The Makers of Cross Pens Focus More on Quality Than on Design

The name “pen” is derived from the Latin word “penna”, which means feather. This is a writing instrument that, manually through capillary action applies ink to a surface, usually paper.

Pens can be used with inks of many colors but commonly make use of inks in shades varying between black, blue, red, and sometimes green.

There are many different kinds of pens, some of which are listed here i.e. Reed pens, Quills, Metal nibs, Fountain pens, Ballpoints, Felt tips, Roller balls and the Porous Point. All the pens of the world are made around these different.

Pens are also classified depending on the type of tip that accompanies the pen, there is the ballpoint pen, the rollerball pen, the fountain pen, the felt-tip pen and also the gel pen.

Cross pens appeared in 1846 as the elegant creation of Richard Cross; throughout his life Richard Cross patented an incredible number of twenty one pens until he passed the company over to his son Alonzo.

At present the company is proud to be preserving the oldest tradition in the design and manufacturing of chirography instruments.

In 1879 the precursor of the ballpoint pen was released by the company with a considerable commercial effect, and later on, in 1930 the company’s first fountain pen appeared.

In 1946 the company’s new logo, the Century, was introduced, and it still preserves its meaning even today. Since its beginnings the company has sold more than one hundred million pens becoming a symbol of quality and longevity.

Cross Pens are known as being more traditional than trendy, they focus more on quality than on design, and here, the Century II model is the best example possible since this is the one to combine refinement with high class style.

In 1916 Walter R. Boss bought the company and encouraged his son Ellery to share his passion for good pens. Ellery joined his father in 1920 and led the company for more than forty years retiring only in 1966.

In those years Cross become a company known more as a line of personal leather accessories than as a pen maker.

However, following a definitely ascending path, in 1971, it was listed to the American Stock Exchange, and later on, new partners were attracted to start designing other types of appreciated fine products.

Over the last two decades Cross pens imposed themselves more as being a work of art than simple writing tools; and their price has often been considered relevant for the tradition they represent.

In 1993 the Townsend fountain pen and the Selectip ballpoint pen were designed; only high quality materials were used in the process of which we could mention eighteen and ten karat gold, black lacquer, medalist and titanium.

The Century II appeared in 1996, it mainly relied on fourteen or ten karat gold, blue wood, black lacquer or rose wood.

These features strictly belonged to the Century model for the international market.

Another variety was produced exclusively for the American continent, and the pen was plated with gold of twenty three karats, medalist, black lacquer and chrome, the set also included a ballpoint pen, a rolling ball pen, a 0.5 millimeters pencil and a fountain pen.

Later models like the ATX, Verve and Apogee respected the luxurious line the company has followed from its beginnings.

Cross Gold Pen Video

Cross Classic Century, Lustrous Chrome, Ballpoint Pen and .05mm Pencil Set (350105)

• Polished chrome ball-point pen and pencil provide a smooth, elegant writing experience
• Trademark conical tip
• Elegant, slim design
• Manufacturer’s lifetime mechanical warranty
• Includes 1 Black Medium Ball-Point Refill (8513) in pen and 5 Pencil Leads (8710) / 1 Pencil Eraser (8753) in pencil

Refills for pencil leads and erasers.

List Price: $ 60.49

Price: $ 31.99

Cross Classic Century, 10 Karat Gold-Filled/Rolled Gold, Ballpoint Pen and .05 mm Pencil Set (450105)

• Gold filled ball-point pen and .05mm pencil set provide superior writing performance and classically elegant style
• 10-karat gold filled
• Patented propel-repel ball pen mechanism
• Trademark conical tip
• Manufacturer’s lifetime mechanical warranty

A smart, trim and perfectly balanced pen and pencil for a lifetime of writing pleasure. Refillable. Lifetime mechanical guarantee.

List Price: $ 130.00

Price: $ 59.74

Cross ATX, Basalt Black, Ballpoint Pen, with Chrome Plated Appointments (882-3)

• All Cross products are shipped in boutique-quality gift packaging that you’ll be proud to give as a gift.
• Includes 1 Black Medium Ball-Point Refill (8513) in pen

THE TWO MOST POPULAR OF ALL WRITING INSTRUMENT COLORS, BLACK AND CHROME, COMBINE TO CREATE AN EXCITING NEW LOOK IN THE ATX BASALT BLACK BALL-POINT PEN WITH CHROME PLATED APPOINTMENTS.

