Ciao, OMAS!

The worldwide fountain pen community expressed a collective, solemn lament as news broke that Italian pen-maker OMAS, after celebrating its 90th anniversary last year, had become defunct. It was an outcome that we all hoped would be avoided with an 11th hour intervention. There were buyers that were looking to save the company and keep the doors open. Unfortunately, the deals had fallen through and the company shuttered its doors for the foreseeable future.

As there are still interested parties looking to purchase what is left of the company, OMAS fans can hold onto hope that, some years from now, we may see a resurrection of the brand. However, at the time of this writing, we are looking at a dwindling inventory of OMAS pens world-wide.

I thought it would be important to note that I'm writing the first draft of this post with an OMAS Ogiva Cocktail fountain pen. Now, more than ever, I treasure my pens for their uniqueness and craftsmanship. Being that I have a personal affection for the brand, I wanted to see the last OMAS pens be put in the hands of true fans and writing enthusiasts. So, we're throwing a special going-away party!

"Ciao" in Italian could mean either "hello" or "goodbye," depending on the context it is being used. Therefore, it is with much respect and fondness that we invite you to our Ciao, OMAS farewell party. We might be saying "goodbye," but for anyone that is purchasing a new OMAS, it is time to say "hello" to your new pen.

OMAS Ogiva Cocktail Limited Edition

Goldspot Pens has acquired a number of OMAS pens from what was left at the US distributor and Japan. At the start of our party, we're offering our stock of Arte Italiana, Ogiva Cocktail, Bologna, 360, and more at a discount, including free, insured shipping anywhere in the USA. We're also hosting a giveaway of the rare Milady ballpoint pen that you can enter here. Help us get the word out to OMAS fans everywhere and you can possibly win an OMAS pen. Enter the giveaway by using the form below (if it is closed, the giveaway is over).

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All of our OMAS pens were acquired through authorized distribution and are still covered under a 3-year warranty. Contact Kenro Industries (US OMAS distributor) to arrange the pen to be sent for warranty service only. For any repairs that are outside of the warranty, or are user-related (dropped nib, crushed pen, etc), contact Classic Fountain Pens directly.

Each OMAS pen purchased from Goldspot Pens is new, in box with the original booklet / papers. They are all covered under our return policy, which allows you to return, for any reason, within 15 days of purchase with the option to exchange or refund. Please note returns for refund will incur a 15% restocking fee from the total amount.

OMAS Bologna, Reintroduced

We will be listing new pens all week. To kick off the party, we added an entire collection that hasn't been seen in the United States in some years. The Bologna is a rounded and tapered OMAS pen that comfortably sits in your hand. The eye-catching, pearlescent acrylic resin is a sight to behold, adding a dimension of luxury that OMAS is known for. The fountain pen fills by cartridge or converter. The 14kt gold nib glides smoothly, engraved with a graphic of Bologna's famous porticoes. The twist-action ballpoint is loaded with an easy-flow, Parker-style refill and is also emblazoned with an image of a portico on the nosecone of the pen. Shop Now.

If you enjoy OMAS ink and are looking to get stocked up for some time, we still have bottled ink and ink cartridges in a variety of colors. We are trying to stay on top of our website to remove items as soon as they are sold, but undoubtedly we will become oversold, but we will notify you as soon as possible if a discrepancy occurs to see if another option, or a refund, is preferred.

As a bonus, we're offering a complimentary bottle of OMAS Violet with any purchase of $150 or more (can include OMAS or other brands of products). Use promo code OMASPARTY during checkout and the ink will be added to your order with a discount to offset the cost.

OMAS 90th Anniversary Icons Celluloid Set Review

So, there's a lot going on over at OMAS that serves as a pretext to this 90th Anniversary celebratory set. Presently, the Chinese holding company that owns 90% of the Italian pen company want to liquidate the company. To save it, the employees at OMAS are making a bid to take back the company. The OMAS US distributor has indicated that two companies are interested in purchasing the company.

We wish the employees of OMAS the best of luck during the trying time. All OMAS pen fans are pulling for this transition to continue the manufacture of their writing instruments for the foreseeable future. Hopefully, a capable company will purchase OMAS and allow it to keep making awesome fountain pens like the ones included in this 90th Anniversary Set.

It seems rather ironic that a company would go to such lengths to produce a limited edition that celebrates a milestone in glamorous fashion. Meanwhile, the rug gets pulled out from under them with the possibility of never seeing the 91st anniversary. Well, lets cut short the commentary and talk about this awesome, limited set of delicious, celluloid fountain pens.

