Friday, November 11, 2011

Packaging

I have been silent for a long time now. I would like to say that the rest has refreshed me, and that my muse has returned, but it hasn’t. However, I get occasional flashes of inspiration, like last weekend when I was moving the collection to its new home in a nice big storage cupboard. I was rearranging the Lamys, Rotrings and a few others and was struck by the variety of boxes they used. Perhaps they are not so important to many collectors, but I’m sure for many people who are buying a writing instrument above the everyday price range, then a nice presentation package or box is part of the decision making process, particularly if it is a gift. From some catalogues I have, it seems that most writing instrument sellers have a standard range of packages and boxes, and within reason retailers have some choices to do some mix and match of boxes, particularly within the business ranges offered to corporate gift buyers. So, here’s a quick selection of packages from my Lamy collection.

Lamy are a company who pride themselves on design and innovation, and some, though not all, of their packaging matches that.

A clear plastic cigar tube sort of container. I really quite like this one.

Very unusual. Black foam, split in two with a hole drilled down the middle for the pencil to fit into. This is the sort of thing that sets Lamy apart. I am surprised they do not do more of this unusual type of packaging, although it is not terribly functional.

A clear plastic package with silver-paper binder. Unusual, but I’m not so sure I like it that much. Let’s say it is a little bit too economy class when matched with a Lamy.

These cardboard packages are a staple of the Lamy range. The grill-like cut-outs are some attempt to set them apart from others.

These plain metal containers are another common offering from Lamy, and lots of others too.

Plastic cases are another common alternative to the metal cases. Nice enough, but nothing special.


A more expensive and less common plastic case, double hinged.

A somewhat more retro case on an older pen-pencil set.

Another older item, with a cardboard case with elastic binder.


This may not be the greatest post to make a return with, and the photography may not be the best, but hey, I had some inspiration, 10 minutes spare time and Arnie’s comment gave me a kick in the pants at just the right moment. So there you have it.

9 comments:

2 1/2p said...

Hello Rumplestiltskin. I agree Lamy does some nice stuff, then retailers go and spoil it by not providing the box. I don't like the minimalist cardboard boxes with the slits in - why would they bother. Caran d'Ache does a nice clear plastic box with the Cd'A metal ballpoint or pencil - if you're lucky to strike the right retailer. Although I like boxes they do provide a challenge when it comes to storing the darn things. Welcome back.

2 1/2p said...

....oh, and please don't go back to sleep.

2nd_astronaut said...

A relaunch with Lamy ist not too shabby ;-)
Glad Arne awakened your muse at least for 10 minutes...

2nd_astronaut said...

Maybe you can post a photo of your collection cupboard somewhen. It would be interesting for me to see how you store all the pencils...

I recently bought some of these boxes http://www.boesner.com/boesner/servlet/frontend/articleDetail.html?btUid=bt_Article&iDf_id=c0a8736c:ae3da8:fd09f7f3c1:4c78&2ndKeywordOID=7f001:-47182655:11957deff1b:7f56&1stKeywordOID=7f001:-47182655:11957deff1b:7ddf
They are not perfect, but still better than ordinary storage boxes.

Speedmaster said...

Great stuff, I love Lamy! :-)

Stell said...

Boxes are another addiction for me, one that I manage to keep mostly under contol/wraps but when you go and mix nice writing instruments with packaging - well it's enough to make me want to haul out the collection and play with them.
Welcome back- and ditto the storage idea, live to see how you house the collection boxes and all ....

Germ said...

getting a scribble soon. they look cool, and write very well.

Anonymous said...

Dear Dave,

I think you may have overlooked a relatively unknown mechanical pencil marketed by Alvin. Both their Draft Matic and Draf Tec lines are inexpensive and every bit as good as pentel and pilot products. They really merit your attention.

Jack said...

"A somewhat more retro case on an older pen-pencil set."

Wonderful choice of background for the caption, thanks for the LOL!