List Price: $ 55.49

Price: $ 33.04

Cross Century II, Black, Selectip Rolling Ball Pen with 23 Karat Gold Plated Appointments (2504)

• All Cross products are shipped in boutique-quality gift packaging that you’ll be proud to give as a gift.
• Cross offers a range of ball-point refill sizes and colors; Selectip gel rolling balls, porous-points (felt tips), ball-points and document markers; 0.5mm pencil leads; specially formulated cartridges and bottled inks.
• Cross has re-invented writing instruments with jewelry-quality craftsmanship. We were America’s first manufacturer of quality writing instruments, and that means that we’ve been making pens people use, depend on and enjoy for a long time.
• All Cross writing instruments are unquestionably guaranteed against mechanical failure, regardless of age. Should there ever be a problem, please call a Customer Service Specialist at 1-800-282-7677.
• Includes 1 Black Gel Ink Rolling Ball Refill (8523) in pen

A satin black finish and 23 karat gold plated appointments make a definitive statement of style in this Century II Selectip rollerball pen. Includes 1 Black Rollerball refill (8523) in pen. This pen features the Cross unique Selectip? interchangeable writing technology which offers the choice of a silky smooth gel ink rollerball durable ballpoint pen creamy porous-point [felt-tip] and even a brilliant document marker. Why choose just one when Selectip lets you have it all?

List Price: $ 75.49

Price: $ 50.60

Cross Townsend, Black Lacquer, Selectip Rolling Ball Pen, with Rhodium Plated Appointments (AT0045-4)

• All Cross products are shipped in boutique-quality gift packaging that you’ll be proud to give as a gift.
• Cross offers a range of ball-point refill sizes and colors; Selectip gel rolling balls, porous-points (felt tips), ball-points and document markers; 0.5mm pencil leads; specially formulated cartridges and bottled inks.
• Cross has re-invented writing instruments with jewelry-quality craftsmanship. We were America’s first manufacturer of quality writing instruments, and that means that we’ve been making pens people use, depend on and enjoy for a long time.
• All Cross writing instruments are unquestionably guaranteed against mechanical failure, regardless of age. Should there ever be a problem, please call a Customer Service Specialist at 1-800-282-7677.
• Includes 1 Black Gel Ink Rolling Ball Refill (8523) in pen
• Shipped in boutique-quality gift packaging
• Jewelry-quality craftsmanship. We were America’s first manufacturer of quality writi
• Guaranteed against mechanical failure

This is the same model as the Official Signing Pen President Barack H. Obama used to sign his first Executive Orders on January 22, 2009.

The warmth of solid lacquer is layered on and polished to a high shine for an ideal feel in the hand. The wide diameter of the Townsend is then equipped with Cross’s most sophisticated writing technology for your writing pleasure. With rich, rhodium-plated appointments. Material: Lacquer/Brass. Nib Material: 18K. Warranty: Lifetime. MANUFACTURERS WILL O

List Price: $ 130.00

Price: $ 95.00

Cross Classic Century, Black, Pen and Pencil Set (250105)

• Ball-point pen and .05mm pencil make for a classically-styled writing set
• Slim twist-action
• Trademark conical tip
• Manufacturer’s lifetime mechanical warranty
• Set includes 1 black medium ball-point in pen, 5 0.5mm pencil leads, and 1 pencil eraser in the pencil; guaranteed against mechanical failure

Versatile writing instruments accommodate a wide variety of uses. Molded resin body features seamless construction for strength and aesthetic appeal. Detailed with 23K gold plated appointments. Lifetime mechanical guarantee.Luxurious, classic style and the durability of high-end craftsmanship make the Classic Century ball-point pen and .05mm pencil in this Cross set an flawless choice. Featuring a black satin finish and 23 karat gold accents, these elegantly styled writing utensils will perform

List Price: $ 80.49

Price: $ 45.00

Cross ATX, Basalt Black, Selectip Rolling Ball Pen, with Chrome Plated Appointments (885-3)

• All Cross products are shipped in boutique-quality gift packaging that you’ll be proud to give as a gift.
• Includes 1 Black Gel Ink Rolling Ball Refill (8523) in pen

The Cross ATX Basalt Black Selectip Rollerball Pen is presented at 5.5 inches in a soft yet lively black color that complements the chrome plating outline.

