Pen World V31.1

The Universe of Writing Culture

30th

Anniversary 1987-2017

Von Moos Pens Swiss luxury just for you! catch up with

Monteverde, Visconti, and Noodler’s Ink Paul Antonio gives Copperplate a facelift our “giftiest”

Holiday Gift Guide ever!

DECEMBER 2017 $6.95US $7.95CAN

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Imperium Romanum PEN OF THE YEAR 2018

The legendary founding of Rome in 753 BC is the start of a rise unparalleled in the ancient world.

Even today, in the early 3rd millennium, the great rulers, magnificent buildings and historic cultural achievements continue to fascinate time and again: they are the inspiration for the creation of the Pen of the Year 2018. The platinum-plated special edition with masterly crafted Carrara marble is limited to 400 fountain pens and 120 rollerball pens.

Handmade in Germany.

For more information please visit www.Graf-von-Faber-Castell.com

E95S

AVAILABLE IN FINE PEN SHOPS AND AT PILOTPEN.US

EACH MASTERPIECE A BESPOKE B JEWEL

Von Moos Pens Calhoun/USA | Phone +1 843-936-1215 Von Moos Manufaktur AG | Kasernenplatz 2 | CH-6000 Luzern 7 | Phone +41 41 340 25 25 Mail: info@vonmoos-manufaktur.com | vonmoos-manufaktur.com

DECEMBER VOLUME 31, NUMBER 1

ON OUR COVER: Von Moos Pens Sofia Lauren Background: Lucerne, Switzerland

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46 Swiss Mister

André von Moos amps up his luxury pen company’s presence on this side of the Atlantic.

30 a. a. II

42

The irascible A. A. Waterman faces down the United States Supreme Court.

42 champions of Copperplate

A beautiful script, a new teaching method, two talented calligraphers.

50 masters of ink

Yair Greenberg is making Monteverde Pens the name in ink.

54 same as it ever was

Thirty years on, Italy’s Visconti Pens stays true to its roots.

58 the mixologist

58

Nathan Tardif of Noodler’s Ink is a one-man ink-making machine.

62 check it twice

Still looking for the perfect gift? Choices abound in the 2017 Holiday Gift Guide.

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54

departments

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6 view 8 mail 10 date

“pen it forward”

our readers speak

mark your calendars

14 show

Los Angeles, Colorado, Ohio, Toronto, Boston

20 news

Barry Gross, Aurora, Handwritten, Instagram

34 shop

HisNibs

39 nibs

a Pelikan love story

82 contributors

the faces behind the words

84 network

classified advertising

86 source 88 imho

brand contact information

14

a gift that’s “write”

39 24

22

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Pen It Forward

BY NICKY PESSAROFF

Ruth Korch

W

hen I started at PW in 2001, the managing editor, Marie Picon, gave me a few writing instruments as a “welcome to the team” gift, but the stand-out was a vintage Parker 21 with a maroon body and metal cap. I’ve always been a fan of minimalist design, and the hooded nib and lightweight plastic immediately called to me.

Over the years, I’ve probably lost or broken more writing instruments than I currently own, but that maroon Parker stayed with me. Both aesthetically and technically, that pen fit me. The fine hooded steel alloy nib took to my “Southpaw Scrawl” better than many currently offered modern nibs.

Unfortunately, it could no longer write—the tines of its delicate nib had been bent in a move some years ago. I could still gaze at it, but even that was ruined by the glaring injury to my most favorite of writing instruments.

At 2016’s Colorado Pen Show, I had the pleasure of meeting Contributor Tim Laros in person for the first time. For those who don’t know Tim, you should. Not only is he a walking wealth of knowledge when it comes to vintage Parkers, he’s also one of the nicest people you’ll meet. I showed him my old Parker, and he said, “I can fix that.” He took it with him, and I forgot all about it.

A month or so later, I received a package from Tim. My maroon Parker 21 was safely packaged in PVC piping, the tines of the nib standing erect and functional. I wasn’t surprised by the quality of Tim’s work, but I was surprised by a second PVC tube.

