Fahrney's Pens
The Nation's premier source for fine
writing instruments, accessories and
pen expertise since 1929
View Cart My Account Customer Service Site Map Our Store
Corporate Gifts
Aurora Conklin Cross Delta Dupont Faber-Castell Filofax Lamy Libelle Montblanc Montegrappa
Monteverde Namiki/Pilot Parker Pelikan Platinum Retro 51 Sailor Sheaffer Stipula Tokens & Icons See All Brands
Be the first to receive special offers and new product updates!
 

Newsletter Banner
Fine Pens
Pen Refills
Accessories
Fine Gifts
Leather Goods
History Autographs
SUPER SAVINGS
The Write Point Archives A Salute to our Troops on Memorial Day

As Memorial Day approaches, we'd like to reflect on the true purpose of this holiday, not as the unofficial start of summer and a welcome three-day weekend, but as the one day the nation honors the American men and women who have given their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Formerly known as Decoration Day, the holiday originated in the years following the Civil War.

The Civil War claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history, requiring the establishment of the country's first national cemeteries. By the late 1860s, numerous towns and cities had begun holding springtime tributes to the countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers.

The name gradually changed from Decoration Day to 'Memorial Day', which was first used in 1882. It did not become common until after World War II – it was declared the official name by Federal law in 1967 – and was extended to honor those who died in all American wars. The traditional May 30 date was changed to the last Monday in May when Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, which took effect in 1971.

In the early 20th century, Memorial Day became an occasion for more general expressions of memory, as people visited the graves of deceased family members and friends, whether they had served in the military or not. The long weekend has become increasingly devoted to shopping, family gatherings, fireworks, vacations, and national events such as the Indianapolis 500 auto race, held since 1911 on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.

The true meaning of Memorial Day has had resurgence in recent years. The National Moment of Remembrance asks that at 3 p.m. local time, all Americans voluntarily observe a moment of silence for our fallen soldiers. Another tradition is to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff from dawn until noon. On the Thursday before Memorial Day, 1,200 soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery. They then patrol 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains standing. In 2004, the first National Memorial Day parade in over 60 years was held in Washington, DC. This year the parade will feature a tribute to the generation that served and sacrificed in the Iraqi War.

Before you start your weekend, take a few moments this Memorial Day to reflect on the meaning of the day, to be mindful of the sacrifices of others, and to salute the brave servicemen and women who have allowed us to enjoy the freedoms of our great country.
05/22/12
Tips for Graduates: Don't Forget the Job Interview Thank Yous!

The Graduation Season is in full swing – ceremonies, parties, gift giving and good wishes from friends and family are all part of honoring the graduate on a job well done. The graduate should feel proud of his or her accomplishment and be grateful for the recognition they receive. So grateful, in fact, that they will be immediately compelled to take out a pen and write thoughtful Thank You notes to show their appreciation! Well, maybe.

If your graduate is like many, it may take some gentle coercion to get them to sit down long enough to complete this very important task! But once the notes are written, it might be a good time to mention to college graduates the importance of also writing a thank you letter to any prospective job interviewers. Yes, the reality of a job search after college has finally arrived.

While Fahrney's often touts the merits of handwritten communication, it is also appropriate to type the follow-up thank you to a job interview and add a written signature. If one's handwriting is clear and legible, by all means, write the entire letter! Amazingly, only about 10% of interviewees actually send a follow-up letter, so yours will stand out from the crowd either way. One executive told us that when she sees a hand-addressed envelope, it goes right to the top of her resumé pile. Here's a few more tips to keep in mind when composing your letter:

• Respond quickly – Remember to get business cards from all those who interviewed you and plan to send a thank you letter to each one within 24 hours of the interview. This will also convey your enthusiasm for the company and show that you will be an organized and conscientious employee.

• Give thanks – Thank the interviewer for the time spent with you and emphasize why you are interested in the position.

• Brag a little – Briefly cover the reasons why you would be an asset to the firm. Address any issues or questions that may have come up during the interview that you feel needed a better answer or more clarification.

• Stand out – If you are one of many candidates, remind the interviewer of a shared interest or highlight of your meeting that will make them remember you. Recap your qualifications and specify how you can meet or exceed the expectations outlined in the job description.

• Check your spelling – Nothing stands out more than a misspelled word or bad grammar. Show your professionalism with a letter that has been carefully proofread and is free of errors and typos.

Good luck! It always makes a good impression when you send a letter on fine stationery like Crane's. If you'd like more guidelines for writing a proper thank you or business letter, Fahrney's offers great books to help you find just the right words.
05/15/12
A Tribute To the Graduates of 2012

It's that time of year . . . when students toss their caps, as well as their books and old papers. It's graduation day!

We are particularly attuned to the achievements of graduates this year as a number of (aging!) Fahrney's staff members are celebrating the college graduations of their children. This event is a milestone in every student's life, as well as a source of pride for every parent, guardian, relative or friend of the graduate. A diploma signifies the accomplishment, hard work and perseverance of each student who deserves recognition for a job well done.

If you are planning a graduation celebration or simple tribute for a graduate in your life, here are some creative ways to make the day extra special.

Create a Life Montage - Highlight the graduate's life with a collage or display of photographs in a frame or scrapbook. You could also decorate a table showcasing awards, photos and accomplishments. A professionally produced photo book makes a wonderful keepsake for the honoree.

Go Digital - Make a home video or PowerPoint slideshow that recaptures the memorable events in the graduate's life. Add a music soundtrack and keep it playing during the graduation party.

Guest Comments - A guest book is a great way to collect mementos of the celebration. Leave a guest book or decorative card box in a prominent place where guests can write a personal message or note to share their congratulations and good wishes.

Give a Toast – Invite guests to honor the graduate with heart-warming or funny toasts or a short speech. This public tribute is sure to make a graduate feel extra special (or embarrassed!) and will bring smiles to the entire crowd.

Of course, a pen makes a great graduation gift! A personalized writing instrument is an ideal gift for any graduate, a useful tool that will serve them well as they embark on a new career and future. And, they will remember you every time they write.

Click here to see some of our recommended items:
05/08/12
American Ingenuity at its Finest!

This week's newsletter features two of America's most venerable brands – the Parker Pen Company and Waterman S.A. It's pretty remarkable that both companies were founded over 120 years ago by amateur inventors trying to improve the performance of fountain pens – the basic but essential tool for daily writing at the time. Today, Parker and Waterman are multi-national companies recognized worldwide as makers of high-quality writing instruments, ink and refills with brand names that are familiar around the globe – a result of the perseverance and American entrepreneurial spirit of Lewis E. Waterman and George S. Parker.

In 1883, Lewis Edson Waterman was a successful New York City insurance broker who brought a new fountain pen to an important contract signing. When the pen leaked ink on the contract, he rushed back to his office for another copy – by the time he returned, the client had signed a deal with a rival broker! This experience made him determined to devise a fountain pen that he could rely on at all times.

He discovered that the problem was in the ink flow through the pen's feed. After much experimentation, he developed the 'Three Fissure Feed' based on the principle of capillary action. This invention was awarded a U.S. patent in 1884, and became the system adopted by all fountain pen manufacturers. His company was established and prospered even after his death in 1901. Waterman remained successful with innovations throughout the early 1900's, like the 'Sleeve Self-filler', the 'Lever-and-Sac' filler and the very first ink cartridges in 1926. These were all inventions that maintained Waterman's leadership in the world of fine writing.

George Safford Parker followed a similar path to Waterman's – a former sales agent in Wisconsin for the John Holland Gold Pen Co., he repaired fountain pens in his spare time. Frustrated with the unreliability and messiness of the day's writing instruments, he vowed to "build a better pen" and founded his company in 1888. By 1894, he indeed built a better pen with the introduction of the 'Lucky Curve' – a pen that drastically reduced the inevitable leakage problems with a feed that allowed ink to flow back into the reservoir. Parker's company was now on its way to mainstream success.

