This spring looks to be an interesting month for pen collecting, with some interesting new pens on the way, and even a few of them already here! OK, granted, that's only if we can take enough time away from the golf course to enjoy the pens...
We're
fortunate to have gotten a chance to cover some great maki-e pens this
month, with three different pieces, two from Danitrio, and an offering
from Pelikan that has to be seen to be believed. It's interesting to
see the attention being paid to maki-e pens of late, it seems that many
different companies are venturing into this area, especially for limited
edition pens. It's no longer "Namiki only" for high quality
maki-e work, with Parker, Waterman, Conway Stewart, and Pelikan among
others creating some excellent pens.
Also from Pelikan is the Epoch in a new finish, a bright silver with horizontal rings engraved around the barrel. Another in a long line of affordable entry level pens from this maker, the Epoch is a great little pen. Certainly it seems to be another piece of evidence in support of the theory that "if you want a pen that works perfectly right out of the box, then buy one under $100". Nice to know that sometimes, your pennies can go a little farther than normal!
Also in this month, we've got a look at the Atlanta show, which by all reports seems to have been a great event, very relaxed, and a good time for all. Also covered are the new Bexley Submariner line, and the fabulous (I've got one myself, so I'm speaking from experience!) Stipula Etruria Demonstrator.
You've noticed that we're running a little late this month, and short a Vintage Column as well. The first is thanks to a house move on my part, and of course, the joy of tax season, the two of which combined in a truly magnificent manner this year to set me back beyond belief!
The latter is due to an article that simply got out of control... What was intended as a short look at Ringtop pens has grown into something too long for a column, but not yet complete enough for a full feature. So, look for a vintage feature next month on the interesting smaller pens!
Coming up at the end of April is the Chicago show, we're attending this year, and look forward to seeing you there. We've decided not to set up a table this year, mainly due to the fact that it will be just myself attending, and that means no way to really man a table while still getting the photography done upstairs! We're hoping to get images done for several vintage articles that are in the works, as well as a couple of great upcoming features on some "modern classics". The Chicago show is always great, and this year sounds no exception, with if nothing else, a spectacular amount of vintage pen parts being offered at auction. It should be a great time, if you haven't already booked, there's still time...