You ask, “Why include Remmie LeRoy Arnold running for Governor of Virginia in a fountain pen blog?” Well, read on, by the second paragraph you will know. Read more and I’m sure you’ll say to yourself, “Wow, what a guy!” The following is from the Virginia Chronicle Recorder, November 26, 1948. “Highlights in the Life of Remmie Leßoy Arnold. A biographical sketch of the life of Remmie Leßoy Arnold, who has announced himself as a candidate …
Bruno’s Pen and Pencil was located on “Steak Row” in New York City, at 205 East 45th Street between Lexington and 1st Avenues. Nearby were other steak restaurants, three of which were opened by former Bruno employees: The Pressbox, The Editorial and Danny’s Hideaway. Others included the Fourth Estate, Late Edition and Front Page. Why called the “PEN and PENCIL?” The area was literally flooded with journalists, …
Taken to the Moon in 1969 During the first NASA missions the astronauts used pencils. For Project Gemini, for example, NASA ordered mechanical pencils in 1965 from Tycam Engineering Manufacturing, Inc., in Houston. The fixed price contract purchased 34 units at a total cost of $4,382.50, or $128.89 per unit. That created something of a controversy at the time, as many people believed it was a frivolous expense. NASA backtracked immediately and equipped the astronauts …
Matchbook Advertising A “matchcover”, or “matchbook cover” is a thin cardboard covering that folds over match sticks in a “book” or “pack” of matches. Covers have been used as a form of advertising since 1894, two years after they were patented [“Flexible Match” patented by Joseph Pusey]. Many historians point to the Mendelson Opera as the first to use matchbooks for advertising purposes; they hand wrote their promotional information on blank matchbook covers made by …
This is a 1920 Montblanc #8 Rouge et Noir Safety eyedropper-fill in Black Hard Rubber. “Rouge et Noir,” introduced in 1909, was the first line of pens produced by the Simplo Pen Company. Their second line of pens was the “Montblanc,” introduced a year later. In 1934, in recognition of the success and fame of the Montblanc line, the Simplo Pen Company was renamed “Montblanc Simplo GMBH”. The Rouge et Noir line continued until at …
This is a 2005 Cartier Louis Cartier Limited Edition No. 6 cartridge/converter-fill in solid 18K gold in Godron (heavy fluted) pattern. Three sapphires and two emeralds set into the clip. Black cabochon on barrel bottom. Two-toned, 18K, medium/fine nib. New-old-stock. Mint in box with velvet pouch, papers, outer box and letter of authenticity from Cartier. Check out our Catalog to view this item’s availability! Item #8 in Catalog #86.
This is a 1947 Ancora Lusso 38 Large PIF in Black with Blue Marble veining (unique and beautiful!). Lusso was Ancora’s prestige line at the time. GFT. Visualated barrel. Fine, extra-flexible nib. Over-the-top “Soldier” clip. Near mint. Check out our Catalog to view this item’s availability! Item #7 in Catalog #86.
This is a 1910 Waterman – “World’s Smallest SAFETY Pen” eyedropper-fill in Black Hard Rubber. Yes, it has an operating spiral, just like any of the larger size production models! See above for more information about Waterman’s World’s Smallest Pens. Near mint+, and extremely rare, especially in the original cardboard box! Check out our Catalog to view this item’s availability! Item #6 in Catalog #86.
This is a 1910 Waterman – “World’s Smallest Pen” eyedropper-fill in Black Hard Rubber. Often called the “Doll Pen” because one rests in Queen Mary’s doll house, on the King’s Library Table. Just over 1.5″ long and less than 1/8″ in diameter, this pen was actually produced by Waterman as a way for their salesmen to spend time with potential new accounts. Their salesmen would visit a druggist, jeweler, shop owner, to try to open …
This is a 1901 Parker Red Giant eyedropper-fill in Cardinal Hard Rubber. The first I have ever seen without any cap cracks and with all parts intact! Described by Parker in 1908 as follows: “It’s so big and startling we will guarantee a broad smile from You when You see it. It is made entirely of maroon rubber, fitted with a No. 10 pen, and the price will be $10. We will be ready to …