First, a little history and background on the creation of this set, taken from Kenro Industries' website :

Exactly 90 years ago, on June 15, 1925, Armando Simoni founded in Bologna Officina Meccanica Armando Simoni. Thus was made OMAS, a workshop that would become in later years one of the most significant expressions of "made in Italy" and prestigious player of high-end writing instruments.

The set celebrating the 90th Anniversary dedicated to Historical OMAS’s Shapes, has been therefore made with the same passion of our Founder. Created by hand entirely in celluloid, the set is composed by The Paragon Vintage piston filling fountain pens, designed by Armando Simoni in 1931, Ogiva model original designed in 1927 and 360 model created in 1996. The set is realized with historical celluloid Pearl Grey.

The exclusive Limited and Numbered 90 Sets are enriched, for the first time, by special engraving on the ring, placed to celebrate the nine decades of history.

Available in silver finish with odd numbers and gold trim with even numbers.

The 90th Anniversary "Icons" perfectly fits the bill when it comes to what you would expect of a pen that celebrates the history and distinction of this pen company. They take three of their most recognizable and beloved models, cast them in a material (celluloid) that isn't used often by other pen manufacturers and fit nib sizes that no contemporary pen maker can match. In short, this isn't just a run-of-the mill re-hash of a glory-days pen model with a cheap stainless steel nib slapped on it (*cough* Esterbrook *cough*). The 90th Anniversary Set is a legitimate collection of pens that, while expensive, totally cater to the fountain pen enthusiast that loves to write.

The Epic Unboxing

Anyone who has purchased an OMAS pens know that the Italian company does not skimp on packaging. The pen boxes are usually given a substantial amount of attention, with soft, fabric-lined interiors and a single pen sleeve that carries your brand-new pen. The 90th Anniversary set takes packaging to the next level with a pen chest with a rose, velvet-like top. Opening the top reveals all three pens, laying in their own spot. Each pen is slid into a textured, leather pen sleeve imprinted with the OMAS logo. A special booklet is also included that talks about the history and includes the edition number that matches your set.

The Arte Italiana Milord with 18kt BBB Nib

The Arte Italiana is one of my favorite OMAS models. The 12 faceted sides are excellent for taking photos. You never have to worry about one rolling off on you! The Milord model is usually built with a cartridge or converter, but for the purposes of this limited edition, a piston-filling mechanism is installed in this pen.

I wasn't sure what to expect from the 18kt triple broad nib. Originally, I was thinking that it would be just a really, really broad nib.  And yes, it is broad. I can almost paint the trim in my room with  how thick it is. What I wasn't expecting was the stubbiness of the nib. A thick, vertical stroke is contrasted with a noticeably thinner horizontal line.

The Ogiva with 14kt Extra Flessibile Fine Nib

I'm still fawning over the Ogiva Cocktail that was recently reviewed (and I recently purchased...yay employee discount). My Ogiva has the extra flessibile nib and the one on the 90th Anniversary pen does not disappoint. The flex on this nib offers excellent variation and soft springiness that allows you to throw additional flourish into your writing.

The pearl grey celluloid is especially striking on this smooth, rounded profile model. The gold bands on the cap and before the section threads are intricately engraved with Greek key frets. The band at the section has "9OMAS" and "Anniversary" engraved on it.

The 360 with 18kt Medium Nib

The triangular 360 is one of the more recent OMAS models that has a distinctive, three-sided profile. In contrast to the Arte & Ogiva, the 360 is a snap cap design with a triangular grip to match the body of the pen.

The 18kt gold nib in medium point is a perfect, middle-of-the-road writing nib. The triangular section is easy to hold. The girth and balance of the pen would make the 360 an ideal choice for long writing sessions. In comparison with the flexible 14kt nib on the Ogiva and the ultra-thick 18kt BBB nib on the Arte, the medium writing nib on the 360 is a welcome, moderate choice for those who may not need to do flex in their writing or paint a house with the triple broad.

A Few Final Words

Summary :

• Writing Quality : OMAS has put themselves forward as one of the premier "writing" fountain pen brands that focuses on enhancing the writing experience. Offering a new nib along with nibs that simply don't exist in the current market make these pens hard to imitate. (grade A)
• Aesthetic Quality : Celluloid is steadily becoming harder to find in the world of pens. And, when a pen is made of it, the price is usually much higher due to the rarity and difficulty to manufacture the material. The grey celluloid has plenty of chatoyance and the trims are sublime. (grade A+)
• Utility : Every pen fills via piston, so points for ink capacity. The packaging isn't the most shelf-friendly, but if you're planning on showing off the set in a glass display, the box is rather impressive. The pen sleeves are a nice touch to protect your pens. (grade B+)
• Price : $3,550 Retail. Yikes! The sticker shock is overwhelming for most. Each of the models separately are  being currently sold in other materials (besides celluloid) for a fraction of the cost. To argue for the price, the set is only a 90 piece edition and they are made of celluloid. (grade C)

Final Grade : A-
Regardless of the fate of OMAS after 2015, this 90th Anniversary Celluloid Icon set is a testament to a company that is built upon artful quality and an excellent writing experience. 3 classic models, all in piston-fill with 3 fantastic nibs. What else can an FP Geek ask for? Maybe a second mortgage?

