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Press Release

Quality Pens Make A Comeback
And They're Coming Back To Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Pen Show
January 22-23, 2005, at the Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel
17th & Race Streets, Philadelphia, PA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim Rouse, Bertram’s Inkwell: 443-790-3103 or 410 539-7367
jimrouse@bertramsinkwell.com

Today, computers dominate the way we write. But when the cold keyboard can be avoided,
more and more of us enjoy the old-fashioned pleasure of writing with a fountain pen…or sometimes, just carrying one. Like fine mechanical watches, custom made suits and handcrafted jewelry, fine pens have become a must-have status symbol.

Is it throwback to the old days? Undoubtedly, yes. A status symbol? Sure. But it’s more. A distinctive fountain pen, or a high-quality rollerball or ballpoint is a very personal item that expresses our individuality. We like the way a good pen looks in our pocket or impresses when we brandish it and ceremoniously remove the cap (Isn’t the pen mightier, after all?). And we love the way a carefully chosen pen fits our hand, glides across good paper and reacts as we write, leaving infinitely varied lines and shading that express not only our words, but our mood, our feelings, even our very personality.


The Show Posters Are Already Up In The Philadelphia Train Stations
Click the poster to see a larger version of it!

More fine writing instruments than you’ve ever seen in Philadelphia

This weekend, pen collectors and dealers from across the country will be meeting in Philadelphia to display modern and vintage writing instruments, accessories, and related items in all price ranges. It’s an opportunity to see, try—and purchase—some of the most beautiful and expensive pens made. Or find inexpensive “user” pens that just look and feel good. In fact, you’ll find more pens than you’ve ever seen in Philadelphia at one time. As interest in fountain pens and quality ballpoints continues to grow, The 2005 Philadelphia Pen Show promises to be bigger and more interesting than any time in its 15-year history.

If you’re one of the ever-increasing number of those who enjoy fine pens, this weekend offers an opportunity to see and try thousands of vintage pens from every era and modern pens, ink and writing accessories from every major manufacturer. You can bring your own pens—or your parents’ and grandparents’ pens—for free appraisals, to sell or trade, or to have them repaired and restored. Many repairs can be done while you wait.

On Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday from 10am to 4pm, the public is invited to the Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel at 17th and Race Streets in Center City Philadelphia, where there will be over 80 tables featuring many of America’s most respected pen dealers and collectors, and pen manufacturers from around the world. Admission to the public is $8.00 at the door each day, or $25.00 for a full-weekend Platinum Pass that admits you to early trading and pre-show events on Friday and dealer setup on Saturday and Sunday. Children under 12 will be admitted free with a paying adult.

2005 marks the 15th year of this growing show


So Many Pens, So Little Time!

The Philly Pen Show has become one of the premier events for pen enthusiasts throughout the U.S. The increasing popularity of this and other pen shows that take place around the world, is largely the result of the surprising resurgence of interest in quality writing instruments. Since the early 1990s, older pen manufacturers, both here and abroad, have been bringing out new lines of writing instruments in all styles and price ranges and even resurrected some of their classic models using today’s technology. What’s more, new pen makers are introducing exciting new concepts and some captivating variations on the old ones. Virtually all of them will be on display—and for sale.

Fabulous door prizes and freebies

Aurora Pens, the show’s primary sponsor, will be displaying the latest of their extraordinary limited edition pens plus their full lines of production pens. They are graciously providing some spectacular items that will be given away as door prizes, including a $1600.00 “Pope” Limited Edition Fountain Pen, which will be awarded in a Grand Prize Drawing from among all paid attendants, at 4 pm Sunday. Other fine items from Aurora, and sponsor Libelle Pens will be given away through both days of the show. You must be present to win. Other sponsors are also providing free goodies. Pen World will be giving away subscriptions and copies of their popular international pen magazine and their watch aficionado magazine, In Sync. And the first 100 paid entrants each day will receive a free $11.95 bottle of Diamine Ink.

Exhibitors at the show are some of the most recognized dealers of new and vintage pens from around the country. They include the show’s organizer, Bertram’s Inkwell of Baltimore; Fountain Pen Hospital of New York; Total Office Products of Atlanta; Pendemonium of Fort Madison, Iowa; Berliner Pen of New York; Pen Haven of Kensington, MD; Classic Pens of Los Angeles; The Write Shoppe of Annapolis; Susan Wirth & Associates of Milwaukee; PenstopOnline of Brooklyn, PowerPens of Hagerstown, MD; Penopoly Pens of San Leandro, CA, His Nibs.com of Allentown; Vacumania.com of New York City; Pensite.com of Plainview, NY; Main Street Pens of Syracuse, NY; GoPens.com of Woodbridge, CT; and Ink Palette of Ithaca, NY.
In addition to sponsors Aurora and Libelle, manufacturers of pens and accessories displaying or selling their merchandise and providing customer service include, Delta, Monteverde, Yaffa, Visconti, Taccia, Conklin, Signum, Retro 51, Diamine Inks of England, Michael’s Pens, and The Venlo Company.


Click the poster to see a larger version of it!

Pen repairs will be offered by expert pen restorers, Roger Cromwell of Penopoly, Ron Zorn of Main Street Pens, and Richard Binder of Richard’s Pens. They’ll be providing repairs and nib adjustments to your pens—many while you wait.

You’ll be able to meet and speak with authors of pen reference books, Andreas Lambro and Paul Erno, as well as the publishers of Stylus Magazine.

Many well-known and respected pen collectors will also be there, selling vintage, modern and limited edition pens and accessories.

You’ll find limited edition and one-of-a-kind pens you are unlikely to see anywhere else. Some of these spectacular and often highly collectible pieces, which are often designed on a commemorative theme, can be more jewelry than pen—and command prices in the tens-of-thousands of dollars. Plus you’ll find a surprising selection of other things pen-lovers long for: watches, pen advertising, display items and other ephemera, pen cases, fine leather goods, parts and tools to repair your own pens, lead and erasers for vintage pencils, optical equipment, and an incredible selection of inks to sample or buy.

It’s an event where you can see and try pens you may have seen only in pictures…and many you’ve never seen at all. You can try pens, talk pens, and learn as much as you can absorb from experts and other enthusiasts who are more than happy to share their knowledge and preferences, or to help you find the pens that best suit your taste, writing style and budget. Even if you only come to browse and learn, you’re sure to go home happy.


For More Information About The Philadelphia Pen Show

For more information about the show, please go to www.phillypenshow.com. Or call Jim Rouse of Bertram’s Inkwell at 410 539-7367. For directions, call the Wyndham at 215-448-2000.

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Last Update 3/22/05