David Oscarson Limited Editions

“The biggest challenge today is helping people remember what a signature means; that it is an extension of one’s self,” says Oscarson. “. . . old-fashioned maybe, but much richer, and in my mind, much more rewarding.” He takes this mindful approach to the production of his pens. The use of hand-rendered guilloche and enamel, traditional art forms also seen in watchmaking, are emblematic of the brand, and Oscarson takes great care in keeping their quality pure. He makes it eminently clear that the metal parts of his pens are quilloche, as opposed to stamped, since the resulting pattern reflects light in just the right way. Similarly, Oscarson uses exclusive enameling techniques to enrobe his pens as opposed to more cost-effective methods whose results do not meet his standards. “My favorite part of the business,” he shares, “is seeing an idea or concept become a real, ‘living’ thing.”




David Oscarson continues the spirit of artistic mastery and the tradition of Old World craftsmanship by combining the centuries-old technique of Guilloché with the art and expertise of Hard Enamel. 
Using a mortar and pestle, a composition of glass, water and metal oxides is ground for hours by hand.  When settled, the water is removed, leaving the fine paste that is the basis for hard enamel.  A quill is then used to apply each coat of the mixture to the surface of the metal, ensuring that the entire guilloché area is completely covered in enamel.  The components are then fired in a furnace at temperatures exceeding 1,000° F, fusing the enamel to the metal and forming a layer of glass.


After cooling, the pieces are manually ground with a diamond file, restoring their proper shape and surface.  This tedious process is repeated at length until the level of enamel reaches the depth required to cover the peaks and fill the valleys of each intricate guilloché pattern.  When the final stages of firing are completed, the pieces are polished and buffed, revealing the velvet finish of translucent hard enamel.


Production of translucent hard enamel demands the highest levels of patience, experience and skill.  A five-year apprenticeship is required to ensure that the highest levels of quality will be met in each individual Collection piece.