Bertram's Inkwell

Fountain Pens, Rollerballs, Ballpoints, Pencils, Paper, Inks, Refills

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Montegrappa NASA Atlantis Pen Collection

Montegrappa NASA Atlantis Pen Collection

A lot of pen companies are releasing “space themed” pens.  Everyone from Retro 51 to Monteverde to Montegrappa jumps on the space theme bandwagon.  And there’s great reason: many pen enthusiasts are also fans of things that have a space theme.  Whether the subject matter is about other planets, potential alien life, stars in the sky, or even the vessels in which we ascend, there’s a pen for everyone.  In this case, the new Montegrappa NASA Atlantis Pen Collection is exquisite. 

Montegrappa NASA Atlantis Pen Collection Montegrappa NASA Atlantis Pen Collection Montegrappa NASA Atlantis Pen Collection

First of all, the Montegrappa NASA Atlantis Pen Collection follows the success of its predecessor, the Montegrappa Moon Landing.  Borrowed from Montegrappa’s own description:  When the Space Shuttle blasted off on its maiden mission in the spring of 1981, it marked the beginning of a new era in space exploration. Giuseppe Aquila remembers the moment vividly: “I was eleven and stayed up with my brothers to watch the launch,” Montegrappa’s owner reminisces. “It seemed like something out of Star Wars!” Without doubt, NASA’s first reusable spacecraft design was a sight for impressionable young eyes.  Launches would soon become commonplace, but the Space Shuttle would go on to define an era, providing a platform for international scientific endeavor.

Montegrappa NASA Atlantis Pen Collection Montegrappa NASA Atlantis Pen Collection

Secondly, this NASA Atlantis collection is available in fountain pen, rollerball, and ballpoint.  The fountain pen uses a high-quality steel nib.  Choose from: extra fine, fine, medium, broad, double broad, and 1.1 stub.  It fills either via cartridge or converter.  With this design and color scheme, I recommend filling with Monteverde’s Horizon Blue ink.  This blue seems to match the barrel perfectly.

Montegrappa NASA Atlantis Pen Collection

Importantly, the rollerball uses Schmidt 888 or 5888 refills.  I like how substantial the ballpoint is.  It’s got a smooth twist-action retraction.  Enjoy refilling with your favorite Monteverde Parker Style ballpoint or gel refills.

Montegrappa NASA Atlantis Pen Collection

Finally, while these pens aren’t numbered, they are still a limited production run.  Made with a white cap and blue barrel, these pens are a sight to behold.  Montegrappa made them with high-density resin, enamel, and stainless steel.  It’s reminiscent of the Space Shuttle’s clean, futuristic lines. 

What do you think?  Do you have yours yet?  You can check it out here.  If you like it, then get rewarded with FREE shipping on products featured in our blog for a limited time.  No code needed as you complete your purchase on our website.

Do you like what you’re reading?  Subscribe to our blog to sign up for our monthly giveaway!  Don’t forget to comment and share on social media for extra entries!  What are some of the things you’d like to see reviewed?

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Montegrappa Elmo 02 Pen Collection

Montegrappa Elmo 02 Pen Collection

In yesterday’s blog of the Philly Pen Show 2022, I promised a review of all the pens I brought back.  To start with, the Montegrappa Elmo 02 Pen Collection is quite impressive.  Montegrappa began revamping the Elmo line with the Elmo 01.  As an all black, mid-size pen, it’s simplistic and streamlined.  It’s a great everyday writer.  Next up is the Montegrappa Elmo Fantasy Bloom Collection (see my blog review of that here).  As you can see, Montegrappa went from one solid color to having a more contemporary selection of colors.  Both models have the same body shape and style.

Montegrappa Elmo 02 Pen Collection
Montegrappa Elmo 02 Pen Collection
Montegrappa Elmo 02 Pen Collection
Montegrappa Elmo 02 Pen Collection
Montegrappa Elmo 02 Pen Collection

First of all, this new Montegrappa Elmo 02 Pen Collection is completely different from its predecessors.  Sure, it still comes in fountain pen, rollerball, and ballpoint modes.  Yet the shape, size, and material style is so different.  Previously, the Elmo 01 and Fantasy Bloom models are all streamlined where the cap is seamlessly integrated with the barrel.  In the Elmo 02, the cap is larger and slightly covers the barrel.  These are also a more traditional shape with flatter ends vs the completely rounded, oval shaped Elmo 01 and Fantasy Bloom.

Montegrappa Elmo 02 Pen Collection
Montegrappa Elmo 02 Pen Collection

Secondly, these Elmo 02 pens are available in the best of both worlds – black and swirls of color.  The beautiful shiny resin finishes are: Jet Black, Asiago, and Sorapis.  To be clear, the Asiago is red and the Sorapis is blue.  They both have white swirls throughout.  I love the unique personality of each pen, as no two patterns are alike.

Montegrappa Elmo 02 Pen Collection
Montegrappa Elmo 02 Pen Collection
Montegrappa Elmo 02 Pen Collection

Importantly, the fountain pen is equipped with a cartridge/converter filling system.  I can imagine filling the Jet Black with Monteverde’s Sweet Life Iced Cookie ink.  That blue ink would contrast nicely.  I’d fill the Asiago with Monteverde’s Red Velvet ink.  I like how that red ink matches the depth of red in the pen.  Last, I’d fill the Sorapis with Monteverde’s Caribbean Blue ink.  It’s a light blue ink to match the light blue swirls on the pen.  As for the nib, this fountain pen is equipped with a high quality, smooth steel nib and feed.  I love how many nib sizes are available.  Choose from: extra fine, fine, medium, broad, 1.1 stub, and 1.5 stub.