The business grew and expanded with constant pen innovations and improvements leading to the most famous Parker of all time – the 1921 Duofold – a highly dependable, fashionable fountain pen at the astounding price of $7.00! More classic pens followed including the high-capacity Vacumatic in 1933, and the Parker 51 in 1941 (with its hooded nib and cigar shape, it became the most popular model in fountain pen history).

Both Waterman and Parker dove into the modern age with the adoption of new writing modes (the ballpoint pen, rollerball, and felt-tip pen among others) and continue to innovate and dazzle us with their fine products. Amazing that it all started over a century ago with a leaky fountain pen . . .
05/01/12
The True Meaning of Mother's Day

Mother's Day began in the days of the Ancient Greeks, when they would celebrate Cybele - the Mother of the Gods, in conjunction with the Vernal Equinox - the day when the sun passes right over the equator, signaling the start of spring. In Ancient Rome, the celebration centered around Juno, the goddess of childbirth, known as the "Matronalia Festival" where husbands and children gave gifts to the mothers in their lives in an effort to honor Juno.

Today, Mother's Day is celebrated throughout the world by people of all faiths and all backgrounds.

Mom is the person who carried us in her womb for nine months and introduced us to the greatest gift – the gift of life. The one who acted as our guiding force, our guardian angel. She was always there for moral support and a shoulder to cry on, our best friend.

It is through her how we perceived the world and the people in it. She was the one who taught us self-confidence, respect, moral values and the real meaning of life.

So, on Mother's Day, pause for a moment and remember that special person who influenced who you are today. Look back on the days you wouldn't sleep without your mother's lullabies, the days you wanted her present in all of life's adventures.

If you are fortunate enough to be able to do so, spend some time and pamper her as she did for you. Cherish the memories of those days when you started your journey together as a mother and child. Your mom will be proud of you for sparing your precious time for her.

Click here for a list of Mother's Day gift ideas.

Engraving and complimentary gift wrap available.
04/24/12
Full Disclosure

One of the interesting 'pen trends' we've noticed over the past several months is the plethora of Demonstrator fountain pens being offered by writing instrument manufacturers from all over the world. They can be high-priced, low-priced, limited editions, extra-large or compact models. Once a novelty item, transparent pens are now a hot product for everyday writing!

The first "demonstrator pens" can be traced back to the heyday of fountain pens in the 1920s when manufacturers supplied them to sales reps to show off the otherwise hidden features of their products to potential buyers. Initially, the demonstrators were cut-away designs with strategic openings in solid ebonite or celluloid barrels – the favored materials at the time. Once transparent resins came into use, 'real' see-through demonstrators were created – the Parker Duofold and Sheaffer Balance both had demonstrator models in the early 1930s.

The transparent pens allowed an easy view of the inner workings of the writers – the filling system, the delivery of ink to the feed and of course, the ink color. A 'true' demonstrator was etched with the name of the internal parts it was demonstrating. Never meant for retail sale, the demonstrators of yesteryear are now sought-after collector's items.

Today, we find that our customers enjoy the demonstrators for many reasons: the thrill of watching your pen fill with ink, the attention-getting factor when it is pulled from one's pocket, or watching the fascinating play of light on the ink inside. Of course, there are those who think they are just plain cool!

A quick scan through Fahrney's brand new Spring Gifts catalog revealed an astounding eleven (count 'em, 11!) transparent fountain pens being offered. You can check them out for yourself here:

One of our new favorites is the Aurora Nero 88 with black matte nib

The Platinum Century Borgogne in rich transparent burgundy

The very limited OMAS 360 Vintage Red

Sailor's neon-colored Professional Gear and Clear 1911

Two popular choices from Pilot – the Custom 74 and rainbow-colored Prera

Lamy's Vista Safari models

Stipula Clear Model T limited edition

Pelikan's M205 yellow highlighter fountain pen
04/17/12
Words of Writing Wisdom from Inga Dubay

We are delighted to welcome handwriting specialist Inga Dubay to our downtown Washington, DC retail store this Thursday, April 12th. Ms. Dubay, with her teaching partner Barbara Getty, is the author of two of Fahrney's best selling books on italic handwriting: Italic Letters and Write Now! The Complete Program for Better Handwriting. The renowned teacher, calligrapher and artist will be on hand to sign her books and demonstrate and discuss her basic steps to more beautiful, legible handwriting. Her methods are easy to follow and designed for all ages – from children to adults.

For a quick overview of her writing philosophy and lettering tips, click on the link below to read her article published in the New York Times Op-Ed section. It's a great way to get started on the quest for better handwriting!

Inga Dubay and Barbara Getty: "The Write Stuff".
04/10/12
Customer Testimonial

One of the rewarding aspects of Fahrney's business is our relationship with many of our more avid customers. Dr. Sankar Swaminathan of the University of Utah School of Medicine was recently in DC visiting our store and we had a chance to catch up with him and discuss his love of pens and the written word. Below are a few of his reflections contributed to The Write Point.

"Why are you writing with that?" a young physician-in-training asked me a few years ago, when I was writing a note with a fountain pen in a patient's chart. I think he felt it was a hopelessly old-fashioned habit, and couldn't understand why I would go to the trouble of filling and carrying around a fountain pen.

At the time, I just murmured something to the effect that I was used to it. But as I thought about it later, I realized that I felt quite strongly about it. For one thing, my notes always stood out in the chart. They were often in bright blue or brown ink, and believe it or not, they were legible!

Of course, these days, it is impossible to use a fountain pen, or any pen, on the wards, as we all use electronic medical records. I know this is necessary for so many practical reasons, but we have lost many desirable aspects of hand-written notes. Gone are the days when you could just scan the page and immediately see what a colleague thought by recognizing his writing. But more importantly, the process of writing by hand made you stop and think in a way that was fundamentally different. So many notes today are template-driven, and sparse in content and concept.

The number of uses for my fountain pen shrinks day–by–day. But I still write papers and research proposals by hand, with a fountain pen. It serves as an antidote to the daily fragmentation of thought that occurs with e-mails, texts, blogs and tweets.

Dr. Sankar Swaminathan
Salt Lake City, UT
04/03/12
Play Ball!

Ahhhhh! The sights and sounds of another spring! From the early-blooming Cherry Blossoms here in Washington, DC to the cries of "Play Ball!" as Major League Baseball prepares for another season of the country's "National Pastime", the signs are everywhere.

Perhaps nowhere is the 2012 season as highly anticipated as in Boston, Massachusetts. Fenway Park, the venerable home of the Boston Red Sox will celebrate it's 100th season as one of the best known and most beloved sports venues anywhere. The oldest Major League Baseball currently in use, Fenway Park has just been added to the National Registar of Historic Places. Fenway Park is one of those rare MLB grounds that still have an operational hand-operated scoreboard; it is situated in the left-field wall; green and red lights are used to signal balls, strikes, and outs. Dedicated Red Sox fans, the "Red Sox Nation", have sold out 631 consecutive Red Sox games since 2003, far exceeding a Major League Baseball record.

Fahrney's Pens is proud to offer authentic artifacts salvaged from historic ballpark stadium seats including Fenway Park. These unique and very limited pens and cufflinks come gift boxed with certificates of authenticity. The treasured artifacts make unique graduation, Father's Day or any-occasion gifts for the baseball fan in your life.
03/27/12
The Feathery Way to Write

Most of recorded history has been written with a quill pen. Introduced in the seventh century, quills replaced reed pens and were in general use until the development of steel nib pens in the 19th century.

The barrels of bird wing feathers were hardened in hot coals or sand, a process called "Dutching," which made the shafts more durable. By Colonial times, the small pocket knife used to sharpen quills was called a "penknife" and is still so called today.

In the Middle Ages, writing was confined mainly to the Church. In the later Medieval period, wider literacy developed outside monasteries and the demand for quills grew among professional lay scribes or "scriveners." By the mid-fifteenth century, the printing press had been invented. Soon after, writing was taught in schools open to pupils of all social classes.

Today, quills are still sought after by calligraphers, owing to their unmatched flexibility. At our DC store, Fahrney's carries goose, turkey and other writing quills that are precision-handcut. Reservoirs in the quill barrels extend the write-out between ink fills. Fountain pen or iron gall (historically accurate) inks are both suitable; artists inks with high viscosity are to be avoided.

