Retro 51.. Saying Good Bye?

[vxv]

I actually learned about this in mid-February through Anderson Pens in Chicago. I was told he gave (or sold very cheap) a good portion of his pens away as there were about 100 pens for sale there, though not J51s or at least none that I recognize.

[Freddy]

Retro-1951 Double Eight green cellulose acetate limited edition with gold Schmidt nibs.....Haven't found the group scan with Blue and Brown 88s...yet..So

for your reading pleasure you will find a link to Stylophiles Magazine review by Bill Riepl 2005.

 

 

 

 

 

https://web.archive.org/web/20050715234247/http://www.stylophilesonline.com/03-05/03dbl8.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fred

Edited April 9, 2020 by Freddy

[Misfit]

Thats a beautiful pen.

[Darkman]

I do like the form factor of their Tornado's, but their fountain pens are meh at best... Unfortunately, recently I've been frustrated trying to get one of their 30th anniversary special edition Tornados. I don't care about special editions, I just like the look / materials (white pearl acrylic?). These have been selling out within minutes by every vendor that I've talked with. I would think they would have an acrylic or celluloid model or two standard...

 

-dm

Edited July 23, 2020 by Darkman

[toymachine]

It seems like they never quite closed down? I'm seeing new models released lately. Any updates?

[Theroc]

It seems like they never quite closed down? I'm seeing new models released lately. Any updates?

I hear you. It seems to me that after the announcement there was so much renewed interest in the brand that they decided to milk it for what it's worth.

 

And if I was of a more cynical persuasion I would think that was the plan all along. I don't really believe that, to be clear.

[Misfit]

They did say on their blog they would still release new pens this year.

[Misfit]

Good news from the latest Retro 51 blog post. They sold to new owners who are Retro 51 enthusiasts. 
 

I got the Retro 51Blue Lagoon Ombre fountain pen for Christmas. It’s gorgeous, and i love the stub nib. 

[Eccles]

On 1/24/2020 at 3:19 PM, DrDebG said:

This does make me sad. Yes, I had heard that they were "taking a sabbatical".

 

In truth, it does not surprise me though. I remember when Retro 51 started up. I loved supporting a new venture. Unfortunately, it is an occurrence that is common to me these days since I work in an industry where most of the experienced people are nearing "retirement" (whatever that is).

 

Nursing is a good example; very few hospital trained (aka 'real') nurses left, and those far from young.  Making it a degree seemed like a good idea, but taking the learning out of hospital removed a plethora of invaluable, practical experience.  I've worked with both, and I know which I'd rather have looking after me.  Sadly.

Glenn.

[Marioferu]

On 1/23/2021 at 10:33 PM, Misfit said:

Good news from the latest Retro 51 blog post. They sold to new owners who are Retro 51 enthusiasts. 
 

I got the Retro 51Blue Lagoon Ombre fountain pen for Christmas. It’s gorgeous, and i love the stub nib. 

Good news certainly, and good news to those who are making a hobby to speculate with them in those “Bay” site.