September Update

Hi everyone! As summer draws to a close, I just wanted to update you as to what’s been happening in the world of pens.

July was probably one of the most exciting and action-packed months that I can remember! The drama really started several months earlier as I heard the news of Fine Writing’s struggles with Visconti, one of Italy’s flagship pen makers. It seems as though all good things must come to an end. So on July 15th, 2009 Fine Writing of Brooklyn, NY is no longer the distributor of Visconti in the United States. We wish Don and Steve (the former principles) continued success in their endeavors.

Dante Delveccio, owner and founder of Visconti, was inundated with emails, and phone calls from dealers across the country (myself included) to the surprise of this decision. But with his mind made up, Dante has appointed a new distributor – Mark Cole of Coles of London. Mark is a new player in the U.S. market. You may recognize two brands that he started with: Online from Germany, an innovative collection of pens ranging in price from $30 to $500. The Online collection is probably the first pen line to hit the U.S. that competes directly with Lamy. Another pen that Coles of London offers is the Yoropen. I’m always amazed at the simple little display on my counter of this bent pen that is optimized for your writing comfort and ergonomic design that works great for both left handed and right handed folks. Mark, I wish you the best of luck with Visconti and I look forward to my successful continuation with the brand.

Many of you may be asking right about now: What about Ken Jones?!?
Ken has accepted a position at Yafa (distributors of Delta, and manufacturers of Conklin and Monteverde). Wait a minute! Did I just say Conklin? Yes, that’s right! Conklin was purchased by Jerry Greenberg of Yafa this past summer. See I told you this summer was full of exciting new changes! So, to Ken all the best success at Yafa, and we look forward to growing the Conklin brand with you and continued success with Delta and Monteverde.

Did I just say Monteverde? I’m telling you, it just keeps coming! Bertram’s Inkwell and Monteverde are launching the first refill recycling program. This exciting project promotes green thinking when it comes to disposal of ball points, gels, roller balls and ink cartridges.

July also means my favorite pen show of the year! I am speaking, of course, of the Miami show. I started out Wednesday the 15th, at 4:30am with all 3 of my daughters, Carol, Cathryn, and Chloe in tow. We had a great drive, a great trip altogether, and an awesome show!

This year was no different in terms of diversity in vendors and a great crowd of local pen collectors.

Alan Shaw of Shaw Pens in Pennsylvania created a series of pens called South Beach. One of which was given away in our Saturday drawing. The South Beach pen has the bright and flashy colors as well as trimwork in silver and gold, making it one of the better theme pens that I’ve seen. Good job Alan, and thanks for your support!

Sailor Pen was a welcomed vendor that we haven’t seen in a couple years at this show. Karen and Chris displayed the new transparent Pro Gear and limited edition Maki-e pens.

Chuck Swisher and his wife Lu of Swisher Pens put on a display of literally “soup to nuts”, with everything from little give-aways for kids to the finest of fountain pens. Chuck and his wife were thoroughly spoiled by the Biltmore as were we all!

Jimmy Dolive and Jimmy Jr. were on hand with a collection of pens like no other! While I don’t know how he did at the show, I do know that the Biltmore is Jimmy’s favorite as well.

Attending for the second time, Terry Mawhorter displayed a collection he was selling for a customer of his. For those of you who don’t know Terry, he is the promoter of the Columbus and Raleigh shows.

The Miami show has got to be the best of boutique shows in the circuit – small and intimate with a great following of loyal pen enthusiasts.
Thank you one and all for coming to the show!


And that’s just what happened in July! Moving into August, I received a letter from MontBlanc informing me that they were no longer distributing Montegrappa, another leading and innovative Italian pen maker. Montegrappa’s claim to fame came in the early ‘90’s with the introduction of the Silver Dragon. This oversized sterling silver fountain pen took the entire industry by storm with its introduction. A virtually unknown company at that time selling a fountain pen for over $2000! And today these pens (if you can find one) are commanding premium prices. And since then, Montegrappa has continued to produce the most eye-popping, decorative, intricate pens made from sterling silver, celluloid, and solid gold. So that leaves the question: Who is selling them now? One of our key partners, Kenro Industries, whom you know for bringing Aurora into the U.S. and making it the success that it is today, will bring Montegrappa into the premier spotlight here in the U.S.
Kenro, under the direction of Joel Blumberg, is a tightly run organization that also distributes Omas, Aurora, Libelle, Tibaldi, and Aquila brands. Kenro is always a big sponsor of the national pen show circuit. You’ve probably met Dick Krane, Kenro’s front man a.k.a. Energizer Bunny at one of these shows.

Speaking of pen shows, the D.C. Supershow really was just that: a super show. It all started bright and early on Friday morning with everyone getting set up and ready for the show. You could really feel the anticipation building as it got closer to opening time. By late Friday we were set and ready to roll.

In setting up, we put up my latest creation, a brand new addition to pen shows. I built a refill wall that holds literally hundreds of refills. This 4x12 foot long wall that I introduced to the world at our Miami pen show in July created quite a buzz during both shows.

On Saturday morning (opening day), the show was fast-paced as the pen fanciers came pouring in the doors! Business at Bertram’s Inkwell was steady throughout the day. 5pm came quickly and we quickly realized that we were out of stock. Adam went back to the store that night and loaded up with more pens, more refills, and more Whitelines notepaper. We’re selling a ton of this stuff! Sunday business was good, and when 4pm rolled around we were ready to go home.

Moving in to the Fall, in September, we will launch our refill exchange program. For every ball point, roller ball or gel that you send or bring in Bertram’s Inkwell will give you a credit of $1.00 towards the purchase of a new refill. I’ll even give you $.15 credit for an empty ink cartridge! We will be launching this program September 25th and 26th here in the store. Ken Jones will be on hand with thousands of Monteverde refills to make sure we find the right one for you. Hope you can make it!

Also, in October, Adam and I will be heading to New York for the New York pen show. Finally, the New York pen show is back in the city which it belongs!

In November, we have our biggest event of the year – our Bertram’s Inkwell annual pen fair which is on Saturday the 7th from 11-5pm. Pen manufacturers and distributors from the world over will be represented. Hourly drawings and prizes will be awarded. Stop by and see the latest and greatest that these companies have to offer!

That’s it for now, folks! We’ll update you again after the New York Show.