List Price: $ 70.00

Price: $ 42.07

Cross Classic Century Colors, Ballpoint Pen, Tender Rose (AT0082-12)

• Ball-Point Pen pen with chrome plated appointments provides smooth, consistent ink flow
• Slim twist-action
• Trademark conical tip
• Manufacturer’s lifetime mechanical warranty
• Includes 1 Black Medium Ball-Point Refill (8513) in pen

Classic Century Ball Pen with decorative center ring features a slim diameter with trademark conical top. New luminescent finish.Packaged Quantity: 1 EachProduct Type: Ballpoint PenRefillable: YesBarrel Color: RoseRecycled: NoRecycled Content: 0%Post-consumer-waste%: 0%Assembly Required: No

List Price: $ 45.49

Price: $ 35.99

Cross Century Sport, Carbon, Ballpoint Pen (AT0082-25)

• Includes 1 Black Medium Ball-Point Refill (8513) in pen
• All Cross products are shipped in boutique-quality gift packaging that you’ll be proud to give as a gift.
• Cross has re-invented writing instruments, combining design ingenuity with jewelry-quality craftsmanship. We were America’s first manufacturer of quality writing instruments that people use, depend on and enjoy for a long time.
• All Cross writing instruments are unquestionably guaranteed against mechanical failure, regardless of age. Should there ever be a problem, please call a Customer Service Specialist at 1-800-282-7677.
• Cross has re-invented writing instruments, combining design ingenuity with jewelry-quality craftsmanship.
• We were America’s first manufacturer of quality writing instruments that people use, depend on and enjoy for a long time.
• All Cross writing instruments are unquestionably guaranteed against mechanical failure, regardless of age.
• Should there ever be a problem, please call a Customer Service Specialist at 1-800-282-7677.

List Price: $ 40.49

Price: $ 25.30

Cross Edge Capless Gel Ink Pen, Titanium Blast (AT0555-5)

• Capless gel ink pen technology. Versatile writer accepts both gel and jumbo ballpoint Cross refills.
• Features a patented click-and-slide mechanism.
• Encased in stylish metalic fusion resin.

Cross Edge. Slide into Action. The unique slide-open technology on the new Edge lets you unleash creative ideas single handedly, then clicks to close. Metallic fusion resin amps up the effect with a flash of color. Engineered to accept gel or ballpoint ink, Edge delivers ultimate function, versatility and style.

List Price: $ 40.00

Price: $ 28.81

Mt Blanc Pens make a great gift choice for that special person in your life. Many people like a full box of chocolate or flowers, but there are many people who are looking for something unique and personalized.

This is where Mont Blanc pens will be appreciated as such a gift.  Mt blanc pens; a favorite fountain pen choice amongst many, is exceptionally crafted and will stay with the owner for a lifetime.

The quality of Mt Blanc Pens will bring new enjoyment of writing to the recipient.  Be wary of cheap discount stores when searching for pens because a lower quality pen will tire your hand out during writing and will drag lines on your paper.

The Mont Blanc pen company takes care of that issue and the difference will be obvious. The ability to refill certain pen models allows for color changes, variety and varying writing styles.

The styling and beauty of Mt Blanc Pens will have you showing off your new toy when the moment arises.  Little works of art in their own right are completely customizable with the various gold or silver accents, different color options, and fine to more bold writing tips.

Mt Blanc Pens have honored such iconic people as Louis XIV, Queen Elizabeth I., and Edgar Allan Poe.

The models won’t be found anywhere with the detail and tribute factors to such iconic figures.

Finding the perfect writing instrument that fits the style and personality for a loved one can be a challenge, but choosing Mt Blanc Pens will definitely not disappoint.

