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.
![Rubbertree Scout Backpack in St. Remy](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014-06-23-18.31.25-600x337.jpg)
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.
![Oldwin box](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/P1030698-600x450.jpg)
Inside the presentation box is a booklet and the pen.
![Oldwin booklet and pen](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/P1030699-600x450.jpg)
![An Oldwin history book](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/P1030715-600x450.jpg)
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.
![Oldwin Classic pen in Kaleidoscope](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/P1030702-600x450.jpg)
![Patinated clip](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/P1030704-600x450.jpg)
![A closeup of the marbling](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/P1030705-600x450.jpg)
![5 of 8](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/P1030706-600x450.jpg)
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.
![Patina detail - nib](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/P1030708-600x450.jpg)
Having “practiced” on my first Oldwin, I don’t think I’ll touch this nib.
![And... a medium nib](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/P1030718-600x450.jpg)
So now, there are three Oldwin pens in my Corbo pen wrap. Pen-age a trois. (Delivers truly awful pun, runs away.)
![Three Oldwin pens](http://www.leighreyes.com/wp-content/uploads/P1030750-600x450.jpg)