My New Holy Grail Has Been Fulfilled

A am very happy to finally say i have a blood stone capped Waterman 12...

Homelink Aluminum Fountain Pen's

A small fountain pen company that lasted less than a decade was broke apart by the strain of war. Homelink pens are known to be aluminum, though i do suspect hard rubber pens to be made by them as well, as most pens overseas at that time were hard rubber. 


Homelink pens were made by Kagan & Co. of Edgware and since the shortage of material for the war, small companies were shun out of business since the material became unavailable to consumers, and/or because to expensive to be cost effective. Homelink's are common in aluminum, but their De Luxe version came in anodized colors of "Gold, Ruby, Green, Blue, Jet Black and many other attractive colors." If anyone has these colors, id be interested in purchasing them, but as of now ive only been able to acquire blue. Below is what they looks like;

Another thing to add, is these pens are commonly found with nibs that "were just laying around" meaning that ive yet to see a pen with its own "Homelink" nib, and are found with nibs that "were just laying around."

Vintage Sheaffer Fountain Pen's For Sale

Recently restored by Tom Heath are some fantastic Sheaffers pens.

Pen #1- 1949 Sheaffer Cadet/ Craftsman in grey, restored, fully functional. Extra fine nib. Both caps are included. $35 + Shipping

Pen #2- 1939 Sheaffer Jr. in black with nickle trim, smooth medium nib, restored. $60 + Shipping

Pen #3- 1929 Sheaffer 3-25, scarce pen in Jade. Jade was usually used in the bigger pens, and few 3-25's were made in Jade in the early 30's and they were only made for only a few years. Smooth fine nib. $80 + Shipping

NOS German Rifka Piston Filler

Ive never seen a pen so frozen in time, and so perfect. The nice thing about this pen, is the only wear it has seen, is wear done by nature, called patina-ing. The patina in the cap band has wonderful color and i wish it was an all metal pen so it could have the same color. Ive yet to see a pen in such perfect condition, but this is the topper for NOS pens for me. 

Franklin-Christoph Penvelope Two Review: Part 1

Upon talking with Scott at Franklin-Christoph, i envisioned many pen cases with each brand having their own case. As my collection is getting bigger and bigger with days going by, i decided to purchase several of his cases to store my increasing collection. I mainly carry a pen or two when im going out, so the Penvelope Two seemed to be the best solution for me.


First Impression (10)


When i received the box in the mail i was truly amazed on how well these leather products were packaged. I think of Franklin-Christoph as being a small, high quality, family owned business; but upon reading their blog, it seems like they are growing out of their shoes and may not be small anymore. These products were packaged almost for a boutique setting and the design of the packaging is very simplistic, yet gets the point across. 

As eager as i was, i knew i could only open crisp Franklin-Christoph packaging once, so i took my time. 

I spy something...

Construction and Finish (9.5)

Franklin-Christoph's leather work is spectacular to say the least. The craftsmanship is exceptional, and i love the white stitching used on all of his products to show contrast. The only think i dont care for, is the softness of the leather, as it can be scratched easily, and is a little flimsy, leading to less support. 

As most pen related leather items use zippers, and other closer systems; Franklin-Christoph shines through yet again with such a simple, yet innovative original idea of incorporating the "buckle." Throughout the time i have used this, there has been no movement in the buckle system, and i suspect, and will test in a follow up review, that with use, the outer ring that holds the buckle may become loose with use, and the buckle will have a harder time grasping the outer ring.

I've yet to get ink stains on this wonderful heavy duty material Franklin-Christoph uses in a majority of his leather products. With use, ill see how well it does keeping ink stains off. The burgundy is a great median to say the least, with the brown and black leather Franklin-Christoph frequently uses. 