Montblanc Meisterstuck Black Ballpoint Pen 164

• This is the classic Montblanc pen that is seen, heard, as in the sounds of silence, and in shirt pockets all over!
• This is it! Montblanc Meisterstuck Black Ballpoint pen. Classic black resin body. Medium sized ballpoint. Twist mechanism. 23.5k gold plated accents.

MONTBLANC VON DEUTSCHLAND. THE PENS COME IN A BOX WITH THE WARRANTY PAPERS. WE SELL NEW AUTHENTIC PENS ONLY. THE PEN IS A WONDERFUL GIFT IDEA. EXPERIENCE THE ADVENTURE OF OWNING A MONTBLANC. ENJOY THE SUSPENSE AND THE THRILLER THE PEN BRINGS TO YOUR LIFE AND STYLE. MAKES FOR A GREAT GIFT FOR SPECIAL OCCATIONS. EXCELLENT GIFT FOR NEW GRADUATES AND NEWLY WED COUPLES. THIS IS A FINE GERMAN DESIGNER PEN. BUY MORE THAN ONE PEN AND WRITE TO US ABOUT THE DISCOUNT WE OFFER WHEN YOU BUY MORE THAN ONE PEN

List Price: $ 350.00

Price: $ 290.00

The Montblanc Diary & Collector’s Guide

From book title page: A product history of the company Montblanc-Simplo GmbH from 1908 to 1947. Some 330 Montblanc writing instruments are shown on 116 color pages, supplemented by old catalogues, advertising, and photographs. The autobiographical memoirs of Annemarie Rosler, daughter of C.J. Vob, one of the company’s co-counders, round off this book from a personal perspective. Technical explanations are also given concerning the various filling systems as well as a Montblanc Guide to assist co

Price:

Genuine Montblanc Rollerball Refill – Blue Medium 16300BE Authorized Mont Blanc Pen Dealer

• Buy from Authorized dealer Pen Boutique
• Fits MontBlanc Rollerball Pens of lines Starwalker,Classic and Boheme
• LeGrand Rollerballs are bigger than classic lines of Montblanc

EMAIL/CALL FOR UNPUBLISHED SALE PRICE! Genuine Montblanc writing instrument refills. World Lux is an AUTHORIZED MONTBLANC PEN DEALER. MANUFACTURERS WILL ONLY HONOR WARRANTIES ON PRODUCTS PURCHASED FROM AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. DON’T GET BURNED, BUY AUTHORIZED.

List Price: $ 7.00

Price: $ 6.49

Cross Tech 3, Satin Black, Multi-Function Pen, with Black and Red Ballpoint Ink and .05mm Pencil (AT0090-3)

• Multi-function pen with black and red ink and .05mm pencil options for a smooth, versatile writing instrument
• Continuous twist motion
• Chrome appointments
• Manufacturer’s lifetime mechanical guarantee
• Includes 1 black ball-point, 1 red ball-point, 5 pencil leads, and pencil eraser in pen.; guaranteed against mechanical failure

Cross Tech 3 Writing Instrument, Satin Black. Innovative continuous-twist technology delivers three writing options! Red fine ball-point pen, black fine ball-point pen and 0.5mm mechanical pencil.With the Tech3 by Cross, you always have three different writing choices at your fingertips. Choose between a black ball-point, a red ball-point, and a 0.5mm pencil, depending on the task at hand. With all three implements housed a slim, elegant case, this pen means you don’t have to sacrifice style f

List Price: $ 50.00

Price: $ 30.81

Monteverde Refills Capless to fit Montblanc Ballpoint Blue Medium Point Gel Pen – M431BU

• Refills Capless to fit Montblanc Ballpoint Blue Medium Point Gel Pen
• Gel Pen Medium Point

Sold Individually
Made to fit Montblanc ballpoint pens. Allows you to convert your ballpoint pen into a capless rollerball pen.

The Monteverde Capless Gel features: Smooth comfortable writing Finest developed inks High quality metal parts Stainless steel tip

List Price: $ 4.00

Price: $ 4.00

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The only real difference between a regular ball point pen and a fountain pen is the tip.

With a replacement fountain tip pen cartridge and some light dremeling you convert any pen to a fountain pen.

