felt like i needed to get some words down. so bare with me.
system sounded crisp around the top and warmly embracing at the low end, not overly loud most of the time. phone db-meter hovered between 97 and 103 dB during the night. fav spot was right in front of the bass bins, surrounded by the dedicated heads, everyone grinning/stankfacing from ear to ear. earplugs in most of the time, the painful highs went slightly over your head there.
loved the venue. a different kind of rave-experience in such a vast venue, with the theatre balconies where you could watch from a distance providing a great chillout space. also location of various, er, activities. quite a few people went overboard with the gear, saw a few serious wobblers get taken outside. also lots of shoving and reckless riot-dancing.
missed aum, but caught most of lemon d's set. loved some of his quite experimental tunes, some seemed to have been made specifically, as they sounded modern, but in that typical muscular-but-still funky lemon d style. some technical issues took out the flow, but not his fault.
clipz and dread mc. not my thing. seemed like a mash up of rnb remixes and some foghorn or wobble thrown in. no arc or anything, just random tune into tune of cheesy cod jungle and dancefloor bashment, with the decent tunes inbetween getting kinda lost. went for drinks. high point was (his own?) the nia archives remix as the closer.
dilinja & GQ. never cease to be amazed at the subtle command GQ takes from the first moment his voice drops. i'm immediately at home and any previous thoughts of "mc's mostly get on my nerves these days" immediately evaporate. dillinja went all in with basically a double drop-bestof-medley, jumping randomly back and forth between older and newer tunes and some crowd-favourites like alien girl. with some fx like a sine-riser thrown in at every other drop. while it was fun for the first 15 minutes, i started to get sort of bored and went to the balcony to watch. again, no arc, just random tunes. he teased some older tunes like threshhold, but barely let anything old really drop, let alone play out without a newer banger layered on top. it was just onslaught without much thought, obviously somewhat saved by the sheer brilliance and versatility of his catalogue. the bane of an overdone laptop-set, i guess. some moments of sheer power where cool to witness, but my high point was when he finally let silver blade play by itself for a little bit. cathedral moment.
i honestly was a bit disillusioned at this point, but then came the revelation with Randall & TI, SP:MC on the mic. after a bold statement of "no rewinds, we haven't much time" from SP:MC, they let loose with an expertly selected and tightly mixed hour of absolute drumandbass/jungle expertise. drawing on everything from bou, benny l, vintage digital and roni size as well as a barrage of brand new stuff, they whipped the crowd into a frenzy, eventually forced to pull up quite a few tunes. GQ returned to tag with SP:MC and things were indeed very good all around.
next up mantra did the best thing at this phase of the night, slowing it down a notch to around 160 bpm and basically taking the soundsystem for an underwater ride with a smooth selection of late 90's-era tech-rollers and some new stuff by basic rhythm and others, before digging out the serious old school breaks and epic strings. only let down was that her set was turned down volume wise, while mc moose's mic was turned up way too hot. the inhouse mixing desk had the mic levels going into the yellow, while the music fader stayed safely green. the engineer spent his time scrolling through insta, ignoring the obvious discrepance. oh well. a shame, because that set was sublime and the old, crusty tunes brought out the full, dubby warmth of the system.
Mantra fittingly closed with capone's Jah, which sounded amazing. then Ky somewhat brutally throttled it off after two minutes and went straight into some ghastly foghorn noise, playing at around 180 bpm and going fully into the red. i get that that's apparently his sound, but it felt like such a lacklustre show of "i matter more than the night itself", that it took all the magic away. we left after fifteen minutes.
had loads of fun, lots of nostalgic feels and some truly amazing phases/moments. all love goes out to dillinja, getting his beast back on the road. witnessing it in brixton itself was fantastic.
would love to ear any other impressions, also from friday night!

PROOF: https://imgur.com/a/bF8rB8L
ASEs $32/each:
(SOLD) 1987
(4) 1993 - some minor milk spotting
(2) 2001
(2) 2002
....
(7) 2023 Austrian Philharmonic $30/ea
2019 Libertad 2oz SOLD
APMEX 5oz $145
IGR 10oz sealed w/COA $295/ea
(4) $10 FV Walking Liberty Half Dollar Rolls average circulated, all readable dates $210/ea. Buy 2 rolls and I'll throw in a vintage $20 roll wrapper (see pic).
VINTAGE STERLING
CREAM & SUGAR: https://imgur.com/a/t6peUny
Alvin Sterling vintage cream and sugar set. I'm giving you all first dibs before I polish it and list it on that nasty auction site. 4.7 troy ounces of Sterling Silver! This is a beautiful vintage set. Full disclosure, looks like initials poorly engraved on bottom of both pieces (see pic). $145
Accepting Venmo, PPFF, and Zelle. No notes, emojis only if required.
Shipping: $6 USPS Ground Advantage up to 6oz. $9 USPS Priority Box over 6oz. You pay additional insurance if desired.
All items will be wrapped securely with plenty of tape and bubble wrap! I will ship tomorrow and provide tracking once package is scanned at the post office.
Thanks for looking!

Recently I've been re-organising my studio and turned towards making collages. I was wondering what the best way to organising all the books and loose pages?
other question is how do yall get the confidence to cut up vintage books? I've gotten a collection of vintage art books featuring prints that pre-date digital prints and I'm thinking should I get a high-quality scanner and scan images of interest? which then leads me to another question of scanner recommendations ':D

As lovebirds embark on their journey towards marital bliss, the engagement stage marks the inception of their forever tale. Amidst the joyous celebrations, the spotlight inevitably falls on the engagement decoration, setting the stage for unforgettable moments. In 2024, couples are leaning towards innovative and captivating themes to adorn their engagement ceremonies. Let’s delve into the trending themes that are stealing the spotlight this year.
Make your engagement event more special and amazing by selecting the best engagement stage decoration themes from Take Rent Pe — an online supplier providing decoration setups on rent. With more than 100+ décor set ideas, pick your ones and let the team do the whole event management for you.

1. Enchanted Garden: Transporting guests into a whimsical realm, the enchanted garden theme is flourishing in popularity for engagement stage decoration. Laden with lush foliage, cascading floral arrangements, and twinkling fairy lights, this theme adds an ethereal charm to the ambiance. Couples are opting for botanical backdrops adorned with vibrant blooms, creating a picturesque setting for their special day.
   
2. Vintage Glamour: The retro glamour motif emphasizes nostalgia while conveying an aura of timeless elegance. Vintage-inspired props, beautiful chandeliers, and antique furniture create the tone for a romantic evening. Soft pastel colors, elegant lace details, and cascading drapes ooze old-world elegance, giving the engagement stage a touch of sophistication and grace.
   
3. Bohemian Chic: The bohemian chic motif, which embraces free-spirited sentiments and eclectic charm, has captured hearts with its relaxed allure. Macramé backdrops, rattan chairs, and dreamy tapestries create a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere. Earthy tones, beautiful florals, and whimsical embellishments lend a sense of bohemian charm, enabling guests to immerse themselves in the carefree mood.
   
