Deals & Drops: The Holidays Are Coming!

Halloween! And Christmas! Already! It’s 98 degrees in Nashville today! Hopefully relief is just around the corner, because I’m ready for the holiday season to kick off with Halloween at the end of the month. The festive pens are starting to appear at retailers, and they generally don’t last long, so act quickly to ensure you get yours. Happy shopping!

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1. Retro 51 Creepy Scrawler (via Pen Chalet). How about a Halloween-appropriate Retro 51 that glows in the dark? Part of a limited run of 1313 pieces!

2. Diamine “Inkvent” Calendar (via Pen Chalet). It seems grotesquely inappropriate to be posting a Christmas-themed product during “HotTober” here in Nashville, but this is a cool idea (and you get a LOT of different inks, all of which are unique and made exclusively for this calendar.

3. Joey Feldman’s Inktober 2019 Limited Edition Ink (via Vanness Pens). Joey Feldman and Vanness have released this limited edition black ink for the “Inktober” drawing challenge. I have a bottle, so look for a review soon.

4. Aurora 88 Black Mamba Limited Edition (via The Nibsmith). Maybe not Halloween-themed, but definitely Halloween-appropriate! Dan has Aurora’s latest blacked-out pen in stock and available to ship.

5. Montblanc Heritage Rouge et Noir Serpent Marble Fountain Pen (via Appelboom). Ok, Montblanc needs to stop with this. This pen looks incredible. Even though it’s expensive, it’s not outrageous compared with some of their other L.E. offerings.

6. Montblanc 146 Tester Pens (via Anderson Pens). Check out these 146 “testers” that are available in a variety of different broad nibs, including B, BB, OB, and OBB.

7. Platinum 100th Anniversary Procyon Fountain Pen (via Pen Chalet). A standard Procyon, but now engraved with the Platinum 100th Anniversary logo. The Procyon generally receives excellent reviews but probably not as much attention as it should.

8. Pelikan M800 Brown-Black Fountain Pen (via Appelboom). I love it when Pelikan includes dark brown resin on their Souveran pens. This looks like a Tortoise, but not quite, and I’m not sure I understand the distinction but it still looks great.

9. Opus 88 On Sale (via Vanness Pens). Grab pen show pricing on an Opus 88 Japanese-style eyedropper from Vanness. Check out my review of these colorful, well-made pens, which now offer even more value.

10. Pentel Sharp Kerry Automatic Pencil (via Amazon). Another find from the Nashville Pelikan Hub! I swear I thought this was vintage when I handled it. The throwback-1970s/80s vibe is strong. A really cool, portable mechanical pencil option.

11. Vintage Montblanc Pens (via MaryMagicBox). Many people don’t know that Montblanc used to make a wide range of more utilitarian, everyday writing instruments, before it became the luxury goods juggernaut that we know today. Mary has lots of restored vintage Montblanc pens in her Etsy store, many of which are reasonably priced. I had the opportunity to see several examples of Mary’s work first-hand at the Nashville Pelikan Hub.

12. Goldspot Weekly Dip Clearance on Pelikan, Pilot, and More (via Goldspot). There are some excellent buys to be had in this week’s “weekly dip” section, including price reductions on past special edition Pelikan M20X pens, Pilot Vanishing Points, and more.

13. New Acrylics from PenBBS (via PenBBS/Etsy). PenBBS just won’t stop with the new acrylics. Check out that Turquoise 308!

14. Field Notes Special Editions (via Huckberry). If you’ve been hunting for back stock of Field Notes special editions, or merely want to drop something else in your bag at Huckberry while you’re shopping for clothes or gear, check these out. (They carry the Wilco Field Notes, btw.)

15. Timex Marlin Manual (via Huckberry). I don’t often post watch stuff in the Deals & Drops post, but Timex has absolutely blown me away recently with some of their vintage reissues. Not just the “Q” that I picked up recently, but this Marlin manual-wind has me tempted.

Deals & Drops: Star Ruby Pelikan Special Edition, Diplomat Aero FLAME, and More!