You will need to modify the tip of the pen since the fountain pen tip is considerably larger than a ball point tip, which may give you less finger space while writing, depending upon the make and model of pen you are converting.

1. Unscrew the ball-point pen case and remove the ball-point pen ink cartridge. The ball-point tip will be attached to the cartridge itself.

the ball-point cartridge to the side and separate the top and bottom of the casing. Tip the top over so that the clicker spring falls out, a fountain pen cannot work in a clicker-activated pen casing.

2. Glue the circular flange stop on the end of the pen clicker so that it sticks to the inside of the top casing. Pull the clicker outward by hand to keep pressure on the glue until it sets.

Slide a fountain pen replacement cartridge into the top pen case.

3. Slide the bottom part of the pen case over the fountain pen tip. It will not be able to go all the way. Mark where the fountain pen tip stops with your X-acto knife, scoring the plastic in a circle around the casing.

Plug the Dremel in and put on a pair of safety goggles. Grind away at the circle score with the Dremel disc until the bottom part comes free.

4. Slide the bottom case all the way flush now and screw it tight. The pen will now function as a fountain pen.

If the pen case will not screw tight then file away at the inside of the cut you made to give a little more room for the larger fountain pen cartridge to sit inside of the pen casing.

“NOW ON AMAZON”

Pelikan Rollerball Pen

The Pelikan Souveran Series pens are meticulously crafted using high quality materials available.

Distinguishing features such as the striped celluloid overlay and the beak shaped clip make the Souveran anything but ordinary. The 400 rollerball is the smallest rollerball in the Souveran Series.

It is appropriately sized for most women or for men with a smaller grip. The rollerball pen features gentle comfortable gliding with the characteristic stroke of ink handwriting.

Pelikan Rollerball Pen Features:

 
• Red acrylic resin finish barrel and black cap with diamond ground surface and gold-plated trims.
• Gold-plated Pelikan’s beak shaped clip.
• High-performance ink-refill 338M black.

 

 

Read More

[amazon-product-reviews]

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Parker Duofold Pencil – Navy Pinstripe

Parker Duofold Pencil - Navy Pinstripe

Just another Parker Pen innovation; the Parker Duofold Pencil with Navy Pinstripe.

This Special Edition Collection blends the highest quality materials and design.  The finish work on this Special Edition pencil features beautiful deep dark blue opal white and gray accompanied by platinum plated trims.

The refined chocolate finish shows off it’s elegant mocha opal white stripes with turquoise.  This is accented by a one of a kind champagne gold colored trim.

Each Parker Duofold Pencil is presented in a brilliant wood box which has a sliding drawer compartment that holds up to 4 writing instruments.

Just like the Parker Duofold Pens, this pencil is sure to not disappoint you or the lucky recipient.

“Thinking of buying the Parker Duofold Pencil, then buy from a trusted source!”

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New York, 9th December 2010 – PARKER’s international Write Big event drew to a spectacular close on December 7th with a magical evening combining innovative art technology and the written word in the heart of New York City. Author and reality show star Kelly Killoren Bensimon was on-hand to help PARKER launch their grand finale celebration.

Over the past six weeks, PARKER has been inviting people to share their message online at www.parkerpen.com, framing their thoughts with the question What if?

Out of the 160, 000 visitors, more than 53,000 entrants from around the world have submitted their personal, topical or philosophical messages to be used in an original event celebrating hand-writing.

The groundbreaking competition was concluded with 30 winning inspirational messages coming from 10 different countries, in 9 different languages and selected by PARKER’s judges for their democratic, original and positive output.

Here is a sample of the messages:
What if your small step started a massive change? – Gerri T.
What if you could save a like with a pen? Inkredible! – Matthew O.
What if I was a pen, the world would be my notepad -Daniel L.

These 30 sentences were projected onto the outer walls of New York’s iconic Museum of Arts & Design* in a breathtaking display of revolutionary, cutting edge 3D video mapping.

Parker Pen - Write Big Event Building Showcase

Passersby from Columbus Circle and Broadway were astonished to watch these international messages, projected onto the New York skyline. PARKER thus empowered both NYC and its inhabitants during the 2 ½ hours that the projection ran.

The PARKER holiday pop-up shop**, located just steps away from the projections, was also a popular destination for those wishing to view 2010’s pen collections.