4. Modern Minimalism: Less is indeed more with the modern minimalism theme, where sleek sophistication meets understated elegance. Clean lines, geometric accents, and monochromatic palettes dominate the decor, exuding a contemporary vibe. Engagement decorations feature minimalist backdrops adorned with subtle metallic accents and minimalist floral arrangements, creating a chic and refined setting. Engagement decorators are weaving these themes into captivating narratives, ensuring that every detail reflects the couple's unique love story. From conceptualization to execution, decorators play a pivotal role in bringing the envisioned theme to life, creating enchanting experiences for couples and their guests alike.
   
5. Art Deco Extravaganza: Channeling the opulence of the Roaring Twenties, the Art Deco extravaganza theme is making a dazzling comeback in 2024. Glitzy gold accents, geometric patterns, and lavish velvet draperies capture the essence of the Gatsby era. Engaging stage decorations boast sleek black and gold backdrops adorned with cascading crystal chandeliers, exuding luxury and grandeur.
   
6. Cultural Fusion: With the world becoming increasingly interconnected, couples are embracing their cultural heritage with pride. Engagement stage decorations are a canvas for celebrating diversity, blending traditional elements with contemporary flair. Whether it's vibrant textiles, intricate patterns, or symbolic motifs, engagement decorators are adept at weaving cultural narratives into the decor, creating an ambiance that resonates with both the couple and their guests.
   
7. Tropical Paradise: Embracing the vibrant energy of tropical locales, the tropical paradise theme brings a burst of color and joy to engagement decorations. Lush palm fronds, exotic blooms, and vibrant hues create a tropical oasis, transporting guests to sun-kissed shores. Engagement stage decorations feature bamboo accents, vibrant floral arrangements, and quirky pineapple motifs, infusing the celebration with tropical warmth and cheer.
   

In conclusion, 2024 is witnessing a kaleidoscope of captivating themes that are redefining engagement decorations. From enchanting garden soirées to glamorous vintage affairs, couples are spoilt for choice when it comes to curating the perfect backdrop for their special day. With the expertise of engagement decorators, these themes are brought to life in all their splendor, ensuring that every engagement celebration is a magical affair to remember.

This week’s vintage batch of Italian and French pens from my own collection might be the largest bunch of Wet Noodles I’ve ever offered! Nibs range from Superflex to Wet Noodle with more than half of the pens being the latter. As you can see, my collecting focus was pens with white metal trim, which all 9 pens have. Some uncommon models here, especially if you’re in the US. As always, all are fully restored and ready to write.
 
ALBUM & TIMESTAMP
 
Pastable link: https://imgur.com/a/qzjdJeU
 
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored with new sacs/seals installed in the last couple months. Each of these pens is guaranteed to fill and write as designed without leaks or other problems. Nibs have been adjusted when necessary to ensure that all lay down a smooth and consistent line.
THESE PENS HAVE NO CRACKS, CHIPS, PERSONALIZATIONS, LOOSE OR MISSING PARTS, BENT NIBS, MISALIGNED TINES, BROKEN/WORN OFF TIPPING, OR THREADING ISSUES.
 
Line Widths and Writing Samples: To provide buyers with as much information as possible, I have started to adopt the following line width standards: XXF (.1-.2mm); XF (approx .3mm); F (approx .4mm); M (approx .6mm); B (approx .8mm). Nib flexibility is determined by variation (max line width under pressure) and softness (amount of pressure). Flexibility designations based on variation generally run as follows for an XF/F nib: Semi-Flex (approx. 1mm); Flex (1.2-1.9mm); Superflex (>2mm). All line width measurements are taken with a digital caliper but should be considered approximations providing a general guide. Width may vary slightly depending on type of ink and paper used as well as amount of pressure applied. All writing samples are on Rhodia dot paper using Waterman Serenity Blue.
 
 
1. 1930s-40s Montegrappa Extra (green marble w/ lizard skin window, celluloid, NPT, piston filler, SS F/M Flex/Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/16” capped. Founded c.1912 in Bassano del Grappa, Italy by Edwige Hoffman and Heinrich Helm, Montegrappa (née Elmo) was one of the Big Four Italian makers whose products have had a profound impact on FP design to this day. The Extra was the premier model of the late-1930s and 1940s. This pen has the white metal trim and factory stainless steel nib that distinguish wartime pens in Italy during the restriction on precious metals to aid the war effort. Not a common pen to see Stateside. It’s a piston filler made of green marble celluloid with an eye-catching, transparent, lizard-skin-patterned window in the barrel for viewing ink-level. To fill simply rotate the filler-knob on the end of the barrel counter-clockwise to extend the piston, submerse the nib, then rotate the filler-knob clockwise to draw ink. To quote an Italian collector over at FPN: “Rule No. 1 about vintage Italian pens: Don't let steel nibs scare you off. Unless you're writing with hydrochloric acid, they're every bit as good as the gold nibs from the years before the gold ban.” The stainless steel Montegrappa Extra #4 nib in this pen is no exception, yielding Super-Flexible variation with Flexible softness. It lays down a smooth and consistent F/M line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.0mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). A nib with particularly juicy flow that’s reliable over its full range of flex, making it a great choice for boldly shaded writing and calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent [B]. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no notable flaws aside from a bit of plating wear to the cap bands on one side of the cap (see timestamp photo). Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes aside from some fine scratches on the plastic between and below the cap bands. Barrel transparency is superb (DETAIL PHOTO). Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. Feed is missing a couple fins from one side, which has no discernible effect on writing performance (see DETAIL PHOTO LEFT). This pen's filling mechanism was restored in the last couple years but does have a little quirk in filling I haven’t been able to diagnose. It fills near to factory capacity smoothly with no leaks, but one must be careful to avoid extending the piston all the way down to the bottom of the ink-view window. If extended all the way down, the bottom part of the piston loses connection with the top part, requiring the section to be unscrewed to help the piston back up with a pencil eraser while turning the knob. This is a straightforward process but annoying, so I’ve always chosen to fill to just 90% of factory capacity to avoid it. A scarce pen in a striking color pattern. Price: $320 $290
 