Farhney's also offers period pewter inkstand reproductions with matched (right and left wing feathers) goose quills. Our quills are prepared and cut by a long-time supplier to the U.S. Supreme Court. It's a tradition at the Court to present quills to lawyers from both sides arguing a case before the Justices.
03/20/12
The Princess Grace Foundation-USA

With the "Collection Princess Grace de Monaco" Montblanc pays tribute to one of the most remarkable women of all time and gives charitable support to her artistic legacy the Princess Grace Foundation-USA. Princess Grace of Monaco has dedicated her entire life to helping others by supporting emerging artists and helping them to pursue their dreams. Honoring her great commitment, the mission of the "Princess Grace Foundation-USA" is to continue Princess Grace of Monaco's life-long engagement as a patron of arts.

Grace Kelly, actress and royal idol for generations, will always be admired for her elegant style and her artistic talent as an Oscar winning actress. But above all, she deeply impressed the world with her unrelenting commitment to helping others.

Grace Kelly had already shown her compassionate heart as a teenager while volunteering in hospitals. Subsequently in Monaco, despite her many duties as a royal consort and loving mother, she found the time to promote charities and social causes. In this respect, Princess Grace de Monaco raised millions for the many charities she believed in. Princess Grace de Monaco was boundlessly interested in the arts and therefore genuinely dedicated to helping young creative artists. With her great kindness, she encouraged many young artists, emerging from different creative disciplines, to pursue their career ambitions and to finally succeed in their field of art.

The Princess Grace Foundation-USA is a tribute to the extraordinary legacy of Princess Grace of Monaco. The Foundation is dedicated to identifying and assisting emerging talent in theatre, dance, and film by awarding grants in the form of scholarships, apprenticeships and fellowships.

It was founded in 1982 by Prince Rainier III of Monaco, who mobilized a group of individuals to establish the foundation in honor of his wife. From its inception, the Princess Grace Foundation–USA found dedicated supporters, not only in Princess Grace's family, but also among her many friends and admirers including Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant, John Johnson, William Rogers and Mary Wells Lawrence.

Princess Grace of Monaco once expressed the simple wish "to leave the memory of a human being with a correct attitude and who did her best to help others." That is exactly how the world will always remember the incomparable Princess Grace of Monaco. The Princess Grace Foundation-USA promotes Princess Grace's ideals of personal fulfillment, compassion and great charity engagement.

Click here to see the Montblanc Limited Edition Princess Grace of Monaco Series:
03/13/12
It's finally here! Fahrney's Exclusive 2012 Cherry Blossom Special Edition Series

Fahrney's Pens is proud to honor the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in our Nation's Capital and the Centennial Celebration of the Gift of the Trees with its Exclusive 2012 Cherry Blossom writing instruments.

In 1912, the city of Tokyo, Japan bestowed an incredible gift on our Nation's Capital of 3,000 cherry blossom trees that have survived and bloomed for 100 years! The Special Edition pens commemorate the annual Cherry Blossom Celebration in Washington, DC, which promises to be a spectacular event this year for the centennial of the gift of trees. Our sixth collection features an original design that captures the delicacy of the blossoms at day and at night with birds and butterflies enjoying their beauty. The artistic scene includes an intricately-detailed design of the White House, which wraps around the base of the barrel. We chose to feature the White House this year to celebrate our hometown and show our pride of being in Washington, DC. The pens are a wonderful keepsake of this special event in our Nation's Capital and may be purchased at Fahrney's Pens retail store, its website or catalog department.

Fahrney's Pens, Inc. was founded in 1929 by Earl Fahrney as a repair shop for fountain pens. Since that time, it has become one of the foremost pen shops in the U.S. with catalog customers worldwide, offering the world's finest writing instruments including Montblanc, Parker, Pelikan, Waterman and many more. You'll find everything you need for great writing at Fahrney's, backed by the ultimate in pen expertise and outstanding customer service.
03/06/12
Fahrney's Pens presents its exclusive 2012 Cherry Blossom Special Edition in honor of the Centennial Celebration of Washington's Cherry Blossoms

Thursday, March 1, 2012 - Fahrney's Pens is proud to honor the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in our Nation's Capital and the Centennial Celebration of the Gift of the Trees with its Exclusive 2012 Cherry Blossom writing instruments.

In 1912, the city of Tokyo, Japan bestowed an incredible gift on our Nation's Capital of 3,000 cherry blossom trees that have survived and bloomed for 100 years! The Special Edition pens commemorate the annual Cherry Blossom Celebration in Washington, DC, which promises to be a spectacular event this year for the centennial of the gift of trees. Our sixth collection features an original design that captures the delicacy of the blossoms at day and at night with birds and butterflies enjoying their beauty. The artistic scene includes an intricately-detailed design of the White House, which wraps around the base of the barrel. We chose to feature the White House this year to celebrate our hometown and show our pride of being in Washington, DC. The pens are a wonderful keepsake of this special event in our Nation's Capital and may be purchased at Fahrney's Pens retail store, its website or catalog department.

Fahrney's Pens, Inc. was founded in 1929 by Earl Fahrney as a repair shop for fountain pens. Since that time, it has become one of the foremost pen shops in the U.S. with catalog customers worldwide, offering the world's finest writing instruments including Montblanc, Parker, Pelikan, Waterman and many more. You'll find everything you need for great writing at Fahrney's, backed by the ultimate in pen expertise and outstanding customer service.
02/28/12
National Handwriting Day Revisited

Our National Handwriting Day Contest was a great success! We were delighted with the response from our writing customers from across the country, and we'd like to share some of the heartfelt and creative musings on life, writing and, of course, pens, that we received as contest entries. Here’s a few entries we particularly enjoyed.

Contest Winner: "The Most Memorable Valentine You'll Ever give – A Life Changing Event"
"Why Cursive Handwriting is Still Important"
"On the Subject of Cursive Handwriting Being Eliminated from the Public School Curriculum"
"Pony Express"
"Celebrate National Handwriting Day!"
"Reading, Writing and Arithmetic"
"Cursive Handwriting Being Eliminated from Public Schools"
"Thoughts on Being a Lefty'"
"How Did I Get Like This? A Story of Pen Obsession"
"How I Came to Appreciate Fine Writing Instruments" #1
"How I Came to Appreciate Fine Writing Instruments" #2

– B.J. M., Connecticut
Did you know during the days of the Pony Express that a 2 oz. letter cost in today's dollars $425.00 to be delivered? Comparatively, it is so inexpensive now to send a letter to a loved one. The older folks won't participate in text messaging. Besides, don't we all look forward to opening our mailbox (the one attached to our home or in our front yard) to find something other than bills and catalogs? Let's dust off our box of stationery and pick up a pen, there is someone dear who would enjoy a handwritten note from us.

– Michelle L., Connecticut
Judging from all the positive response we've received about the National Handwriting Day Contest, we think we'll have to come up with a new writing challenge for our Fahrney's friends very soon! To read all of our top ten favorite contest submissions, please go to this link: Handwriting Letters
02/21/12
Why President's Day Matters

While some of us prepare to celebrate President's Day next Monday, many will go about their business with hardly a thought as to the day's significance and will watch in amusement as mattress spokespersons attempt to combine the occasion with a super blow-out sales event! As Fahrney's retail store is located two blocks from the White House and has been a part of Washington, DC's culture for 82 years, we tend to view the day with a more reverent tone.

You can see from the featured items on this email that we do have and promote items that are related to the highest office in the land. Our 2012 Exclusive Cherry Blossom Pen (which arrives next month) will feature images of the White House to commemorate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the role of the Nation's House in that historical event.

Many are still unaware that Fahrney's Pens, the premier source for fine writing instruments in the U.S., is also a leading provider of original signed documents and letters from US Presidents. Each one is a beautifully framed, one-of-a-kind presentation. Call our autograph experts and discover how you can invest in a vanishing piece of our country's history.