Earlier in the evening, an initial presentation for press and friends of the brand was held within the Museum of Arts & Design.

Author and reality show star Kelly Killoren Bensimon, PARKER President Jean- Charles Hita and Group President Penny McIntyre introduced the evening’s proceedings with a speech underlining the conceptual thinking behind the event and its natural link with the sophisticated heritage and innovative values inherent to the PARKER brand:

“Write Big event encapsulates all of PARKER values: Innovation with its 3D technique, Design with the artistic creation and Writing, with the written thoughts from people from all around the world” said Jean-Charles Hita.

Kelly Bensimon added, “I’m thrilled to have been asked to participate in tonight’s Write Big event. There is nothing more alluring than the written word. I love the intimacy of a note, and why not write it with an amazing instrument like a Parker pen?”

The Write Big finale was attended by notable guests such as VIPs, NYC influencers from fashion and design worlds and grandsons of the PARKER family, alongside the brand’s Group President Penny McIntyre, Jean-Charles Hita and Kelly Killoren Bensimon.

Media attendees ranged from The Wall Street Journal, Good Morning America and Glamour to People, US Weekly and Men’s Health.

PARKER’s international ambassadors, a group of three globally renowned creative entrepreneurs, could not attend the museum event but participated by including their own messages in the projection, reinforcing the international signature of the contest:

What if I only exist as long as somebody needs me? – Azamat Tseboev, Russia
What if writers invented reality and not the contrary? – Amanda Sthers, France
What if we were all angels? – Beata Pawlikowska, Poland

The public can relive the spectacle of the Write Big event and see exclusive footage of the evening by visiting www.parkerpen.com or facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/parkerpens).

Source: Parkerpen.com

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Livescribe Pulse Smartpen

I guess it’s no surprise that in today’s world we have devices such as the Livescribe Pulse Smartpen.  Smart phones were once just a thought, but with every great thought comes great invention and innovation.

Where was the Smartpen when I was in college, missing parts of lectures, not understanding something or just not paying attention.  This Smartpen not only has many of the obvious advantages, but as one who tries to do his part in the GREEN times we live in, this device has such a positive impact on our environment.

How about reducing waste caused by all those useless notes taken, not read and even lost.  No more with the Livescribe Pulse Smartpen.

Livescribe Pulse Smartpen

• Record everything you hear and write. Then replay the recorded audio by tapping directly on your notes.
• Livescribe Desktop: Save your notes to your computer, then search for words within your notes. Export your notes and audio locally as PDF or audio files.
• Livescribe Community: Share your notes and recordings online
  publicly or privately. Embed your pencasts on the web or share them on Facebook.
• Smartpen Applications: Make your Pulse smartpen even smarter with third party games, tools, and utilities. Download the latest applications at Livescribe.com.

Capture Everything: The Livescribe Smartpen records audio and links it to what you write.

Missed something? Tap on your notes or drawings with the tip of your Livescribe Smartpen to hear what was said while you were writing.

No Need to Lug the Laptop: The Livescribe Smartpen automatically captures everything as you write and draw.  Transfer your notes to your computer, organize them, and even search for words within your notes. Find what you want in seconds.

Extensive Reviews and Product Information

Livescribe Pulse Smartpen Features:

• Available in 1GB, 2GB and 4GB models
• Infrared Camera
• Built-In Speaker
• Microphone
• Audio Jack – 3-D Recording Headset enables distance recording
• USB Connector – Transfers notes and audio to your computer and recharges your Pulse Smartpen.
• OLED Display – Makes it easy to use Pulse Smartpen applications.
• USB Mobile Charging Cradle – The Pulse Smartpen USB mobile charging cradle serves several important functions.  Once you dock your Smartpen into the cradle, your written and recorded data will be automatically transferred to your computer after the Livescribe Desktop application is opened.  The cradle will also allow you to charge your Smartpen through the USB port on
  your computer.

Livescribe Pulse Smartpen OLED Display

Livescribe Pulse Smartpen USB Cradle

Livescribe Dot Paper

• Dot Positioning System: Microdots printed on Livescribe dot paper enable the infrared camera at the tip of the Pulse Smartpen to track everything you write down.
• Special Controls at the bottom of each page help you navigate pen applications and features.

