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Jeff asked:


Based in Hamburg Germany, Mont Blanc International GmbH and their universally recognized “White Star” logo is a widely recognized manufacturer of fine writing instruments and fashion accessories. The company was founded in 1906 by a group of three men, a banker, a stationer and an engineer who banded together to combine their talents and resources to manufacture high quality affordable writing pens.

The Company is Founded

The company that they founded was originally named the “Simplo Filler Pen Co.” The very first pen that Simplo Filler manufactured in 1909 was the “Rouge Et Noir” and it is to this day highly coveted by collectors worldwide. In 1910 the company launched their second pen design called the Mont Blanc, which also was subsequently to become the succeeding name for the company.

Success Despite Early Challenges

The company was able to achieve some measure of success in spite of the challenges of World War One and the companies founder being forced to flee the country to avoid criminal charges relating to the theft of company funds. In 1934 again the company name was changed to Mont Blanc Simplo GmbH. Fast forward to 1977 when the company was acquired by Dunhill, at which time some fundamental marketing changes were implemented, including the complete elimination of their line of lower priced pens.

Mont Blanc Today

Today Mont Blanc is owned and operated by the “Richmond Group”, which is the parent company of easily recognized names in luxury accessories such as Cartier, Chloe and Van Cleef & Arpels among others. In fact, Mont Blanc now produces all of the components for Cartier pens. Mont Blanc is now a producer of standard run and highly coveted limited edition pens, which are confined to production numbers of tens of thousands.

A Unique Look and Style

Mont Blanc pens are recognized worldwide for their level of quality and style and they still make available classic fountain pens, which produce an elegant, easily recognizable unique form of script. Of course however, they also feature an extensive line of high end ball point pens and mechanical pencils as well. 

Highly Coveted By Collectors

Mont Blanc pens are also highly collectible and many of their antique classic models have proven to be more then worthy investments to avid collectors scattered around the globe. Mont Blanc has also pioneered the development of a technology that they refer to as “precious resin”. Mont Blanc pens made from this material have a unique sheen to them due to the embedding of glass fibers in the plastic during the injection molding process.

The Mont Blanc $200,000 Pen

Their pens and writing instruments easily run into the hundreds of dollars in price but it was the release of a limited edition of 149 diamond encrusted pens that really turned heads. Those special edition pens sold for $200,000 each and are highly coveted by collectors of fine writing instruments to this day.

360 Boutiques Around the Globe

What started out as a small group of men who got together to manufacture and sell simple high quality writing instruments has now grown into a business enterprise that owns and operates 360 boutiques world wide. Also, at the same time their simple and functional writing products have developed into fine high quality accessories which are coveted by discriminating wordsmiths and collectors around the globe.

 



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hamiltonbrewer asked:


Since the birth of fountain pens, writers have sought the combination of pleasing design and superior performance. The BX701 Collection delivers on that promise.

The caps and barrels are made from colorful cast acrylic in vibrant new colors: Blue Shimmer (dark blue with a bronze swirl), Cappuccino (cream with a chestnut swirl), and Onyx (dark gray with caramel swirl).

The BX701 Collection offers fountain pens and roller ball pens with a sleek new shape and clip.

The fountain pens are equipped with high quality stainless steel nibs in a Fine, Medium, or Broad width. If you prefer, it can be ordered with our 18K gold two-tone nib, in a Fine, Medium, Broad, or Broad Stub width for an additional charge. They accept international size cartridges, or can be filled from a bottle with the provided converter.

The matching roller ball pens use a widely available refill.



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Fred Peters asked:


There are several types of fountain pens that you can begin collecting. This article focuses on collecting vintage fountain pens, but you should know that there are also custom fountain pens, collectible fountain pens, and modern fountain pens. We will focus on helping beginners to get strarted collecting vintage fountain pens.

Pen collectors collect many types of fountain pens, including vintage fountain pens. There is no limit to the criteria for a fountain pen collection. However, vintage fountain pens are highly prized by pen collectors. While collecting modern pens is easier because you can buy them at any pen shop, you will have to hunt for vintage pens.

So where can you find vintage fountaint pens?

