Gold Cherry Blossom Townsend

[MrThoth]

I don't normally post links to eBay sales here, but this is unusual enough that I thought I should call it to everyone's attention -- even if you don't want to buy it, it's fun to look at.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Cross-Townsend-Cherry-Blossom-LTD-Gold-Sapphire-Fountain-Pen-M-Nib-Mint-0081-/152727716842?hash=item238f4803ea:g:qYEAAOSwWWpZ0xAT

 

This is the gold version of the Townsend "Cherry Blossom" design released in 2015. The brushed platinum version is easy to find for sale, but the gold one is not -- I think it was made only for sale in Japan/Asia, but that's just a guess. Initially only 45 were made (I own #20 as part of my Townsend collection). The pictures show this one to be #06 of 45, but those might be stock pictures from somewhere -- the header for the sale says it's #0081. If that's correct, I guess Cross must have decided to create a few more. OTOH, the sales text below the main sales info says this pen is one of "45 limited," so I guess if you want the full story you'd have to contact the seller directly.

[MrThoth]

And as long as we're on the subject of rare Townsends, here's one of the engraved Concorde Townsends that you used to get when you flew first class on the Concorde 'cross the Atlantic (and for a great price, cheaper than what Cross charges for just a replacement nib unit):

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Concorde-collection-Cross-Townsend-Chrome-Fountain-Pen-/172876014561?hash=item284036a3e1:g:JmIAAOSw311ZuZde

[inkstainedruth]

Interesting listings. Of course, the Concorde pen is way more affordable....

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[MrThoth]

Yes, the Concorde pen is definitely cheaper. And despite that, it has its own air of elegance as well -- or at least it does to me, who's old enough to remember the Concorde's debut and life of service.

Edited October 21, 2017 by MrThoth

[inkstainedruth]

Yes, the Concorde pen is definitely cheaper. And despite that, it has its own air of elegance as well -- or at least it does to me, who's old enough to remember the Concorde's debut and life of service.

 

I've toured the one they have at the Museum of Flight in Seattle.

And my mom always wanted to win the lottery so she could do this special trip she heard about to Europe. One direction was to cruise across the Atlantic on the QEII. The other directions? Flying the Concorde (not sure which leg, so dunno if it was from JFK or Heathrow). Much as my parents loved to travel, she liked the idea of getting across the pond in an hour and a half....

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[MrThoth]

I remember reading about that trip package somewhere -- probably a magazine -- when I was a kid. Definitely sounded like a luxurious trip!

 

Unfortunately Cross only made two Townsends with the Concorde logo; I'd gladly add more to my Townsend collection.