Rating: (out of 81 reviews)

Price: $ 110.49

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Writing Instruments - Wood Pens

Writing Instruments Overview and History – Pens

According to statistics put forth by the U.S. Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association in 2005, retractable ball point pens were the most popular writing utensil with 26%. Standard ball point pens took second with 14%.

There is no doubt that the pen is an extremely important part of modern day society. The pen has had an important role in the past as well, with a history dating back to the Egyptians.

Around 3000 BC, scribes from ancient Egypt were the first people to write on paper. Back then, reed brushes were used to write on papyrus scrolls.

The reed pen was used for awhile, but slowly began to be replaced around the 7th century by the quill pen. This is the type of pen that was used to write the Dead Sea Scrolls. It was introduced to Europe in 700 AD, and stayed in use for a long time.

The constitution of the United States was signed using a quill pen in 1787.

Reviews and Product Information

In the early 19th century, the quill pen was replaced with the metal dip pen, which contained a steel nib to hold ink. It started to be mass produced in 1822 and within 30 years, it came into generalized use.

The dip pen had to be constantly dipped in ink, however, people considered this very inconvenient. They wanted a pen with a reservoir of ink, which brought about the fountain pen. Widespread use of the fountain pen did not occur until the 1870s.

Writing Instruments – Improvements Are Made

Improvements continued to be made to the fountain pen over the years, adding better ways of controlling ink flow and faster and cleaner ways to fill it. Once the pen was made reliable, fashion took over and new designs started being made as well.

More modern day pens were created a few years after this. In 1943, the ballpoint pen went into commercial production, followed by the felt tip pen in the 1960s. The rollerball pen was introduced in the 1980s and is one of the smoother pens available.

It is clear that pens have been important writing instruments throughout history. Constantly reworked and reinvented, the pen has come a long way from being made of reeds or feathers. Pens have offered a more permanent method of record keeping for thousands of years, and will continue to do so in the years to come.

A short description of the types of pens discussed is offered below:

- Ballpoint Pen – This type of pen dispenses oil-based ink by rolling a small ball in a socket. The ball picks up ink as it rolls and then dispenses it on the paper. It is very reliable, and has become one of the most popular tools for writing.

- Rollerball Pen – A rollerball pen uses a water-based liquid or gel ink in a similar fashion to the ballpoint. The ink used by a rollerball is more easily absorbed by paper, however, so the pen moves easier across the writing surface. This gives the pen very smooth movement and an unmatched ease of writing.

- Fountain Pen – A fountain pen delivers water-based ink through a fountain pen nib, usually made of metal. The ink flows from a reservoir through a feed, to the nib. Capillary action and gravity do the work in this process. The reservoir can be refillable or disposable. Refillable reservoirs may require the use of an eyedropper or some sort of piston.

- Felt-tip Pen – A felt-tip pen, commonly called a marker, has a porous tip of a fibrous material. There are different classes of felt tips, depending on the type of writing surface being used. Fine-tip markers are for paper, medium-tip markers are often used by children, and larger markers are used for whiteboards or cardboard. Markers can come in permanent or non-permanent inks as well.

- Dip Pen – A dip pen uses a metal nib attached to a handle or holder. It is similar in function to a fountain pen, but does not have an ink reservoir, so must be repeatedly recharged with ink.

- Quill Pen – The feather of a large bird, often a goose, is the basis for a quill pen. Used before most other types of pens, the shaft of the feather acts as the ink reservoir. They were used in medieval times and were the replacement for the reed pen.

- Reed Pen – One of the first writing utensils, a reed pen is cut from reeds or bamboo and slip with a narrow tip. It works similar to a quill pen, but is made with different materials.

Source: Daveswoodgoods.com

- Check Dave’s site out.  I didn’t know you could do what he does with pens when it comes to using wood.

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Parker Sonnet Ciselé Silver Fountain Pen

As with the introduction of many great fountain pen companies, the introduction to the Parker Pen Company will not disappoint.

While reading through their website timeline and craftsmanship pages I gained great insight, not only to the company, but to the products and materials used in fountain pen construction.  Parker Pen Company History.

