Why I Collect Rolleroalls!

On the following two pages, we present two highlights from the work of the late Jerry Ceppos for Pen World. The article on this page, “Why I Collect Rollerballs!”, was originally printed in PW Vol. 24 No. 1 (2010). The essay on the next page, “Thanks for the Thank-You Note!”, was printed in PW Vol. 31 No. 6 (2018). To learn more about Ceppos’s storied career in journalism, see page 12 in this issue.

The Heavenly Realm

David Oscarson's new Deus Regit collection is a testament to his faith in God and the goodness of humanity.

The Kenro Method

As a U.S. distributor and now as manufacturer of Esterbrook, Joel Blumberg and Kenro Industries are still providing a roadmap for the industry 30 years on.

The Great War and the Trench Pen: Part

World War I, the first and last trench war, led to technical innovations that changed our way of life—including life in the trenches themselves.

Pen Heaven's Virtual, Pearly Gates

The London-based pen shop gives customers across the globe a uniquely comprehensive online retail experience.

Orlando's Premiere: sept. 8-10

The first pen show in Orlando, Florida in over two decades was a huge success according to vendors, attendees, and Show Director Joe Cortner.

ILeft My Pen in San Francisco

Over 100 vendors were present for the 2022 San Francisco International Pen Show, once again held at the Grand Bay Hotel formerly Hotel Pullman) the last weekend in August.

Still the SuperShow (August 5-8)

The Washington D.C. Fountain Pen SuperShow returned to the Marriott Fairview Park in Falls Church, Virginia the first week in August.

Steinway Pianos and Jan Zander Pens Make Beautiful Music

On June 24, piano makers Steinway & Sons announced the Masterpiece 8x8 collection, an homage to Earth's most precious woods.

Remembering Jerry Ceooos:

October 14, 1946 July 29, 2022

The Church of Maki-e

With lower price points for its newest series of writing instruments, AP Limited Editions continues its mission of spreading the joy of maki-e.

The Metaverse of Colorverse Ink

The young South Korean ink brand is changing our perception of fountain pen inks through a universe of unique colors.

Winners around the World

The 28th Annual Pen World Readers' Choice Awards display robust creative strength from brands across the globe.

S.T. Dupont Défi Millennium: Redefined

The newly redesigned S.T. Dupont Défi Millennium collection is aptly named.

Kanilea's Kai Huli: Treasures from the Tide

While walking the coastline during trips to Hawaii, Hugh and Karol Scher of Kanilea Pen Co. enjoy roaming the beaches early in the morning to see what treasures the ocean tide turned up in the night.

The Monkey King for a New Generation

The Monkey King is the oldest Chinese superhero. He was tasked along with the monk Tripitaka to travel west and learn things that would help "save" China, essentially a journey of Buddhist discovery.

The Ma Family and Janoff's

New York City's Janoff's stationery store is a hidden gem of rare new-old stock from the 1980s and '90s.

What Did You Do in the War, Sister?

This novel about faith and bravery in the face of Nazi oppression was born out of the real-world letters of everyday nuns who became resistance fighters.

World War II and the Fountain Pen, Part III

War rationing and patriotism on the home front led to creatively-designed wartime fountain pens.

Consider the Stars

With the new Lewa Lani collection, Kanilea Pen Co. leaves the fertile soil of the Hawaiian Islands to capture the ethereal firmament of the midnight sky.

Defining “Vintage

How you delineate between vintage and modern writing instruments may be based less on your age and more on when you began collecting.

A Feast for 39+1 Years

With the new "39+1” fountain pen collection, Nino Marino reunites with his first love: Delta Pen Company.

World War II and the Fountain Pen, Part II

It is an axiom that technology advances more rapidly in wartime than in times of peace. In the case of military technology, this is certainly true, but advances made for the military often spill over into the civilian world, and the fountain pen was not left behind during World War II.

The Genesis of Book of Books

James Mathew is a cardiologist who lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He has presented papers at the Annual Gatherings of the Thoreau Society in Concord and the Annual Conference of the American Literature Association in Boston, Massachusetts.

Globe Trotting, Pen-Style

Italy's to Texas Globe pens

The Pen Is Mightier

Horrified by the war in Ukraine, artisan pen makers across the globe are using their skills to make a difference.

Remembering Paul Rossi: September 24, 1948 - June 19, 2021

Largely considered one of the founding fathers, Paul was an artist's artist

A More Colorful Union

The pen public has questions about the Sailor 50 States fountain pen ink series. Sailor's U.S. distributor, Itoya Profolio, has the answers.

Graf von Faber-Castell Honors the Aztecs

Pen of the Year 2022: Aztecs is inspired by the history, mythology, and precious objects of the ancient Central American civilization.

A Mountain of Enduring Design Excellence

From the Conklin Endura Deco Crest to new pens in the Monteverde Regatta collection, California's Yafa Brands is bursting with creative new designs.