OMAS Ogiva Cocktail Limited Edition Fountain Pen Review

Go ahead and sit while I fix you a drink. What'll it be?

OMAS Ogiva Cocktail : Blue Angel, Vodka Lemon & Bloody Mary

Some prefer a mixed cocktail to unwind and loosen their tongues. I think you'll agree that a beautiful fountain pen in hand is as enjoyable to hold and is capable of the same effect.

In particular, the 2015 limited edition from OMAS is intoxicating and absolutely irresistible for fountain pen writing enthusiasts. The Ogiva Cocktail is the sequel to the 2014 Ogiva Alba limited edition demonstrators. If their popularity is any indicator of how quickly these pens will be imbibed by collectors, you better belly up to the bar quick before it's "last call."

Limited to 327 pieces of each color, the Ogiva Cocktail is available in three colors : Blue Angel, Vodka Lemon (yellow) and Bloody Mary (deep red). The Ogiva model has a rounded profile and flutes that run down the cap and barrel. The classic appeal of the profile is matched with silver trims and a cap band that has engraved Greek key work.

The translucent cotton resin on the Cocktail is stated by OMAS to be more durable than standard acrylic resins. The bright yellow of the Vodka Lemon is cheery and, by far, the most transparent of the three. The rich, blood red of the Bloody Mary is trumped by the cobalt blue of the Blue Angel for the most opaque material.

OMAS deluxe gift box for the Ogiva Cocktail

Dimensions:

• Length - Body 105mm (4.13in)
• Length - Cap 70mm (2.76in)
• Length - Overall (Closed) 146mm (5.75in)
• Length - Overall (Posted) 172mm (6.77in)
• Diameter - Body 13mm (0.51in)
• Diameter - Section 11mm (0.43in)
• Weight 22g (0.78oz)

From a fountain pen geek point-of-view, there's a lot to love about this pen. The heart of the argument is the nib. Most pen manufacturers are sizing down their inventory of nib variations, with most only offering fine and/or medium in their fountain pens. OMAS is going in the opposite direction and is offering this limited edition in a whopping 9 nib types : double broad, broad, medium, fine, extra-fine, stub (18kt) / extra-flessible extra-fine, extra-flessible fine, and extra-flessible medium (14kt).

The 18kt gold set of writing nibs are non-flexible and offer a high-quality writing nib for general purpose use. The stub 18kt gold nib offers a great deal of line variation with thick vertical strokes and thin horizontal lines. The extra-flessible 14kt nibs are a whole other experience that is to be savored for those who appreciate writing with a flex nib. The extra-flessible can be written with like a standard extra-fine, fine or medium writing nib. Once you flex the tines by applying gentle finger pressure at the right angle on a downstroke, the tines spread to paint ink on the paper like a brush. Much like the Pilot / Namiki Falcon, the OMAS extra-flessible is your go-to for contemporary flex nib writing quality.

The Ogiva has an internal piston mechanism that drinks in the ink much more than your standard cartridge or converter. Being able to see through the tinted, cotton resin, a writer can see exactly how much ink is left sloshing around inside the barrel.

Grabbing a drink of Kon-Peki, the OMAS Ogiva Cocktail Blue Angel gets taken for a spin around some paper to get a feel for how this pen writes. The pen posts rather long, at over 6 1/2 inches in total length. It is a shallow post, so I was concerned the cap is connecting directly on the blind cap that operates the piston. Thankfully, it doesn't, and I was able to post & un-post the cap without moving the piston (and getting ink all over the place). The pen does not feel too long with the cap posted. Due to the lighter weight of the cotton resin, the pen is comfortable to write with for long periods of time.

The section steps down twice from the fluted barrel. There isn't much of a lip between step from barrel to section and screw threads to front nib section. The section between the threads and the barrel is where the limited edition number is engraved. This area is particularly useful to grip if you are writing in "flex mode" and need to hold the pen at an angle more acutely to the paper. The same Greek key design on the cap band wraps around the end of the section and is a classy accent to the overall design.

