Red, White and Blue

On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee, a Virginia delegate, stood up in the Continental Congress and proposed to his peers a resolution that would contain three distinct ideas; to declare the colonies independent; to prepare a plan to join all the states under one law and to form alliances with foreign countries. After days of heated discussion, it was agreed that three committees would be created to take on each of the three points independently.

Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the Declaration of Independence, declaring the colonies independent from British rule. At the time, he was extremely busy working on the Virginia, but seeing the importance of a broader independent declaration, he cloistered himself away and created the first draft of the declaration. When the declaration was presented to the Continental Congress there were many changes that took place and Jefferson was disappointed that his work was being changed. However, being a man of compromise he acquiesced to the changes and presented it once again to the Congress who voted on it unanimously.

Here at Executive Essentials, we are a virtual pen center for American history pens with many to choose from. However, shining above them all is the Visconti Declaration Of Independence Fountain Pen. With this amazing pen, Visconti uses an intricate scrimshaw technique to engrave the full text of the Declaration of Independence into the barrel of the pen. The writing is just large enough to read and includes the signatures of the founding fathers. A special magnifying glass is included to enjoy the fine details of the pen up close. Like the Declaration of Independence, this pen has a one of a kind design done with attention to detail you can only find in a Visconti pen.

The Red, White, and Blue Custom Pen Set Challenge

Besides the wonderful Visconti Declaration pen, I thought I’d throw out a pen set idea that I think would be great for the 4^th of July. Pen sets are wonderful gifts, but often times you can’t find the exact pens that you would like to have. So why not create your own. To get you started, I outlined a pen set I’m calling the Red, White, and Blue in honor of the 4^th. My goal is to find 3 pens that are Red, White and Blue for under $100. This is what I found.

Waterford Claria Fountain Pen Red

For the fountain pen in my custom set, I’m choosing the Waterford Claria Fountain Pen in Red. It has smooth contours and a substantial feel that Waterford is known for providing. This pen has a solid brass body with rhodium and chrome plated accents and comes with a medium nib. EE Price: $43.99

Parker White Urban Rollerball

For the white, in my custom pen set, I chose the Parker Urban Chiselled Metallic White Rollerball. This well-priced pen features metallic highlights and a gloss varnish. The asymmetrical chiseled pattern assists with grip and has a modern look. A chrome trim surrounds the body of the pen and the nib is made out of stainless steel. EE Price: $36.80

Monteverde One-Touch Ballpoint Pen Cobalt Blue

For the blue, I’ve chosen a ball point from Monteverde Pens. This beautiful new Monteverde pen delivers the unexpected, beauty and convenience. No cap to pull off, no struggles with a one handed twist, just a fabulous, elegant writing instrument. Perfectly weighted between one’s fingers, the silky smooth One Touch™ barrel is a pleasure to hold, while the low viscosity ink and super broad 1.4mm point provide a smooth and distinct line as it flows across the paper. EE Price: $20

So there you have my choice for the custom red, white and blue pen set in honor of the 4^th of July. And for those of you who are keeping track, the total price for all three pens actually came to $100.79. However, I’m willing to spend seventy-nine cents more to get these three great pens in one set. Think you can do better? Let us know what your red, white and blue pen set would look like for under $100. We’d love to know.

Have a happy and safe 4^th of July.

Create Your Own Pen Set 1930s Gangsters

About a month ago I set out into the Executive Essentials catalog and worked out a trio of pens and pencils that came out under $100. Actually, it ended up being slightly more than a $100. But, the end result still stuck with me and I decided to give it another go. In fact, I enjoyed putting together the pen set so much that I intend to do this quite a bit – or at least as long as they let me. Just to be clear, these are not sanctioned pen sets by Executive Essentials or any particular pen brand. This is just a fun experiment at trying to find three writing instruments that fit into a theme at a certain price. So what’s the theme?

The gangsters of the 1930’s.

Waterford Claria Pencil Gun Metal

 

Waterford Claria Pencil

The mid-1930’s were a time of legendary gangsters and criminals, with the likes of Pretty Boy Floyd, Baby Face Nelson, Bonnie and Clyde and John Dillinger roaming the country side in search of the next easy bank heist. These larger than life crooks seemed unstoppable to an America thrust deep into the pits of an economic depression. Hailed more as everyday hero’s than true criminals, these infamous crooks continued their stream of raids until J Edgar Hoover’s United States Bureau of Investigation captured or shot them all. But, regardless of the abrupt end to their reign, their memory lives on in movies and the minds of our imagination. And what better way to commemorate their fascinating lives than with a trio of pens culled from the Executive Essentials catalog.

 

The Thompson Sub Machine Gun was a favored weapon by anyone interested or in need of a gun in the 1930’s prohibition era. The Thompson or ‘Tommy Gun’ was invented by General John T. Thompson who was looking for a way to give a more reliable and faster-firing weapon to American soldiers. These guns are often associated the famous criminals of the 1930’s who favored them for the same reasons that law enforcement did. Because the ‘Tommy Gun’ is such a prominent part of 1930’s gangster lore, I’m choosing the Waterford Claria Pencil in Gun Metal gray as one of the three in our gangster series.

Tibaldi Mulsanne Silver Fountain Pen Burr Oak

The getaway car, careening down the country roads with the police in hot pursuit is a staple of any movie about the legendary 1930 gangsters and criminals. And for good reason. It seems that many of the prohibition era bank robbers were good with the wheel. Clyde Burrow of Bonnie and Clyde was one of the best and insisted in taking the time to get a new car whenever possible in order to be ready to out run the law.