Contained within was a Parker 51. A real one. Smoky gray barrel, metal cap, the iconic arrow clip, that glorious hooded nib. Looking at it, I remembered something Tim had said to me when I mentioned I had yet to acquire a Parker 51. “The editor of Pen World needs a Parker 51 in his pocket,” he said. I took it as a subtle rejoinder to get off my butt and buy one, but in fact, it was a promise—an unexpected and much treasured gift. When Tim gifted me that 51, he changed my perception. He challenged me to reevaluate my connection to my own pen collection.

I’d gotten close with a neighbor of mine named Dennis. He was in his 70s and enjoyed talking with me about PW. I enjoyed hearing more about his life. When he moved out of his apartment to be closer to his daughter,

my duty became readily apparent. I took my beloved 21 and put it in his hands when we said our final goodbyes.

He demurred, but I told him, “Pens are meant to be used.

You’ll use this pen.”

I saw the flash of nostalgia in his eyes. I imagined him sitting at his desk at school decades before I was born, learning his letters with his own Parker pen. “I have to admit, I was hoping you might give me a pen,” Dennis said to me. We shook hands and moved on, both knowing, I think, that we’ll probably never see each other again. Some friendships are like that—short but full of meaning.

As you leaf through this issue’s pages, you’ll find plenty of potential holiday gifts for your friends and loved ones.

From the bespoke beauty of our cover brand, Von Moos Pens, to the recognizable reliability of Visconti’s many offerings; from the vibrant colors of Noodler’s Ink to the refined calligraphy of Paul Antonio—not to mention the nearly 40 brands represented in the Holiday Gift Guide—there’s an appropriate gift in here for every pen lover.

But sometimes, the most appropriate gift is something old. That pen in the back of your drawer, that lovely writing instrument that you don’t use as much anymore? It still has some life in it. Maybe you have a loved one who will appreciate it as much or even more than you do. If that’s the case, grab that pen, wrap it up, send it off, and “pen it forward.”

Winner, PEN WORLD Readers’ Choice Awards 2017 Finest Tribute Monumental Michelangelo Best Fine Art Pen: 2014 Tropical Fishes • 2013 Storks

The Universe of Writing Culture

30th

Anniversary 1987-2017

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Nicky Pessaroff

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Deborah Basel Barry Gabay Reinhard Kargl Julian H. Kreeger

CONTRIBUTORS

Richard Binder Jerry Ceppos Gregory Peterson Sara Rashkin

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tina Dammeyer Michelle Leung Terry Mawhorter Sara R. Rice David Watts, Jr.

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS

Paul Antonio Angela Vangalis

FINANCE AND BUSINESS DIRECTOR

Tina Dammeyer

GRAPHIC DESIGN

The Fisherman and Mermaid (after Oscar Wilde) Magic of Ozz

Both one-of-a-kind magnum emperor Not only perfect writing instruments, but also your own museum that is always with you.

One-of-a-kind & limited edition pens.

Custom ordered pens and desk sets. www.artuspen.ru • artuspen@inbox.ru TEL: +7-4932-478-111

Kim Phan

Pen World® is published bimonthly by Masterpiece Litho, Inc., 7220 Wynnwood Lane, Houston, TX 77008.

Copyright 2017, all rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Pen World® is a registered trademark.

Editorial Offices: 7220 Wynnwood Lane, Houston, TX 77008 t: 713.869.9997; f: 713.869.9993 • email: editor@penworld.com Pen World® welcomes the submission of manuscripts, photographs, artwork and other materials for consideration; however, originals should not be submitted unless they are specifically requested.

Unsolicited materials will not be returned.

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The opinions expressed in Pen World® are not necessarily those of the publisher. Advertisers and their agencies assume all liability for advertising content.

Printed in the USA. Library of Congress ISSN: 1045-1188.

Canada BN NBR 10231 0943 RT.

www.penworld.com

UNICEF does not endorse any brand or product. For every piece in the “Montblanc for UNICEF Collection” sold from April 1 2017 to March 31 2018, Montblanc will donate 3 % of the proceeds to support UNICEF and its literacy projects, with a minimum amount of US$1.5 million being guaranteed by Montblanc.

Hugh Jackman and the Montblanc for UNICEF Collection Montblanc supports

With the Montblanc for UNICEF Collection, we celebrate the gift of writing and in partnership with UNICEF aim to improve the learning conditions for over 5 million children by providing quality learning materials and better teaching.