Writing with the extra-fine, extra-flessible 14kt nib, I immediately went to testing out the flex. I routinely write with vintage flex nibs and can tell you that the OMAS extra-flessible is the real deal. With no pressure, the nib writes a delicate extra fine. With flex, the tines spread out to provide a thick, double-broad line. Easing up on the pen returns the tines back to their original position smoothly and quickly. Take a look at the writing samples and the video to get a sense for how well this nib performs in providing flourish and high degree of line variation.

Writing with this pen is an absolute pleasure. The size is just right to either write posted or with cap-in-hand. The flex on this "flessible" nib is a writer's inky dream. I like to take detailed notes, and being able to write with a standard, extra-fine writing nib is perfect for quick jotting. When I'm writing thank you notes or signing consignment forms, then I can bust out the big, bad flex to really let this nib do what it was made to do.

OMAS kindly provided us with a 90th anniversary 5" x 7" journal for us to do with as we please, so we're giving it away in celebration of this mighty fine writing instrument! Use the form below to enter. You have until Tuesday, October 20th at 2pm Eastern time to enter. Be sure to tell your friends!

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A Few Final Words

Summary :

• Writing Quality : I get #drunkonflex every time I write with this pen. Although writing with the pen normally is quite satisfying, flexing the tines allows the writer to experience writing on a whole other level (grade A+)
• Aesthetic Quality : Classic profile with fluted, column-like barrel and cap with greek key fret silver bands is like a renaissance in pen design, taking influence from greco-roman architecture. The colors of the cotton resins are outstandingly beautiful. (grade A+)
• Utility : The wheel clip is a bit tight, which is my one and only gripe about this pen. You can get loaded on a ton of ink with the large, internal capacity. The cap posts nicely and feels great in-hand for long writing sessions. (grade A-)
• Price : $495 Retail. Not an inexpensive value pen, but certainly worth the money, considering the level of nib quality from OMAS. Add in the fact that these are part of a small limited edition that is destined to sell out quickly, these pens will be going for a premium sometime in the near future. (grade A-)

Final Grade : A
If you ask me which pens I'm going to be writing with for the next few months, this OMAS will most likely be on the top of my everyday carry. With the vintage-style, flexible nib, large ink capacity and classic style, this is a pen that I can't stop looking at, let alone put away in my pen case. Be sure to get your OMAS Ogiva Cocktail pen before supplies run dry!

Visconti Millennium Arc 2015 Edition Sneak Peek

I'm going to precede this article with a disclaimer : I've lusted after the original Visconti Millennium Arc I, II & III fountain pens that were released at the turn of this new century (hence the name).

I don't have an original photo, but the originals were a limited edition that are rare these days, but some are available used or new if you hunt for them on the 'net. Combine the style of the Homo Sapiens Crystal Swirl with a arc-filling fountain pen and you've got the original Millennium Arc collection. There was a red, blue and orange, all with 18kt gold nibs and all absolutely delicious to behold.

Earlier this year, when I was on the phone with one of our associates over at Coles of London (Visconti's US distributor), I nearly drooled into my headset when informed that the Millennium Arc would be making a comeback in 2015.

"Great," I thought. After deleting my "millennium arc" saved search on eBay, I've been patiently waiting for the first new information on this re-released limited edition.

The photos came first. I'll be honest, I was disappointed they weren't demonstrators like the previous models. I loved the swirling pattern on the barrels. That style was what made the Homo Sapiens limited edition, and the Opera Master Demonstrators so successful. I could understand why they would not want to re-release the same exact pen, but I was secretly hoping it would be close.

That being said, I do like the new "Moonlight" and "Rainbow" finishes. The Moonlight colors (green, burgundy and blue) are Italian acrylic resins that exhibit a high degree of chatoyance (I learned of that word from Brian at Edison Pens - thanks Brian!). The Rainbow takes a different approach with stacked colors of the rainbow with a dark blue cap. Although it is quite funky, I can dig it!

The other big departure from the original collection is the nib. Visconti is using the Chromium 18 tubular nib on the new Millennium Arc. For those who are new to the nib, Visconti introduced it 3 years ago with the Mosquito-filling tool that allows for the user to fill their pen similar to a Sheaffer Snorkel. A long tube is connected to the nib and feed, fitting over like a sleeve. It allows a mess-free fill from a bottle of ink. Although the Arcs will have the Smartouch nib, they will not include the mosquito fill device.

