In a little over 32 hours (but who’s counting) we will be leaving for the Raleigh Pen Show. What a terrific show this is, and during the early summer, a wonderful time to drive. I’m looking forward to hunting out a few things for my collection, but this time around I have a few particulars:
1) Aikin Lambert Safety – Yes, they made a safety. I think they were only made in a demi or short size, but they did make them. I’ve been on the short end of the ebay stick several times in the past six months or so. Maybe I’ll get lucky in Raleigh?
2) Aikin Lambert thumb filler – Ok, stop laughing. I said STOP. Ok, I’ll wait until you catch your breath. Done now? Ok, very hard to find, but I think I need to have one of these in my collection. Usually graced with some delightful overlay, often hand engraved, this will be unfortunate for me as it will make it expensive. We’ll see how my negotiation skills are the moment I see one. Not really expecting to see one in Raleigh, but one never knows what people come with.
3) A Waterman with a Sheraton overlay. Bonus points for an LEC model, extra bonus points for the 452 sterling version. Slender 1/2 models are ok too. I kind of like them. The overlay adds a tiny bit of girth to an otherwise too thin of a pen. I have a slender model in sterling, but would like another:
452 1/2 Waterman Sheraton
4) Barring the above, perhaps a nice dip pen. Shhhh… Don’t tell Lisa. She thinks I’m nuts for wanting some of these, but I think they are the most elegant and simple of writing instruments, particularly when paired with a matching pencil or if it is a retractible model and it has the original box. Last year in Columbus I picked up an Aikin Lambert set in the coolest purple plush box you’ll ever see. Bonus is even the finest of dip pens rarely exceed $150.
Aikin Lambert GF Dip Pen Set
5) A Betzler and Wilson nib. No. Seriously. Some of you are wondering who Betzler & Wilson is, much less that they made fountain pens that I need a nib for. An early manufacturer of hard rubber pens of high quality. They exist, I just haven’t found the nib yet. It would be a shame to not pair my pen with it.
Nib-Less Betzler & Wilson
Looking forward to seeing some of you in Raleigh! What will YOU be looking for?
Cheers!
Brian