Google is one of the best tools for finding fountain pens. Just type in the manufacturer and model of pen you are searching for and Google is pretty good about leading you to a store where you can find your pen. Ebay is also a great online place to find fountain pens. There are many sellers on ebay who focus on selling only mont blanc fountain pens, parker fountain pens, pelikan fountain pens, etc. You get my point. You found this article on the Internet, so you already no how useful the Internet is.

Don’t forget about the offline world. Remember that you can still find great deals on used fountain pens and vintage fountain pens in brick and mortar shops. Estate sales and flea markets are great places to find old pens. Sometimes jewelry stores will also sell collectible pens.

Estate sales are great places to find old fountain pens. Check you local newspaper for estate sales that are taking place in your community and check them out. Often the auction company will be able to tell you ahead of the estate sale whether or not any pens are part of the estate.

Pen shows are also great places to find collectible fountain pens. Many pen collectors and pen hobbyists show up at these pen shows to buy and sell their vintage fountain pens. So use Google to find pen shows in your area. They are a great place to buy fountain pens and to find people who share your love of vintage fountain pens.

So in summary, getting started in fountain pen collecting is as easy as jumping online or visiting your local flee market. Finding an online store is great way to find vintage fountain pens. So get started collecting pens today.



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Jim Lanier asked:


True and devoted collectors are everywhere in the world. People who love to gather together things of specific types do this oftentimes as a hobby and sometimes, even as a profession. They collect various things – from everything common to everything rare. Whatever the collection may be, these collectors make sure that the items are meaningful, valuable and could probably make them earn a handsome amount in the very near future. Additionally, every collector wants his treasure trove as something that could please them.

Aside from stamps, postcards and any other valuables that seem to be the common choice as possible collector’s items, pens are also some of the collectors’ favorite items. Handcrafted wood fountain pens, for instance, have earned the interest and satisfaction of the meticulous businessman. Parker style pens, meanwhile, are favorites of yuppies who want to excel in their first job after college.

Rare and exotic pens such as those made by Lanier handcrafted pens will not disappoint the pickiest of a collector. What collectors are looking for are brand, rarity, craftsmanship, and of course, longevity. All of these characteristics can be found in Lanier’s hand-turned wooden fountain pens. Each pen from Lanier is made by the hands of experienced master craftsmen who work wonders to turn a simple item such as a pen into a work of art.

Nowadays, an ordinary item such as a pen has climbed into the level and category of being a collector’s item. If you are a collector in the making or a pro at that, then you know that handcrafted wood fountain pens are great additions to your trove.

An excellent brand known by everyone that shares the same interest to a particular item is imperative to be worthy of the tag “collector’s item”. The brand “Lanier,” for instance, has managed to etch its name in the pen industry. Gold plated Parker style pens are known to almost every ******** pen collector. They know that they are personally made, handcrafted and checked from tip to tip to ensure the masterpiece. The Parker style pens sold at Lanier can only be defined as near perfection.

Lanier also has exotic gold plated pens whose values are sure to increase as they age. After all, increase in monetary value should be the number one priority of collectors. Any exotic, uniquely made pen with gold plated tips and rims is sure to increase its value as the years roll by.

If you want rarity in a collector pen item, look no further. A hand-turned wooden fountain pens by Lanier is the perfect choice. Lanier’s handmade wood pen with a German made .7mm Ridium nib can certainly pass the rarity criteria especially if you order them personally made to incorporate your style.

The craftsmanship which was devoted to each and every Lanier pen ensures another score in the collector’s checklist. Each Lanier pens is handmade close to perfection. The master engravers carefully etch each wish of the collector to personalize his or her collection. If you want your own style or even your own name etched in one of your collections; then Lanier pens will not fail you. For sure, you will get your name on your pen done in a beautiful manner.

Lastly, longevity is an important aspect before an item can be considered a collector’s item. An object is not worth calling a collector’s item if it will not last long. Lanier pens are made from rare, hardwood treated to last forever. Its metal nibs and tips are made from gold and other precious metals meant to last a lifetime. Lanier’s handcrafted wood fountain pens are a pleasure to write with because these are made by hi-tech machining and the latest plating techniques with the highest grade highest grade ink available today. Certainly, all characteristics sought by a pen collector.