Discover more at montblanc.com/unicef Crafted for New Heights.

view

Pen It Forward

BY NICKY PESSAROFF

Ruth Korch

W

hen I started at PW in 2001, the managing editor, Marie Picon, gave me a few writing instruments as a “welcome to the team” gift, but the stand-out was a vintage Parker 21 with a maroon body and metal cap. I’ve always been a fan of minimalist design, and the hooded nib and lightweight plastic immediately called to me.

Over the years, I’ve probably lost or broken more writing instruments than I currently own, but that maroon Parker stayed with me. Both aesthetically and technically, that pen fit me. The fine hooded steel alloy nib took to my “Southpaw Scrawl” better than many currently offered modern nibs.

Unfortunately, it could no longer write—the tines of its delicate nib had been bent in a move some years ago. I could still gaze at it, but even that was ruined by the glaring injury to my most favorite of writing instruments.

At 2016’s Colorado Pen Show, I had the pleasure of meeting Contributor Tim Laros in person for the first time. For those who don’t know Tim, you should. Not only is he a walking wealth of knowledge when it comes to vintage Parkers, he’s also one of the nicest people you’ll meet. I showed him my old Parker, and he said, “I can fix that.” He took it with him, and I forgot all about it.

A month or so later, I received a package from Tim. My maroon Parker 21 was safely packaged in PVC piping, the tines of the nib standing erect and functional. I wasn’t surprised by the quality of Tim’s work, but I was surprised by a second PVC tube.

Contained within was a Parker 51. A real one. Smoky gray barrel, metal cap, the iconic arrow clip, that glorious hooded nib. Looking at it, I remembered something Tim had said to me when I mentioned I had yet to acquire a Parker 51. “The editor of Pen World needs a Parker 51 in his pocket,” he said. I took it as a subtle rejoinder to get off my butt and buy one, but in fact, it was a promise—an unexpected and much treasured gift. When Tim gifted me that 51, he changed my perception. He challenged me to reevaluate my connection to my own pen collection.

I’d gotten close with a neighbor of mine named Dennis. He was in his 70s and enjoyed talking with me about PW. I enjoyed hearing more about his life. When he moved out of his apartment to be closer to his daughter,

my duty became readily apparent. I took my beloved 21 and put it in his hands when we said our final goodbyes.

He demurred, but I told him, “Pens are meant to be used.

You’ll use this pen.”

I saw the flash of nostalgia in his eyes. I imagined him sitting at his desk at school decades before I was born, learning his letters with his own Parker pen. “I have to admit, I was hoping you might give me a pen,” Dennis said to me. We shook hands and moved on, both knowing, I think, that we’ll probably never see each other again. Some friendships are like that—short but full of meaning.

As you leaf through this issue’s pages, you’ll find plenty of potential holiday gifts for your friends and loved ones.

From the bespoke beauty of our cover brand, Von Moos Pens, to the recognizable reliability of Visconti’s many offerings; from the vibrant colors of Noodler’s Ink to the refined calligraphy of Paul Antonio—not to mention the nearly 40 brands represented in the Holiday Gift Guide—there’s an appropriate gift in here for every pen lover.

But sometimes, the most appropriate gift is something old. That pen in the back of your drawer, that lovely writing instrument that you don’t use as much anymore? It still has some life in it. Maybe you have a loved one who will appreciate it as much or even more than you do. If that’s the case, grab that pen, wrap it up, send it off, and “pen it forward.”

The bespoke writing instruments of Von Moos Pens are naturally brilliant.

Luxury with

BY NICKY PESSAROFF

Heart(wood)

Swiss luxury penmaker André von Moos makes bespoke writing instruments, such as this ebony-barrelled Magna Carta fountain pen with a yellow gold cap adorned with emeralds and diamonds on the clip and cap band and a customized falcon crest on the barrel.

W

hat was André von Moos doing at an energy conference? Each year, industry leaders and heads of state gather at the Astana Expo Energy Conference to discuss the future of energy. The Von Moos family’s holdings in steel and wood date back to 1215, but the bespoke penmaker wasn’t presenting. Rather, his stunning writing instruments were the official gift for visiting heads of state—a Philemon model with palladium features in a choice of exotic woods embossed with the word “ASTANA” on the barrel. It’s not every penmaker who can claim such a rarefied experience.

