I recently purchased a DJ Kennedy Pen on eBay and was wondering how many are out there and if anyone on the Network has or has come across one? Kennedy was / is a sculptor who made fanciful pens for a time. Paul Erano wrote about them in his excellent book though this one seems to buck the trend. Paul stated that Kennedy only made them for friends or himself but this one is etched (among other things), "Neiman Marcus". I'm guessing it was in the 1994 Christmas Catalog though I'll have to do more research on that. Workmanship is outstanding! Kennedy is currently living outside St. Louis last I heard playing Trombone and living an artist's life.

This one is based on a Sheaffer Imperial cartridge pen (nice writer, of course). I"m at the office at the moment but will upload pictures tonight when I get home.

PeteWK

I know nothing about them, but I love the designs. Here are two featured in someone's lovely collection... http://www.pbase.com/oshun/rare_fountain_pens

Yep, I saw those, though there's actually three Kennedy Pens there. Pictures to follow.

PeteWK

This page appears to have a newsgroup post by the man himself, complete with e-mail addy.

http://www.trombone.org/trombone-l/archives/0310/031008.txt

Here are some pictures to get an idea of Kennedy's work. Note that the pictures aren't always color correct. Post one of two.

These are the second grouping. The pen measures 4.5 inches long capped and weighs in at 33.5 grams; fairly heavy it seems to me. I've flirted with the idea that the barrel and cap could be some form of karat gold. I'm hoping the 1994 Neiman Marcus catalog actually does have this pen in it and so can shed some light there. When heated with a torch, gold does some things I see on this pen. That would be a kick but I'd call the odds at less than 50%.

PeteWK

Wow it's a good thing the seller didn't know what they had or the bids may have gone much higher. It's amazing what a good discription can do for selling a pen on ebay. I was scanning the bay looking for a black and pearl Parker Duofold Pencil and found one listed as an unknown brand but possibly an Eversharp Pencil. Picked it up for a Sweet $20.

Wow. I concur with the bargain hunting on eBay. It is hit or miss though. Like you, I've found some great deals and then I've taken a few on the chin. I was surprised to have gotten this pen for so little considering Kennedy's work is pretty well known among higher dollar collectors. Regards,

PeteWK

DJ Kennedy was one of the first to make art pens. There is a little section on him in the "Write Stuff" book by Jaeger. There is also an article on him in Pen World several years ago. He made/makes(?) a series of pens for Neiman Marcus. The WS book shows photos of at least one desk set, and a traveling artists set as well. Some of the pens incorporate vintage sections and nibs. Last I read he lived in Illinois.

Great find

gary

Thanks Gary. I'm currently in a conversation with him and awaiting his second e-mail. I've also contacted and am corresponding with Jose Garcia, whose pictures are the ones in Paul Erano's book. That's where I first saw Kennedy's pens.

PeteWK

Pete,

According to the information supplied to me by Neiman Marcus DJ Kennedy made pens for the company in 1994, 1995, and 1996. They were pictured in the 1994 and 1995 Christmas catalogs. They were also pictured in several additional pen flyers direct mailed to Neiman Marcus customers. Internal buying department documents indicate that there were 41 seperate SKU's listing both individual pen styles and finish options. These pens ranged from brass to silver and solid gold with additonal options of semi preciuos stones. The limited editions were isssued from a low of 10 to a high of 100. All pens featured special packaging from simple cardboard to wood designed by DJ Kennedy. Hand drawn and hand signed certificates were also included with the limited edition pens. I hope this of help with your question. My collection of decorative arts contains several of his rarer (gold and silver with stones) pens.

Gary

This is fascinating. I'd never heard of the artist previously. Then again, I'm not a collector of higher dollar art pens. I might like to be but the lack of dollars seems to keep getting in the way.

Regardless, thanks to all who provided information and photos.