Given all these, Lanier’s exotic wood pens can truly be considered collector’s items.



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Gareth Parkin asked:


Promotional pens have been one of the most popular gift items distributed by companies during various events and functions. For years, they have been a key ingredient of the promotional products industry. Pens still remain the most preferred and popular item of gift. With the latest printing techniques, pens have started coming out with imprints of your company name, logo, message, slogan, and website URL. The value of advertising and promotion has increased manifold with these techniques.

We all need pens at various places such as bank counters, trade shows, seminars, conventions, product launch, shop tills, and many other places. In short, whatever may be the place or occasion, everybody needs a pen. If someone asks for a pen and you give him your customised pen, you effectively create a brand awareness for your business and promote your business.

By gifting promotional pens you are placing your company’s name in the hands of the people that can further promote you unknowingly or purposefully become your customers. Promotional pens are available in a wide variety ranging from plastic pens to metal pens, and multi-function pens to highlighters. In other words, you have got a wide variety to choose from. A few years before, many companies preferred to go for the roll-proof triangular pens. These roll-proof triangular promotional pens carried a nice flat surface for printing. Later metallic promotional pens have overpowered their popularity. Metal promotional pens started carrying tiny digital clocks, or USBs or thermometers.

Such promotional pens were hit among companies and audience. There was a time when every company thought of pens and even labeled promotional activities as “Our Most Popular Promotional Pens”. At Ideasbynet you will come across a wide range of promotional pens available in varied forms and colours. You get the chance of choosing promotional pens of your choice among the exhaustive range of pens. Ideasbynet also offers branded pens such as Parker pens, Prodir pens, Quill pens, and Senator Pens. If you are still not satisfied with the range then you can also go for Novelty pens, pens sets, and even pencils.

At Ideasbynet you will get everything related to promotional pens. The major advantage of buying promotional pens at www.ideasbynet.com is that you get expert opinion, service at correct prices. Ideasbynet houses some of the best designers that make sure; your chosen promotional pens are designed as per your needs and requirements. Moreover, unless you are satisfied, our designers will continuously strive hard to provide you the desired product. If you wish to know more about promotional pens, printed pens, promotional items, and promotional gifts visit www.ideasbynet.com.



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Larry Crain asked:


How can you determine if the signatures on a collectible stock certificate are authentic autographs?

First, there’s good news. Scripophily (the collecting of antique stock certificates and bonds) does not generally have the rampant forgery or mechanized signature issues of some other collectible fields (e.g., signed sports collectibles).

The question to be answered is whether the signature was hand signed rather printed or stamped. An expensive paper and ink chemical analysis is seldom needed. The following can help in determining originality:

1. The older the document is, the more likely it was hand signed. In fact, in the 1800’s, a personal and artful signature was the norm.

2. Certificates normally have multiple signatures (President, Secretary, Transfer Agent, owner, witness, etc.). The signatures and any notations should be in different handwriting for each person and, often, different colorations and applications of ink or pencil.

3. Research the document using books and dealers’ or hobbyist’s websites (such as coxrail.com for railroads). You may find authentication comments or images you can compare with your document.

4. If you have more than one certificate or image for comparison, look for small variations ‘ that’s good. If the signatures would match exactly if overlaid, they’re probably reproduced.

5. Since older certificates are often on thinner paper, an original signature may appear darker than the printed portions of the certificate when it is viewed from the back.

6. Sometimes a pen signature will have left a very slight depression in the paper which can be seen from the front or back when held at an angle to a light.

7. If the placement of the signature is contrary to the layout of the print, e.g., it covers part of the design instead of being perfectly placed, that may indicate originality (though not always).

8. Early signature ink sometimes “bled” slightly out into the paper from the written lines. You may be able to see this with a magnifier.

A couple of important final points to remember: Firstly, it is possible to prove an autograph is not authentic, but it is impossible it prove it is authentic. Every statement of authenticity about a signature (be it Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jordan or George Washington) is a statement of informed (we hope) opinion.