Then again, André von Moos is not every penmaker, and the average pen enthusiast can be forgiven for not being familiar with the Swiss brand. For one thing, Von Moos pens fall proudly within the luxury category. As the Von Moos ad tagline reads, “Each piece a bespoke jewel.” Further, given that the company is based in Lucerne, Switzerland, and given that Von Moos pens are sold with great exclusivity, it’s not at every pen show that you’ll see a Von Moos display.

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At the 2017 Astana Expo Energy Conference, participating heads of state received a Von Moos Philemon fountain pen in various woods. Shown here is fountain pen in kingwood and box in heartwood. Below—customized leather pen sleeve.

But all that is about to change with a unique partnership with Ryan and Julia Krusac. The husband-and-wife team behind Ryan Krusac Studios—a staple at major pen shows—are now the official U.S. representatives for Von Moos Pens.

Von Moos traces his first acquaintanceship with the Krusacs to August 2013 and the Washington D.C. Fountain Pen SuperShow: “I had my table just next to Ryan’s. The personalities of both Ryan and Julia are driven by high ethical standards. I felt [intuitively] that Julia and Ryan could be marvelous partners.”

The Krusacs are partners in everything—including homeschooling their three children. Julia runs the administrative side of Ryan Krusac Studios and will provide a similar service for Von Moos Pens. She will also head Von Moos’ social media presence and will field customer service calls. “Our companies remain separate but have a unique opportunity to be side-by-side and quite complimentary,” Julia says. “RKS pens are all about natural materials, simple elegance, and hailing nature and art as our impetus. André’s pens similarly represent strength, elegance, and quality mechanisms.”

The Krusacs will display Von Moos pens at various pen shows throughout the country, but the two companies remain distinct. Von Moos says, “My brand has a stand-alone approach and has no connection whatever with Ryan’s company. On the other hand, Ryan understands my culture and products perfectly, and he is in a position to explain to potential customers what we can develop in a very personal and legitimate manner.”

By harnessing services like Skype and digital rendering programs, Von Moos can work closely with any customer.

That’s a big deal for Von Moos Pens, as the company’s bread and butter is creating bespoke pieces based on client input.

The Von Moos family has long owned forests in Switzerland and smart sources rare woods from holdings in Costa Rica. The fine gems and metals that adorn Von Moos pens all meet United Nations sourcing standards, meaning there’s no blood on these diamonds.

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Three views of Sofia Loren. From left—ebony body with platinum plating and customized filigree embellishment on the barrel; heartwood body with gold accents and full gold filigree; ebony body with platinum plating and medallion logo and monogram inlay on the barrel.

It’s difficult to describe a Von Moos pen because each pen is made by hand according to customer specifications, but each Von Moos writing instrument has some standard qualities. A barrel of precious wood—cocobolo, bocote, wenge, ebony, and snakewood, to name a few—with platinum-plated or gold cap, clip, and section.

Von Moos fountain pens are converter fillers that feature an 18 karat gold Schmidt nib with an engraved Von Moos logo; rollerball versions are also available, and some standard lines offer ballpoint modes. While these pens are reliable writers, Von Moos sees his writing instruments as bejeweled heirlooms, a personalized accessory meant to say something unique about the owner.

Von Moos clients choose from four body types. The Churchill has undergone a name change and is now called the Magna Carta, a reference to the year in which the eponymous document was ratified as well as the year the Von Moos family business began. The Magna Carta is the most traditional shape, with a solid wooden barrel and a cap with the slightest of tapering.

The clip and barrel ring are festooned with precious gems—up to two carats of diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires.

Von Moos considers two other body types—Philemon and Baucis—as a pair, like the husband and wife from Greek mythology.

Philemon has a barrel similar to the Magna Carta, but the cap is slightly shapelier. Available in white or yellow gold and as fountain pen or rollerball, the pen is finished by delicately applied gems at the end of the clip and the front of the barrel. The Baucis twistaction ballpoint has a white or yellow gold clip with accents offset by a wooden body with a modern, almost trapezoidal shape. A blue or white sapphire adorns the clip.

The Sofia Lauren is the most unique Von Moos writing instrument. The wooden barrel begins at a point and reaches its widest diameter at the meeting of barrel and section. From there, the section tapers where the user’s fingers grip the pen. The curvaceous aspect of this pen is best on display when it’s capped; the tapering and slight bulge to the platinum-plated or yellow-gold clipless cap lends the entire writing instrument the feel of a celluloid star of 1940s–50s Hollywood. Up to three carats of precious gems adorn the barrel ring and the cap top.

