Caran d'Ache pays tribute

The Caran d'Ache new La Rindyà limited edition pays homage to the company's homeland of Switzerland. Every year, autumn signals one of the country's most beautiful traditions: A procession of cattle, richly decorated with flowers and greenery, wends its way slowly down the mountain to the foothills where they will spend the winter. In the Canton of Fribourg, and particularly in the Gruyere region, this custom (which dates to the Middle Ages) is referred to as La Rindyà. 

There are 1,291 pieces in this edition, the number recalling the founding date of the Swiss Confederation. The fountain pen, rollerball and ballpoint are beautifully engraved with pastoral images contrasting the platinum and the black lacquer. The writing section of the fountain pen and rollerball is decorated with an engraving of Le Moléson, the most famous peak in the Fribourg Alps, and the cap features the Caran d'Ache name and logo, while the clip flies the Swiss flag. The pens are presented in an original box of Swiss beech. Its design is based on the stacks of wood planks, common on Alpine farms, that are used for the restoration of chalets. 

The cartridge- or converter-filled fountain pen has a rhodium-coated, 18-karat gold nib, available in three widths (F, M, B). The rollerball offers a choice of a fine-point roller cartridge or a fiber-tip cartridge in two widths (F, M). The fountain pen is priced at $2,500.

Earlier limited edition tributes to Switzerland include La Poya and the Matterhorn pen collections.

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. 

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.

More pens for the Year of the Dragon

Platinum is introducing a new maki-e dragon pen commemorating 2012, the Year of the Dragon. This is a very special limited edition, with only 50 pieces slated for the US market. According to Dick Egolf, Luxury Brands USA, distributor of Platinum, "The Jin-shin Dragon in the Dark is Platinum’s newest creation dedicated to 2012 or Jin-shin, the 29^th year of the 60^th 60-year cycle in the Chinese traditional calendar. The Dragon in the Dark is made in a handpainted maki-e technique utilizing Wajima black lacquer. Only 150 numbered pieces will be made worldwide." The gold nib is available in fine, medium and broad sizes. The Dragon in the Dark is priced at $1,000.

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.

Made in America

Tuff-Writer, Inc., makers of low-priced, American-made pens is launching "The Ultimate Clicky Pen Project" to create a first production run of some new aluminum click pens. Tuff-Writer General Manager, Jack Roman, who has been designing pens for years, has turned his attention to building an all-metal, modular pen, with each component replaceable. 

Demonstrator Pens

It's a big trend in pens these days--demonstrator pens, that is. It seems that most companies worth their salt are introducing these translucent lovelies in some fashion or another. As an example, there are new colors in the Artista Crystal line of demonstrator-style pens from Monteverde. Made from acrylic and hand polished inside and out, with shiny chrome accents, the collection is available as a fountain pen with a steel nib and a cartridge/converter filling system, a rollerball and a ballpoint. Spring colors include clear, pink, lime green and turquoise. They range in price from $35 to $45. An interesting note: the ink feed on the fountain pen is clear.