2. 1930s-40s Montegrappa Extra (green swirl w/ lined window, celluloid, NPT, piston filler, SS XF Wet Noodle nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/16” capped. For more on Montegrappa and the Extra, see description of pen #1 above. This pen has white metal, wartime trim and nib, but it retains the elegant roller-clip distinctive of Italian pens of the 1930s – so likely late-1930s production. It’s another piston filler made of celluloid in an interesting, green swirl pattern with a transparent, lined window in the barrel for viewing ink level. To quote an Italian collector over at FPN: “Rule No. 1 about vintage Italian pens: Don't let steel nibs scare you off. Unless you're writing with hydrochloric acid, they're every bit as good as the gold nibs from the years before the gold ban.” The stainless steel Montegrappa Extra #4 nib in this pen epitomizes this statement, being a Wet Noodle with variation and softness comparable to that of a dip pen nib. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.3mm) under minimal pressure. Thin hairlines, astonishingly responsive snap-back that rivals the 14k dip pen nib in pen #5 below, and reliable flow over its full range of flex makes it an ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent [B]. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no notable flaws aside from a bit of plating wear to the cap bands on the same side of the cap as pen #1 above (see timestamp photo). Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Barrel transparency is excellent apart from a ring of staining (DETAIL PHOTO). Filling system restored with new cork in the last couple years - operation can be a tad stiff if it hasn't been used in a while so I recommend storage filled with water. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. Price: $370 SOLD
 
3. c.1940 Aurora Selene (brown web, celluloid, NPT, button filler, Platiridio XF Wet Noodle nib). This is an oversized pen by vintage standards, having a thick girth and measuring 5 3/16” capped. Counded in 1919 by Isaia Levi and located in Turin, Italy, Aurora remains one of the most celebrated Italian makers. Introduced in 1940 amid Axis restrictions on precious metals, the Selene was their wartime button-filler and was marketed as “the pen for everyone.” In 1943 the Aurora factory was bombed by the Allies, perhaps contributing to this model’s short span of production. This example is made of celluloid in a fetching brown shell color pattern evocative of the 2nd-gen Eversharp Doric. Nickel plated clip and early-style cap bands with wider center band. One historically interesting detail of this pen is that its barrel bears the subtle heatstamped personalization of Lancia, the famous Italian auto manufacturer (see timestamp photo). To fill the pen, simply unscrew the blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the metal button once (DETAIL PHOTO). This big pen has a strong fill and holds a lot of ink. As if the 2 pens above weren’t evidence enough of the quality of Italian steel nibs, the Aurora Platiridio #5 in this pen takes the cake. Not only is it a Wet Noodle with softness and flow rivaling that of a dip pen nib, but it’s capable of one of the widest max line widths I’ve ever measured. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to an incredible 5B? (approx 2.8mm!) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Even so, it retains a superbly responsive snap-back that gives one precise control over the line under any amount of pressure. That and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Note that due to the considerable space between the tines of this nib at full flex, Waterman Serenity Blue had trouble keeping the surface tension but my trusty Omas Grey solved the problem entirely, producing flawlessly reliable lines under full flex. So some experimentation with wetter inks might be in order. Condition: excellent+ [B+] assuming you take the “Lancia” marking as an interesting mark of historical provenance as opposed to a flaw. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no brassing or other notable flaws. ). Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Manufacturer imprint on the section is deep and fully legible. Price: $420 SOLD
 
4. 1930s-40s Astura Nova (grey pearl snakeskin, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k XF Superflex/Wet Noodle nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/16” capped. Astura pens were made by S.A.F.I.S., a company in Turin (fd. 1926) that would come to be one of the most influential Italian pen makers of the early half of the twentieth century (MORE INFO). They’re best known for producing pens of considerably high quality such as Radius and The King. And this Astura follows suit. It’s made of celluloid in a particularly bold and pearlescent snakeskin pattern, complemented by nickel plated trim. 14k Warranted #3 nib yields Super-flexible variation with softness verging on that of a Wet Noodle. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.2mm) under very light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, superbly responsive snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another excellent choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: fine [C]. Nickel-plated trim shows some brassing to the clip and some of the lower cap band, which has been factored into the price. Nib has a mark on one tine that's merely cosmetic, having no effect on durability or performance. Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. Another beautiful Italian pen and another lovely writer. Price: $280 SOLD
 
5. 1930s-40s Novo Retrofit (green moss, celluloid, NPT, button filler, 14k XXF Needlepoint Wet Noodle nib). This full-sized model measures 4 7/8” capped. The only maker’s mark on this pen is a barrel imprint that reads “Novo.” But I haven’t been able to determine whether that’s a make or a model or anything about it, for that matter. It’s clearly Italian, of a quality similar to the Montegrappas and Aurora above, probably originating from one of those conglomerates that collaborated with some of the major Italian makers. In fact, the clip of this pen is identical to that of pen #2. This pen is made of celluloid in an unusual, moss green color pattern with flashes of a brighter green. Nickel-plated trim with elegant roller-clip. This pen is a button filler. To fill the pen, simply unscrew the blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the metal button once. This pen came to me nibless but with a very narrow section, so I equipped it with a smaller, 14k, iridium-tipped Aikin Lambert dip pen nib - adjusted and tuned to match factory performance. That nib is a Wet Noodle with killer snap-back. It lays down a smooth and consistent XXF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.1mm) under minimal pressure (probably the softest nib of the batch) (see WRITING SAMPLE). Needlepoint hairlines, effortless variation, surgically precise snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no brassing or other notable flaws aside from perhaps a sliver or two of high-point wear on the apex of the faceted clip. Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. Price: $270 SOLD
 
6. 1930s-40s Edacoto 02 Retrofit (coral grey pearl, celluloid, NPT, button filler, 14k XXF Needlepoint Wet Noodle nib). This is a larger Edacoto model, having a thicker girth than standard and measuring 5 1/16” capped. Edacoto (née Edac) was French maker based in Paris from 1922 to the mid-1960s. Edacotos are well-made pens known for their unusual color patterns and distinctive waterfall clip design. This one is a case in point, being made in a grey pearl celluloid with a quasi-psychedelic color pattern resembling chatoyant coral that seems to shift when the pen is turned under light. This model’s size, filling system, and trim configuration situates it near the top of Edacoto’s lineup. It is a button filler. To fill the pen, simply unscrew the blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the metal button once. It’s equipped with one of my dip pen nib retrofits: a large, 14k, iridium tipped E.S. Johnson that’s been adjusted and tuned to match factory performance. That nib is another Wet Noodle, laying down a smooth and consistent XXF line that widens to an impressive 4B+ (approx 2.5mm) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Needlepoint hairlines, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no brassing or notable flaws apart from the top cap band having lost some of its original luster (I assume). Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Feed is missing a a fin from one side, which has no discernible effect on writing performance (see DETAIL PHOTO RIGHT). Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. Price: $310 SOLD
 
7. 1930s-40s Edacoto (grey web, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, SS XF/F Wet Noodle nib). This full-sized model measures 4 7/8” capped. For more on Edacoto, see description of pen #6 above. This pen is made of grey web celluloid complemented by nickel plated trim with deluxe, triple cap bands. SS Edacoto 87 nib is yet another Wet Noodle with flow and softness comparable to that of a dip pen nib. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF/F line that widens to an impressive 4B+ (approx 2.5mm) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Effortless variation, strong snap-back, and reliably wet flow over its full range of flex make it another ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent [B]. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no brassing or notable flaws apart from a pin sized spot of wear on the lever and a couple on the cap bands on each side of the cap (see timestamp photo). Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is weakened but fully legible. Price: $220 SOLD
 