People were dropping hints at the D.C. Pen Show last month, but I didn’t think this pen was actually in the works: The Diplomat Aero “Flame” version is on the way, arriving at European retailers next month. I assume U.S. arrival will be slightly delayed beyond that but who knows. The Pelikan Start Ruby M205 is now available for sale at most retailers, and don’t miss the chance to pick up one of the Platinum 100th Anniversary pens at reduced prices as we reach the end of the year. Finally, this weekend (tomorrow and Saturday) is the Dallas Pen Show, a unique two-day show that has earned rave reviews.

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1. Pelikan M205 Star Ruby Special Edition (via Pen Chalet). The Star Ruby Pen has sparkles! Grab a Star Ruby pen to match you Star Ruby Ink of the Year that you picked up at the Pelikan Hub!

2. Diplomat Aero Flame Fountain Pen (via Appelboom). From all the questions that I’ve fielded at pen shows over the past year, people must have been begging Diplomat to release a Flame Aero. Looks like it’s coming out next month!

3. Diplomat Traveller Flame Fountain Pen (via Vanness Pens). Diplomat’s original “Flame” offering came in the form of the slim Traveller, which makes a perfect planner or notebook pen.

4. Aurora 88 “Black Mamba” Limited Edition (via Nibsmith). The “Black Mamba” has landed stateside, and Dan still has at least one in stock. This is a great looking blacked-out pen, and is still on my radar if I’m able to act quickly enough.

5. Montblanc M (RED) Designed by Mark Newson (via Appelboom). I can’t recall whether I’ve featured this pen before, but Montblanc has released the “M” series pen in both red acrylic and a palladium nickel coated version.

6. Platinum 100th Anniversary “The Prime” Silver Edition (via Pen Chalet). The prices are finally starting to drop a bit on Platinum’s limited edition Anniversary pens. They’re still expensive, but it’s no longer $1400.

7. Graf von Faber-Castell Classic Wood Macassar Fountain Pen (via Appelboom). After years on the fence, I’m sold on GvFC as a brand, and this PVD-coated titanium trim version looks awesome.

8. Graf von Faber-Castell Tamitio Black Edition Fountain Pen (via Appelboom). In recent years, GvFC has begun to offer some lower-priced options with steel nibs. I wrote with a Tamitio at this year’s D.C. Pen Show and was blown away by the smoothness of their black-plated nib.

9. Galen Leather Washi Tape Dispenser (via Vanness Pens). In addition to leather goods, Galen Leather makes wooden desk accessories through their affiliated label, Walden Woodworkers. This Mahogany washi tape holder will display your washi collection in true sophisticated fashion.

10. Sailor Ink Studio Inks (via Anderson Pens). You have to call the store to order, but Anderson Pens is one of the few retailers in the U.S. offering Sailor’s Ink Studio line, with some truly unique colors. I’m waiting for an opportunity to visit the Chicago Store in person….

11. Sailor Manyo Ink (via The Nibsmith). An international-market exclusive available only outside Japan, these Manyo inks will be a standard offering from Sailor, and it’s exciting because they will be sold in square 50ml bottles.

12. Narwhal Pens (via Goldspot). I had the opportunity to visit with Narwhal briefly at the D.C. Pen Show, and came away impressed at what they can offer at the $45 price point. That yellow acrylic swirl is easily my favorite.

13. MaryMagicBox Vintage Pen Store (via Etsy). I was introduced to this Etsy shop at this year’s Nashville Pelikan Hub, and Mary has some excellent, well-priced vintage pens for sale. I wrote with several of her restorations and the work looks good. The pens themselves are gorgeous.

14. PenBBS Model 323 (via PenBBS/Etsy). Another Pelikan Hub recommendation, the vase-shaped Model 323 from PenBBS is extremely popular, and also apparently quite comfortable to hold. This one is already on my “future order” list.

15. KACO Victoria & Albert Museum Series Fountain Pens (via Amazon). I love the look of these pens that KACO made in collaboration with the V&A Museum, and like them even more for the price point. I’ve reviewed several KACO pens and have generally been impressed with their value proposition. Also check out this version in light blue, as well as this pen in a darker blue/white “wallpaper” pattern.

