My “Lucky Catches”

How many times have you missed out on a limited edition? Or discovered a product you want only to learn that it was introduced — and discontinued — years ago? I’m guessing you can think of at least a few instances of each.

Now, how often has a product you considered a lost cause made it into your collection? I’d bet this time you have less instances. You likely consider those occasions when you managed to snag something you didn’t think you would to be rather lucky. I certainly do, and I want to share a few lucky catches that are part of my collection.

Birmingham Pen Co. Rodman Gun Gunpowder Tea

I got a sample of Gunpowder Tea at one of the DC Pen Crew meetups. It was a generous sample, so I didn’t order a bottle right away. By the time I decided I should get a full bottle, Birmingham Pen Co. had already stopped producing their older inks.

Luckily for me, a fellow DC Pen Crewer had a small bottle that she gave me. I can’t remember now if that was in response to a personal conversation or if I posted a request in our Facebook group.

Edison Pen Co. x Goulet Pen Co. Nouveau Premiere Tequila Sunrise

When this one came out in 2018, I was still fairly new to the pen world, and was concerned about the pointed ends. So, I passed on it. I assumed, at the time, that I could get a different pen made out of the same, or a very similar, material.

However, I never found that material again. I’d long since given up on getting the Tequila Sunrise or a “sibling pen” made of the same material.

Then, at this DC Pen Show, the Tequila Sunrise was just sitting in a tray on one of Martin’s Pens tables. I have no idea how it survived there until Sunday, but I’m happy it did!

Pelikan 100 “Year One” Jade Green

This is one of those cases where I didn’t know what I bought. Purchased from Bertram’s Inkwell, it wasn’t until I researched it later that I discovered I’d purchased a piece of fountain pen history.

I need to make it a priority to find a new nib for it. Does anyone know where I can get a flex nib that will fit a Pelikan 100 from 1929/1930?

Sailor Professional Gear Hello Kitty 40th Anniversary

To be honest, I had no idea this one even existed until I came across it at BWIPS last year. I was a huge Sanrio fan as a kid, with a specific preference for Keroppi, Hello Kitty, and Pochacco. Had this been a Keroppi pen, I wouldn’t have hesitated for a moment. As a Hello Kitty pen, I get it a moment’s thought because I’d already spent my pen show budget.

But, in the end, I simply couldn’t resist, especially given the great price. It’s such a fun pen.

Stipula Leonardo da Vinci

This one was actually my grail pen for a while. I assumed I’d never see one “in the wild.” But, Bertram’s Inkwell got one and made it available to me. While it’s not a very practical pen, I love it. It’s a “showpiece” mainly, because it’s pretty unique in the pen world.

Oddly enough, at last year’s DC Pen Show, the Yafa table had one available for sale, brand new. I can only assume it got lost somewhere and rediscovered.

TWSBI Aurora

I wouldn’t exactly call this one a grail pen, since I wasn’t desperate for it, but I did assume it was “lost” to me forever. After all, it’s highly sought after, and no one seems to be selling them.

But, Bertram’s Inkwell to the rescue again! Bert got one in and posted it to Instagram. I was lucky enough to be the first to ask about it. And now it’s mine! Sometimes I still find that hard to believe. It truly is a gorgeous pen.

Now, if only I could find another miniature Conklin Nozac.

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What are some of your “lucky catches?” What items are you still chasing? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.

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