8. 1930s Edacoto (grey pearl marble, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k F Flex/Superflex nib). This smaller model measures 4 5/8” capped. For more on Edacoto, see pen #6 above. This one is made of grey pearl marble complemented by nickel-plated trim. 14k Warranted nib yields Super-Flexible variation with Flexible softness. It lays down a smooth and consistent F line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.0mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it a great choice for expressive and calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent/fine [B/C]. Nickel-plated trim looks clean with the naked eye but shows a peppering of wear under a loupe. Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes apart from subtle shrinkage of the cap that can’t be seen so much as felt when running a finger down it – merely cosmetic with no affect on how the cap screws on. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is weakened but fully legible. Price: $150 $140
 
9. 1940s-50s Mercury w/ Sticker (blue swirl, celluloid, NPT, button filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 3/8” capped. This mysterious pen has defied all my research efforts. It’s marked “Mercury” on the barrel in the usual place and “B-tg / SGDG / Made in France” farther up toward the section. It comes with its original price sticker, ehich reads “Mercury” and “225” penned in ink. This pen is made of a curious wrapped celluloid in blue and black complemented by heavy, white metal trim with “Bronze au Glucinium” stamped in the top of the spring-activated clip. Never seen trim made of this! Threads for the blind cap appear to be stainless steel. All this gives the pen a substantial heft in the hand. Super-Flexible 14k Mercury nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.0mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another great choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. This pen is in pristine, museum-grade condition. Nickel-plated trim is immaculate with no brassing or other notable flaws. Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel are deep and fully legible. Price: $240 SOLD
 
 
 
Shipping: Pens purchased on the weekend are mailed on Tuesday. Otherwise they are mailed within 2 business days of payment. All pens that do not come with their original boxes are packaged in PVC or thick plastic tubes to protect them in transit. To CONUS locations the following shipping options are available:

• USPS First-Class with tracking for $5 Due to the delivery delays that continue under postmaster general DeJoy, I strongly recommend that the Priority shipping option be chosen. All packages will include full insurance (covered by me). Rest assured that a full refund is guaranteed (issued through Paypal) in the event of a lost parcel and you will not have to wait until I receive a reimbursement from the USPS.
  
• USPS Priority with tracking for $9
  

International Customers: Please contact me for shipping quote if located abroad (delivery confirmation required). (Note: due to the issues stated above, my international shipping options are currently limited. PM for more info). Please do not ask me to commit mail fraud by altering the declared value of a pen for customs. Not only am I registered as a business but shipping insurance is based on declared value.
New York Customers: For tax purposes, I am now required to add an 8% sales tax on any sale made in the state of NY. If your shipping address is in NY state, please let me know before payment to receive an adjusted total. Discounted shipping is included for NY State residents to help defray the extra cost.
Ordering: Pens are placed on hold for the first person to reply to the thread and PM me with firm request to purchase (no chat DMs please). A request with the words “I'd like to purchase [pen number]” would be best to avoid confusion), to which I’ll reply with payment details. Please note that a message inquiring into a price discount does not suffice to place a pen on hold. If I haven't received Paypal payment within 24 hrs after a hold is placed, then pen(s) may become available to the next person.
Payment, & Guarantee: Payment by Paypal only. All pens are guaranteed to be in the condition in which I've described them. If I've missed something objectionable or the filling mechanism is not fully functional, the buyer may contact me up to 7 days after receiving the pen for a full refund (issued once I receive the pen back in the same condition as sold). Buyer must ship the return no later than 2 weeks after it was delivered to receive a refund. I've sold pens online for over a decade. Please check my past listings here as well as on the classifieds and historical sales forums on FPN (username: Estragon) and FPGeeks (popcod) for some of my previous offerings.
 