Deals & Drops: Lamy Special Editions Are Here

I managed to snag a Lamy 2000 blue Bauhaus 100th Anniversary edition earlier this week, but unfortunately it looks as though the stores are all sold out of non-raffle stock. If you look hard enough, you may be able to find one lying around, but your best chance to purchase would be to enter store raffles such as the one Goulet Pens is holding. Lamy has released a ton of special editions this year, in nearly all of its major pen lines, so there’s a lot to look at even if you can’t get the Bauhaus 100th Anniversary edition. Happy shopping!

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1. Lamy Scala Special Edition (via Pen Chalet). The Lamy Scala is one of those pens I’ve never noticed until recently. If you’re a fan of purple pens, Lamy has released the Scala in a “Dark Violet” special edition color, with a rose pink pen also available.

2. Retro 51 2019 Artist Set (via Vanness Pens). Vanness has recently released their 2019 artist collaboration with tattoo artist Katie McGowan of Little Rock. Check out these beautiful mandala-inspired designs, over a copper base.

3. Sailor Manyo Ink (via Nibsmith). Dan has some overseas exclusive Sailor inks in what looks like - gasp - FULL 50ML BOTTLES! Some nice looking colors here.

4. Lamy Studio Special Editions (via Pen Chalet). Pen Chalet has special edition Lamy Studios in stock from both this year and last year. This year’s pens include the blacked-out Lamy Studio LX and Turquoise, as well as the Olive and Terra Cotta pens.

5. Lamy 2000 Blue Bauhaus Lottery Entry (via Goulet Pens). I’ll have more to say on this later this week, once I receive my pen in the mail, but needless to say I’m a little ticked at how Lamy has handled this entire thing. Very few pens were allocated to the U.S., and it makes absolutely no sense to me why this pen is (1) so expensive and (2) so hard to get.

6. Lamy Ink (via Vanness Pens). While we’re on the subject of Lamy, I should say a word about Lamy inks, which are reasonably priced and generally of very high quality, though certain highly saturated colors may be a bit more high-maintenance (I’m thinking “Vibrant Pink” and most of the “Crystal” line.

7. Pelikan M800 Brown Black (via Appelboom). Sort of a return of the M800 Brown Tortoise, but not really? It looks great, but why won’t Pelikan just give us what we really want?

8. Retro 51 Fountain Pens (via Goldspot). Retro 51 recently retooled their fountain pens, including adding JoWo nibs, and they’ve been receiving good reviews. Goldspot has many of them in stock.

9. Lamy LX Marron Special Edition (via PenChalet). My favorite Lamy special edition release might be one of the least expensive - this brown LX comes complete with a brown clip!

10. One Star Leather Hobonichi Covers (via One Star Leather/Etsy). It’s planner season, and you might be in the market for a sturdy leather cover for your new Hobonichi. If so, check out Keegan’s custom offerings, they’re excellent. My review here.

11. Kokuyo Jibun Techo 2020 Planner (via Amazon). I need to do a write-up on this one soon, but the Jibun Techo has been my planner for the past year and I’m going to re-up for 2020. It features very thin, fountain-pen friendly paper that I’m pretty sure is Tomoe River or the equivalent. Highly customizable and more versatile than the Hobonichi, in my opinion.

12. PenBBS 308 in New Acrylics (via PenBBS/Etsy). PenBBS has reloaded their store once again with all sorts of new acrylics, and also some RM (round medium) nibs.

13. Lamy Safari USA Independence Day Edition (via Pen Chalet). The “Independence Day” red, white, and blue Safari is still available, and Pen Chalet has reduced the price!

14. Vintage Osmiroid Specialty Nibs (via Anderson Pens). Anderson Pens has apparently just received a bunch of vintage Osmiroid specialty nibs, including a bunch of italics and obliques. These are supposed to thread into vintage Esterbrooks….

15. Moonman C1 Fountain Pen (via Amazon). Ok, so the term “Double Ink Filling System” just means that it can be eyedroppered AND used with a converter, but it’s more versatile than the still-excellent Moonman M2, which can only be eyedroppered. Check out my review of the M2 here.

Deals & Drops: It's a Limited Retro 51 Extravaganza!

