2022 San Francisco International Pen Show
The fun show. You don’t get that name for nothing.
Read more →The fun show. You don’t get that name for nothing.
Read more →An unmissable event.
Read the interesting article “Beyond the keyboard: Fountain pen collectors find beauty in ink” written by Eliza McGraw on the Washington Post Magazine here
Read more →The countdown has started, just a few weeks to the start of the 2022 LA Pen Show.
The 2022 Los Angeles International Pen Show will be held February 17-20, 2022 at the same location as the 2020 show, the Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach in Torrance, California.
Dealers and Traders will be attending February 17-20, and the show will be open for General Admission from 10AM-5PM on Sunday, February 20. For more info: http://www.lainternationalpenshow.com
First US show of the season. Let’s hope it is the first of many.
Read more →Usually November third weekend means to me Madrid Pen Show (the biggest and most appealing pen show in Europe). However in 2017, by a set of curious chances, there has been an unprecedented overlapping between Madrid Pen Show, Seoul Pen Show (another show I have a special bond with) and Tainan Pen show. Well, after hesitating for a while, the 2nd edition of Tainan Pen Show is the choice I made (I love to master new challanges indeed). I never been to Taiwan before despite I have many repeating clients there. So, I jumped in. I must admit that it’s been a long trip (I was strongly jetlegged all times) but now I can say that it was worth it. Well, I flew from Paris to Amsterdam, then from Amsterdam to Taiwan International Airport. So, after a 12h flight I reached the High Speed Train Station and in about 2h journey I finally arrived in Tainan. The Hotel suggested by Dr. Yen (Silks Place) was really good with an excellent service. The day before the show I was invited to dinner with the Staff, some Collectors and dealers (among which my Japanese friend Eizo Fuji – Eurobox). After a spectacular seafood dinner we moved to one of the most important pen shop in Taiwan, called The Pen House. It is a very elegant shop with two-level structure. The First floor is focused mainly on Montblanc and Cartier. On the upper floor you can find many Japanese pens and a tasteful selection of Italian pens other than plenty of inks. The Shop Owner has served us a cup of hot tea and we had a pleasant conversation about pens (both modern and vintge ones). Sunday was the day of the Show. It was a superb show with strong attendances (over a thousand people). The organisers together with the sheer number of vulonteers did a magnificent job. The location was great (National Tainan Living Art Center). The show took place in a large conference room with an excellent illumination. The show was held in a very pleasant atmosphere and we’all shared our passion about writing instruments On Monday I got back to Taipei for a couple of appointments with local Collectors and for a quick sightseeing.
I am quite sure that in the next few years the Tainan Pen Show will corroborate its good reputation and public participation. In my opinion this show has fulfilled all the necessary conditions for becoming a reference point in the Asian pen show scenario. For my part, I will certainly attend the 2018 3rd edition of Tainan pen show and I’m looking forward to it already.
After more than 10 years ever since we joined Ebay, I recently had the opportunity to meet with Deving Wenig (Ebay’s CEO) in Paris. It was a cheerful morning with a very positive atmosphere. I’m grateful to Ebay.fr for the kind invitation.
Ad maiora
Read more →Montblanc 2017 Essential Moment / Singapore, 11 – 13 September 2017 / Location: Capella Hotel, Sentosa Island, Singapore / Launch of Montblanc High Artistry Homage to the Epic of Hannibal Barca series
For over a century Montblanc has developed a unique know-how, combining subtle variations and and adjustments to traditional craftsmanship with high precision and sophisticated technology. The Métiers d’Arts mastery allows the Maison to offer unique pieces of craftsmanship combining an extraordinary art of stone setting, engraving and gold nib crafting among others. This know-how comes to life in the High Artistry pieces, pushing the limits of excellence to an unprecedented level.
During this Essential Moment Montblanc introduced to a very few selected clients (aka imperial clients) a range of fine writing instruments that honour Hannibal Barca, the Carthaginian general, considered one of the greatest military commanders in history. This masterpiece-edition in different limitations (86, 10, 5, 1) merges his outstanding strategy with design codes of the great tactical feats, in which he was involved.
Regardless of the different stylistic choices adopted in the different models, the distinctive feature of this new model is the clip in the shape of an elephant’s head. Between 1920 and 1940 Montblanc has expressed all its creativity giving birth to some very unique clips (of whom the most famous is the iconic Montblanc snake clip). So, there are many examples but I shall limit myself to two; the spectacular silver clips depicting the whole mountain range and the summit of Montblanc were produced for the French market only (https://www.stilusaurea.com/portfolio/octagonal6short/). Equally famous is the Montblanc monkey clip. As far as I know Montblanc never officially made a elephant shaped clip. However this kind of (unbranded) clip were produced between 1920 and 1940 with an interesting art deco design. So, I personally approve this stylistic choice.