 
OTHER OPEN LISTINGS

• Flexible Waterman 92 1/2
  
• Waterman Nurse’s Sets
  
• Off-Catalogue Sheaffer Stubby Balance Lifetime
  
• Psychedelic Bayard Excselsior
  
• Waterman Taperite Citation
  
• Conklin Enduras, Nozac
  

Another one-off. The general outline of this story has been sitting in the back of my mind for a long time, possibly over a decade. When you hold onto an idea for that long it's hard to be ever satisfied with the result, but I'm actually quite pleased with this.
If you prefer to listen rather than read, you can find this story on my Youtube channel: Children Of The Stars
*
​
The fleet was starting to slow down. And as it did so, it began to wake up.
​
Fleet? Perhaps not the best way to describe it. A fleet implies ships. You could be forgiven for mistaking them for space ships, but the members of the fleet would describe themselves as more like a pod of whales. Or at least, they would if they had any idea what a whale was.
​
They would still be wrong, anyway, although they wouldn't know why; not only do they not understand what a whale is, they don't understand themselves very well either. But it's a close enough analogy for now.
​
The ships... whales... individuals that made up the pod had turned their engines towards the larger of the two stars in the binary system, and were currently braking to bring themselves into relativistic parity with the rest of the objects there - planets, asteroids, and so on. This was a subconscious process, automatically started near the end of their journey in the same way seeds put out shoots after the first thaw of spring. But as they got closer to the main sequence star and the temperature crept just a few degrees above the absolute cold of space, more and more consciousness began to return.
​
Well, in fourteen of the fifteen individuals that made up the pod. The journey had been a long one, and the more time you spend in the void the more you expose yourself to its dangers. In this case, the fifteenth individual had been hit by a micrometeoroid large enough to punch through the thick, metallic skin and scramble the much softer parts contained within. Or at least, those bits relevant to consciousness. It was already well ahead of the rest of the pod, and as its companions began to awake the first thing they registered was that its engines had failed to ignite. They called out to it, searching across the spectra for a signal it could still hear. But no, nothing but silence.
​
It would cruise on through the binary system and out the other side, and then on through the universe. Forever, in silence.
​
Death was not unknown to the pod. It was rare; each individual was a metal-encased, tapered wedge over a kilometre long, so there wasn't much that could hurt them. But on a long enough time scale, even something as unlikely as running into a lump of matter in the middle of the void becomes possible. Each of them knew this.
​
Yet still, it was a shock. There were many objects in the universe, but only fourteen other individuals. It was a small number, and it had just been reduced by one. Worse still, it was one of the elders of the group. The pod had no way of marking objective time, at least consciously; they kept track of the past by saying how many stops back in their constant wandering an event had taken place. But each knew its place in the birth order and there were only two individuals who preceded the deceased. For most of the pod, they had just lost someone they had known since the beginning of their existence.
​
So when the braking finally brought them into a stable orbit around the main star, before they did anything else, they mourned. This started with sharing their favourite memory of their lost companion. Over such a long life there were many to choose from. Then, one by one, they aimed the laser mounted on their nose towards but not quite at their departed friend, and performed a final salute.
​
On very low power, of course. Their energy reserves were low after their long journey, and although the sun was starting to replenish them a little, they would need everything they had left for what came next. Engines burning on low, blue flames, they reoriented themselves, and started heading towards the nearest comets.
​
This system had several relatively dense asteroid belts, which was one of the reasons they'd chosen it as their destination; in some places the small lumps of rock and ice were only a few tens of thousands of kilometres apart. The ice was what they were interested in at the moment, and they approached a comet a few hundred metres across.
​
Then they fired their lasers at it. They melted the ice slowly and carefully, because they didn't want escaping steam scattering the globs of liquid. Once they had enough, each of them extended their collection funnel, hull plates peeling back away from their nose maybe for a fifth their body length, until where before there had been a spike there was now an enormous inverted cone.
​
Then, by the simple expedient of propelling themselves through the globules of liquid water, they began to drink.
​
They repeated this with two more comets, and then they rested for a moment. They were carrying a lot of extra weight now, and they needed time for it to settle. They used this time to do detailed scans of the asteroids near them. They detected several with roughly the mineral balance they needed; there was a bit of debate on which to head for, the closest or the richest. As usual, a compromise was found, and they decided on the third-best mineral composition, which was the fourth closest. When the water was evenly distributed internally, their engines lit up again.
​
Unhurriedly, the kilometre-long darts coasted towards their target, an oblate spheroid of a rock roughly five times their length. Its composition was mainly nickel and iron, but with high amounts of lithium, carbon, silicon, sodium, lanthanides, and various other trace elements. The pod did not know these specifics, of course. They just knew it looked rich.
​
They braked using their manoeuvring thrusters rather than going to the trouble of flipping themselves over. It was gentler, too. Then their catapults extended from hatches roughly halfway along their hulls.
​
At some point when they were young, each member of the pod inevitably asked why they couldn't use their lasers to break up asteroids. For most members of the pod it would be so long since they heard the question that they would have forgotten the answer and just tell their junior companion that this was how things were done. However, with enough pestering eventually one would remember.
​
The rock needed to be pulverised to a fine dust in order for them to consume it. If they tried doing that with a laser they would just scatter it all over the solar system. But now that they had water, they could use that with reserves of material they'd collected in the last system to make a liquid that would dissolve the rock on contact. That was why they had to be careful to be out of each other's way when they shot their catapults. The corrosive liquid could damage even their thick, durable skin.
​
They pelted the asteroid with acid, each droplet several thousand litres. Whatever they did to it internally to make it so corrosive - and they had no idea what that was - also made it very viscous, so that it stuck to the asteroid rather than splashing off. At least, not before they were ready for it to. Every so often they warmed the acid with their lasers to stop it from freezing solid, and they continued the bombardment until the whole surface was covered.
​
Sometimes they had to visit several asteroids before they collected enough material, but this one was large enough and rich enough that by the time it was half-dissolved they felt they should have what they needed. The next bit required a certain amount of precision, so it was the eldest among them, who no others remembered a time without, who went first. It shot an extra-fast droplet at the asteroid, with enough force that it looked like it should burst the whole wobbling, jelly-like mess apart like a supernova.
​
Instead, it hit just hard enough to cleave off a large chunk intact. Then, at much lower power, the elder shot a droplet of a substance they understood would make the corrosive liquid neutral again. Essentially it was now a big, juicy ball of water in which were dissolved all the rich minerals that they needed.
​
The eldest was the first one to open their scoop again and feast, followed by the others according to the birth order. A few more shots were required to break off the rest of the consumable material. To give them practice, younger individuals were then allowed to try. With mixed success.
​
Now they were sated. Well, almost. All their water and mineral reserves had been replenished, but they were still very low on energy after their long voyage. They put a little distance between themselves and the half-melted asteroid, and then they began to extend their solar panels.
​
First, the spines extended perpendicular to their bodies, from a ring just forward from their engine section. Then the gossamer-fine fabric of the panels began to unfurl, like a frill around their necks, silvery gold and shimmering against the pitch-black void. At full extension, the energy collectors had a radius three times the length of their bodies. In fact they were so large that they actually provided enough thrust to give them a small but noticeable acceleration. They could travel the stars by sail alone, if they were prepared for it to take a thousand times longer.
​
At this distance from the sun, the energy was relatively weak and it would take a long time to fully restock their reserves. However, they didn't plan to leave the binary star system just yet. They had only just got here, after all. Fully recharging could wait until they were getting ready to leave on the next leg of their nomad lives.
​
First, they were going to explore.
​
There was, as usual, some debate over what was interesting enough to be worth taking a closer look at. Several individuals wanted to head over to the largest gas giant. Navigating through the strong and complex gravity eddies created by the interactions between the planet and its moons would be exhilarating.
​
The eldest was against this. One who had come before even they themselves had been lost this way. Two other elders who remembered this also voiced concerns, although they also said that if they maintained a reasonable distance the risk should be extremely negligible. But at some point they would have to do the tedious chore of mapping the other asteroids for important trace elements, so they might as well start with that. However, several of the younger individuals kept pushing for the gas giant.
​
In the end, a compromise was reached. They would investigate the fourth planet from the sun. A rocky planet, rather than a gas giant, but it was large enough that it had its own atmosphere. Scans from a distance showed that its composition was consistent with the presence of some forms of life.
​
Some of the very youngest had never seen other life before. The potential was enough for them to forget about the gas giant for the moment.
​
They were retracting their solar panels and just about to head towards the planet when they suddenly felt a change come over them. Yes. This. They never discussed this, never planned this, but somehow at every system they came to, every time they finished replenishing themselves, they felt compelled to do this.
​
The moment the solar panels locked closed again, each individual was hit by a wave of pleasure so intense that for a moment, they were all but unconscious. As they came to, they found that a funnel, much smaller than the main scoop on their nose, had unfolded from roughly a third of the way along from their engines.
​
One by one, each individual turned their catapults towards the other members of the pod. And one by one they shot a small globule of liquid, encysted in a white, reflective film, at low speed. There was a sense of release and relief with every bit of liquid they shot, and every time they intercepted a globule they were hit by another wave of pleasure, shivering from bow to stern.
​
For a while, they drifted in a daze. Then they started to come to their senses again. They did not discuss this; they enjoyed it, certainly. They enjoyed it a lot. But the feeling that they weren't entirely in control of themselves made them uncomfortable. When discussion started again, it was all concerning the planet they had decided on.
​
Almost without thinking about it, they vented the waste material left over from the asteroid, ejected from ports by their engines in large plumes of sludgy liquid that quickly froze in the vacuum. Some of them melted again for a moment as they were caught in the brilliance of the engine burn, but then the cold enveloped them. The pod sped away, leaving a cloud trails of darkly glinting crystals behind them.
​
It was a fairly brief jaunt from the asteroid belt over to the fourth planet. When they arrived in orbit, the pod spread out and started to look around. Their sensors and scanners could operate over millions of kilometres, so surveying a rock only a few hundred kilometres below them wasn't much of a challenge. Quickly, they began to find points of interest. For example, there were agglomerations of twisted metal that looked more like their own skins than natural outcroppings.
​
According to the eldest, this probably wasn't evidence of life. Life, as it occurred on rocky planets at least, was usually accompanied by a green fur across large parts of the planet. Or something similar. But across all the continents, there was nothing but bare rock and dust. If those piles of twisted metal had once been life, they had most likely been from another pod like theirs. Individuals who had strayed too close to the planet's gravity well for some reason, and not been able to escape.