Filling up the Arc Filler

Moving the locking clip around to allow the arc to depress, I submerge the entire nib into the bottle of ink up to the start of the section. My index finger firmly presses on the arc to expel the air from the sac that is inside the barrel. Bubbles appear in the ink as a result. I let go of the arc to allow the sac to expand again, creating a vacuum and drawing the ink through the feed, up into the sac. The pressing and releasing is repeated a few times until bubbles stop surfacing.

Writing with the Smartouch Chromium 18 Nib

Putting the pen to paper, the Smartouch nib feels like it needs a little time to be broken in. The ink flow comes out wet, but I think there is a case of baby's bottom that is causing the nib to miss randomly. A little work with a micromesh pad should get the nib writing like it's on a plate of glass. For what it's worth, European-made, high-end pens tend to be culprits of this problem, but for a $350 pen, the end-user should have a writing instrument that sings right out of the box.

The nib does exhibit a slight degree of expressiveness when flexed. It may not be an intentional part of the design. Coles of London has advised that, although it is a steel nib, the Smartouch does exhibit a small degree of flex.

The metal section can be a turn-off to some, especially those who have a higher degree of perspiration on their hands. The metal does add a bit more weight to the pen, which feels more comfortable to write with unposted.

A Few Choice Words

Visconti Millennium Arc Moonlight & Rainbow Limited Edition Fountain Pens
Filling System : Arc Filler
Nib : Smartouch Chromium 18
Price : Fountain Pen $349, Rollerball $299
Available : in October

If you would like to be notified when this pen becomes available for order, please SIGN UP FOR OUR E-MAIL NEWSLETTER LIST. If you would like to place a pre-order, please call Goldspot at 800-963-7367 and mention you saw the Millennium Arc on our blog and would like to secure your piece.

Pilot Vanishing Point 2015 Twilight Limited Edition Fountain Pen - Sneak Peek

You can imagine how our faces lit up when we received a special package from Pilot with the new 2015 limited edition Twilight Vanishing Point inside. We shared some images from Pilot a couple weeks back when news first broke about this ombre color fountain pen. We think its a real stunner and, as far as we've seen from the reaction online, a lot of you think so as well.

Most of you who are lusting after this pen may already have a Vanishing Point, so I won't go into talking about how the pen fills up, writes or feels in-hand. You already know that. What makes the Twilight special is the finish. Besides being a limited production with the edition number engraved on the center band, the metallic barrel is distinctively designed with a gradient that runs from an icy blue to a royal purple toward the nib end. The metallic quality of the color is similar to that of the Vanishing Point Metallics that were released in 2014.

The Pilot VP Twilight's color feels like you're standing at the edge of a glacier with your breath steaming in front of your face. Nightfall is coming and the only thing on your mind is getting a shelter up before the brutal cold sets in.

It will still be a while until we expect the limited edition to be released in the United States. Some retailers are listing this pen on their websites, but we are not going to be listing it until we know the pens are due to arrive on a specific date. If you would like to place a pre-order, we are guaranteed a very limited amount of these pens, so please give us a call during business hours and we'll take care of you if we still can. Reference part number P60403. Price : $240 USD.

The packaging is gleaming white, with an accent panel at the front that is colored with the same gradient that matches the pen. The Pilot Logo is stamped on the top lid in an icy blue color.

The Vanishing Point Twilight comes with a medium point, 18kt gold nib with rhodium plating (to match the silver trims and clip) as a standard configuration. It can accept any of the replacement Pilot Vanishing Point fountain pen nibs. If you have a specific request for a particular nib size, we can accommodate you with an extra-fine, fine, broad or 1.0mm stub nib.

Also available soon will be the small, sample bottle sizes of the Pilot Iroshizuku inks. Each of these inks will be included in a three pack of 15mL bottles, which is a great gift for the writing aficionado.

New 2015 Pilot Metropolitan Retro, VP Limited Edition Twilight, Iroshizuku Mini Bottles

I have my credit card out and ready for Pilot to take more of my fountain pen monies.

This Fall, we're anticipating this year's 2015 Vanishing Point limited edition, along with all-new colors for the Metropolitan (MR) line and super adorbs Iroshizuku ink bottles.

The 2015 limited edition Vanishing Point is called "Twilight" and has a ombre style gradient that blends from a chilly ice blue to a royal purple down at the nib end. 850 pieces are expected to be distributed within the United States. We are expected to have a few when they are released in October. If you are interested in placing a pre-order, please contact our customer service department directly and we will secure one for you.

