RETRO COLUMBIA
Launched from the Kennedy Space Center in April 1981, the Columbia was the very first NASA orbiter to reach space. Over the course of its lifetime, it spent 300 days in space and orbited Earth 4000 times. This shuttle was an incredibly innovative step forward for space travel flying twenty-seven successful missions that helped expand our understanding of the universe. Despite its many successful missions, the Columbia’s 28th and final flight ended tragically on February 1, 2003 after 16 days in space. The seven brave crew members have been memorialized through the Patricia Huffman Smith Museum, Columbia Memorial Space Center plus countless naming dedications and media tributes.In recognition of the scientific achievements by the Columbia’s many astronauts and flight crews, Retro51 launches the second design in the Space Shuttle Series. This Tornado Rollerball has been printed with the shuttle graphics including the NASA logo complete with black nickel accents. It is a limited-edition of 1958 with the top ring engraved with a serial number and complete with the Astronaut Scholarship Fund logo on the finial. For every Columbia Space Shuttle pen purchased, a donation will be made to the Astronaut Scholarship Fund (ASF) to help inspire the next generation of heroes and explorers. Add the Columbia Space Shuttle design to your collection and feel the inspiration within your fingertip.

25 years ago, Retro51 introduced a new pen — the Tornado™. These pens were made in three lacquer colors: red, blue and green. Little did Retro51 know the impact that these retractable rollerballs with a knurled top would have. Since 1997, the Tornado collection has been greatly expanded to include additional colors and new series such as the Vintage Metalsmith, Brass Classics, Rescue line, Poppers, Dealer Exclusives and licensed partnerships. We are thrilled to add this new Tornado special release to our offering — The Origin. In honor of the first three Tornado pens, this pen is made up of a series of horizontal lines cascading down the cream barrel in the three original colors. The pen is finished with chrome accents and a finial that includes the same style as the barrel with a red 25 in the center. This pen is a must have for fans from the beginning, a great introduction for newer fans, and a soon to be keepsake for everyone. This is a limited edition of 997 rollerballs so make sure to add one to your collection before they fly off the shelves.

In 1926, English playwright and author Alan Alexander Milne released the book Winnie-the-Pooh decorated by Earnest Howard Shepard. Little did A.A. Milne know how famous this book, lovingly written for his son, would become with over 50 million copies sold in over 50 languages. Milne wrote the book centered around his son and his adventures with his favorite stuffed teddy bear, a bear who loved stories about himself “because he’s that sort of Bear.”(pg.4) “Once upon a time, a very long time ago, now about last Friday…” (pg.4) the world was introduced to this lovable bear and his friends and for over 95 years, this book has been loved by generations and is a lasting legacy for A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard.
Retro51 is delighted to share this new collection decorated with artwork and quotes from this timeless book. Three rollerballs and one pencil come packaged together, sold as a part of a limited-edition of 926 sets. Each writing instrument features story snippets and original illustrations from the following chapters: Winnie-the-Pooh and Some Bees (blue), Eyeore Loses a Tail and Pooh Finds One plus Eyeore has a Birthday (purple) and Christopher Robin Gives Pooh a Party and We Say Goodbye (both the yellow rollerball and green pencil). The pastel lacquered barrels have been printed with the original pen and ink drawings with added colors, protected with a gloss finish and stonewashed pewter accents. The rollerballs are topped with “B” for Bear, “HB” for Helping Bear and “BB” for Brave Bear. The top rings are engraved with matching LE number.
The green gift box is designed after the original book that was wrapped in a forest green cover with gold foil stamped art. As you open the magnetic closure box, you'll see E.H. Shepard’s illustration of the 100 Aker Wood adorning the inside cover just like the book. Each writing instrument is securely stored within the foam insert giving them a framed composition complete with extra lead and erasers.
Although they won’t talk to you, these pens are sure to bring a smile to your face and are always ready for writing new stories.