​
A sobering thought. There were many dangers in space, but the idea of falling, snared by gravity and unable to escape, with nothing they could do but consider the inevitable impact that awaited... that was a horror they all feared.
​
Then one of the younger ones spotted something.
​
Something moving.
​
Quickly, all the rest of the pod swung round like needles spinning towards magnetic north, and jetted over to have a look. What they found was, in a word, curious. At first they couldn't even work out what they were looking at.
​
A sphere. A metal sphere, two hundred metres across. Held up on eight legs, that rose and fell with arthritic jerks that just about provided forward motion. It stomped along a dusty plain a almost three thousand kilometres wide, and from the tracks snaking around the continent it had been doing it for quite a while.
​
From the hollowed-out husks of metal scattered across the plain, it had had more company once upon a time. Some remains had the right geometry that they could be siblings of the wandering orb, and others close cousins; there were ovals and oblongs and a set of smaller connected spheres that the pod would have compared to a caterpillar, if they'd had any idea what a caterpillar was.
​
There were also more arcane shapes, although it was hard to tell if these were the remains of something larger that, millennia by millennia, had been whittled down by the grit-studded winds. Some looked so embedded in the surface that it was hard to see how they would ever have moved, although again, it could just be that the loose sand had piled up around them and been compacted into something approaching rock. They certainly looked like they'd been there long enough. Maybe they were the remnants of individuals like the pod, who had impacted at high speed, or perhaps they had been sedentary denizens of this dusty rock for the whole course of their lives, whatever those had been, however long ago.
​
All that could be said for sure was that there had once been many things here, and now there was only one.
​
The pod watched the sphere trundling along the expanse for a while. To individuals who were able to travel millions of kilometres for a short jaunt, it was agonisingly slow. Still, there was something admirable about its persistence. Wherever the bulbous thing was going, it was certainly determined to get there, although whether it would or not was an open question. It's skin was stained with streaks of corrosion and starting to flake away. In some places there were already small holes in its metal casing.
​
But as they watched, it stopped, and retracted one of its legs into its body. When the leg extended again, the corrosion had been wiped away, and a shiny new coating applied in its place. However decrepit it was, it clearly wasn't ready to give up yet. On and on it dragged itself, heading towards no particular goal that they could see.
​
Then the sphere stopped again. This time a hatch in its underside opened, and a screw extended down, punching into the ground. Churn, churn, churn, the sand and rock was drawn up into its body, and a big cloud of dust started billowing out from waste pipes on top. After a while it stopped, retracted its drill, and started stomping along in a new direction.
​
This prompted an argument amongst the pod. Having show no signs of life other than the ability to walk, it had now done something not so very unlike what the pod had done with the asteroids. Could it be more interesting that it first appeared? Could it be an individual with consciousness? The pod bombarded it with signals from across the spectrum, but there was no response. Was it devoid of intellect, or could it just not hear them? Some thought they should keep trying, others thought that the ability to consume was no indication that there were any higher functions.
​
Not everyone found this debate particularly interesting. After a while, one of the younger individuals extended its catapults, and threw a rock at the sphere.
​
Well, just a small clump of waste minerals, and not actually at the sphere. Just close enough to elicit a reaction. The projectile thudded into the plain a few hundred metres away from the sphere, sending shockwaves through the ground and air, and a plume of debris into the sky.
​
The sphere didn't react. Its legs continued to rise, rotate, and stamp back down again without missing a beat.
​
The elder individuals admonished the rock thrower. It might have been taken for an attack, and they didn't know whether the sphere was capable of retaliating. However, no harm done. It seemed that the sphere wasn't aware after all.
​
The other individuals of the pod started taking pot-shots at the planet as well, aiming closer and closer to the sphere to try and provoke a response. Still nothing. One of the pod tried making a crater in the sphere's path. The sphere stopped at the edge, walked around it, and continued on its way. Another one tried the same thing, and the sphere once again just walked around. At no point did it show any signs that it might fear damage from the impacts, or even notice them apart from the obstacles they caused. It just doggedly trudged along.
​
Then one of the individuals, getting bored, aimed a large clump of matter right next to the sphere. The missile screamed down through the atmosphere, red hot, and slammed into the ground close enough to blast several more panels away from the sphere's outer hull. The sphere was in the middle of a step, but when its leg came down, it came down on loose and broken rock.
​
The rest of the pod scolded the reckless individual. Even with their precise senses, the shot could easily have gone wide and vaporised the sphere. And then what would they have amused themselves with?
​
They were about to forgive the now contrite individual, no harm done, when the ground gave out beneath the sphere's leg. As rock crumbled away two more legs found themselves standing on nothing but thin air. The sphere teetered, and scrabbled in its agonisingly slow way as its legs tried to find stable ground. Then it started to tip.
​
It was almost serene, the way it keeled over, and slid down the still-smouldering bowl of the crater, carving a furrow in the loose scree. The cloud of dust thrown up shrouded it for a moment, and the pod waited, anxiously, to see what had become of the curiosity that had caught their interest.
​
Gradually, the winds carried away the dust. The sphere was on its side. Intact, but it would be walking nowhere anymore. A shame. It would have been interesting to see if what else they could learn from it, but it clearly was of no use to anyone now.
​
And yet, its legs were still moving. The sphere was still struggling to right itself, kicking against the ground but mostly grasping only empty air. A few of the pod debated trying to blast a new crater beside it to tip it upright again, but that seemed more likely to destroy it altogether. In any case, they had more or less lost interest now. The rocky planet had proved an interesting diversion, but it was time to go and have a look at the gas giant now.
​
However, one of them spotted that from this angle it was possible to see inside the sphere. Especially now that more of the hull plates were missing. It refocused, refining its scanners and its receivers to pick out the finest details. At first it saw nothing but a jumble of conduits not unlike what was visible in the exposed wreckage scattered across the continent.
​
Then it saw something interesting. Glass tubes, maybe two, three metres long. Filled with liquid. Curious in itself, but it was what was in these tanks that was really interesting. Whatever they were, they didn't look metallic. They looked sort of... squishy. Four appendages coming off a central trunk, and a round lump on top. The individual could see that there were tubes connecting each occupant to its tank, and perhaps therefore to the rest of the sphere.
​
Every so often the things in the tanks jerked. Spasmodically, without any indication of intent. But there was movement that was more than just a plodding mechanical process. Were these a type of organ, helping to process consumed material in some way, or regulating some other function? They definitely seemed to be integrated into the sphere's internal structure, they must serve a purpose of some kind.
​
The individual called the rest of the pod's attention to the tanks. The other individuals, who had just been about to head off, cast a cursory glance back down at the planet. Then they took a closer look. The younger individuals started to chatter excitedly. This was new. This was interesting. This was something worth investigating. They debated whether to try throwing more stuff at it. They debated whether to poke it with a laser, on very low power, to see if there was a reaction.
​
The eldest four, however, had a very different, private conversation. The four who were old enough to remember an individual who had come before them, who had been killed in an unexpected meteor shower. And also remembered what they had seen when they investigated the shattered remains of their former companion...
​
Suddenly they announced that there would be no more time wasted on the rocky planet. They had learned all they were going to learn from the eight-legged sphere, it was time to leave it alone and go on to the gas giant. A few of the others protested, wanting to investigate this new discovery further. But the four elders were unusually insistent. Those who didn't really care sided with them immediately, and a few more were swayed, until the hold-outs had no choice but to concede.
​
The fourteen darts swung themselves around, and with a flare of their engines broke orbit, kilometre-long forms receding from the planet until they were merely specs in the sky, and then not even that.
​
There was some grumbling during the short journey, but once they got to the gas giant the younger ones quickly forgot all about the sphere. And what was inside the sphere.
​
The eldest four, on the other hand, lingered on it for quite some time. They couldn't explain, even in the privacy of their own minds, exactly why the sight of those tanks and their contents had made them uncomfortable. Maybe because they had injured something that, if not quite like them, was at least similar. Or had been once. Or maybe it was because there are some questions that should not be delved into too deeply. Especially questions about oneself.
​
However, even the elders eventually became so wrapped up in the interesting things elsewhere in the system that they stopped thinking much about the sphere. It was not in their nature to dwell on the past. Instinctively they always looked forward, to the next leg of their long, long journey.
​
The pod bounced around the binary star system for a while, visiting the gas giants, taking a look at a few interesting dwarf planets caught between the main sequence star and its white dwarf partner, then returning to the asteroid belt to catalogue them in detail and extract a few more trace elements they would need.
​
Then they headed deep into the inner system, almost touching the corona of the star, and unfurled their solar panels again. There was nothing interesting left to see here now: soon they would start the next stage of their cosmic journey, and settle down into a sleep of aeons. But first, they would bask. Drinking in the suns rays until they were not just sated but absolutely saturated with energy.
​
Only once they were done could they accelerate to interstellar speeds again. They would leave almost as soon as they were finished. Almost, but not quite...
​
First they would retreat a little, heading back to cooler climes where they weren't blasted with radiation. Then a hatch would open on the underside of one of the pod, and a new individual would emerge. Only a hundred metres long, but once they got to the next system and started to consume more asteroids, it would start to expand until it was the same size as the rest of the pod. Until then, however, its small size would be an asset: much less mass to accelerate, it would make the interstellar journey easier than most of them. They all remembered what it had been like to be so agile, and so young. Curious about everything.
​
They didn't know how this happened, or why. They didn't even know which of the pod would be the one to bring forth this new companion, although it tended to be one who hadn't done it recently. There might even be two; the elders said it was more likely for multiple individuals to bring forth new life when one of the pod had been lost recently, which suggested some kind of intentional process rather than a random event. But again, when it came to their own internal workings they were somewhat squeamish, losing their natural curiosity.
​
But all that was a surprise waiting for them in the future, where surprises always waited. For now, the pod was content to sit and bask.
​
They never returned to the fourth planet to see how the sphere was faring. Perhaps it had righted itself, and continued stomping along its circuit round the dull and dusty wastes, for whatever inscrutable purpose. Or perhaps it had finally accepted the end, and reclined into a final, permanent sleep like all the companions it once shared its journey with. Perhaps that might even be for the best; certainly, none of the pod could imagine enduring their long journey alone.
​
They would leave without knowing any more about it. And perhaps that was for the best as well.
​
​