The Pilot VP Twilight is expected to list for $240 and is available with the factory-installed medium point 18kt gold nib with rhodium plating. Upon request, we can exchange that nib for any available rhodium-plated nib size, including extra-fine, fine, medium, broad or the new 1.0mm stub. Each pen is presented in an exclusive edition gift box seen in the image above.

The Pilot Metropolitan (MR) has quickly become a staple item for every beginner fountain pen user. The low price point, smooth writing experience, elegant style and reliable construction make this pen a great everyday writing pen. The new Retro Pop line extension adds more colorful fun to the line.

Pilot Metropolitan MR Retro Pop - Which is your favorite?

The new Metroplitan Retro Pop colors are due to arrive in the USA by November. The six finishes will be available in ballpoint, rollerball and steel nib fountain pen. They will be available on Goldspot Pens for pre-order a little closer to the date of their arrival.

Although the Pilot mini Iroshizuku ink bottles have already made their way into the US with some customers ordering direct from Japan, Pilot USA intends to start carrying the 3-pack of inky cuteness in the late fall. Initially, there will be a release of 850 bottles and they will retail for $40 for a 3-pack.

Last, but not least, Pilot has started to ship their replacement nibs for the Vanishing Point fountain pen in the 1.0mm stub nib. This will be offered on select Pilot Vanishing Point fountain pens and sold separately so you may swap out your current VP nib.

As always, be the first to know when these new pens are in-stock by signing up on our e-mail newsletter. Besides a weekly newsletter of goings on, we also e-mail new stock alerts and sale opportunities.

The $10,000 Montegrappa Q1 Fountain Pen - a 360 Look

When a $10,000 fountain pen comes walking through your door, it's hard to resist sharing the hands-on experience.

You may have heard about the Montegrappa Q1 back when it made a flashy debut in Baselworld earlier this year. A fountain pen that can change ink color at will. At first, one could imagine that this is a "game changer" of a pen. The idea of being able to change ink colors on the fly would be revolutionary and hard to replicate with current cartridge / converter technologies. Then, I saw the price tag.

A whopping $10 G's.

Well, at least the idea is noteworthy. Although wildly impractical for the average fountain pen end-user, the years of development and investment in patenting this concept may eventually translate into a version of the pen that can be somewhat accessible to the other 99%.

Courtesy of Kenro Industries' Blog

The Q1 is limited to 100 pieces world wide and is crafted from solid titanium and genuine Italian leather. The design of the pen is reminiscent a revolver pistol. The cap and blind cap unlatch with a bolt-action lock mechanism. The blind cap is attached with a piece of leather to keep the cap from being misplaced while changing ink colors.

The active chamber slot has the piercing feed mechanism that leads to the nib's feeder. The other three chambers are plugged with a small metal stopper that prevents the ink from the open cartridges from leaking or drying out when not in use.

Courtesy of Kenro Industries' Blog

The solid 18kt gold nib is standard issue for Montegrappa on a limited edition pen of this value. The heft and weight in-hand is quite significant, like holding a .45 caliber pistol in your hand. The sample piece that our representative had brought to the office had a broken nib, otherwise we would have inked it up for a writing sample.

Although the pen is way out of the ballpark in terms of price, it certainly is noteworthy and interesting to look at. Hopefully, Montegrappa will use this patented technology to bring a more economic version of this pen to market.

What do you think? Would you be interested in a fountain pen that can change between 4 colors on a whim? Or is it just a novelty that wears itself thin quickly? How much would you pay for such a fountain pen?

This Just In - Hot Retro 51 Summer Pen Releases

This summer, Retro 1951 is making a splash with its new editions, including a limited sterling silver pen and a special, numbered Tornado to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the company.

Vintage Metalsmith Tornado Juliet
Retro 51 has fallen in love with designs that give the feeling of antique or rustic quality. The Juliet gives the impression of a tree design with a heart and arrow going through it, as if it were scrawled by a star-crossed lover. It would be a neat idea if a couple wanted to have their initials engraved in the center of the heart.

Big Shot Blue Agave
The Retro 51 Big Shot offers a thickness and weight superior to the Tornado, while keeping the same tapered profile and function. The Blue Agave has a pleasing matte blue finish with a dimpled diamond pattern that wraps around the V-Shaped profile.

Tornado Snapper Black Cherry
Click - Click. The Snapper looks similar to the original Tornado, but the knurled crown atop the pen is click-action instead of twist. An easy flow 9000 ballpoint refill is installed for long writing sessions. The Black Cherry is a glossy, red-black color that is rich and subtle.

