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※ Two Pelikan Pens In Two Shipments From Fritz Schimpf ※ ~ In the closing months of 2019, there were productive discussions with Fritz Schimpf stationers, in Tübingen, Germany, about possible future acquisitions. Fritz Schimpf is celebrating their 140th anniversary in 2020. It’s located in a historic university town in Baden-Württemberg, which is in the Swabian heartland of southwestern Germany. Throughout 2019 my writing desk was enriched by Pelikan fountains, inks from both Fritz Schimpf itself and L’Artisan Pastellier, as well as the superb Fritz Schimpf Feinpost writing paper. Accordingly, in late November, 2019 an order was placed for a variety of writing tools. It was shipped to a trusted friend and former student, now working in neighboring Hong Kong. Events cascaded such that the shipment was delayed, for which Fritz Schimpf was not at all responsible. The border between Hong Kong and Shenzhen was effectively sealed, severely impacting trans-border shipments. Another, follow-up order was placed in early 2020, as a token of support for Fritz Schimpf and as an expression of hope that circumstances might become more favorable. As it turned out, both shipments were safely stored for well over half a year in the Hong Kong residence of my friend. Thanks to the good offices of one of my students, who owns and operates several large-scale import-export companies, the shipments were brought across the border in late August, 2020. After several weeks of protracted wrangling with the customs officials, they were released and delivered to me this past weekend. Everything was in excellent condition, despite the months of storage. After handling the contents, it was certain that the precious cargo was well worth the long wait. Profuse appreciation is due to Fritz Schimpf, to my patient friend in Hong Kong, and to my generous student. ********************************** There are several Montblanc inks, including a second bottle of Swan Illusion. I’d requested Modena Red, but as it was unavailable at the time of shipping, Fritz Schimpf thoughtfully added a bottle of Corn Poppy. Two inks released by Fritz Schimpf in 2020 to celebrate their 140th anniversary are welcome additions to my writing desk. Crafted by Didier of L’Artisan Pastellier, niebla [ misty violet ] and gelassenheit [ relaxed purple ] are both outstanding. Writing with niebla is a particularly satisfying experience as it’s an exquisite ink. Four more hues of L’Artisan Pastellier Callifolio ink were added to the many bottles already on hand. I’m a regular user of the Callifolio line of inks. Finally there are one dozen bottle of Encre Parfumée, scented ink, also from L’Artisan Pastellier. The refined fragrance in each bottle is a welcome olfactory treat. *********************************** As ever the superlative Fritz Schimpf Feinpost paper is the bedrock of the shipments. For my sketching and writing, it’s the finest quality paper that I’ve had the pleasure to use. There were two Pelikan fountain pens, for both of which an EF nib was specified. At the time of ordering, it was clear that my work would require regular use of EF nibs. A Pelikan Classic M200 Black fountain pen with a gold-plated steel EF nib is a particularly engaging writer. The line it produces is close to that of an EEF nib. A Pelikan Classic Special Edition Pastel Green fountain pen with a bi-color gold EF nib is a smooth writer. The pen’s color is ideal for use outdoors for field notes or sketching. Following is an image series showing the arrival and unpacking of the two shipments, as well as writing samples from the two Pelikan pens, inked with the 2020 Fritz Schimpf inks. There is no urgency needed for attaining a high quality writing experience. These shipments arriving in mid-September bring immense pleasure in the waning weeks of Summer. I hope that these images may be of interest to others. Tom K. Delivery of Two Shipments Two Shipments, Two Boxes Carefully Packed Initial Unpacking Windfall Two Shipments On a Table Bringing Home Two Shipments Feinpost Writing Paper Wrapped Pelikan Pen Boxes Wrapped Montblanc Inks Bottled Inks Montblanc Ink Quartet 2020 Fritz Schimpf Inks Encre Parfumée L’Artisan Pastellier Callifolio Quartet Gift Box Nestling See-Through Pelikan Classic M200 Black EF Gold-plated Steel EF Nib Treasure Within Green! It Might As Well Be Spring For All To See Gleaming and Uninked Pelikan Classic M200 Special Edition Pastel Green EF Bi-color Gold EF Nib