Parker Sonnet Products – Now Available At Amazon

• Parker Sonnet Precious Sterling Silver Cisele Fine Point Fountain Pen
• Fountain Pen Fine Point

Inspired by a 17th Century English snuff box the distinctive Cisele finish is decorative but discreet to give you classic beauty with a twist.

Exclusive to Parker the striking retro-chic geometric design is a perfect example of a highly skilled lacquer and chiseling technique that gives an intricate and contrasting crosshatched pattern.
All pens feature 23kt gold plated trim. The fountain pen nib is a 2-tone rhodium highlighted 18kt solid gold criss-cross patterned nib available.

Rating: (out of 1 reviews)

List Price: $ 295.00

Price: $275.00

The Parker Sonnet – Design

The Sonnet is modern pen design at its best – it’s the quintessential Parker pen and one of Parker Pens most successful collections ever.

Combining timeless, contemporary style with a unique choice of perfectly balanced pen sizes, diverse modes and high quality finishes, the Sonnet writes beautifully, feels comfortable and looks sublime.  Sonnet, embodies the definitive Parker style.

Parker Pen Articles

• If It Looks Like A Parker Sonnet, If It Is Engraved Like A Parker Sonnet, Is It A Parker Sonnet?
• A. PARKER SONNET: Fake – Boxes – Recognize the Fake or Genuine Sonnets
• Parker Duofold Pencil
• Parker Fountain Pen Refill – Parker Quink Ink
• Parker Pen – Share Your Message With The World

Parker Sonnet Videos

Writing With the Parker Sonnet Terracotta

Parker Sonnet Fountain Pen Up Close

MontBlanc Boheme Black with No Stone, Retractable Fountain Pen

The quality and craftsmanship that goes into each and every Montblanc writing instrument is truly impressive.

With an enriched history of more than 100 years, backed by the Montblanc International Guarantee you are sure to be left with a lasting impression and a fine writing experience.

Montblanc Retractable Fountain Pen Features:

• Authentic MontBlanc Pen
• Retractable Fountain Pen
• Platinum Trims
• MontBlanc white star on cap
• Cartridge Filled

MontBlanc Boheme retractable fountain pen.  This version comes with no stone on the clip!

Comes in the MontBlanc gift box. 18k gold nib with platinum plating.

Price: $ 575.00

Silence, not a sound can be heard when Montblanc nibs are tested.

No buzzing machines, no hustle or bustle, not even a whisper, nothing – only the smooth melody made by the nibs on paper,  while each Montblanc fountain pen nib is tested by hand.

Even experienced employees like these need absolute silence to hear the perfect sound of the perfect nib.

Does the nib’s melody indicate the desired Montblanc quality? Does it delight the writer?

Source: Montblanc

Montblanc Articles

• Montblanc Fountain Pen – Company History
• Montblanc – Misusing Mahatma Gandhi’s Name?
• MontBlanc Boheme Black – Retractable Fountain Pen
• Montblanc Boheme – A Sign of Success
• Montblanc Boheme – Beautiful Pictures

Montblanc Videos

Montblanc Boheme – Up Close

Filling a Montblanc 75th Anniversary Fountain Pen

Souverän 800 Fountain Pen

Product Information

Pelikan Souveran 800

• Souveran 800 Black GT Medium Point Fountain Pen
• Fountain Pen Medium Point

The Pelikan Souveran Series represents the highest quality in writing instrument manufacturing using only the best materials available.

All fountain pens feature Pelikan’s unique differential piston filling system to ensure a large ink capacity with a visible indication of ink level via the translucent barrel (or portion of the barrel in the case of all black or dark blue pens).

The Pelikan Souveran 800 fountain pen is an all-time classic for its traditional styling and impeccable performance.

Rating: (out of 2 reviews)

List Price: $ 500.00

Price: $ 387.95

Pelikan and Pen Articles

• Pelikan Fountain Pen – Intro To Pelikan Pens
• Choosing The Right Fountain Pen Nib
• So What Makes A Fine Fountain Pen?
• Noodler’s Ink Company
• Pictures of Most Expensive and Unique Pens 

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