Tornado EXT Fountain Pen Marlin
Truly the most appropriate summer color of the bunch, the Marlin was recently released as a Tornado rollerball and now is available as a fountain pen that uses both international-sized ink cartridges or a converter for bottled ink (included). The swirling blue acrylic is deep and undulating like the open ocean. The stainless steel nib, available in medium point only, is reliable and provides a smooth, flowing line.

Big Shot Natural Titanium
Made with recreational grade Titanium, this generously-sized rollerball pen has a solid feel of metal in-hand. The silver accents are done with rhodium plating on the clip and trim.

Tornado 25th Anniversary
Numbered, but not limited, this commemorative Tornado marks the 25th year of the Retro 51 brand with an acid etched, repeating pattern of "25" that wraps around the entire barrel. The design is plated in a stonewashed pewter finish to give the material a vintage look. The clip and trims are plated in gleaming rhodium silver.

Tornado Limited Edition Sterling Silver
Retro 51 took Tornadoes to the next level with this beautiful, lined, .925 sterling silver finish barrel. These are numbered and limited to 180 pieces. Contrary to other Retro 51 pens' packaging, this special Tornado is packaged in a Piano lacquered wood gift box, complete with a polishing cloth to keep that silver finish gleaming.

As of this posting, we have all of these Summer 2015 Retro 51 styles available and in-stock. Some, including the Limited Edition Sterling Silver rollerball, will be limited in inventory, so be sure to get your order in ASAP to guarantee a piece for your collection.

First Look : Waterman Ombres et Lumieres Special Edition

Waterman, Paris introduces the 2015 special edition Ombres et Lumieres to follow up their 2014 Blue Obsession line extensions of their most popular pen models. This time around, the Carene, Perspective, Expert III and Hemisphere get a noir makeover inspired by the chic Parisian fashion trends that focus on the interaction of light and shadow.

The glossy black lacquer seems to dissolve into the matte white, silkscreened with dots that scatter down the end of the pen. It can remind one of the glittering lights of Paris against the dark or the bright lights reflecting on the rippling waters of the river Siene.

The Ombres et Lumieres is an elegant and tasteful finish that fits well with Waterman's European fashion sensibilities.

The Carene Ombres et Lumieres is the lone fountain pen in the group that sports an 18k solid gold nib in either medium or fine and is rhodium plated to match the palladium silver finished trims.
All other fountain pens in the collection use a stainless steel nib. Nibs will be available in fine or medium point sizes and fill using ink cartridges or converter.

Matching ballpen and rollerball pens are also available in every Ombres et Lumieres model. Each pen is gift boxed and wrapped with an exclusive themed sleeve.

The arrival timeline for the Ombres et Lumieres is early April. We will be adding them to the current Waterman lines on our website and will accept pre-orders soon.

---Edit : May 29th, 2015 - Ombres et Lumieres is now available and we have stock on sale at Goldspot Pens.

A 360 Look at the OMAS William Shakespeare Limited Edition

OMAS is known for their lavish limited editions. Crafted from precious materials and limited to only a few hundred pens world-wide, each limited quickly becomes a piece that is highly sought after by collectors. The William Shakespeare Limited Edition of 450 fountain pens and 234 rollerballs is certainly going to be a collector's item sooner than later.

This OMAS pen has the total package, quite literally. The wooden, hinged box opens up to display like a vintage writing desk. The fountain pen comes with a red wax sealed ink bottle with the WS signet impressed upon the wax. The pen sits atop the soft OMAS blue pen sleeve. Pulling the tab on the other half of the box reveals the "secret" compartment where the certification papers and information booklet is stored.

The pen itself is a true sight to behold. The natural feeling of the oak barrel is warm and smooth to the touch. The engraved sterling silver cap and appointments set a beautiful contrast. The detail on the engravings are exquisite and are best viewed as full screen (on the internet here) or through a jeweler's loupe. The style of the engraving is captured after the artistic friezes from Shakespeare's time. The most recognizable trait of the cap, Shakespeare's portrait, is done exceptionally well and with a keen eye for detail.

At a substantial 3 ounces, the William Shakespeare Limited Edition is no lightweight of a pen. The cap does not post to the backend of the pen, so your writing weight of just the pen body is 1.2 ounces. Holding the pen in-hand would make you think that good ol' Shakespeare would have loved to write with one of these rather than a quill and ink pot.

OMAS William Shakespeare Specs
Weight : 3 oz
Weight Uncapped : 1.2 oz
Pen Capped : 5 7/8" Length
Pen Uncapped : 5 1/4" Length
Cap Width : 5/8" Diameter at thickest
Cap Length : 2 5/8"
Grip Width : 7/16" Diameter

Purchase your William Shakespeare Ltd Edition at Goldspot Pens and get Free Shipping and the best price on the internet.

