What You Will See at the 2007 Philadelphia Pen Show

Quality Pens Make A Comeback
And They're Coming Back To Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Pen Show
January 19-21, 2007, at the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel
17th & Race Streets, Philadelphia, PA


The official Philadelphia Pen Show poster - showing what you can see there

Fine writing instruments featured in Philadelphia

The weekend of January 19-21, 2007, pen collectors and dealers from across the country will be meeting in Philadelphia to display modern and vintage writing instruments, accessories, and related items in all price ranges. It’s an opportunity to see, try—and buy—some of the most beautiful and expensive pens made. Or you can find inexpensive “user” pens that just look and feel good. As interest in fountain pens and quality ballpoints continues to grow, this 17th annual Philadelphia Pen Show promises to be an exciting event.

The Aurora 85th Anniversary Limited Edition - grand prize at the 2005 show

The Philly Pen Show has become one of the premier events for pen enthusiasts throughout the U.S. The increasing popularity of this, and other pen shows that take place around the world, is part of the surprising resurgence of interest in quality writing instruments. If you’re one of the ever-increasing numbers of people who enjoy fine pens, you’ll find thousands of vintage pens from every era, plus modern pens, ink and writing accessories from practically every manufacturer. You can bring your own pens—or your parents’ and grandparents’ pens—for free appraisals, to sell or trade, or to have them repaired and restored. Many repairs can be done while you wait.

Open to the public all three days

On Friday and Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday from 10am to 4pm, the public is invited to the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel (the same location as last year’s show) at 17th and Race Streets in Center City Philadelphia, where there will be over 80 tables featuring many of America’s most respected pen dealers and collectors, and pen manufacturers from around the world. This is the first time the public is invited to get a jump on the crowds and join many of the participating dealers and collectors for early trading on Friday. If you’re looking for something special, or of limited availability, this can be your best opportunity to find it.

Daily Admission is $8.00 at the door. Or you can purchase a full-weekend Platinum Pass that admits you to early trading and pre-show events on Friday, and dealer setup on Saturday and Sunday for $25.00. Children under 12 will be admitted free with a paying adult.

Fabulous door prizes from Aurora Pens, and more

Aurora Pens of Italy, the show’s primary sponsor, will be displaying the latest of their extraordinary limited edition pens, plus their full lines of production pens. They are also graciously providing some spectacular items to be given away as door prizes, including a blue marbled Auroloid Aurora Optima Fountain Pen with a retail value of $550. This top-of-the-line piston filled pen features gold plated trim, an 18kt nib, and Aurora’s hidden “ink reserve” that gives lets you write another page or two after the ink has apparently run out. It will be awarded in a Grand Prize Drawing from among all paid attendants, on Sunday at 3 pm. Other fine items from Aurora, and sponsors OMAS and Libelle Pens, will be given away throughout both days of the show. Winners must be present at the time of the drawing.

A Libelle fountain pen

You’ll find limited edition and one-of-a-kind pens you are unlikely to see anywhere else

Some of these spectacular and often highly collectible pieces, which are often designed on a commemorative theme, can be more jewelry than pen—and command prices in the tens-of-thousands of dollars. Plus you’ll find a surprising selection of other things pen-lovers long for: watches, pen advertising, store displays and other ephemera, pen cases, fine leather goods, parts and tools to repair your own pens, lead and erasers for vintage pencils, optical equipment, and an incredible selection of inks to sample or buy.

The new Aurora Firenze limited edition fountain pen

Free Calligraphy Classes

For the second consecutive year, show organizer Bertram’s Inkwell, is inviting show goers to attend a free 2-hour Calligraphy class, beginning at noon, both Saturday and Sunday. For just the price of admission to the pen show, those who wish to attend the classes will receive 2 hours of basic instruction in the ancient art “graceful writing” from internationally recognized calligrapher, Deborah Basel. Basel is a member of the Washington Calligraphers Guild and currently teaches calligraphy for Bertram’s Inkwell in Baltimore. According to Ms. Basel, calligraphy does not require artistic talent, just patience and a willingness to practice. Seating is limited. Please pre-register for the seminar when you pay for your admission to the show.