You find below a comprehensive presentation of the Hannibal series
Read more →I just got back home from the 2017 Daegu Pen Exhibition. Such a long journey but it was all worth it. I’m heading back home with a lot of good memories indeed. I visited a new city, I met new friends and I shared with the Moonbangsamwoo community members some great moments (one among all, the after-show dinner in a real local Korean restaurant). This was formally the 3rd Daegu Pen Show (first was in 2007, second in 2009) but in a certain way this 2017 Pen Exhibition can be considered the 1st Daegu Pen show to be organized in a proper way. I’m sure that in the next few years this Show will corroborate its good reputation and public participation. A special thank you to Isaac, Hyun, Nara and Faust for making me feel an honoured gust. The year 2017 marked a a strengthening between my company and the two main community of Pen Enthusiast in Korea (Penhood and Moonbangsamwoo). And I am very proud of that. Ad maiora
These are the pens I decided to show during the Pen Exhibition.
Read more →I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that I will be partecipating at the upcoming 2017 Daegu Pen Exhibition.
Thanks to Moonbangsamwoo for the kind invitation.
See you very soon.
Read more →For the very first time I decided, together with my friend Miroslav from Croatia, to attend the San Francisco International Pen Show. The show was held in a very pleasant atmosphere and the organization was definitely professional. I am quite sure that in the next few years this Show will corroborate its good reputation and public participation. For my part, I will certainly attend the 2018 SFPS next year.
Read more →I just got back from the 2017 Washington Pen Show. New location (Marriot instead of Sheraton), same fun. Some random photos below.
Next stop: San Francisco International Pen show (August 25 – 27)
Detailed event program
The pen world has lost a great lady. Susan Wirth Memorial @ Washington DC Supershow.
A splendid MB 138 short ink windowRead more →
Nice Show, as always.
Just some some shots from our table.
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After the excellent results* of the June Sale, Bonhams decided to recall its own history.
The next auction of writing instruments will take place in London (New Bond Street) on Monday 14 December.
Up for bid are an high level European collection of fine writing instruments featuring a large selection of vintage Montblanc and Dunhill – Namiki pens.
Not to be missed event!
*Lot 1126 Sold for US$ 305,000 (€270,366) inc. premium
http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/22406/lot/1126/
Read more →Just back from the Washington DC pen show. Glad to observe how international the pen collecting community is.
Read more →After the success obtained in 1992 by the Hemingway pen (first Montblanc belonging to the writers limited edition serie) the next year the company launched a new model dedicated to the english novelist Agatha Christie based on the classic style of the early 1920s. Two versions came out: one in 925 solid silver and the other one in 925 Vermeil. The same year (1993), MB decided to launch, specifically for the eastern market, a special version decorated by an elaborately made dragon clip. In this case there is a 925 silver version and another version in 750 solid gold limited to 888 pieces worldwide.
Today, after more than 20 years, these pieces are highly appreciated by Montblanc collectors all around the world and the prices of these writing instruments, especially if in perfect condition and complete with all the original packaging and documentations, are greatly growing.
We hope you will like this gallery!
1) MONTBLANC, Writers Limited Edition, Agatha Christie, 925 Sterling silver version, Limitation number 19390/30000, complete with book box, outer box, booklet, international service certificate, international reply card, personal service card. Montblanc two tone 750 18 K Medium nib. Near mint condition, never used, never inked. Black precious resin, 925 sterling silver, snake’s eyes set with rubies.
2) MONTBLANC, Writers
Limited Edition, Agatha Christie, 925 Vermeil version, Limitation number 4385/4810, complete with book box, outer box, original white cardboard sleeve, international service certificate, international reply card, personal service card. Montblanc two tone 750 18 K Fine nib. Near mint condition, never used, never inked. Black precious resin, Vermeil gold plated 925 sterling silver, snake’s eyes set with sapphires.
3) MONTBLANC, Writers
Limited Edition, Imperial Dragon, 925 Sterling Silver version, Limitation number 3310/5000, complete with book box, outer box, original white cardboard sleeve, booklet, international service certificate, international reply card, personal service card. Montblanc 4810 two tone 750 18 K Medium nib. Near mint condition, never used, never inked. Black precious resin, 925 sterling silver, dragon’s eyes set with rubies.
4) MONTBLANC, Writers Limited Edition, Imperial Dragon, 750 Solid Gold version, Limitation number 248/888, complete with book box, outer box, original white cardboard sleeve, booklet, international service certificate, international reply card, personal service card. Montblanc 4810 two tone 750 18 K Medium nib. Near mint condition, never used, never inked. Black precious resin, 750 solid gold, dragon’s eyes set with sapphires.
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We just got back from Cologne. The 2014 edition has seen a good audience participation. Mostly old pens. It has been the opportunity to meet colleagues and friends from around the world. Next meeting at which we will participate: Nuremberg.
This is the official link of the event: http://www.collectiblestars.de/treffen_mein2013.html
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