The only way to be 100% sure is if you personally watched the person sign your item and then kept the item in your possession. That seldom is an option and never is for antique items. Secondly, because of the first point, you should always purchase collectible items from reputable dealers who offer a reasonable return policy. You should be happy with what you acquire.

Whether you even care about the signature is completely up to you, of course, but it can be one of the research paths that lead to a sense of discovery as you explore the historical background and personal stories behind your latest stock certificate acquisition.



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Roger Karan asked:


Since the year 1992, Montblanc has dedicated one writing instrument a year to a great author in history who has been recognized world-wide for their literary genius. Not only are the pens dedicated to the author but they are artistically inspired by the life and works of the author giving each Writers Edition pen a unique story and personal history. When designing Writers Edition pens, Montblanc always goes one step farther to make each piece have a little more value. A finishing touch and final tribute to the author is their personal signature that is beautiful engraved into the side of each cap. In other words, each and every Writers Edition pen is autographed by the respective author to whom the pen is dedicated. This is indeed one way to make each pen even more valuable and worth collecting along side each and every pen being individually identified as 1 of the limited collection produced.

 

The most recent addition to the Montblanc Writers Edition pens is a beautifully marbleized dark green lacquer that is divided by platinum into a series of rings that progressively widen from the point to the cap. The pen is signed by and dedicated to George Bernard Shaw, an Irish born composer and literary critic but most importantly a dramatic playwright. Shaw spent most of his life in London and wrote more than sixty plays in his lifetime. Pygmalion is quite possibly one of Shaw’s greatest works and of highest recognition. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1926 and an Oscar in 1938 after producing a screenplay for Pygmalion. A key symbol found on the George Bernard Shaw Writers Edition pen is the flower engraved on the nib of the fountain pen. This flower is the symbol for the flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, one of the leading characters in Pygmalion.

 

The George Bernard Shaw Writers Edition pen is yet another beautiful homage to a great author by Montblanc. Shaw was a brilliant satirist in the 20th century when wit and playfulness were at a loss. Shaw was a conservative man and did not pay much attention to public greatness or recognition as he considered them a form of social-evil and inequality. However, his lovely wife was the influencing factor in bringing Shaw to accept his honors and awards in order to pay tribute to Ireland, his home. Still today, long after Shaw’s brilliant and witty life with us, we desire to pay tribute to him, his social beliefs and witty light-heartedness that helped many through hard times by creating a pen that honors him and his origin, Ireland. Let us take this pen and continue to honor Shaw by writing words of laughter and wit while simultaneously collecting one of the valuably limited 16,000 fountain pens, 18,000 ballpoint pens, or 4,000 sets produced by Montblanc marking the Writers Edition pen of 2008. Buy Montblanc from authorized dealers like PenBoutique.com for genuine Montblanc pen.



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Joshua Drew asked:


People collect many different things. Some people collect turtles, pigs, and cows, well not actual animals just things made in their image. Why not collect beautiful handcrafted ballpoint pens. It is certainly a more dignified collection than, heaven forbid, beanie babies.

It’s pretty easy to get started collecting handcrafted ballpoint pens. Just do a search on the Internet and you will find a host of sites that are ready to sell you some truly beautiful items. The perfect part about collecting these pens is that they are actually useful. You can write your great American novel using the special handcrafted pen you picked up just for that special use. And when you become a celebrated writer you can tell the world that you wrote the whole thing with your special pen on a roll of Brawny paper towels. Beat that Kerouak.

If you know someone who collects handcrafted ballpoint pens make it a point to check out some of the fabulous offerings you can find on the web. You can find a truly unique gift for your crazy little collector. Personally, I would never buy someone a pig clock just because I know they collect pigs, but I wouldn’t have a problem buying someone a handcrafted ballpoint pen. I guess it’s all in the trailer parkishness of the whole pig thing.

There are even sites online that will teach you how to make your own handcrafted ballpoint pens. Now that’s a hobby someone can get behind. But if you’re not all that handy you can find pens made from exotic woods, metals or even antlers. There is no shortage of materials that these fine gifts can be made from. You would not need to look too far to find a pen that is made from something unique. Just do a search on handcrafted ballpoint pens and you will find a large selection to choose from.

