The Art of Writing: A Collector's Rarities

Meet the Collector | Rick Schwartz

The collector pool for the ultimate fine writing instruments, such as those in your own collection, is an incredibly niche space. What first sparked your interest?

I started collecting an unfocused collection of $500-$600 pens.  After a little while, I discovered the Loiminchay and David Oscarson brands at a pen show. I was drawn to these manufacturers, as they were both 1-man shows. Their pen quality was exceptional and far exceeded the name manufacturers’ similarly priced pens.

I was quite impressed with their respective abilities to do the design work, coordinate the manufacturing process, and then hit the road to sell the pens—I viewed the pens as superb decorative art. I wound up becoming life-long friends with both of them, including vacationing together and becoming part of their extended family. Loiminchay stopped making pens when their distributor failed to live up to his contractual obligation – which basically destroyed the future of the brand.

 After all these years, which item still holds the most significance to you?

The  David Oscarson diamond pen, consisting of seashells in yellow and white diamonds graduated by color, which took over 3 years to manufacture. This pen was produced in an English factory that is over 100 years old, and it has over 3,500 pave diamonds that are individually set by the jeweler. The jeweler's work took these 3 years simply because the diamond setting process is very tedious and requires precision. The exquisite and masterful craftsmanship of this pen is undeniable. It also holds personal sentiment as this pen was designed by my wife, Linda, in coordination with Mr. Oscarson.

Are there craftsmanship details or specific makers’ designs that you are particularly drawn to? 

David Oscarson manufactures the best pen out there. Most of his following consists of doctors and lawyers who enjoy collecting his pens. David is a charismatic individual who is deeply invested in the themes of his pens, which are well-conceived. Only two designs are manufactured each year—typically the designs are based upon Swedish themes or famous individuals or events. David just completed his 25^th year of business and will be manufacturing a one-of-a kind (50% diamonds and 50% enameled guilloche) for $350,000.

Over the years, I have been drawn to pens with geometric shapes and colorful designs rather than thematic designs. David’s 20^th anniversary pen, which was designed using his past designs, was my favorite collection.

At one point, I had more than 150 David Oscarson pens. I donated more than 140 pens to art museums during the past seven years; I did keep five of my favorites, which the diamond pen is one of them. The donation and selling of my pen collection is an effort to minimize the responsibility that my kids would receive (inherit) if the pens remained in our estate. It also ensures that Mr. Oscarson’s artistic legacy will carry on and be seen by future generations of museum visitors. The charitable donation of his pens prevented a liquidation of my pen collection which would have severely damaged Mr. Oscarson's pen sales, as the pen market would have been flooded with his pens.

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One of the standout lots is a group of limited edition pens from Loiminchay’s  Beijing Olympic 2008 Collection. How do you think their design and craftsmanship reflect the significance of the events they were inspired by?

This collection was commissioned by the Bejing Olympic Committee.  Patrick Chu, the owner of Loiminchay, had previously designed a three-piece 2004 Collection. Only eight complete Beijing sets were made; many of them have been sold in pieces or the gold has been melted due to the lack of marketability during the period 2012-2022. My complete collection is rare due to these economic conditions.

Their design and craftsmanship is comparable to the quality of the Olympic athlete. The detail is amazing—Patrick is a perfectionist. He studied ballet as a young man, which caused family disharmony, since Patrick’s Asian culture did not favor the arts for their children. Patrick would show his drawings to his top collectors prior to manufacturing. The level of detail was amazing and as a collector you hungrily awaited the delivery of his pens.

What’s the most surprising thing that you have learned during your time as a collector? 

The pen world in 2001 was full of pirates who would take advantage of new collectors. Collectors were paying above retail prices for certain collectible pens, while large discounts were typically available to prime pen collectors.

When the recession hit, limited editions stopped being manufactured. This David Oscarson pen was intended to be made for resale, but those potential buyers evaporated, as described below. At the time, the pen was going to be sold at a pen store (w. ink) in the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. The listed price was $750,000; however, my insurance company had a problem with the consignment and which party would be liable for theft. (My insurance carrier wanted to know the specifics as to security measures and the Wynn Hotel was uncooperative in revealing these details). The timing couldn’t have been worse as a recession ensued and the pen store went out of business. Later, the market evaporated when many high-end buyers went bankrupt or went to jail for embezzlement. Back then it was not uncommon for people to buy numerous watches and pens with dirty money. The show “American Greed” documents many estate sales which consisted of numerous pens, watches, wine, art, etc., producing a  glut in the market for these items, which prices never recovered.

Has the pen market changed significantly since you first started? 

The pen market is totally different than it was in 2001 when I first began collecting. My pen collection consisted solely of limited editions. Limited editions are now quite rare in the current market. The price point of my collection no longer exists today. The labor costs have risen so much that I doubt you will see the production of similar high-quality pens in the future. The common practice of offering large discounts to good or loyal customers are no longer provided.

Do you have any advice for someone that is interested in entering this collecting space but is just starting out? 

Buy pieces that you love. Try to stay narrowly focused on the purpose of your collection. Keep in mind that the pen market can change on a dime, and your so-called “investment” will not be marketable until the economic downturn reverses itself.  Lastly, try to avoid shady retailers and collectors as you will ultimately deviate from your collection strategy.