Heirloom

[mikeinphoenix]

I am trying to turn a series of pens with the .30 cal or .50 cal design. I intend for these pens to be auctioned off for charity. I know most of the sources of the kits but these are my 2 questions:
1. Are there sources of kits that are of higher quality than those we find as "standard" offering.
2. Years ago I read of a source of "historic wood" (blanks). These were taken from sources like decommissioned old aircraft carrier (wooden) flight decks, historically planted trees etc. Does anyone remember the source or can suggest sources for historically significant blanks?
thank you
Mike in Phoenix

 

[Hippie3180]

A quick search and it looks like this place may have some blanks like you are looking for. This is just one example, there are others.

Boardwalk – Ocean City, Maryland

Blanks are made from the original deck planks of the Ocean City, MD Boardwalk. WARNING: these blanks may contain small particles of sand. Pen Blanks are a minimum of 3/4" x 3/4" All blanks will come with one COA per blank. COAs are 4" x 6" card stock with foil embossed COA seal. All blanks are...

stadiumpenblanks.com

 

[JohnU]

These are a couple I know of…

Historical Materials

Founded in 2010, Hardin Penworks branched off to form Stadium Pen Blanks in 2018. SPB was formed when we noticed a need for quality Certificates of Authenticity. Slowly over time, SPB has amassed a highly specialized collection of 200+ certificated pen blanks from stadium seats, benches, walls...

stadiumpenblanks.com

Unique Pen Blanks

 

[woodwzrd]

Here is my 2 cents. If you are looking to make something that is heirloom quality do not use the bullet pen kits. Start with real rifle casings that have significance or that are maybe vintage military. Also, use good quality 7mm components or go with a Sierra conversion. The tutorials for both of these styles are in the library or there are several of us that make them and can help you with partially assembled components. Pair your cartridge assembly up with a blank with some history and a COA from Stadium pen blanks or a similar source.

 

[mikeinphoenix]

Thank you all for the great advice. I'll practice with a real 50 cal shell (have a few souvenirs from Nam somewhere in the garage). I'll start and will be back for more help.

 

[wolf creek knives]

Like you, I search out and try and find historic wood. To date I've gotten (purchased mostly) pieces of wood from the still existing Battleships from WWII. I got a really nice original piece from the USS California. Pretty rough and the story is long. If you want to try and get pieces of this material contact the Ships Store and they might have some to sell. But be aware, it ain't cheap. I got a piece of the USS Missouri after they did the last re-decking of the ship and it cost me well over $500.00. A piece of the USS South Dakota, not afloat but the Museum sold it to me, will cost you a donation of over $200.00 and it's not enough to do a pen. And that's if you can talk them into selling you a very small piece. Don't even try the Alabama as they say they've never re-decked the ship (to which I scream BS). But they will not part with it.
To date I've gotten pieces from 10 of the 11 Battleships that still exist, or at least the teak decking does. Good luck and good hunting on your quest. Be aware of the fake (actually fraudulent) wood sellers out there that claim to have "rare" or "highly sought after" wood pieces. Remember, anyone can make a COA that looks like it's the real thing. I bought a knife a while ago that I thought was an original only to find out it was a fake after contacting the maker. Beautiful knife, but it was a fraud. Enough said.