dr. Sarah McCallister’s classroom this school year.

As of the start of the school year, kinesiology majors are required to have an iPad, while those taking kinesiology courses — besides Fitness for Living — must have access to an iPad.

McCallister, who is in her seventh year as the kinesiology department head, said the tool not only helps students with coursework, but gives them a major advantage in the real world, as the technology is prominent in clinical establishments and many of the jobs kinesiology students seek.

Kinesiology — or the art and science and study of movement — incorporates physical education, exercise, and movement science, radiography, respiratory therapy, and much, much more.

Because students are learning about the complex workings of the human body, tools like the iPad make the subject much easier to understand, according to McCallister.

“It touches on all the different learning styles,” McCallister said. “It can do things a computer can’t; it’s portable and less expensive for students.”

How, exactly, is purchasing an iPad that can cost up to $829, if loaded with a ton of memory, cost-effective?

According to McCallister, the iPads most of the kinesiology students purchase can pay off in a semester. By introducing students to e-books and extremely relevant — and free — applications, it offsets the cost of books. McCallister also said if something, such as an iPad, is required for a class, it can be covered by financial aid.

Williams, a senior in the program, said he couldn’t be more pleased with the technology he, at first, was extremely skeptical about. Now, after two weeks of classes with the iPad requirement, Williams said he plans to use the tool when he becomes an elementary physical education teacher.

“My first thought was ‘here goes a pretty big chunk of change,’” he said. “Now, I absolutely love it. The educational uses far outweigh any negative thoughts.”

Above all else, Williams said being better prepared and more qualified as a teacher is the ultimate benefit — something McCallister had hoped for from the start of the process last January.

“We want our students to be the best and most marketable,” she said. “We couldn’t see sending our students out not prepared to use it (iPads) in their jobs.”

Not only is the tool preparing students for the future, but it makes it easier to communicate, incorporates interactivity, immediate feedback, and makes it simple to collaborate in the classroom, McCallister said.

Brenda Goodwin, an assistant professor in the department, agrees.

“It’s created excitement and passion for what we know and love,” Goodwin said. “What I have tried to do is take this tool and do two things: show kids how they can, as a teacher, use it and manage their classes with it and how they can use it to get their students to buy into the content of their class.”

Goodwin, who was concerned about the additional cost at first, now sees the tool as a cost-saver for students. Williams, who has taken Goodwin’s classes, is on the same page.

“I definitely think it’s feasible for students,” Williams said. “Money saved over time is a huge plus.”

Having a tool he can use in his class and engage his students is a huge plus as well, according to Williams.

“The biggest benefit is that I’ll be more prepared and qualified as a teacher,” he said.

While the iPad takes away some teacher-student interaction, McCallister said the educational tool will never replace the value of face-to-face learning.

“We don’t want to be behind; we want to be ahead,” she said.

Are you a Snake? Sneak peek from Cross...

The Year of the Snake will be celebrated in 2013, and Cross of Lincoln, RI, is commemorating it with a new writing instrument collection coming this fall. The Year of the Snake writing instruments feature a snake design etched into hand-polished lacquer in translucent blue or high-gloss black with rhodium-plated detailing. Each pen comes in a lift box with a removable presentation stand. The fountain pen is priced at $450, the roller ball is $325 and the ballpoint is $275. According to the Chinese Zodiac, individuals born in a Year of the Snake are enigmatic and wise, thriving on new ideas and innovative thinking. Well-known "Snakes" include Daniel Radcliffe, Kanye West, Marlon Brando, Sarah Jessica Parker and Brad Pitt. Snake birth years include 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 and 2025.

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.

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. 

Faber-Castell Pen of the Year 2012

Faber-Castell's Pen of the Year 2012 combines gold leaf and ancient wetland oak to create an extraordinary limited edition writing instrument. All of the metal fittings are 24-karat  gold plate, and a faceted citrine crowns the cap. The 18-karat bicolor gold nib of the piston-filled fountain pen is available in fine, medium and broad widths.

Wetland oak wood has a deep texture, due in part to the fact that it has been buried for many years in bogs and marshes. In the process of making the pen, gold leaf is carefully applied by hand to each wooden barrel using a squirrel-hair brush. Artist and painter Ernst D. Feldmann, who studied Venetian gilding techniques, is responsible for the unique gilding of the pen wherein layer upon layer of 24-karat gold leaf is applied. Embedded in resin, a unique pattern emerges. 

Each pen comes in a deep black wooden case with a certificate signed by Mr. Feldmann attesting to the 24-karat gold leaf, the 1,700-year-old wood and the limited edition of 1,500 pens. The pen is priced at under $5,000.