Ok, I couldn’t resist the Retro 51 Typewriter, and there are a bunch of additional new Retro 51 releases, including several retailer collaborations, out this month, as well as some great older models that are still hanging around. If you’re looking for a place to keep all of those Retro 51s, don’t miss the new “System” Deluxe Six Pen Roll from Rickshaw Bagworks, available for pre-order over at the Clicky Post website. Happy shopping!

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1. Retro 51 Typewriter Rollerball (via Pen Chalet). I couldn’t resist picking up one of the black Typewriter pens, exclusive to Pen Chalet.

2. Vanness Artist Series 2019 (via Vanness Pens). This year’s “Artist Series” is a collaboration with Little Rock-based Tattoo artist Katie McGowan, featuring mandala-style artwork over a copper base with antique copper trim.

3. Retro 51 Invader Fountain Pen (via Pen Chalet). Last year, Retro 51 revitalized their fountain pen lineup, switching to JoWo nibs. Does that mean we’ll see more limited edition and exclusive fountain pens, like this classic 8-bit video game-themed pen? Hopefully the answer is yes!

4. Retro 51 Tokyo Skyline Limited Edition (via Goldspot). Don’t miss the latest “Skyline” release from Goldspot, this time featuring Tokyo. The pens in this series glow in the dark to reveal a “nighttime” skyline.

5. Retro 51 Terabyte Tornado 2.0 (via Anderson Pens). If you missed out on the first “Terabyte” fountain pen, now’s your chance to pick up the “Terabyte 2.0” in all-black trim.

6. The System and Space Cat Pen Roll by Rickshaw Bagworks (via Clicky Post). Mike Dudek and Matthew Morse have collaborated on this Deluxe Six Pen Roll from Rickshaw Bagworks that’s sure to complement your Retro 51 “The System” pens! (Now we just need a System Retro 51 Fountain Pen!)

7. Lamy Studio LX All Black (via Appelboom). I finally bit on this one, since the Studio is one of my favorite “unsung heroes” of the pen world and I can’t resist all-black pens.

8. Ateleia Heirloom Quality Machined Pen (via Ateleia/Etsy). Not a fan of rollerball refills? Check out Ateleia’s pens in stainless steel, raw and black aluminum, brass and copper. They accept several popular gel refills, including the Pentel Energel and Uniball Signo, as well as Pilot or Fisher refills, depending on which insert you choose. (You can also opt to purchase both inserts for maximum versatility.)

9. Kaweco Skyline Sport Demonstrator in Transparent Turquoise (via Goldspot). Goldspot recently announced an exclusive collaboration with Kaweco on a transparent demonstrator pen in the “Skyline” series.

10. Aurora 88 Mercury Limited Edition (via Nibsmith). Pre-order the latest limited edition release in the Aurora 88 “Stellar Collection,” which features a gorgeous marbled grey Auroloide.

11. PenBBS 469 Double-Sided Eyedropper in “Misty Mountains” (via PenBBS/Etsy). When will PenBBS just stop making pens in new materials that I want to try? Hopefully never, but it’s not easy on your wallet. I love transparent acrylic with ribbon-like swirls of color, especially in blues and greys. Check out my review of this particular model here.

12. Visconti Rembrandt “Master of Arts” Eclipse Fountain Pen (via Pen Chalet). I’ve not noticed this particular color of the Rembrandt before, and it’s quite attractive, especially at the current price point.

13. Faber-Castell e-Motion “Pure Black” Edition (via Appelboom). One of my personal favorite “workhorse” fountain pens that I always recommend to those who want something more substantial to write with, though this pen is exceptionally well-balanced for its weight. Check out my review here.

14. WIng Sung 601 Vacumatic Fountain Pen (via Amazon). Looking for a way to test out a vintage vacumatic-style filling system without a large investment? Wing Sung pens are a great way to start. Check out my review of some Wing Sung piston-fillers here.

15. Fisher Space Pen Black Titanium Nitride “Astronaut” Pen (via Amazon). The original Fisher Space Pen, with a new darker coating!

Deals & Drops: Long Weekend Recovery and New Sponsor Alert

Why do the four-day weeks following a long weekend always feel so draining? At least it serves as another excuse to buy yourself a little “pick-me-up”! Check out this week's new releases and announcements, including the latest Vanness “Artist Series” Retro 51 collaboration, the new Aurora “Mercury” Solar System pen, and finally, at long-last, the Pelikan M1005 Stresemann.