Proof
Peru - 1963 - 10 Soles - 3372 minted - NGC MS66 - Numista - classic design and amazing luster - $550 OBO
Zelle or PayPal (F&F) from established members. USPS Priority included (I'm not responsible after the check-in scan).
Please PM me. I have chat disabled.

Those vintage pictures you find at antique stores and auctions, like those antique portraits and old scrapbooks and photo albums filled with prints all being put up for sale as “ephemera” is a disgraceful reminder of how careless people can be. Those pictures don’t belong in your collage art or your “junk journal”, those are the existing historical records of REAL PEOPLE who EXISTED and LIVED IN THE PAST. Those pictures are of people’s ancestors and depict the youth of living grandparents today. These people had lives, emotions, goals, ambitions, achievements, and careers. They are the reason why future generations exist. And yet people just choose to auction entire boxes and piles of these photographs to other sellers. These pictures are history and deserve to be archived and documented as such. People today are still searching for pictures and historical records of their ancestors, and for them just to end up being put up for sale like this? Heck, there are ways to ethically sell these old pictures if people really wanted to. Just scan and digitize the photos to print out copies of them so that they wouldn’t have to sell the original. All I’m asking out of this is for people to save these old pictures so that they can be returned to their rightful owners and be seen by their descendants.
Sentimental value and history shouldn’t go lost and forgotten like this. The sale of antiquities is heavily regulated, so should be the sale of antique photographs.
This is actually quite a popular opinion on genealogy and is agreed upon by those studying family trees and lineage.

Proof: https://imgur.com/a/75xhJKp
Every item is Sigma PRO full penetration and specific gravity tested.
SILVER: https://imgur.com/a/H4e7PlA
10 oz Geiger Bar, sealed - $
1/2 oz Generic rounds, morgan style - $15.50 ea - Qty 4
1 oz Atlantis handpoured loafs, early version - $30 ea - Qty 6 5
1 oz Vintage Art Bars - $

• Halloween
• Easter
• Valentines Day
• Mothers Day
• Bicentennial Eagle
• Happy Birthday, vertical 3 pack -$
• Happy Birtdhay, horizontal 3 pack - $
• Happy Birthday vertical 4 pack - $