Montegrappa Elmo 02 Pen Collection
Montegrappa Elmo 02 Pen Collection

Finally, all three modes are equipped with a strong steel clip.  The tension on that clip keeps your pen securely fastened no matter what.  To refill the rollerball, use Schmidt 888 or 5888 refills.  Last but not least, the ballpoint has a smooth twist-action retraction mechanism.  Enjoy your favorite Monteverde ballpoint or gel refills.

What do you think?  Do you have yours yet?  You can check it out here.  If you like it, then get rewarded with FREE shipping on products featured in our blog for a limited time.  No code needed as you complete your purchase on our website.

Do you like what you’re reading?  Subscribe to our blog to sign up for our monthly giveaway!  Don’t forget to comment and share on social media for extra entries!  What are some of the things you’d like to see reviewed?

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Bertram’s Inkwell Annual Pen Fair

Bertram’s Inkwell Annual Pen Fair

Last Saturday, November 6th 2021 was the culmination of the eagerly, highly anticipated Bertram’s Inkwell Annual Pen Fair.  The buzz surrounding the pen fair increased as the countdown to the big day began.  I knew from years past that it was sure to be huge.  As Bert always says, it’s the busiest six hours in the pen industry.  This year’s Bertram’s Inkwell Annual Pen Fair was no different in that regard.  Since we weren’t able to have a pen fair in 2020 due to the pandemic, this year’s was extra special.  For many, it was a great chance to see “pen friends” in addition to the thousands of pens in the shop.  I tried to capture as much of this in the following images and videos.

Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair

First of all, the vendors that attended the 2021 Bertram’s Inkwell Annual Pen Fair were part of an exclusive, narrowed down list of partners.  It was so wonderful seeing them in the shop.  We enjoyed having Hirsch Davis, Bryan and Neil (Esterbrook, Aurora, Montegrappa, Loclen, Otto Hutt, and Pininfarina), Bill (Pilot Pen), Ken Jones (Marlen, Private Reserve, Stipula, Yookers, Monteverde, Nettuno, Diplomat, Maiora, Pineider, and Conklin), Adam (Visconti and S.T. Dupont), David Oscarson, Richard Greenwald, and Chuck (Retro 51, Kaweco, Rhodia, Leuchtturm1917, and others).  With such a lineup, there were so many pens to enjoy.

Everyone was setup and ready right at 10am.  Very impressive considering the event started at 11am, and people were trickling in from the start.  A slow and steady buildup of people wandering in throughout the day was wonderful to see.  I was really happy to reconnect with longtime customers that I also consider to be friends.  It was more than just a chance for everyone to buy pens – it was also a reunion of sorts.

Importantly, there were some wonderful “stars of the show”.  These pens stood out from the rest.  I’d say the biggest was David Oscarson’s lineup.  He had such an impressive array of his pens.  I love the quality and craftsmanship that he brings to the table.  Not to mention how friendly David always is. 

Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair

Next up is the Pineider pens.  They made an incredible impression on so many people at the show.  You could even say that the Pineider Psycho pen “killed” at the pen fair, haha.  Between the Pineider Psycho, the Alchemist, and the Diplomat Aero, there was a great following for Ken.

Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair

Bill enjoyed showcasing Pilot pens of all types.  I was so excited to write with the extra special Pilot Urushi Burgundy fountain pen.  That was a monstrous sized pen, which was surprisingly still comfortable to hold.  Not to mention all the special Maki-e fountain pens and Vanishing Points that sold like hotcakes. 

Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair

Noteworthy is how Bryan and Neil were always busy with customers.  That wasn’t too surprising considering the lineup of pens they brought.  In addition to the Esterbrook pens (specifically the Estie and the JR Pocket Pen) being rockstars of the pen fair, there was plenty of interest as usual in the Aurora and Otto Hutt pens.  What was surprising to me was how many people were drawn to the Pininfarina pens.  These uniquely shaped pens are more modern in shape and design.

Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen FairBertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair

If you wanted a break from modern pens, Hirsch was there with literally hundreds of vintage pens.  He brought so many brands.  All laid out were a great range of fountain pens, but also different modes of writing.  There was tons of interest as every time I looked over, Hirsch was busy helping someone.

Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair

Back to modern pens, if you wanted to get a “sneak peek” at the newest Retro 51’s and Kaweco’s, this was a great opportunity.  Chuck brought with him the new Kaweco Sport Cyan fountain pen, alongside the Kaweco Special Red Collection.  What you might also find interesting was a lesser known pen line that is made out of cement.  They were surprisingly comfortable to touch and hold in the hand.

Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair

Visconti had plenty of pens for sale as well, and Adam did a great job of helping people enjoy their latest and greatest.  Whether you’re interested in the newest Van Goghs or the durable Homo Sapiens in their new colors, we had what you were looking for.

Finally, Richard Greenwald displayed his custom made pens across several tables.  It was incredible seeing the detail and craftsmanship that he puts into each collection.  Richard’s pens are among the few that I’ve seen where each and every part are made in-house.  His level of skill and talent are rare to find.  If you’ve seen Richard’s pens, then you know what I’m talking about.  Not only does he make custom plastics in-house, but also all the parts that go into each pen.  Truly masterpieces.

Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair Bertram's Inkwell Annual Pen Fair

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