I’d also like to take a moment to welcome a new sponsor/advertiser to the blog, Good Made Better, the makers of the Penwell and the Solo Pen Stand. My sponsor and affiliate relationships are important to me because they allow me to offer my content to you free of charge, so please visit and support my sponsors. Every time you shop at their stores (including through these weekly links), you help keep TGS going. Many thanks, and I appreciate all of you!

Disclaimer: This post contains links to paid sponsors and affiliates. Please see our Privacy and Cookie Policies for additional information.

1. Vanness Retro 51 “Artist Series” 2019 Set (via Vanness Pens). Vanness and Retro 51 have collaborated in the past with artists on a limited edition Retro 51. This year’s artist is Little Rock-based tattoo artist Katie McGowan.

2. Pelikan M1005 Stresemann Fountain Pen (via Appelboom). At long last, they are in stock! Appelboom has the M1005 Stresemann pens available for sale.

3. Aurora 88 Mercury Limited Edition Fountain Pen (via Nibsmith). Aurora continues to work its way through the Solar System with its space-themed limited releases. This time they have chosen a marbled grey Auroloide.

4. Aurora 88 Black Mamba Fountain Pen (via Appelboom). Teaser photos are starting to trickle out about Aurora’s latest release, the “Black Mamba”. The combination of textures on this pen are interesting, and not something you see regularly.

5. Aurora Internazionale Limited Edition (via Nibsmith). Dan still has a few Internazionale limited edition pens, and this is one of my favorite limited releases from 2019. Check out the depth of color on that blue material.

6. Leonard Officina Italiana Exclusive Momento Zero Fountain Pens (via Pen Chalet). Certain nib sizes are starting to sell out, so if you’ve been eyeing one of these be sure to act before the one you want sells out. Check out my review here.

7. Montegrappa Limited Editions (via Pen Chalet). Even if you only look to admire the artistry on these pens, check out several limited edition Montegrappa pens that Pen Chalet has in stock, including the Game of Thrones “Winter is Here” fountain pen, the Queen: A Night at the Opera Limited Edition, and the Moon Landing Limited Edition.

8. Good Made Better Penwells and Solo Pen Stands (via Good Made Better). Many thanks to Dan for sponsoring the blog for the coming months! If you’re unfamiliar with the Penwell, or GMB’s newest offering, the Solo Pen Stand, be sure to check them out. Read my review of the Penwell here.

9. Pelikan M205 Olivine Pen and Ink Sale (via Goldspot). Last year’s stunning M205 release is sure to sell out quickly at the price Goldspot is offering.

10. Bungubox Zodiac Limited Edition Ink (via Anderson Pens). The Andersons are carrying some of the Bungubox “Zodiac” inks, and currently have Gemini, Taurus, and Aries in stock. Anderson Pens carries the other Bungubox inks as well.

11. Gold Falling Sakura on Bonfire with Bronze Branch Roll Stopper (via 18111com/Yoshi Nakama). While the name might not be the easiest to remember, I love Yoshi Nakama’s lacquerwork when it’s layered on top of dark red material. Don’t miss the opportunity to check out his pens.

12. PenBBS Model 469 Double-Ended Pen Restock (via PenBBS/Etsy). PenBBS has restocked their online store with nine different variants of the double-ended Model 469 fountain pen. Read my review here.

13. Yookers Refillable Fiber Tip Pen (via Pen Chalet). I’ve not been this excited about a non-fountain pen product in some time, and these have made their way onto my “to review” list. I like that they are available in both metal and plastic versions, with a corresponding range of price points.

14. Galen Leather Washi Tape Dispenser (via Vanness Pens). While known for their pen cases and leather notebook covers, Galen Leather has expanded their line of handmade wooden desk accessories, including this Washi Tape Dispenser. Also available in Mahogany.

15. Wing Sung 601 Steel Cap Vacumatic (via Amazon). I finally filled these pens up last week preparing for a possible review, and have been impressed so far. For less than $20, you have the ability to test out the vintage vacumatic-style filling system without committing to the purchase of a vintage pen. I have two and both of my nibs are excellent (though very fine) writers.