The Mulsanne from Tibaldi Pens is named after the famous straightaway and corner at the Le Mans circuit and represents this spirit well. The Le Mans is a race of endurance and skill, one that Clyde would have done well at. The pen itself has a unique chromed barrel and wooden cap that is reminiscent of the old V8 Fords so popular back in the day.

Dunhill Sentryman Rollerball Pen Black With Gold Trim

Let’s face it, who cares what kind of crime you’re committing if you’re not dressed right. Back in the prohibition era it seemed that every occasion required a suit, including robbing banks. And for those famous bank robbers a well fitted suit (or dress) made constantly having to run from the law bearable. Many espoused the virtue of being well dressed at all times especially since it helped them fit in with the ordinary citizens going about their daily lives. There are a great many pens that have a wonderful 1930’s suit like quality, but for this pen set in black from Dunhill Pens seems a nice fit. This particular Dunhill has a broad cap that accurately mimics the broad shoulders of the 1930’s suits. The gold trim on the cap accentuate the top of the pen and gives it a suit jacket like quality. The entire pen is finished in a deep black lacquer that is cool, calm and nearly criminal.

So there you have it. That’s my 1930’s gangster collection. But, these are not the only pens that would fit that theme. In fact, I passed on a number of others that I saw that would work wonderfully. I’d love to hear from any of you about what your pen set in this theme would look like. Let us know.

 

Company Logo Pens for Christmas

The ovens are far from heating up for this 2011 Thanksgiving dinner, but that doesn’t mean that Christmas is content to wait on the sidelines until we are all done digesting. In fact, ho-ho-ho tinged commercials have already infiltrated the airwaves and local shops are already trimming their newly frosted windows in red and green. It is clearly time to start thinking about the gifts we choose to say ‘thank you’ to those around us in our daily lives. And there is no better way for a business to say thank you to its employees and customers than with a high-quality pen that is stylish and affordable.

Executive Essentials makes gift giving easy by offering a wide selection of personalized pens from top name brand companies like Cross, Waterman, Waterford, Parker, and Dunhill. The pens in the EE catalog come in a wide variety of styles and prices to fit the needs of just about any company’s budget. At Executive Essentials, we have the ability to offer substantial discounts for high volume orders and with a little extra time, we can let you see a finished sample of your logo pen prior to your order. We know that you want the very best when you give gifts and we have the pens you need and the service to make it come true. And, unlike cheap custom pens, our pens come from name brand, well-respected companies that offer quality, style and satisfaction guaranteed.

Take a look at a few of the amazing pens in the Executive Essentials catalog that come with the option of being engraved.

Parker Sonnet Ballpoint Pen in Stainless Steel

This streamlined pen from Parker has a stainless steel body that is brushed to give it a textured effect before it is buffed to smooth gloss finish. Although the shape is simple, the pen itself is designed for a comfort and feel that is appreciated by both men and women. The gold accents give it a flair that is striking without being gaudy or garish. Listed at $65 with another $14 for engraving, the Parker Sonnet is a gift worth giving and worth receiving.

Parker Sonnet Ballpoint Pen in Stainless Steel

Waterman Carene Ballpoint Pen

One look at the elliptical shape of the Waterman Carene Ballpoint brings to mind an object of speed and grace. The almost bullet like design has a simplicity that is understated and mired in a long standing tradition of craftsmanship. It all makes sense though when you find out that the Carene is modeled after the world’s finest Yachts. The barrel is a high-gloss lacquer and is trimmed in gold for a dynamic look with a weight that feels good in all hands. This executive pen carries a $150 price tag and costs $16 to personalize, but it’s not a gift soon forgotten.

Waterman Carene Ballpoint Pen

Waterford Claria Chrome Ballpoint

Waterford Claria Chrome Ballpoint Pen

At the lower end of the price spectrum is the Claria in chrome from Waterford Pens. But, don’t be fooled by the $31.99 price tag. This inexpensive pen is far from cheap. The chrome barrel of the pen gives it a substantial feel and the shape lend it a fit for any hand. The rhodium plated finish give it a look that shines bright with sophistication and prestige. This is a great pen for everyday use. One that can be put to work and offer style all at the same time. Engraving this pen costs $14, with two choices of font and 22 characters of engraving text. The right price. The right pen. The right gift.

Don’t settle for cheap engraved pens this Christmas season. Come and take a look at Executive Essentials and see what quality company logo pens can look like when done right.

Gift Pens and Ornaments

Quick gift ideas. That’s what this month is all about at Executive Essentials. And, just like Santa himself, we are going to sneak into your house (you’re going to come to our site), drop off some gifts (ideas really, just gift ideas) and eat all your cookies (actually we give you cookies – it’s complicated). Ok, so maybe we aren’t exactly like Santa, but we do have a slew of great gift ideas to inspire you this season. This idea is about ornaments, red and green.

 

Waterford Claria Ballpoint Pen

You can pick any of the wonderful red or green pens from the Executive Essentials catalog to pull off this simple Christmas gift idea. Simply shop around for the pens you like and then hang them from your tree. Symbolizing the colors of the season in an almost icicle like form, these decorative pieces will probably go unnoticed until you point them out to that special someone. If you think you might have trouble keeping it a secret, you can always hang them up after the rest of the house heads off to count sugar plums.

 

 

You’d be surprised at the affordable ‘ornaments’ you can find in the range of red and green, like the Waterford Claria for under $35 and the striking Caran d’Ache Metal X Ballpoint for under $20. Both perfect gift pens for Christmas or any holiday. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to trim the tree.

 

Caran d’Ache Metal X Ballpoint Pen