News from the Pen Front - Part I
We are just back from the National Stationery Show, a once a year event, at the Javitts Convention Center in Manhattan. This is where all of the manufacturers, distributors and represents display their product and the buyers from both the large retail chains and the smaller stores see the new products and place their orders. The Javitts Convention Center is approximately 16 acres and this show packs every inch of space with product, not to mention the additional exhibit space located at the Piers where the Antique Shows are housed.
This is not a retail show, you can not buy a thing here, just order product. It is the largest show of its kind in the United States. It is said that over 10,000 rooms are booked throughout the city as a result of the attendees for this show.
We started on Sunday and stopped at the Parker Exhibit. It was a well designed and room exhibit with many of the sales personnel busily writing orders. I was lucky enough to be able to see and touch the new, exciting Parker 51 which is scheduled for release at the end of September, beginning of October.
The Parker 51 Special Edition, as it is referred to is a nod to the past and a glimpse into the future. The most famous Parker ever is being brought back to life in one of its rarest finishes, the Empire State etched cap, evoking the nostalgia and love for New York and the Empire State. This special edition now equipped with the latest in fountain pen technology is today, as it was 60 years ago, a very contemporary and advance writing instrument, true to the best Parker tradition.
From the Parker Display. A glass case with the Parker 51 airplane sitting on top.
We chatted with the Parker representative who stated that production will be limited to 4000 pieces total. They are being release in two colors, a black barrel with a vermeil cap and a Vista blue barrel with a sterling silver cap. The cap features the Blue Diamond Empire State design and the clip features Parker’s original blue diamond insignia as well as the standard arrow design. Black barrel and shell with two toned vermeil cap in Empire state design are highlighted by 23kt gold plated clip and trim. The Vista Blue barrel is topped by a sterling silver cap, with the Empire State design and all the same features as the black barrel. Both models are double matching jeweled pens and they have both cartridge and converter filling systems. This looks like it is going to be a winner
As a great addition to the Parker display, we discovered Len Provisor’s new Parker 51 airplane. Here are some pictures of that incredible little replica.
There is so much more to report on the show and I will continue with a few more articles in the next day or two. Click here for Part II
Maryann
at PenstopOnline