We are also very excited to announce that coming in April we have partnered with William Henry Studio to produce a very special, limited edition knife made from the last of the 13 Horse Chestnut Trees that George Washington planted to represent each of the 13 colonies. This eagerly awaited knife will not last long and will be featured in our April catalog and online.

Whether you choose to take advantage of our special President's Day deals or you elect to replace that aging mattress, we at Fahrney's Pens encourage everyone to remember those great leaders that have served and helped to make our country the greatest in the free world.
02/14/12
And the Winner is . . .

We've just selected the winner of our National Handwriting Day Contest! The response was beyond our expectations and we want to thank everyone who submitted a letter. The grand prize of a Parker Ingenuity pen goes to Kathy Megyeri of Washington, DC. The winner was chosen at random, but we had so many great entries that we want to share our "Top Ten" favorites with you in upcoming newsletters. So watch in the coming weeks for these heartfelt, creative musings on life, writing and, of course, pens!

Here's our winning entry:
"The Most Memorable Valentine You'll Ever Give – A Life Changing Event" I retired from teaching high school English almost a decade ago, but I still receive feedback from perhaps the best composition I ever assigned. In order to demonstrate the impact of writing a clear, concise letter, I assigned each student to compose a letter of gratitude to the person who had most impacted his life, and we mailed that letter a week before Valentine's Day. It had to contain a topic sentence, anecdotal detail with transitional words or phrases and a concluding statement, be handwritten on fine stationery and accompany an addressed stamped envelope. The results always exceeded student's expectations.

One reply came from a 92-year-old former elementary teacher who lived in a Florida assisted-living facility who claimed that no one had ever thanked her for being an effective teacher and she would treasure that letter "forever." Another arrived from a wheel-chair bound ex-Marine who was surprised to learn that his son treasured the father's combat boots that the Lieutenant had worn the last time he walked in them. But the most poignant response came from the father of a student addressed to me at the end of one February:

Christopher's mother passed away unexpectedly in her sleep last week. Chris and I are obviously devastated by the loss of his mother and my wife of 27 years. I would like to thank you for taking into account his feelings during this most difficult time in advance of his returning to class. The Valentine tribute that Chris wrote to his mom as your class assignment just four days before her death, so moved her that she wrote a tribute back to him. At her funeral service this past Tuesday, the minister read both Chris's tribute to his mother and her tribute back to him. This was a very moving moment for me, and I thank you for assigning this. Little did I know it would be needed so soon.

Because of this assignment, I still make it a point each Valentine's Day to complete the same assignment myself, but each year I focus on someone who has impacted my life in a positive way over the past year. It only costs me a stamp, but the recipients tell me it's the one Valentine they keep and treasure. Last year, when I wrote an 88-year-old former college English professor with my favorite Montblanc fountain pen that I won as "teacher-of-the-year" in 1995, he wrote me back and said, "I appreciate the fact that you still write with pen and ink, legible, enjoyable, personal and intelligently intelligible." More than a Hallmark card, chocolates and roses, my Valentine's Day card is a lasting gift that says, "I love you, and you've made a difference in my life." What better Valentine's Day gift is there?

Submitted by Kathy Megyeri
Washington, DC
02/07/12
Give a Valentine Gift of Yourself

A love note is like a hug you deliver with pen and ink; you can send one anytime, but especially for Valentine's Day. Nothing else can be as warm or as intimate as your own words, written with your own hand. Here are six tips to make that love note or love letter worthy of Valentine's Day:

1. Choose beautiful stationery. You can print out a gorgeous border at margaretshepherd.com

2. Lay two sheets of plain paper underneath your stationery to pad it.

3. Upgrade your pen, from ballpoint to rollerball, from rollerball to marker, from marker to fountain pen, from fountain pen to calligraphy pen.

4. Warm up your handwriting on scratch paper by repeating strings of loops and curls. Practice your valentine's name and your own signature a dozen times. Improve any awkward capital letters.

5. Pick the best words, not the most flowery. Be yourself.

6. Deliver it with a smile: Mail it ahead of time with an interesting stamp, drop it off under the door, place it on a pillow, slip it into a surprising spot such as a lunch box, keyboard or car seat.

Join legions of lovers over the centuries by writing your own best words with your own hands!

Submitted by Margaret Shepard
Author of The Art of the Handwritten Note and The Art of the Personal Letter.
01/31/12
Happy Chinese New Year!

January 23, 2012 – The Chinese New Year 4710 festivities start today, which also marks the beginning of the Year of the Dragon. Based on the lunar calendar, the New Year is the most important social and economic holiday in China. The weeks-long festival includes fireworks, dragon dances, parades, red "lucky money" envelopes, lanterns, and all good wishes for a healthy and prosperous
new year.

According to tradition, those born under the sign of the dragon are innovative, brave and passionate. As the mightiest sign of the Chinese Zodiac, the dragon is a symbol of power, wisdom, energy and nobility. So it's no wonder the dragon is such a popular motif for limited edition writing instruments! Here is a short recap of some of our favorites from the past and present at Fahrney's.

Currently there is the popular Cross 2012 Year of the Dragon; stay tuned for more dragon offerings this year from other manufacturers. Perhaps the most renowned dragon pen is from Montegrappa – in 1995 the company released its first Dragon in sterling silver and gold. It was followed by the Millennium Dragon of 2000 and then the Bruce Lee Dragon in 2010.

The year 2000 also saw the release of Montblanc's Year of the Golden Dragon – a series of exquisitely crafted limited editions with prices to match! Namiki has produced a number of Maki-e and Chinkin gold inlay dragon designs, as well as its current favorite in solid sterling silver.

Retro 51 offered the limited edition Long Bi Dragon Tornado in 2008, an intriguing hand-lacquered design that was an immediate sell-out. Visconti crafted its beautiful Dragon and Phoenix on a Urushi-lacquered celluloid barrel with Maki-e motifs.

These are just a handful of the many dragon pens that have been presented over the years – feel free to contact us and add to the list. And Happy New Year 4710!
01/23/12
Express Yourself Through Writing on National Handwriting Day!

The art of handwriting is one of the few ways we can uniquely express ourselves. There's something poetic about grasping a writing instrument and feeling it hit the paper as your thoughts flow through your fingers and pour into words. So, the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA) suggests you celebrate National Handwriting Day on January 23 and use a pen or a pencil to rekindle that creative feeling through a handwritten note, poem, letter or journal entry.

Handwriting allows us to be artists and individuals during a time when we often use computers, texts and e-mail to communicate. Unlike electronic devices, handwriting can add intimacy to your message and reveal details about the writer's personality. Throughout history, handwritten documents have sparked love affairs, started wars, established peace, freed slaves, created movements and declared independence.

"Though computers and e-mail play an important role in our lives, nothing will ever replace the sincerity and individualism expressed through the handwritten word," said David H. Baker, WIMA's Executive Director.

The purpose of National Handwriting Day is to bring attention to the importance of handwriting. According to WIMA, National Handwriting Day is a chance for all of us to re-explore the purity and power of handwriting.

WIMA sponsors National Handwriting Day every January 23 to commemorate John Hancock's birthday. Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence and is famous for his large, bold signature. You can even purchase your own authentic signature of John Hancock through Fahrney's History Inscribed division.
01/17/12
Sylvester Stallone Limited Edition Chaos

Montegrappa, Italy's most revered manufacturer of fine writing instruments, has launched a pen collection inspired and designed by company brand ambassador and legendary filmmaker, writer and actor, Sylvester Stallone.

A long-time aficionado and collector of Montegrappa pens, Mr. Stallone's drawing inspiration for the theme and design of his signature pen from his wildly-successful film, The Expendables, Mr. Stallone turned to classical art and worked with Montegrappa's artisans to create the "Chaos" pen. (The first from the "Cult" series) The pen design was cultivated by the works of 16th century artists including Battista Franco, Albrecht Dürer, Hans Sebald Beham and Antonio Pollaiolo to create Mr. Stallone's idea of Chaos; a sense of the Renaissance, when things were more simplified and perhaps more noble, placed against our current technological society.

