By Bill Riepl
The new offering from Onoto should be arriving in the upcoming months. However, for those of us at the Chicago pen show, a preview look was available at the Onoto table. Well worth the look as it turns out!
There
will be a set of two pens offered to commemorate both Nelson and Lady
Hamilton. Only the Nelson pen was on display, with the Hamilton pen still
being finished as of this writing.
We were told that the prototype example on display was essentially identical to the planned final version, with only a few small changes to the trim being planned. That said, the prototype was quite impressive as is!
A large sterling silver pen with a heavily fluted barrel and a deep blue enamel cap are set off with gold trim. It's a standout design.
The
cap is guilloche engraved under the enamel finish, in a soft wave pattern.
The oval cartuche is engraved with the signature of Nelson. Carrying on
the naval theme the capband is designed to represent the epaulets of an
admiral's dress uniform.
And of course, the finishing touch, and anchor design on the cap top, reminiscent of the buttons on a naval uniform.
Filling is via cartridge converter, as with the first of the new Onoto pens, and the same nib choices are available, fine, medium, broad or stub.
We are very much looking forward to seeing the final version of this pen, and in company with the Lady Hamilton pen. Release is scheduled for May 19th at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
copyright 2005 William Riepl