What exactly is the Century 2000 model? Information on the Cross site is minimal. Does anyone know any details about this pen and it's rationale in the Cross lineup?
Thanks!
Hugh (aka WriteAway)

IF it's what I think you mean, Cross put out a "special edition" of the classic Century II and called it the Century 2000. The FP/BP set I have was manufactured in Ireland and is finished in a silver matte color. The number 2000 is imprinted vertically between the top of the clip and the top of the cap on both pens and is the only identifying mark. In all other respects it is a standard Century II. Mine originally had a medium steel nib which I have replaced with a gold plated steel broad that was reground to cursive italic by Pendemonium. To the best of my knowledge the pens only came with steel nibs.

That is exactly the type of information I was looking for! It seems that it probably is not entirely of "American manufacture", which was the source of my question. Your assistance is greatly appreciated!
WriteAway
(Hugh)

Dear Writeaway:

The Century 2000 was a limited issue "wide body design" available in three finishes (chrome, blue and matte black I believe). It is NOT a version of the Century or Century II pens, which are definately not "wide" designs. The Century II Millenium had "2000" inscribed above the clip, but this not a Century 2000.

There's a Century 2000 on eBay currently (not my listing, by the way). Here's the link if you'd like to look:

http://cgi.ebay.com/CROSS-CENTURY-2000-CHR...1QQcmdZViewItem

I hope this was helpful.

Thanks to both for your information. I had heard of it before and wondered about what it might be.
WriteAway
(Hugh)

I've read elsewhere that the Century 2000 was merely a special version of the Century II, however I'm all but convinced that the Century 2000 has to be almost a mid-point size pen (namely in fountain pen format) between the regular Century II and the Townsend. I base that partly on the photo included in this eBay listing:
http://cgi.ebay.com/CROSS-CENTURY-2000-CHR...1742.m153.l1262

I know the snapshot can get distorted about a hundred different ways, but still, the pen is this eBay listing seems rather clearly to be something other than the usual Century II.

Can anyone confirm this, or shed a bit of light? If I am right, then this is a pen I would like to have, however if it is just a variation on the Century II then I wouldn't be interested partly because I already have a Century II and partly because I presently am attempting to trade or sell my newly purchased Century II because it is just a bit too small to fit my hand.

(Btw: it is a fine point, in Cross's "Lustrous Chrome" finish, purchased about a month ago (July 2008), and only inked once but taken very good care of.)

Thanks.