Sylvester Stallone's "Chaos" pen is fashioned from precious materials and produced in limited numbers (1,000 fountain pens and 912 rollerballs in sterling silver). The body of the pen is made of black pearlized celluloid with overlays in sterling silver or solid 18K gold. The overlays are finished by hand by Montegrappa's skilled craftsmen and feature an antiqued finish with accents in red and yellow translucent enamel to represent the colors of fire. The pen design is characterized by the juxtaposition of life and death; with reptiles representing the early forms of life on Earth, and the skull signifying death. The ultimate defining detail, bearing both a fist and a skull, is the pen's clip in the form of a sword.

You can see a 3 dimensional image of the pen on our website, or to see it in person you may visit our store at 1317 F Street, NW Washington, DC Just 2 blocks for the White House.
01/03/12
Own a Part of American History

President Lincoln penned a letter 150 years ago to Union General George B. McClellan entitled "Memorandum on Potomac Campaign." He posed a question to the then-embattled General, "How long will it take you to actually get the army in motion?" This letter is just one of the many historical treasures from the U.S. Civil War – celebrating its Sesquicentennial anniversary this year.

A number of Abraham Lincoln's penned letters and documents are available through Fahrney's Pens History Inscribed division. In fact, a stunning example of an original Lincoln document, signed when he was President, is on display at Fahrney's Pens retail store in Washington, DC. This authentic piece also includes the signature of Secretary of State William Seward (10-8-1864), with the beautiful wax seal still intact.

To inquire about this document or any other historical treasures we offer, visit our store, website, or speak to one of our autograph specialists at 800-624-PENS. While we list all of the U.S. Presidents and many other famous individuals on the website, these are just examples of what we can acquire. From famed philanthropist Andrew Carnegie to Civil Rights giant Whitney Young Jr., we can find originally signed pieces from your favorite historical heroes.

As the year comes to a close we thank you for the privilege of allowing us to bring the past to life with our framed rarities. Your enthusiasm for historically signed materials has inspired us – whether for investment purposes or the admiration of a particular figure, the sense of intimacy one feels when possessing an item signed from that individual is rare indeed.

In January of 1862, still frustrated by McClellan's lack of progress, Lincoln posed the following question to his cabinet: "if McClellan is not going to use the Army anytime soon, I would like to borrow it". Own a piece of history. It's a lot like being there yourself.

Acy Crawford
History Inscribed Specialist
12/27/11
How to Get Your Kids to Write!

Needless to say, Fahrney's Pens has always been an avid promoter of the handwritten word. We consider it the ultimate form of personal communication – thoughts are transferred from head to hand and onto paper in a gratifying exercise of mental and tactile pleasure – especially when using a fine writing instrument!

We often hear how many parents struggle with getting their children to practice writing on their own. With so many distractions like TV, video games, the Internet and cell phones, writing can seem dull and boring to a child. They may also find it difficult and consider it more like school work than a fun experience. With a little effort and creativity, kids can be encouraged to write as part of their daily activities. Don't dwell on proper grammar or spelling, the goal is to get them interested and excited about it – the more they write, the easier and better it will become! Here’s a few ideas to get kids into the habit of writing.

Thank you notes for holiday or birthday gifts are a good way to get your kids writing and also can be the start of a continued correspondence with friends and family. Instead of hovering over them to make sure they send the perfect note (like I used to do with my very rambunctious son), get them involved in the whole process – ask your child to pick out some cards or design their own. Let them add personal touches like a drawing, picture or stickers to decorate the card. As an added incentive, get a family member to write back to say how much they enjoyed the card – your child will know first-hand how much his effort was appreciated.

Making lists. Before you go to the grocery store or do other shopping, ask your child to write the list for you. Check the cupboards and tell them what you need to buy; the child can also add items they might want. If it's a treat, have them write down the reasons why they think they deserve it! You can also have them write down their birthday or holiday wish lists, things they want to do during summer vacation, or keep lists of movies they’ve seen and books they've read.

Create picture albums. Make an album out of construction paper or use a store-bought one to fill with pictures from vacations, field trips, visits to the zoo or other activities. Have your child write in captions for the pictures and add stickers or other mementos. This will make a great memory book for them to keep and show to their friends.

Pass notes. Make a game out of passing notes between yourself and your child. Slip a note in their lunch box, coat pocket or backpack to wish them luck on a test, remind them of an activity after school or a simple "I love you". Encourage them to write back to you and find places to "hide" the notes. This may also help them to express things they may be too shy to tell you about face to face.

Send postcards. When traveling, have the kids write a few postcards to friends or family members. You can buy the cards on the road, or to make it easier, bring some funny or cute cards with you already addressed and stamped. If they go away to camp or on a trip without you, give them a stack of cards ready to mail.

Letters to someone famous. Whether its Santa, the President or Justin Beiber, kids can get pretty excited about writing to famous people. From sports heroes, pop singers and movie stars to politicians and astronauts, kids can feel they are communicating directly with the person and can ask them questions or request an autograph. The more letters they send, the greater the chances are they'll receive a response! Older children might appreciate having their own stationery imprinted with their name or initials for any type of letter writing.

Hopefully, these ideas will help get your kids to have some fun and improve their writing and communication skills. As they progress, it will be a great advantage for them in high school, college and beyond. Now, I think I'll go pass some notes!

Christel Bolgiano
Fahrney's Creative Director
12/20/11
Own a Part of American History

President Lincoln penned a letter 150 years ago to Union General George B. McClellan entitled "Memorandum on Potomac Campaign." He posed a question to the then-embattled General, "How long will it take you to actually get the army in motion?" This letter is just one of the many historical treasures from the U.S. Civil War – celebrating its Sesquicentennial anniversary this year.

A number of Abraham Lincoln's penned letters and documents are available through Fahrney's Pens History Inscribed division. In fact, a stunning example of an original Lincoln document, signed when he was President, is on display at Fahrney's Pens retail store in Washington, DC. This authentic piece also includes the signature of Secretary of State William Seward (10-8-1864), with the beautiful wax seal still intact.

To inquire about this document or any other historical treasures we offer, visit our store, website, or speak to one of our autograph specialists at 800-624-PENS. While we list all of the U.S. Presidents and many other famous individuals on the website, these are just examples of what we can acquire. From famed philanthropist Andrew Carnegie to Civil Rights giant Whitney Young Jr., we can find originally signed pieces from your favorite historical heroes.

As the year comes to a close we thank you for the privilege of allowing us to bring the past to life with our framed rarities. Your enthusiasm for historically signed materials has inspired us – whether for investment purposes or the admiration of a particular figure, the sense of intimacy one feels when possessing an item signed from that individual is rare indeed.

In January of 1862, still frustrated by McClellan's lack of progress, Lincoln posed the following question to his cabinet: "if McClellan is not going to use the Army anytime soon, I would like to borrow it". Own a piece of history. It’s a lot like being there yourself.

Acy Crawford
History Inscribed Specialist
12/13/11
Pick The Perfect Host/Hostess Gift

Tis' the season for holiday celebrations! Hosted in the homes of family and friends, these joyous events are what many of us look forward to during this festive time of year. What we must remember is how much time and effort it takes for the host/hostess to coordinate and prepare for these events. From preparing food and drinks, to cleaning the house, decorating, pressing the napkins, polishing the silver, the list goes on. Then, before you know it, there's the after-party clean up! Take from someone who loves to entertain, though truly enjoyable, it's still a lot of work!

That said, as a guest it is most appropriate to bring a host/hostess gift - a token of your appreciation for all their efforts in preparing for this gathering. There's the typical bottle of wine or possibly a plant, which are usually a safe bet (Note: don't distract your host with cut flowers in need of a vase). When choosing the perfect gift, keep in mind that you may not be able to hand it over, so include a note stating who its from. Also consider the length of your stay and whether they're providing overnight accommodations. If you are staying overnight, the gift should be more substantial.

Just think, if you find just the right way to say thank you and the gift is gracious or thoughtful enough, it is likely you will: 1) receive a second invitation; and 2) possibly even receive a hand-written thank you note in the mail! Who doesn't love receiving those, especially considering the rarity of them this day and age!

