The PENguin Blog

Last weekend at the New York City Pen Show, where I was representing Bonhams, I managed to acquire one of my recent “grail” pens, a barleycorn sterling Montblanc 146 from the 1990s. Earlier this year I fell in love with when I was cataloging one for our August sale. Sadly, I do not let myself bid on or otherwise acquire any of the pens I work on, so rather than buying it at a bargain price at our sale, I paid a premium, but was thrilled to have it Later in the show I casually picked up an OMAS Italia 90 set, just because I like OMAS pens, it was a three piece set and the color appealed. I happily carried the Montblanc through the rest of the weekend and to school on Monday, but always in the background was the OMAS set, which kept calling out to me. Finally, yesterday I succumbed and have fallen in love with the set, which is now is in my pocket. I’m not saying I don’t like the 146 or that the OMAS will forever be in the rotation, but I find it curiou...

PE2292-1933 Pelikan 100 in black. These pens seem to be hard to find, even moreso than the grays. This is a good clean example although the ink window has ambered to a deep red, not easily seen through. The nib is a fine flexible 14 K. A superb user or part of a basic early Pelikan collection. $595.00

Any of you who plan to attend the New York City Pen Show are invited to stop by and chat about possible consignments, appraisals and things and stuff in general.I will be there show hours Saturday. If you will be in Manhattan and not at the show, please feel free to make an appointment to see me at 580 Madison Ave. on Friday.

An early heads up on this one: PE2189-1930 Pelikan in black. This pen is an early second year Pelikan with a bakelite body under a black binde. The cap is a correct double vent but with a later clip. The cylindrical captop has a strong imprint. The nib is a KM with extraordinary flex. $1500.00. Note: that with a correct cap and heart hole nib, this could be a first year pen It will go on the site in the next couple of days.