48

From left—customized evil eye filigree in gold; Philemon ballpoint in kingwood with yellow gold appointments, emeralds and pink sapphires around the cap ring, and a pink sapphire on the clip (shown uncapped and capped); Baucis ballpoint in kingwood and yellow gold with a diamond on the cap ring and clip.

Julia says of the Sofia Lauren, “I remember the first time I held and wrote with this work of art in 2013. André might remember that I was shy to pick up the instrument and use it. I had the same feeling one has when trying on a piece of exquisite jewelry that makes you feel like royalty, whereas the Magna Carta or Philemon feel more like trying on your first Rolex watch. There is an enchantment that takes place.”

That enchantment reaches new heights when one commissions a bespoke piece of Von Moos luxury. “Generally speaking, my pens are bespoke; each is unique,” Von Moos says. Clients work closely with Von Moos and his design team to choose a body type, wood variety, gemstone selection and application, overlay filigree work, bespoke medallions and embellishments, inlay and overlay monogramming, and presentation box customization.

Once the client has made his or her choices, “[t]hen, and only then, will I start on production,” Von Moos says. This intimate experience has appealed to a long list of professionals. Von Moos continues, “I serve individual clients like professors and doctors, a Russian artist, and German entrepreneurs. My biggest success thus far was in 2017 as sponsor of the Astana World Exposition.”

With a stronger footprint in North America, Von Moos Pens is poised for even greater success in the coming years. It’s not every person who can afford such a unique and individuated piece of luxury, but the Von Moos aesthetic—the notion that precious gems and metals are adornments meant to complement the natural beauty of exotic woods, not vice versa—is a quality anyone can appreciate.

Visit vonmoospens.com.

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FINE WRITING INSTRUMENTS +LJLTILY 3VZ (UNLSLZ

MONTBLANC: 75TH ANNIVERSARY 18K GOLD SKELETON LIMITED EDITION 75 FOUNTAIN PEN $25,000 - 30,000

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In their workshops in Geneva, Caran d’Ache has created three legendary writing instruments inspired by the iconic DC trinity – Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman – from Warner Bros Pictures’ action adventure film Justice League. Available as a fountain pen and rollerball.

Caran d’ Ache. Swiss Made excellence since 1915.

carandache.com

Homage to Antoni Gaudí

Casa Batlló Careful research of materials, carved keeping the curves and lines of the original building of Casa Batlló. The body and the cap are curved on three layers, each one is molded in different materials, acrylic, silver, enamel, and representing the facade of Casa Batlló. On top of the cap as well as on the blind cap the shape is respecting the particular design of the roof, built from small colorful tiles.

Limited Edition to 188 Fountain Pens/Roller in Silver 925 Limited Edition to 15 Fountain Pens/Roller in 18 Kt. Gold 23 Kt. Palladium Dreamtouch nib Double Reservoir Power Filler filling system

USA Distributor: Coles of London LLC - Tel: 561 620 3022 - sales@colesoflondon.com - www.colesoflondon.com

Hervé Obligi Sculptor lapidary Maître d’art

Fine writing instruments made of precious stones

Zen Obsidian of Armenia, gold, gold pen tip.

Unique piece.

www.obligi.fr

Obligi NEW YORK

Obligi PARIS

Maison Gerard (212) 674 7611

011 33 1 48 57 17 54

53 East, 10th Street NY 10003

obligi@wanadoo.fr

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CASCADING STREAMS Maki-e Lacquer Art The Writer A Limited Edition of Nine Pens

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info@aplimitededitions.com

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The Universe of Writing Culture

30th

Anniversary 1987-2017

floating worlds:

Danitrio maki-e,

Shop Sh op a at ou our websit b ite a and d email m i your o r re q quests u t to p pent e to o oling@gma ng@gm iil..ccom Presenting n g Eschenbach, ch b , Accu culux, x and d other e weell ma made IIlluminat m ted Lo oupes

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2017 PW Readers’ Choice Awards winners plus trends in paper: Leuchtturm, Tomoe River, Fabriano, and more JUNE 2017 $6.95US $7.95CAN

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