In fact, a set of Thank You Notes along with a fine writing instrument makes a great gift for any host/hostess. A pen is a gift that keeps on giving. Every time they pick it up they will remember from whom they received it.

Here are a few inexpensive pens we suggest:
Sheaffer Friends Of Winter Rollerball
Metropolitan Museum Of Art Ballpoint Pen
Cross Century Gingham Ballpoint Pen
Monteverde One Touch Stylus Ballpoint Pen

So, enjoy those holiday parties, thank the host/hostess with a gift that will WOW them and watch your mailbox for that all-too unfamiliar thank you note.

Happy Holidays
Kim Graham, Marketing Director
12/06/11
Fahrney's Visits a Pen Club

A few months ago a teacher from a local private school was shopping in Fahrney's Washington, DC store and struck up a conversation with our store manager about this "Pen Club" she had started in her school. She has a group of 15 students in 5th through 8th grade that meet once a week. Though she teaches a computer lab, go figure, she was given the opportunity to start a club that students could elect to join.

As a pen enthusiast and longtime Fahrney's customer dating back to when her father taught her the beauty of a fine writing instrument, she decided to start a Pen Club. The conversation evolved into the idea of Fahrney's paying a visit to the classroom where this Club meets. A month or so later Elizabeth Bunn, Fahrney's Calligrapher and Cursive Handwriting Teacher for both children and adults, and I spent close to 30 minutes showing a variety of pens and filling systems to these students and giving them a brief history lesson on the evolution of the fountain pen. Our presentation was very well received, especially when they learned that they would each be given their very own fountain pen and could choose from a variety of colors.

We helped them secure the cartridges and get the ink flowing so they could test them out right away. Moments later the pens were flowing across their paper, many of them in beautiful cursive handwriting.

Mission accomplished! We were able to get a fine writing instrument in the hands of 15 more students. Many schools are spending less time than ever teaching the art of cursive handwriting as more effort is devoted to typing in the early grades. This teacher is experiencing it first hand. The hope is this Pen Club will teach students the joy of the written word and the appreciation of the handwritten note.

A week or so later Elizabeth and I both received a hand-addressed envelope from the school. Enclosed were close to a dozen individual thank you notes from the students, each in their own envelope. Once student wrote: "Thanks so much for coming to our club last week. The pens you showed us were so beautiful. I liked looking at how they changed over the years. Thank you for the gift you gave us. It is very pretty and I write with it all the time." Elizabeth and I really enjoyed the experience and joke about taking it on the road. The idea really came to fruition, just as our Cursive Handwriting Workshops for Children did when we started offering them several years ago.

Kim Graham Marketing Director, Fahrney's Pens.
11/19/11
How I Learned to Love Pens

My earliest recognition and appreciation of the elegance and power of a fine writing instrument began when I was about 7 years old. My father always used a Waterman fountain pen that had a lever-filler. I loved to watch my dad use that pen when he wrote letters or signed greeting cards for birthdays or other special events in my family. He was meticulous in the care he gave to his pen, as if it were something very special. It was the only pen I ever remember him having.

The first pen I ever purchased was a Waterman; a beautiful, softly mottled wine-colored fountain pen with a fine nib. The Waterman Preface. It was the only pen I used regularly for many years, and it proved to be a real workhorse. I still use it occasionally but, once I discovered Fahrney's, other pens have replaced the Waterman for regular use. However, it is still the standard against which I measure all my new pens for their weight (medium) and preferred nib (fine).

My favorite pens generally fall into two basic categories: serious ones and fun ones. Lately, the serious ones have been those by Visconti, S.T. Dupont, and Pelikan. I’m particularly fond of the Visconti Van Gogh and the Homo Sapiens , the Dupont Defi – the red one , and the Pelikan silver Ductus . For fun I like Disney’s Donald Duck and anything by ACME , especially the limited edition Simpson's roller balls, just for their sheer whimsy. If I take one of my best pens to a business meeting, then I always put one or two of those free hotel pens in my briefcase. If someone asks to use my pen, then I give him or her one of the hotel pens; I invariably get those back!

Gladys B. Baxley
An all-too-regular Fahrney’s customers.
11/15/11
Spread Some Joy with a Handwritten Holiday Card!

In this age of quick electronic messaging and abbreviated language, the "old fashioned" handwritten note nevertheless continues to be a timeless form of personal and heartfelt communication. In addition to the words on the paper, it sends the message that the recipient is special – that the writer took the time to slow down and carefully consider the thank you, the news or the greeting – and send it from his hands to the reader's.

The annual sending of Holiday Cards is a great time to stay in touch with your friends, family and associates and let them know they matter to you and your business. The first Christmas cards were made in England in 1843 to promote a charitable cause – the idea quickly became popular and spread to the United States by 1875. Today, it is estimated that more than 1.9 billion Christmas cards are sent each year in the U.S. alone!

Holiday cards come in many forms and shapes, from handmade to store-bought, with pictures, newsletters or an imprinted name and greeting. Each one is a reflection of your taste and style and can be religious, secular, humorous, seasonal, modern or traditional. No matter which cards you choose, the sentiment and effort will always be remembered and enjoyed by those who receive them.

Take the time this year to reach out to those you appreciate in your personal and business life with a handwritten holiday greeting. You'll reap the rewards of this simple and thoughtful gesture for many years to come!

To add flair to your holiday greetings, Fahrney's offers a workshop at its retail store for addressing your cards in the italic writing style. For more information click here:
11/08/11
Historical Signatures

Since 1929 Fahrney's Pens has been "The Write Place" for all your writing needs and has provided the pens that have signed and written intimate personal letters and important historical correspondence. Therefore it was a natural transition when Fahrney's began selling signed historical letters and documents in 2004 through its new division known as History Inscribed.

Beautifully framed authentic letters, manuscripts and documents have resonated with our customers and we have been delighted in finding and bringing these rarities to you. Whether purchased as an investment, a unique gift or for the admiration of a notable figure, a sense of intimacy is created when possessing an item signed by the individual – you have allowed us to bring the past to life and we thank you for the privilege. "I can own a letter signed by Abraham Lincoln?", "A Thomas Edison letter with his discussion of the phonograph can hang on my wall?" are the types of surprised responses we hear quite often. Providing a personal link between the present and past and the preservation of these rarities is a source of great enjoyment as is the educating and advising of our clients about the amazing possibilities that exist in collecting.

As the holidays approach many have found that our presentations make excellent and noteworthy gifts for hard to please recipients. Come visit our retail store to see some of these authentic treasures, browse our website to see just some of what we've sold in the past 7 years or call us today to talk about starting your own collection and investing in the vanishing written past of this country's great history.

Call 1-800-624-7367 and ask for our History Inscribed specialist, Acy Crawford.
11/01/11
Journaling With Pen and Paper

Writing by hand is not just a wonderful tool to connect you with others, but also a powerful way to connect you with yourself. Research has shown that people think differently when they write longhand instead of pounding on a keyboard. A pen helps you find words within your experience that you don't find any other way. Here are three important ways to let writing by hand put you in touch with what you would like to get down on paper.

1. Don't wait until the stars line up or you have absolutely nothing else on your To Do List If you set aside a time and place for regular journaling, whether it's once a day or once a week, you are more likely to write well. Writers know that sometimes you just have to sit down and write before you're sure you have something to say. Give yourself a comfortable setting, without interruptions or distractions, and accessorize it with a mug of tea, a view, a nice aroma, and music to put you in a writing mood.

2. Choose materials you love A special bound book, or paper and a nice folder, will help inspire you. The pen makes a big difference; I always urge people to upgrade whatever they write with every day, from ballpoint to rollerball to marker to fountain pen to calligraphy pen. Your journal should feel good physically to write in, and look good visually when you reread it, even if yours are the only eyes that will see it.

