I was checking the Pencraft site today, something I find myself doing frequently, when a picture of a Sailor King Of Pen threw me for a loop. Here is a link to Brian's blog entry, which contains the picture in question: Link. The second pen from the top is identified as a Sailor King Of Pen, but it appears to have more trim (shiny!) then the King Of Pen I'm used to seeing, which is a very plain ebonite only pen with just a clip. I like this "trimmed up" Sailor King Of Pen, it looks much more like a beefed up MB149, which to these eyes is a good thing. Is this an older or different style of the KoP? Is it made of ebonite or resin?

Thanks!

As far as I know that KoP with a lot of trim is an early model. It seems Montblanc thought it resembles their 149 model as well, and either they, their lawyers, or a court convinced Sailor to change design of the KoP. If it came to court, there must be a publicly available order? If so, I would like to see that one. Every now and then an old style comes up for sale. I have not seen any old style copies copies with artwork. Ruud

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Right on, thanks for the info.

In other KoP news, I'd love to own a KoP, but the price always seems way to high for what it is. I can find a Mikado Raw Ebonite for $250, and I just bought a Mikado Urushi for $475 brand new. But the Sailor KoP models start at $600! Yeah I know I'm just whining, but geez, thats pricey for what amounts to a hunk of ebonite with a nib stuck on one end.

I can quantifiably tell you, that the pen in question is indeed the early 1911 KOP - I should know, as it's mine...

As presumed above, it is an ebonite pen too.

Personally, I think that the KOP has a much nicer line & fluidity to it, and even though I love the 149, side by side, I think the KOP wins hands down.

One further point I might also add regarding the Herald, is that I purchased Brian's original model in ebonite. To that end, the barrel has a little more of a waste line than what I believe are his regular models, which are invariably straighter where the cap meets them. This I think certainly makes it look a lot slimmer, and even 'squidish' in shape. Brian's pen really is jaw droppingly beautiful in it's clinical & clean simplicity.

I'm due to do a review on it shortly, so look out for that.

In summary, I too was pleased with the photo's, as I felt they added a decent perspective on a range of like-designed torpedo models, that can often be overlooked by a sole 149 for comparison.

regards
Bren

In all honestly, there is no "original" model for the Herald.

I make them as my eye sees each one. I can do them pointy, bulbous, whatever.

I find that solid colors look better pointy, and anything with significant grain looks better not-so-pointy.

But that's my eye. I do take requests!

Brian is a true artist! I like his attitude!

Brian,

I have to agree with you, they are much nicer that way.

Keep up the good work. it is also encouraging to see someone taking on the far east at their own game... and winning

I also admire the KoP having seen one first hand at a pen show, with a ruddy brown grained ebonite body sporting a chrome clip. It looked fabulous... but for $899, I found it much too pricey for my taste. That's what makes the Herald so appealing--nearly the same pen design for much less. Granted, it won't have quite the luxury feel and girth of the KoP, but that might bother someone only if they were going to make the pen a daily writer.