On “Grail” Pens

A few of us local pen geeks get together at the Royal Canadian Legion in Cloverdale once a month to ogle each other's collections and trade, sell, and wag our chins for a couple of hours. The food is good, the beer is cold, and the company is excellent. We pull a few tables together and proceed to ooh and aaah over each other’s goodies. We are blessed, as every pen group knows, with exceptional companions, great conversation and erudite discussion of pens and such. 

Just a few weeks ago, we had gathered as usual when I had a friendly tap on my shoulder by one Brian Johnstone, a long and valued friend with long family ties to the Waterman’s company. Brian is a soft spoken, subtle and unassuming chap, with a quick wit and mischievous glint. I turn and he- without any fanfare, hands me two tubes with black pens in them. 

Now, one of Brians charms is how he enjoys other's reaction to the amazing objects he has collected in his many decades in this hobby, so I know by that light smile and glint in his eye, he is up to his usual tricks. Brian knows how much I love Waterman’s of their grand era (1884-1960). The early rubber: mottled, chased, eventually woodgrain, ripple, various colours, celluloids, even Lucite all had style and charm, and came with those incredible Waterman’s solid gold nibs. Those pens could and can still perform and please like few others. I open the tubes and I am stunned: a Waterman’s #20 BCHR eyedropper with a nickle “Clipcap”, a massive #10 14k nib, and a smooth BHR #58 with Gold Filled fittings.

 
I have, over time had many lovely pens that many people have ogled and desired, often claiming them to be their “Grail pen” (ie., a pen that is as sought after as the legendary “Holy Grail” of Christian lore).  Generally, I respond with platitudes and keep to my ethic of “If you want it more than I, I will sell it”.  Because, for me, that is the fun part. I have only one other pen that fits the criteria of “Grail” (Actually it is a series, but…). So, of course I ask him how much. I don’t quibble, I don’t haggle: not with this fellow, and certainly not when he does this. Some of us tend to recognize that we are presenting others with what only could be described as a “curated” selection, and this is an example of such a collector.  
 
So thank you Brian, and on to the next “grail pen”. Don’t know what it is yet, but I will as always, enjoy the journey!