3. And finally, warming up your hand will focus your mind. Using separate scratch paper, slowly make long rhythmic strings of loops for two minutes to meditate and get in touch with your thoughts. Witten by Margaret Shepherd Margaret Shepherd has written 17 books about calligraphy and handwriting, including two about handwritten notes and personal letters. Her newest book is Learn World Calligraphy
10/25/11
The Importance of the Written Word

This just in, "Handwriting has been determined to be rather important". While most reading this will undoubtedly be aware of this obvious fact it has not stopped school district after school district from discontinuing handwriting classes and replacing them with keyboarding. It is probably viewed as more than a little ironic that this typed correspondence, electronically transmitted and read on a computer screen, PDA, or other applicable high-tech apparatus would be used to tout the virtues of the written word.

No one is suggesting that electronic communication does not have it's place in our lives and is here to stay. We at Fahrney's Pens are but one voice but our hope is that through education and an unrelenting message that our uniqueness as individuals is threatened will awake more to chime in and lend their voices. Want to improve your cursive handwriting? Bring your favorite pen and let Fahrney's experienced handwriting teacher, Elizabeth Spinks-Bunn, show you the skills and practice techniques that will help you solve your cursive writing challenges.

Adult Cursive Handwriting Clinic Saturday, November 12th 11:00 am - 1:00 pm $40 - Includes all materials Would you like to add flair to your holiday correspondence by addressing your cards in the Italic writing style? Bring your Italic pen and holiday cards and learn techniques for the aesthetic layout and decorative design of envelopes. Some knowledge of the Italic lettering style is needed. Addressing Holiday Cards Workshop Saturday, November 19th 11:00 am - 1:00 pm $40 - Italic writing experience required Bring your own cards to address
10/18/11
Witness a Master Engraver at Work.

Our Annual Fall Pen Fair (October 14th & 15th in our Washington, DC store) is always an exciting time at Fahrney's. It's a great chance to meet with our customers and manufacturer's representatives from around the world in a convivial, informative and festive atmosphere. This year we'll be visited by Tim Tufnell, the director of the British pen company Yard-O-Led , based in the City of Birmingham.

Mr. Tufnell will demonstrate the traditional Victorian technique of hand-engraving and hammering an intricate pattern on a one-of-a-kind sterling silver writing instrument. These artisanal techniques are almost a lost art and display the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication that goes into the production of each of these beautiful precious metal pens. As a third generation member of one of the founding families of Yard-O-Led, Tim Tufnell is part of a fascinating history of handcrafted writing instruments.

In 1822, the first ever propelling pencil was invented and patented. Progressing into the next century the family-run business continued to develop the unique pencil design with 12 three-inch leads inside the barrel – from which the name Yard-O-Led derives. In 1934 the Yard-O-Led Company was founded and has continued the traditions of craftsmanship and excellence established over 170 years ago. Influenced by original designs of the 19th and 20th centuries, the range of writing instruments has expanded to include ball pens, fountain pens and rollerball pens alongside the traditional propelling pencil, each handcrafted from hallmarked sterling silver or solid gold, and carrying a lifetime guarantee.

Don't miss this opportunity to meet Mr. Tufnell and see a master engraver at work!
10/04/11
The Write Gift from Fahrney's Pens.

There is nothing inherently wrong with fruitcakes, the fine people in Claxton, Ga. who produce and market said treats, or giving one to family, friends and co-workers. However, it is our experience that the ultimate gift is a personalized pen or accessory from Fahrney's Pens. Our sales team has years of experience taking the guesswork out of gift giving no matter how big or small.

Whether its a special pen for the hard-to-please loved one or dozens of items needed for corporate gifts, Fahrney's makes your gift giving easy and worry-free this holiday season. Engraved pens are cherished by gift recipients for years after receiving them and no one in the pen business has a larger selection of products and personalization options as we do. From Montblanc , Montegrappa and Pelikan , to Cross , Parker and Sheaffer we can work with budgets large and small to satisfy your search for the perfect gift.

We offer hundreds of choices of pens, desk accessories, leather goods, journals, and unique gifts such as an embossed pocket version of the U.S. Constitution to please every taste and budget. Our quick turn-around and free gift wrapping make Fahrney's Pens your one stop gift shop!

Give our Corporate Gift Specialists Brenda Gray or Acy Crawford a call today at 800-336-4775, Mon. - Fri., 9:00am-5:00pm EST. Then you can go back to worrying about who you'll give that old fruitcake to this year!
09/27/11
Big News for Fall from Fahrney's Pens!

Fahrney's welcomes the fall season with a new catalog and a new website! Over the next few weeks you will notice many changes on our internet site to make your online shopping experience more interesting and convenient. New features will include enhanced images, ideas for related items you might enjoy along with upgrading our online capabilities so you can search and view our digital catalog and shop from your mobile phone, iPad or on Facebook!

Fahrney's 2011 Fall Catalog is in the mail, so you should be receiving yours soon. It features over 100 new items and our selection of popular "tried and true" favorites for yourself or as welcome gifts. The catalog cover features the astounding new Visconti Van Gogh Impressionist writing instruments. This new generation of the popular Van Gogh series features gorgeous "painted" resin colors and a fascinating 18-faceted barrel. A great example of Visconti's artistry in pen design.

Other new items of note are the Parker Duofold Senior Red Limited Edition that is in stock now. The Duofold Red is limited to only 34 pieces in the U.S., so order soon! The Montblanc Tribute to Mont Blanc series is a fascinating homage to the highest mountain in Europe in gleaming white finish with a snow quartz Montblanc white star in the crown. Delta presents a new member of its Dolcevita family: the "IT" Demonstrator fountain pens and ball pen in crystal-clear resin. The S.T. Dupont Elysee is a brand new collection from the French luxury goods maker in elegant lacquers and precious metals.

Fahrney's is also pleased to present the re-launch of the Sheaffer Valor writing instruments at new, lower prices! We hope you enjoy our new Fall Catalog and the enhanced online shopping experience. Please feel free to contact us with your comments and suggestions – we always welcome our customers' valuable input!
09/20/11
Are you a Paper or Electronic Calendar Keeper?

The electronic age has given us a whole new way of tracking and documenting our daily lives with calendar applications for computers, cell phones, electronic notebooks and other devices. For many, this technology is a clean and efficient way to manage business and personal planning and information. For others, there is no substitute for the 'old fashioned' paper organizer, diary or agenda!

Paper calendar keepers cite the visual, tactile and emotional rewards of putting pen to paper to organize one's life in a bound notebook format. In addition to the ease of annotating any notes, dates, and other information, paper organizers or pages can be saved each year and act as a keepsake journal of annual events. And there is no chance the information will be lost due to a computer meltdown!

Devoted Filofax users keep their customized six-ring agendas for years and change out the insert pages annually or as needed. The Filofax inserts can also be used in organizers sold by Cross. Filofax has also just launched a new organizer system called Flex which offers several bound inserts that can be adapted to suit your individual needs in a sleek notebook.

Rhodia offers an annual planner that is bound with pen-friendly paper to organize your year in an easy-to-carry notebook format. Graphic Image also has a line of beautifully-crafted leather-bound agendas with a devoted following of users.

Of course, there is a happy medium between paper and electronic. We've found that in the quest for personal organization, most people manage to fit both systems into their business and social lives!
09/13/11
The advent of the new school year

The advent of the new school year usually brings to mind notebooks, paper and of course – pencils! This "old fashioned" writing mode is still preferred by many as a fast and easy way to write (and erase if necessary) notes, math problems, ideas and drawings. There are many ways you can enjoy the versatility of writing with graphite lead – from the humble wood pencil to the modern twist-advance mechanical models and the new generation of front-loading wide-lead sketch pencils. There are many sizes of lead available for every writing preference.

Our most popular standard wood pencils include the triangular-shaped Rhodia pencils and the Faber-Castell Perfect Pencil that includes its own sharpener .

Mechanical pencils are most commonly offered in 0.5mm and 0.7mm lead sizes; the sturdier 0.9mm, 1.1mm and 1.5mm leads can be found from a few select brands. Extra-wide leads in 3.2mm and 5.5mm are excellent for sketching and drawing.