Have someone difficult to buy a gift for? Well, handcrafted ballpoint pens were made for gift giving. Well, actually they were made for writing, but you get my point. They generally will come in a gift-sized box and can be packaged to display their beauty and uniqueness. Pick up a couple of sets and you will always have something on hand to give when you have forgotten to pick up a gift. You will be giving a great writing instrument and a collector’s item all at the same time. Aren’t you the smart shopper?



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John Morris asked:


Many individuals would probably raise an eyebrow when they hear someone willing to spend $40,000 to buy a fountain pen. Renaissance Pen Co founder Patrick Pinkston, however, says that the amount – apparently exorbitant for what is seemingly ‘only’ a writing instrument – is a reflection of the fact that these pens are also considered special works of art.

1. Insanely Expensive Pens Are Works Of Art

The high price fountain pens fetch are also due to the approach taken by Fisher, Michel Perchin and other industry leaders to make their product available on a limited edition basis. This trend first emerged in the early 1990s, creating a new market of pricey items that Fountain Pen Hospital President Terry Wiederlight said made the pens more like jewelry.

The price range for fountain pens is quite extreme. A Fisher pen capable of writing upside down is available for $15. On the other hand, the Modernista Diamonds pen from Caran D’Ache – which has over 5,000 small diamonds – will cost the interested buyer $230,000. The bottom line is that fountain pen enthusiasts are eager to flaunt, admire or simply collect the specially-designed fine writing instruments.

2. Where The Passion Started

Although pens with their own ink cache have already been available earlier, the first patented fountain pen is attributed to insurance salesman Lewis Waterman in 1884. In his case, the motivation came from failure to close a major contract after the pen he was using spilled ink onto the document. Waterman’s efforts grew the business from a simple hand-made operation based in a cigar shop to one with annual sales of 350,000! Nephew Frank D. Waterman launched the company abroad after his uncle died in 1901.

3. How Fountain Pens Work

Earlier attempts to patent their creation before Waterman – including the self-filling pen of John Jacob Parker in 1831 and the quill-and-metal pen of John Scheffer in 1809 – either failed or posed other problems that prevented these products from taking off. Since a fountain pen’s internal supply of ink is crucial, many inventors and pen makers going back to the early 19th century explored various ways to come up with the optimum reservoir design. One that emerged during the period was the self-filling design, which spawned several patents that included the Parker Pen Co’s Button Filler in 1905, Walter Sheaffer’s Lever Filler in 1908 and the Weidlich Company’s Matchstick Filler in 1910.

Another key figure in the development of fountain pens is George Safford Parker, who worked as a distributor of John Holland fountain pens to supplement his salary as a school teacher. His frustration with the quality of the pens he sold to students compelled him to repair the faulty ones, eventually making him learn how fountain pens were made and convincing him that he could make pens of higher quality. The now 110-year-old Parker Pen Company was incorporated by Parker in a team-up with insurer W.E. Palmer in February 1892, helped by several Parker patents, including The Lucky Curve. This innovation made use of capillary attraction that fully drained ink from the pen’s feed tube, preventing the liquid from expanding and reaching the tip to ensure that no ink will blot the user’s hand when the cap is removed.

4. Fountain Pens Of Today

Entering the 20th century, fountain pens have become more than writing instruments. Ownership became a clear symbol of prestige, with holders of the pen seen as an educated class, who at that time were the only individuals recognized for their reading and writing skills.

Disposable ink cartridges for fountain pens emerged in the 1950s and became a market success, primarily due to the ease with which they could be inserted in pens and a design that practically prevented any spillage. Ballpoint pens were later developed and eventually surpassed fountain pens as preferred writing instruments. Despite the competition, fountain pens remain a collector’s item.

The world’s foremost fountain pen brands can all be found at the Fountain Pen Hospital in New York. Besides the fine-writing instrument, Fountain Pen Hospital also offers desk sets, leather pen cases, pen displays and other accessories. Among the top labels available at the dealer are Germany’s Graf von Faber-Castell; Cartier; Italian maker Aurora; high-tech proponent Rotring; Sheaffer; Michel Perchin; Waterman and Parker.



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