I like to think the pens that I make are more than just pens.  Sure they are just pens, but most have a story or a special significance to the recipients.  Many of the pens are commissioned works and given in recognition of achievement, in honor of a special occasion or to show appreciation to an individual.  It is always an honor for me to be entrusted with making something special for someone special.  

An Honor for Me

It was an honor to receive the commission to make a pen for the nephew of a Medal of Honor recipient.  On the 10 year anniversary of the death of SFC Paul Smith, his sister commissioned the production of a pen for her son’s birthday.  They desired a bolt-action pen with a tribute to the fallen brother and uncle.  The graphic on this bolt action pen is the Congressional Medal of Honor Ribbon and Badge awarded to SFC Smith April 05, 2005.

Over 200 years old.
Pens #631 & 632 are made from an attic board from a house in the Winston Salem, North Carolina area.  The house was constructed in a late 1700’s, probably 1792-96.  The North Carolina heart pine has very dramatic coloring and is very dense after “curing” in the attic for more than 200 years!  Pen 631 is a fountain pen, 632 is a ballpoint; both have Art Deco black TN plating.

From a Shotgun

This is a group of pens commissioned by Mr. Norwood McKoy as gifts for his grandchildren.  The pens are made from the cherry shotgun stock of a gun owned by Mr. McKoy’s father.  At the time of the commission, Mr. McKoy was 90 years old and he estimated the gun was from the early 1900s.  What a wonderful way for his grandchildren to have a piece of family history.

Hunt Club Members
Several Bolt-action pens were made for a group of gentlemen who have hunted together for a number of years.  One of the members wanted to honor his friends with special with pens displaying their hunt club logo and the names of each member.  

Walking Cane

This group of five pens was made from a walking cane.  The five cousins who received these pens are over the age of 60.  The historical significance is that the wood came from their great-grand father’s walking cane.  One of the cousins had the cane and wanted to share a piece of family history with her cousins.  





A Rememberance
This pen was made as a gift for a family member who is a brave survivor of breast cancer.