Here's a quick list of pencil favorites in the various lead sizes:
Most pencils include an eraser under the cap. Extra erasers and lead can be ordered separately. Always make sure you use the correct lead size when reloading your pencil – the wrong lead can jam the mechanism!
09/06/11
Keeping Cursive in the Classroom

Even though many states across the country have completely cut cursive handwriting from their lesson plans, we at Fahrney's Pens have no fear that cursive handwriting is a dying art form. We prefer the term "neglected art form".

While cursive is still a part of some states curriculum, many schools don't have time set aside for the course and students are not being tested on it. New technologies and the reliance on keyboarding has erroded the time spent on teaching proper penmanship.

Some teachers believe that without being taught cursive handwriting, student will not develop legible handwriting. They suggest that the strength and fine motor skills students obtain by practicing in cursive also improves the child's print writing. Teachers also believe that many students make a better connection with the lesson when they are writing down the material instead of typing it on a computer.

Fahrney's tries to do it's part in making sure the art is not forgotten. Our Kid's Cursive Handwriting Workshop and offering of children’s fountain pens such as the Pelikan Pelikano Junior , Faber Castell's Children's Fountain Pen and Lamy's ABC Fountain Pen are just a few ways. We should all lend our voices to this critical debate, if not those of us with a true appreciation for the written word, then who?
08/30/11
The convenience of a rollerball

The convenience of a rollerball with the ink choices of a fountain pen are no longer a distant dream and several of Fahrney's best selling lines now offer this innovative new technology. You can now enjoy smooth, fluid rollerball writing with any color of ink you like!

From the Monteverde Ink Ball Roller to Delta's Nonstop Roller family to Visconti's Eco-Roller, these exciting pens all allow you to dip the rollerball front section into any bottle of ink and a threaded converter draws it inside. You can also use a standard ink cartridge if you prefer.

Unlike most capped rollerballs, these pens can be left open with the point exposed for extended periods of time with very little ink evaporation, usually resulting in a dry point.

Give this new technology a try and discover the possibilities are almost limitless!
08/23/11
The Write Point

In the long and messy history of ink stains, 1958 is a year that will always be remembered. That year Amodex, the world's leader in stain and ink removal, was formulated by printers A. Peter and Silvia Fatse to provide the safest and most effective deterrent against the pen devotee's age-old foe – ink.

In the early 70's, Amodex Hand Cleaner became Amodex Stain Remover for Hands & Fabrics. The range of uses expanded to include everyday household stains such as food (mustard, ketchup, wine, tomato sauce, salad dressing, etc.) blood, grease, grass and more. Recognized in the early 90's as the world's best stain remover for all inks including permanent and whiteboard marker such as Sharpie ®, Marks-a-Lot® and Expo®, the product was renamed Amodex Ink & Stain Remover. Its unique cream formula is non-toxic and safe to use on fabrics, upholstery, carpeting, and even skin. Amodex removes that impossible Georgia clay, familiar to those of you living in the south, stains from antique linens, machine oil, baby formula and liquid medicine from children's clothes, permanent marker from CD's and DVD's and more.

Fahrney's Pens is proud of it's long-time alliance with Amodex and is sure once you try the undisputed champion of stain removal that your fears of ink on your hands will also disappear.
08/16/11
Now That's a Birthday!

Fahrney's Pens sends a very enthusiastic 250 year Birthday greeting to it's long-time Germany-based partner Faber-Castell. The company is renowned for its high quality, innovative products, respect for tradition and environmental awareness. Fahrney's Pens, along with the leading manufacturer of fine writing instruments and accessories, invites you to discover why the Faber-Castell brand has such a passionate following. Check out some of the latest offerings, from the stunningly beautiful 2011 Pen of the Year to the special 250th Anniversary Elemento and the latest functional winner and great everyday writing series the Basic Black.
08/09/11
How to Select a Fountain Pen

A pen becomes a very personal possession for most people. The grace and style of the fountain pen creates a certain aura which is difficult to describe, but appeals to many, especially in our fast paced society. Touch pen to paper and experience the pleasing flow and unique pleasure only a fountain pen creates.

Selecting a fountain pen is much like choosing a pair of eyeglasses. It must function easily in your hand and have a design that pleases you. We try to tailor the pen to your handwriting, not your handwriting to the pen. Help us by following these steps in selecting the right pen for you.

Do you normally use a fountain pen, ball point or rollerball? Choose the most comfortable for you rather than switching.

Do you put a lot of pressure on a pen point? Check this (even with a ball pen) by looking to see if the impression of your writing is transmitted to the back of a piece of paper. If you have a light touch you can use almost any make or style of pen. If you tend to bear down, choose a pen with a firm nib such as Parker Duofold, Lamy 2000 or the Cross fountain pens.

If your handwriting is small or condensed, select a fine or extra-fine point. Broad points look great but are a bit temperamental. Broad points must be held flat and not widely rotated when writing to keep the ink flow sufficiently feeding the point.

And remember, like any fine mechanism, a fountain pen must go through a two to four week breaking-in period. Treat a pen properly and it and it will last a lifetime, paying the dividend with enjoyable writing.
08/02/11
The Artist of Writing

If you are preparing to battle Fahrney's long-time store sales associate Elizabeth Spinks-Bunn, you are going to want to bring more than a sword. As we all know by now the pen is the mightier of the two and no one in our Nation's Capital is quite as adept at wielding fine writing instruments as Mrs. Spinks-Bunn.

Since being assigned the task of keeping a list of her 3rd grade class' vocabulary words by her teacher, Elizabeth has embraced the art of writing like few others and has been an integral part of the Fahrney's retail store team since 1987. Besides frequently teaching calligraphy, adult and children's handwriting classes at the 1317 F Street, Washington, DC location, she also free lances special scripture pieces, invitations, announcements and many other jobs in which discriminating clients still see the importance in non-computer generated artful correspondence.

When asked why she has such a love for the handwritten word Elizabeth said, "To some extent I feel as if I'm helping to expand and preserve an ancient art. It's very gratifying to see others (especially young people) discover the joy of writing."

Be sure to stop by our store while in town and discuss your love of writing with Elizabeth and the rest of our outstanding team.
07/26/11
Best paper for fountain pen writing

Contrary to popular belief, fountain pens do not require ultra-expensive, fancy paper. However, thin paper and fountain pens are not a good mix. Fountain pens lay a heavy line and if the paper you write on is too thin or not dense enough, or is high in pulp content, the ink can bleed across the paper making your writing look fuzzy. You should also avoid using legal and letter-size pads with chemically-treated paper that can make nibs clog or drag while writing.

With that said, the best paper is relatively inexpensive. Rhodia by Exaclair is a popular choice. Many fountain pen users swear by the quality of Rhodia papers. There are many shapes and sizes to choose from, including lined, graph and blank paper. View All Rhodia Accessories

Graphic Image also offers paper preferred for fountain pens. They carry all sorts of planners, journals and notepads. View All Graphic Image Notepads
07/12/11
The Care and Feeding of Fountain Pens:

We are frequently asked about the proper way to clean and care for a fountain pen. Here are a few tips that will ensure the best performance from your fountain pens:  

1. Always use fresh ink. If your ink is over a year old, buy a new bottle.
2. Ink cartridges are fine, but a self-filling pen or the use of a converter with bottle ink will offer fewer problems.
3. If your pen is to be out of use for several weeks, clean it by flushing in cold water.
4. Never wash a pen in hot water or alcohol! Use cold water only. If the pen is really dirty, use a mixture of one part non-sudsy household ammonia to 2 parts cold water and allow the nib section to soak overnight. Flush the nib in cold running water until it runs clear and dry with a soft cloth.
5. If you value a fine pen and it is suited for your hand, do not let someone else use it. You could be asking for trouble.
6. Cap the pen properly. Hold the pen upright and place the cap on top of it. Do not drop the pen into the cap or you may end up with ink in the cap.
7. Before you fly in a plane, either fill your pen all the way or leave it empty. A sudden change in cabin pressure may cause the pen to leak if you don't follow this rule.
06/21/11
Tools
Tap to Call
Navigate Site
My Cart
Track Order
My Account
View Current Catalog
Loading....