Historic Wood: HMS Victory Fountain Pen

This is a gift for a colleague. The oak is from HMS Victory, the oldest naval ship still in commission and the only surviving ship that fought in the American Revolutionary War. The recipient is an American diplomat that works at the U.S. Embassy in London - so there's a professional connection with the history of the pen. Abalone shell inlay. Beaufort Mistral kit with a Beaufort #5 bi-color nib. Finished with melamine lacquer and carnauba wax. I like the inlay when the pen is uncapped, but the symmetry feels off with the spacing and size of the inlay when the pen is capped. I think I would have done something slightly different, or done a similar inlay in the cap to help balance it out. Still, I wanted something to add interest to the oak, and I liked the idea of the shell inlay continuing the "nautical" theme.

The ship is also known for the battle of Trafalger during the Napoleonic wars. I think Nelson might have died on that ship.

I love the idea of a nautical shell inlay...cool concept, well executed!

What a cool piece of history turned into functional art.

Well done!

In my opinion, that looks really good ! !

And that's without even considering the very impressive historic content ! !

That turned out great! I love the story behind woods, but most of them are quite plain. The abalone really makes this one stand out and I like the placement of it.

Awesome mate!

Well done!