David Oscarson, the Man and the Pen
David Oscarson, the Man and the Pen
This article is a feature story about a gifted artist/designer and most notably a sincere gentleman named David Oscarson. Even though we feature some of the finest writing instruments in the world, this product bearing the founder’s name is in a class of its own. His pens and cuff links are so magnificent they are suitable for exhibition in a world renowned museum. Each pen is clearly a work of art, with unsurpassed craftsmanship, and most assuredly is something that the collector will purchase and enjoy for a lifetime. However, something this spectacular is meant to pass on from generation to generation. Although, you can read the story about the inspiration and history behind each and every unique creation, we find that most of our collectors prefer to meet David Oscarson in person. To understand David Oscarson, and his deep-rooted family values, will help you appreciate the work of art that will most likely become your most cherished investment.
The David Oscarson collection has been in existence for over 10 years, and David’s background in the Diamond and Jewelry business will help you understand the marriage of those two industries in the creation of his fine writing instruments and cuff link collections. David started his business at a time where the economy was quite healthy and the stock market was robust. However, since that time we have lived through an economic downturn as a result of 9/11, and currently we are once again dealing with very challenging economic times. David Oscarson built his operation on the foundation of the highest quality and best imaginable workmanship. These principles are steadfast, and despite the temptation David has fortunately chosen not to compromise his standards in an effort to offer lower priced products. Clearly, the David Oscarson collector is not looking for a bargain; they can appreciate the detailed mastery that went into the creation of his work of art.
A pen collector experiencing one of his creations can literately feel the emotion and history that goes into each and every David Oscarson design as if it were palpable. I am including a brief summarized description of two elements of craftsmanship that is inherent in every David Oscarson product. Some pen connoisseurs may be familiar with the process called Guilloché, which is an intricate pattern formed by a master craftsman skilled in the art of engraving on 18kt gold and .925 sterling silver. In fact, David Oscarson has products with up to five levels of Guilloché engraving, depending on which model you select. Other writing instruments attempt to duplicate the process by casting a stamped pattern into the precious metal, yet a serious collector will identify the difference in a heart beat and appreciate the old world craftsmanship found in every David Oscarson product. Now the question is how do you preserve this painstaking Guilloché engraving? Most pens have an epoxy resin coating that gives the product a lustrous sheen, but the fact is the finish is as brittle as glass. By now you should imagine that David Oscarson only settles for true hard enamel as the finishing surface process, in fact his craftsman then must use a diamond file to grind down the excess enamel that goes between all the peaks and valleys of Guilloché engraving pattern. This true hard enamel finish on top of the artistic Guilloché engraving pattern is what sets David Oscarson products apart from all others. The finish is tough as nails and designed to last a lifetime, hence the lifetime guarantee.
In closing I wanted to share a story about David that speaks of his character. My brother and business partner, Eddie Kallman, brought in the David Oscarson collection from its inception over 20 years ago. I heard stories of many luxury products, but the story that Eddie relayed about David Oscarson, was all about David’s character and family values. In fact, I heard more about the person than I did about the product. It only takes one look to be totally enamored with the David Oscarson collection. When you understand where David gets his inspiration, it is easy to appreciate why this is classified as one of the finest writing instruments in the entire world. Upon attending one of my first pen shows, David Oscarson joined Eddie and I, as well as several other pen retailers and a few collectors for dinner. As large as the group was, each of us were prepared to pay for our own share. However, when the server came to our table, after dinner and desserts David insisted on picking up the entire tab. Fortunately, one of his collectors was aware that it was David’s birthday and actually discreetly picked up the tab without David’s knowledge. David Oscarson is such an unassuming man, and this appealing character trait, is absolutely part of why his product stands alone in a class of the world’s finest writing instruments. Airline International is proud to represent the David Oscarson collection, and we are even more pleased to call him our friend!