Sheaffer's Calligraphy Maxi Kit

Learn how to pick the right pen for you

In 1999, Susan Wirth appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and helped Oprah choose a fountain pen that fit her hand and writing style so well, she didn’t want to put it down. On Saturday at 11 am, Susan will conduct a free 45-minute Philly Pen Show Workshop on finding the pens that enhance your writing. Susan, who lives in Milwaukee, is renowned for her ability to find the pen and nib style that suits the writer best. “Everyone writes differently,” she explains. “You’ve found a good match when a pen enhances your writing and makes you want to use it.” In this exclusive seminar, Susan Wirth will help you learn how to find the style of pen point that will work best for you. You can also visit Susan's table for personal attention throughout the show.

A great take home from the pen show!

Sample a wide variety of pens, inks, and nib types

You can get help finding the point style that suits your hand best. Compare dozens of different ink colors and brands. Try pens, talk pens, and learn as much as you can absorb from experts and other enthusiasts who are more than happy to share their knowledge and preferences, or to help you find the pens that best suit your taste, writing style and budget. Even if you only come to browse and learn, you’re sure to go home happy.

Pen repairs will be offered by expert pen restorers, Roger Cromwell of Penopoly, Ron Zorn of Main Street Pens, and Richard Binder of Richard’s Pens. They’ll be providing repairs and nib adjustments to your pens—many while you wait.

You’ll be able to meet and speak with representatives of the Pen Collectors of America and authors of pen reference books, Andreas Lambrou and Paul Erno, as well as the publishers of Stylus Magazine.

Exhibitors at the show are some of the most recognized dealers of new and vintage pens from around the country

They include the show’s organizer, Bertram’s Inkwell of Baltimore; Fountain Pen Hospital of New York; Total Office Products of Atlanta; Pendemonium of Fort Madison, Iowa; Berliner Pen of New York; Pen Haven of Kensington, MD; Classic Pens of Los Angeles; The Write Shoppe of Annapolis; Susan Wirth & Associates of Milwaukee; PenstopOnline of Brooklyn, PowerPens of Hagerstown, MD; Penopoly Pens of San Leandro, CA; “Inklady” Terry Mawhorter, Parker 75, Vacumania.com of New York City; Pensite.com of Plainview, NY; Main Street Pens of Syracuse, NY; GoPens.com of Woodbridge, CT.

The new OMAS Emotica rollerball pen

In addition to sponsors Aurora, OMAS, and Libelle, manufacturers of pens and accessories displaying or selling their merchandise and providing customer service will include, Delta, Laban, Monteverde, Bexley, Visconti, Signum, Waterford, Lamy, Filofax, Yard-O-Led, and Michael’s Fat Boy. Plus you can see exceptional and often one-of-a-kind writing instruments from renowned custom pen-makers including Joe Cali, and Scott Meyer of Only One Creations.

Many well-known and respected pen collectors will also be there, selling vintage, modern and limited edition pens and accessories.

Pen Enthusiast Groups

Representatives of the two most important Pen Collectors and Manufacturers associations will be participating in the show with information and special offers for members and prospective members. The Pen Collectors of America will once again be photographing pens for their collectors archives and providing membership information. In addition, the International Pen Association, the pen industry’s new manufacturers and retailers trade and marketing association has chosen the 2007 Philadelphia Pen Show to unveil a new Associate Membership program for consumers in connection with Pen World Magazine.

Great Prizes!

The grand prize Aurora Optima in blue Auroloid resin

Door Prizes include this Aurora Optima Fountain Pen which retails for $550. It will be the Grand Prize, to be awarded in a drawing at 3 pm, Sunday. Other prizes will be awarded on both days of the show. Winners must be present at time of drawing.

For more information about the show

Jim Rouse
Bertram's Inkwell
10 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Telephone: 410-539-7367
Cell Phone: 443-790-3103
Fax: 410-539-0616
email: Jrouse6117@aol.com

Table space is limited and pre-registration is advised.
Should you need to cancel your pen show registration, it must be done no later than December 30, 2007.