This case is built for pens of any size. Pens that are 4 inches would sit flush in the top part on the case, and should preferable be clipped so the clip can be set onto the fabric. Pens in the 5.5 inch range would fit comfortable in the case, and again it would be recommended if the pen has a clip. This case can accommodate clip-less pens, but if the pen is pushed all the way down, the pen will need to be pushed out from the bottom. This case can not only hold jumbo pens, but pens that are in upwards of 7 inches.

Slim, Simple, Sexy or the three SSS's. The three best fitting words that describe this wonderfully made piece of usable art. Easily concealable in a briefcase, or backpack, you won't have to worry about a bulge or worse, it falling out. The best part, and another feature I've yet to see on any other pen leather products, is the use of material to clip on to anything. This is a feature on the back of only the Penvelope Two, and is handy to clip onto anything and everything where you'd like to take your pens. 

Shown on the back of a backpack. 

Shown on the front of shoulder straps. 

Cost and Value (10)

This case is one of the few you'll find on the market, with the features and endless high quality details for $49.50. This case is virtually indestructible and will last long after something happens to your pens. If you're in the situation to get a case for your fountain pen and ballpoint, fountain pen and pencil, or even better... two fountain pens, than this is something that you'll find yourself using more than you probably are thinking right now. 

Conclusion 

A great case, a very well built case, and the Penvelope Two is something i look forward to wearing-in to get the full appreciation on the well-built piece of usable art. Stay tuned to read more about the Penvelope Two as it changes and becomes better and better. 

http://www.franklin-christoph.com/penvelope-two.html

Movado 800 Series 41mm Watch Review

First Impression (10)


I recently splurged and bought my first watch, and though not a Rolex, a Movado is very comparable and sporty. The watch was packed very finely, with the top notch in packaging you'd expect when buying a fine timepiece. 

The watch was double packaged in a faux-leather box, monogrammed with the 'Movado' logo. Very high quality boxes, making sure if the first box was compromised, the second would be there to save the watch.

Construction and Finish (8.5)


A very iridescent glow when i opened up the box, and the stainless was just blinding my eyes. I think that's why they chose black, so that the stainless could be even more powerful in blinding your eyes. I dont care for the stainless band, but i do plan on getting a rubber band soon to add to its sporty characteristics.

The next part that really stood out to me, was the beautiful, quality in mind, clasp. On some jewelry you'll see groves in bracelets, or even some watch bands, which is put in place to save on metal. Well on this band, that was not the case, and though it was stainless steel, i believe if i bought a gold band, with my satisfaction with Movado, I doubt ill see them cutting corners on precious metals in there watches. Movado has one of the best quality watched ive yet to try, and i plan on doing more business with them.

Onto the face... What more can you expect! With quality obviously being a standard at Movado, the face was just another easily attributed aspect of there fine standard to quality. The face is perfect, the hands were perfectly aligned, and the glass is of such high quality i think i could drop it and nothing would happen. 

Cost and Value (10)

At $1600 MSRP, its by far cheap, but it sure is in the league of competing with much higher priced watches. Such being the case of the Rolex Submariner Watch 16610 which is very comparable to this Movado. If your looking for a high respected watch, without spending north of $5,000, i strongly recommend checking out Movado's line of watched for both men and women. 

Conclusion (9.5)

If your in the market for a watch, and are looking for something that will go with your blazer and dress shirt to have a night in the town, I strongly recommend a Movado. Easily dress-able with anything, this will be that added bling that just might get you that number at the end of the night. 

http://www.movado.com/

Rare Mabie Todd Blackbird Demonstrator w/ Diamine Grape!

Im looking to expand my Swan/ Mabie Todd collection, since the last Swan i mentioned was part of the no-name/no-number pen list from Swan. Meaning there isn't really a model number to go by. Since i love that pen do death, i figured i needed to expand, and why not with a pen ive never laid eyes on, but did know they exist. Think of this... every pen you collect, there was at one point a demonstrator version of it for salesman going to door to door.

With un-interupted broadcasting, lets wait no longer, and lets give around-of-a-applause to Mr and Ms. Blackbird!