Get them Before they Pop Off the Shelves - Retro 51 Bandit Tornado Pens

The latest Limited Edition from Retro 1951 is the Bandit Popper. Each of the three colorful bandana design pens are limited to 300 pieces worldwide. The Popper Editions sell out very quickly, and we do have a limited supply, so be sure to spur your horse and get to buying one of these pens before they vanish into the desert, partner.

Retro 51 Tornado pens are refillable using either the short Schmidt capless rollerball style refill (P8126) or the Parker-Style Ballpoint/Gel refill. Be sure to stock up on your refills and save on volume purchases using our sister website, RefillFinder.com, where we offer refills for the Tornado and thousands of other pens, including bottled inks and Filofax refills.

Twilight Stars Robert Pattinson Gifts $40k Pen to Kristen Stewart

Hot on the celebrity gossip columns today is a story involving a very, very expensive pen. When Twilight co-stars and boyfriend/girlfriend Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart exchange gifts, they don't simply pick up a Hallmark card and chocolates from the local drug store. No, they take out the Black AmEx to spend the equivalent of what most would consider to be a down payment on a house. Pattinson reportedly spent $40,000 on a Tibaldi Bentley Crewe 18k white gold fountain pen.

That is certainly some pen. I would have loved to be the salesperson getting the commission for that sale! I think that would have deserved a vacation!

Monteverde Invincia Grand Prix Unboxing and Review Video

Last year, we introduced our first limited edition set of Monteverde Pens called the Invincia Grand Prix. The Grand Prix is an exclusive collection of racing-inspired pens available in twist-action ballpen, smooth-writing rollerball and old-fashioned fountain pen with a black stainless steel nib. It only took us a few months, but we've got our dedicated video reviewer Mike Jones to produce a video of his unboxing and review of the Invincia Grand Prix fountain pen in Laguna Seca Blue.

In this video, we review :

• The exclusive Monteverde Invincia Grand Prix white box sleeve.
• The Invincia Pen materials, body shape, nib and design.
• Included Monteverde fountain pen ink cartridges (2 Black, 2 Blue)
• Writing sample text using the supplied black ink cartridge.

Please check it out and feel free to drop a comment to let Mike know what you thought of his video.

Sheaffer Celebrates 100 Years with Two New Limited Editions

100 years is a tremendous milestone for a company that has built their reputation on quality and customer satisfaction over the century. For Sheaffer, it validates the renown "White Dot," a symbol of quality craftsmanship on all Sheaffer products. The fact that the company continues to produce pens that are highly desirable among collectors and new pen enthusiasts alike shows that they are still a relevant, valuable brand. The Ferrari by Sheaffer collection is a perfect example of how the company succeeds to be current with the trends of the luxury market. To celebrate this historic milestone, Sheaffer is releasing two exquisite limited editions that showcase the brand's heritage and their modern manufacturing prowess.

The Sheaffer Centennial Legacy Heritage Sterling Silver Fountain Pen
This pen is finely engraved in sterling silver, producing relief images of the first Sheaffer Factory and founder Walter A. Sheaffer on the .925 sterling silver barrel and cap. This edition is limited to 1,913 pieces worldwide, signifying the first year Sheaffer was started. The 18K solid gold, rhodium plated nib (in medium point only) is inlaid in the black front section of the pen. The tapered profile is taken from the high-end Legacy Heritage design and feels like a solid, yet comfortable pen to write with.  The Centennial Legacy Heritage is packaged in a high gloss, elegant "Sheaffer Red" lacquer gift box, complete with a commemorative booklet, certificate of authenticity and complimentary ink.

The Sheaffer Centennial Limited Edition Sterling Silver Fountain Pen
The Centennial Limited Edition is a specially designed, "vintage"-style fountain pen that features a cylindrical barrel and cap. The finely engraved sterling silver cap and barrel feature images of the first Sheaffer Factory and pay tribute to founder Walter A. Sheaffer and his son. Feeling this pen in-hand, the heft and grand size of his pen really makes striking impression of luxury and value. Might be a bit unwieldy to write with casually, but this is the type of collector's item you probably would want to keep new, unused and in the original deluxe gift box.

The Sheaffer Centennial Solid Gold Fountain Pen
Now, we're talking!  Barrel and cap feature the relief design in solid 18k gold with gold trim and clip. Only limited to 45 pieces worldwide, this is certainly the centerpiece to an impressive Sheaffer collection. The white dot atop the clip is replaced by a 2mm diamond. Fair warning, the price tag is not for the faint of heart. Start saving now!