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. 

A Pen for all Seasons

Fahrney's recently published my essay in one of their holiday newsletters...I thought you might enjoy it, too.

One-Stop Holiday Shopping

What’s compact in size, but big in impact…. reasonable in price, with a luxury look? A pen, of course. Even with the proliferation of today’s virtually instantaneous methods of communication, fine pens have lost none of their luster as writing implements and fashion accessories. And where else can you find a gift that is perfect for both genders and comes practically already gift-wrapped? If that isn’t enough to encourage you to head to your nearest pen shop, consider that a pen is an appropriate gift for a male or a female, comes in a broad range of prices and requires little-to-no sizing. Also, it can be a very personal gift or not, depending on your choice of pen, making it a welcome surprise for either a loved one or a colleague. Sounds like one-stop holiday shopping to me.

So where do you begin? First, decide on an appropriate pen retailer and a general price range. There are wonderful pens in the $100-and-under category and truly fabulous pens if you wish to spend more. But quality should be your first priority. A pen should feel solid in your hand with no wiggly parts, ill-fitting caps or uneven plating. More expensive fountain pens will usually have18-karat gold fountain pen nibs, more luxurious production materials, and perhaps even enhanced collectibility. But a well-crafted steel-nibbed resin pen can be just as enjoyable as its higher-priced counterpart.

Next consider the style, mode, and how the pen will probably be used. There are so many shapes, sizes and hues from which to choose these days that there truly is “something for everyone.” Bigger and heavier pens are more appropriate for a larger hand. A smaller pen might be best for pocket or purse, as opposed to a signature pen that stays on one’s desk. Thematic limited editions or a particular brand might be just the ticket for a giftee with special interests. I am particularly drawn to fountain pens, but rollerball pens, ballpoints and even pencils make great gifts, too. And for as many conservative black and silver pens as there are out there, there are at least as many bright and wildly patterned ones for the more colorful personalities in your life. Finally, hold the pen and try it out if you can. If it feels comfortable and writes smoothly, it will perform well for the lucky recipient.

No doubt you’ll have questions about your new soon-to-be acquisition, and most pen retailers employ knowledgeable salespersons. So ask as many questions as you’d like, including: What type of warranty does the manufacturer/store provide? What is the store’s return policy? What type of refills and inks are appropriate? Can the fountain pen nib be exchanged for a different size?

So don’t get all wrapped up this holiday season. Instead, go to your nearest pen shop and say, “Wrap it, please.”

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

Heading to Chicago

The Chicago Pen Show starts today at the Westin O'Hare. The now-famous Chicago Pen Show auction will take place tomorrow night. There's still time to make plans to attend; I haven't missed the show for at least 15 years. Highlights of the auction include vintage pieces from Parker and Waterman to wonderful ephemera that will add to anyone's pen collection. The Westin is a great place to stay, and the Chicago area provides lots to do during free time. Hope to see you there.

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.