November's New Pens

As well as unseasonably warm (is it really just me?!) November is also proving to be an excellent month for new pens at Write Here! Most of our favourite manufacturers have sent us releases for a new fountain pen, most limited edition, in time to tempt us for Christmas. Here's a summary of some of the most exciting...

Magna Classic Tortoiseshell

 

The latest in Onoto’s Manga Classic range of pens, the Tortoiseshell edition of the Magna Classic collection is crafted in resin, shaded in a pleasing combination of amber, copper, bronze and chocolate – perfectly warm and reminiscent of autumn as the weather apparently gets colder and darker in this part of the world. We were lucky enough to get a sneak preview of this pen at our October pen evening, and can confirm that it is both substantial and wonderfully balanced. Tempted? You can have a closer look here.

Piri Reis 

For their latest limited edition, Omas have decided to honour the great Ottoman explorer and map maker Piri Reis as in 2013 we have reach the 500^th Anniversary since he produced the First World Map. I was excited just by seeing the box. The Piri Reis limited edition is produced in three editions, the 1513 in rose gold, the Book of Navigation in white gold and diamond, and the 500th Anniversary edition. Like all Omas limited editions, it has a lot of character, a story to tell, and strong ties to history which it expresses in the tiny elements of design which make the limited editions classic, and interesting. You can read about the background and history of Piri Reis on our website.

We’ve had it said to us many a time that there aren't enough wooded pens, and happily each Piri Reis design incorporates elements of oak wood to represent the sailing galleon that unlocked the edges of the earliest world maps. Wood and gold - an interesting mix of medium, and an unusual one! These editions have their unique meanings and ties to the history of Piri Reis – the 500^th Anniversary is made in 500 pieces, the 1513 has only been produced in 10 pieces (the sum of 1, 5, 1, 3).(And there are only 10 surviving copies of the first edition of Piri Reis' Book of Navigation).

 

Conway Stewart’s Blue Laurel 

 

We think the Blue Laurel, the latest of the Elegance series of fountain pens is exquisite, and it is one of my favourites as I tend to like all things blue and silver. Conway Stewart have mentioned that this edition is destined to become a classic and the royal blue enamel  and guilloche engraved silver is certainly striking. Only 30 numbered fountain pens are being made in this festive-inspired limited edition.

 Sailor’s 1911 Black Luster

The new Black Luster from Sailor is the latest in their 1911 series and has been hinted at as a pen for men. Stylish black, complimented with black ion fittings, this fountain pen is designed to be understated and a darker interpretation of classic Sailor design. We don’t have any of these pens in stock, as they’re not released until mid December, but get in touch if you’d like to be on the waiting list.

 

Winner of our Omas Art Deco Fountain Pen

We are very pleased to (belatedly) announce the winner of our Fountain Pen Day competition! A big congratulations (and soon the Omas) go to Bob Jenkins, who made us 'ooh', 'aww' and smile with his email entry reflecting on the importance of letter writing during the First World War - and his plans to celebrate both Fountain Pen Day and the removal of his plaster cast by visiting the fracture clinic of his local hospital. I've copied part of his entry below, to share with you all:

"It’s astonishing that by the start of the Great War in 1914, letter writing was already becoming a lost art, but oh, how important it suddenly became once more. In far more recent decades, I witnessed something similar for myself. Stationed in a remote garrison before the advent of the e mail or text message, men would find some pretence to drift into the unit lines whenever the afternoon mail was expected. They were strangely reluctant to admit their anticipation and would camouflage any disappointment with a shrug of indifference and the oft spoken lie, “I wasn’t expecting anything, anyway.” And then, the remarkable love and affection for comrades which the coarse and brutal soldiery keep well hidden, would suddenly be revealed in all of its glory as someone would casually respond “It’s alright, chum. You can have a read of mine when I’m finished.”  Just like that. No doubt or hesitation; Just as if sharing the intimacy of personal correspondence from a friend, family member or lover was a completely natural, rather than a completely wonderful act of selfless trust and generosity.

A letter can be the most priceless and humanizing of gifts. Unlike instant messaging, it requires a more delicate talent which guards against the use of hastily uttered or ill considered words. It is capable of delivering the most exquisite intellectual pleasure and providing both the writer and the reader with a delightful sojourn from the daily norm. It can be the messenger of sympathy or love. It can convey consolation, intimacy, opportunity or congratulations whilst creating subtle atmosphere and exchanging empathy like no other means of communication. It can possess the power and the poignancy to transcend time and leave its mark on history.

Let weighty tomes and lengthy transcripts tell of the misadventures and achievements of humankind, but in all probability, it will be the humble, handwritten letter that will reach out more truly, more thrillingly and more timelessly to readers past and present.

Oh, and by the way, I shall be celebrating international fountain pen day (and this is absolutely true) with a visit to the fracture clinic of the Princess Royal Hospital. I broke a bone in my right forearm a few weeks ago and I haven’t been able to use my right hand since. Happily, it’s much easier to type left handed than to write, but with luck, from Friday the 1^st of November, I shall once again be able to use my trusty fountain pen properly. Perhaps, I’ll write a letter to someone for no especial reason, other than that I can. It would seem the appropriate manner in which to celebrate international fountain pen day."

Congratulations again to Bob - well done!