Press Release

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

The Philadelphia Pen Show
January 21-22, 2006, at the Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel
17th & Race Streets, Philadelphia, PA

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.

You’ll find thousands of fine writing instruments and other good things at the 2006 Philadelphia Pen Show, January 22-23, at the Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel.
Details at www.PhiladelphiaPenShow.com.

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.

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

Next 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 you can 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 2006 Philadelphia Pen Show promises to be bigger and more interesting than any time in its 16-year history.

All signs lead to the Philadelphia Pen Show!
Details at www.PhiladelphiaPenShow.com.

If you’re one of the ever-increasing numbers of people who enjoy fine pens, this weekend offers you a chance to see and try thousands of vintage pens from every era, plus modern pens, ink and writing accessories from practically every 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.

2006 marks the 16th year of this growing show

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 part 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. Virtually all of them will be on display—and for sale.

Fabulous door prizes from Aurora Pens, and more

Spectacular Door Prizes include this Aurora 85th Anniversary Limited Edition Fountain Pen which retails for $1,200. It will be the Grand Prize to be awarded in a drawing at 3 pm, Sunday. Other prizes will be awarded throughout both days of the show. Winners must be present at time of drawing.

Aurora Pens of Italy, 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 also graciously providing some spectacular items to be given away as door prizes, including an Aurora 85th Anniversary Limited Edition Fountain Pen, which retails for $1,200. This bright, translucent red and pearl pen with solid Sterling Silver trim will be awarded in a Grand Prize Drawing from among all paid attendants, on Sunday at 3 pm. Other fine items from Aurora, and sponsor Libelle Pens, will be given away throughout both days of the show. Winners must be present at the time of the drawing. Other sponsors are also offering gifts. The Sheaffer Pen Company is providing free Calligraphy Kits to paid registrants who sign up for and attend the Calligraphy Workshops each day. And Pen World will be giving away subscriptions and copies of their popular international pen magazine and their watch aficionado magazine, In Sync.

Sheaffer Calligraphy Maxi Kits will be given free to those attending the 2-hour Calligraphy Workshop each day each day at Philadelphia Pen Show.
Kits provided courtesy of Sheaffer Pen Company.

Free Calligraphy Workshops and Sheaffer Calligraphy Kits. This year, Sheaffer Pen Company and show organizer, Bertram’s Inkwell, are inviting show goers to attend a free 2-hour Calligraphy seminar, beginning at noon, both Saturday and Sunday. For just the price of admission to the pen show, those who wish to attend the seminar will also receive a Sheaffer calligraphy set and 2 hours of basic instruction in the ancient art “graceful writing” from internationally recognized calligrapher, Deborah Basel. Basel is a member of the Washington Calligraphers Guild and currently teaches calligraphy for Bertram’s Inkwell in Baltimore. According to Ms. Basel, calligraphy does not require artistic talent, just patience and a willingness to practice. The first 50 paid pen show attendees who register for the Calligraphy Workshop each day, will also receive a free Sheaffer Calligraphy Maxi Kit that retails for $19.99. The kit includes 3 pens with different nibs, a variety of colored ink cartridges, and instructions. Seating and the calligraphy kits are limited. Please pre-register for the seminar when you pay for your admission to the show.

Learn how to pick the right pen for you. In 1999, Susan Wirth appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and helped Oprah choose a fountain pen that fit her hand and writing style so well, she didn’t want to put it down. On Saturday at 11 am, Susan will conduct a free 45-minute Philly Pen Show Workshop on finding the pens that enhance your writing. Susan, who lives in Milwaukee, is renowned for her ability to find the pen and nib style that suits the writer best. “Everyone writes differently,” she explains. “You’ve found a good match when a pen enhances your writing and makes you want to use it.” In this exclusive seminar, Susan Wirth will help you learn how to find the style of pen point that will work best for you. You can also visit Susan's table for personal attention throughout the show.

What treasure will you find at the Philadelphia Pen Show?
Details at www.PhiladelphiaPenShow.com.

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; Vacumania.com of New York City; Pensite.com of Plainview, NY; Main Street Pens of Syracuse, NY; GoPens.com of Woodbridge, CT; and master custom pen maker, Joe Cali.

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, Signum, Waterford, and Sheaffer.

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 Lambrou and Paul Erano, as well as the publishers of Pen World Magazine.

You can sample a wide variety of pens and nib types, and get help finding the point style that suits your hand best, usually with great fanfare, under the practiced eye of Susan Wirth. Or you can sample dozens of different ink colors and brands at the tables of ink specialists, Anne Marie Houptenimi of the Ink Palette, and Sam Fiorello, of Pandemonium.

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, store displays 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.

The Show Posters Are Already Up In The Philadelphia Train Stations

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.

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For More Information About The Philadelphia Pen Show

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