It matters that I know who makes the things I own. This is most likely why I now have three bags from Rubbertree, which go with me everywhere.
Provenance is now assuming the importance I allotted to form and function. I might not know the maker personally, but it certainly helps to know more about who and how, not only what.
I bought my first Oldwin pen seven years ago. Oldwin is the house brand of Mora Stylos, a family-run shop featuring fine writing instruments both vintage and modern. Mr. Andre Mora succeeded his father, and recently released a limited edition “Kaleidoscope” series of Oldwin classic pens, to commemorate the 80th year of la Maison Mora.
Inside the presentation box is a booklet and the pen.
The base of blue ebonite is beautifully marbled with turquoise, red, green and cream. The clip is made by lost wax casting, and the nib is a no. 7 in 18k, both given an antiqued copper finish. Christine at Mora Stylos told me that the patina can react with ink, and I said, that’s the point, isn’t it? Wabi sabi might be a Japanese phrase, but the sentiment can be universal.
The nib is a successful homage to the patina that vintage nibs develop over decades. This is perfectly appropriate for a pen of this lineage.
Having “practiced” on my first Oldwin, I don’t think I’ll touch this nib.
So now, there are three Oldwin pens in my Corbo pen wrap. Pen-age a trois. (Delivers truly awful pun, runs away.)