Random Selection of Silver - https://imgur.com/a/4KR3udH
GOLD: https://imgur.com/a/ikMrZWl (scroll down imgur link for pre-33 close ups)
1909 $2.50 Indian, ex jewelry - $
$5 Liberty, XF - $585 ea - Qty 4 (1879, 1900, 1900-S, 1901-S, 1905-S)
1897 $10 Liberty, XF - $
1899 $10 Liberty, BU - $
$20 Liberty, AU - $2325 ea - Qty ~~ 4 ~~ 2 (~~ 1884-S, 1885-S ~~, 1890-S, 1900-S)
$20 Saint Gaudens, BU - $
1910-S $20 Saint Gaudens, PCGS MS 61, hairline crack on reverse corner due to being dropped - $
1/4 oz American Gold Eagle - $
2008 1/2 oz American Gold Eagle - $
2024 8 Gram Panda (.2572 ozt agw) - $619 ea - Qty 2 1
1980 1/2 oz Krugerrand - $
Mexico 10 Peso (.2411 ozt agw) - $
Mexico 50 Peso (1.206 ozt agw) - $
Victoria Sovereign, shield reverse, ex-jewelry (.2354 ozt agw) - $556 (spot!)
Austria 1 Ducat (.1106 ozt agw) - $269
Talent Dominon 1/10 oz .9999 "Light of the World" Round Numista - $
IGR 1 Gram bar, early sealed version - $
Vintage 1/3 oz Swiss Bank Corporation Bar - $
Vintage 1 oz Johnson Matthey Republic Bank of New York, original seal - $
Shipping Options:
$4+ USPS Ground tracked, optional insurance is $0.80 per $100 value;
$8 USPS Priority with optional insurance;
$16 Insured USPS Priority with signature confirmation; or
UPS, FedEx, or USPS Registered Mail available at cost with optional insurance.
My liability ends once package is in carrier custody.
Payment Options: Zelle, Venmo, PaypalFF, CashApp, Picture Check (up to 5 days to clear), Crypto (USDC no fee, others 2-3.5%). No notes or comments, use period or emote for Venmo.
Chat preferred, PM is fine too. Please say your shipping and payment choice.

Can also include special prints and artworks and pretty much anything important that can be scanned and digitized. There are many interesting antique pictures out there that haven’t yet been seen by the public because of where they currently reside. Is there a market for vintage photos that have been archived?

Would anybody more experienced with vintage shirts, particularly R.F. shirts, help me decide whether it's worth it to buy a Princess Mononoke x Rucking Fotten XL shirt for under $100? It seems legit and unopened, and I want a Princess Mono shirt even if it is oversized. I would purportedly leave it in its plastic wrapping until I find an occasion to wear it (probably never) but what can you guys tell me about this shirt In particular, how much it's worth, or if I should keep my eye out for other steals in the Mononoke collection? (I have tried to find a catalogue of the different styles and their rarity but it seems like a much more word of mouth thing) It isn't my favorite shirt I've seen and I wear a M, but the price tag is shouting my name. Please help me decide if this is the right shirt or provide information about other Mononoke shirts I can maybe get my grubby undeserving hands on. (That's a joke, I deserve it so hard.) Thanks!

(On Windows 10)
I'd be doing something benign like typing out a message to a friend on Whatsapp on my laptop, and I get a popup saying that a file has been downloaded. I didn't trigger any downloads, and the PDFs are completely random like
-a bakery catalogue from 2021
-a Short Form Annual Return/Report of Small Employee Benefit Plan from 2022
According to the download history, they came from https://efast2-filings-public.s3.amazonaws.com, https://flickread.com, and https://mcclibraryfunctions.azurewebsites.us. I have never visted any of these websites in my life.
This has been going on since the beginning of April, I scanned my computer several times and absolutely nothing was ever detected. I'd share more info but like you I have no clue what even caused this, why it's downloading on its own and why they're so random.
What the hell is happening, I am really worried

Recently Inherited a coin collection and selling currently catalogued silver coins. Current Inventory and asking prices: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11KNcwSCrw6yBl1gH4sazlBGPOdJ9rRYh0bLTJ6mel2Q/edit?usp=sharing
Proof: https://imgur.com/a/BLEt021
Last call for reddit sale. After 5/13 anything unsold will be going up on eBay.
Pictures of individual items available upon request. I accept Zelle or Venmo as payment. All coins will be shipped via usps, $6 standard or $10 for priority, in a padded envelope. If purchasing multiple coins, they will be wrapped so as not to jingle or rub together in transit.
1884Morgan Silver Dollar$50.00
1884OMorgan Silver DollarUncirculated$75.00
1885Morgan Silver Dollar$60.00
1885OMorgan Silver DollarUncirculated$65.00
1889Morgan Silver DollarUnc-50$40.00
1942Mercury DimeVery Fine$7.00
1964Kennedy Half 1 Troy oz .999 Fine Silver Round BU$30.00
1971Eisenhauer United States Proof DollarProof$14.00
1971Eisenhauer United States Proof DollarProof$14.00
1971Eisenhauer United States Proof DollarProof$14.00
1978Vintage Eisenhower Dollar Louis Rukeyser$50.00
1986SSilver Eagle OGPProof$80.00
1987We The People Silver Dollar OGPProof$62.00
1987American Eagle Silver DollarUncirculated$40.00
1987Silver EagleSlight Discoloration$36.00
1988American Eagle Silver DollarUncirculated$40.00
1990American Eagle Silver DollarUncirculated$40.00
1996American Eagle Silver DollarUncirculated$50.00
1997American Silver EagleUncirculated$36.00
1998American Eagle Silver Dollar$42.00
1999American Eagle Silver Dollar OGPProof$79.00
2000American Silver Eagle$38.00
2000Millenium Silver Eagle$42.00
2001American Silver Eaglerim toning$40.00
2002American Silver EagleUncirculated$40.00
2002American Eagle Silver Dollar OGPProof$70.00
2003American Silver EagleUncirculated$38.00
2004American Silver Eaglelight rim toning$40.00
2004American Silver EagleUncirculated$45.00
2005American Eagle Silver Dollar Uncirculated$40.00
2005WAmerican Eagle Silver Dollar OGPProof$70.00
2006American Silver EagleUncirculated$45.00
2006American Silver EagleUncirculated$45.00
2007American Silver Eaglelight rim toning$40.00
2007WSilver Eagle OGPProof$70.00
2008WSilver Eagle OGPProof$70.00
2009American Silver EagleUncirculated$35.00
2010American Eagle Silver Dollar Uncirculated$45.00
2010American Eagle Silver DollarUncirculated$45.00
2011American Silver EagleUncirculated$40.00
2013American Eagle Silver Dollar Uncirculated$45.00
2015American Eagle Silver Dollar Uncirculated$35.00
2016Elizabeth II 5 Dollars 1 oz 9999 FIne Silver Round BU$33.00
2016Elizabeth II 5 Dollars 1 oz 9999 FIne Silver Round BU$33.00
2016American Eagle Silver Dollar Uncirculated$45.00
2017American Silver EagleUncirculated$38.00
2018American Eagle Silver Dollar Uncirculated$30.00
2018American Eagle Silver Dollar Uncirculated$40.00
2018Disney 1 oz Silver - Mickey's 90th Elizabeth II NIUE Two Dollar$45.00
2018Disney 1 oz Silver - Mickey's 90th Elizabeth II NIUE Two Dollar$45.00
2018Disney 1 oz Silver - Mickey's 90th Elizabeth II NIUE Two Dollar$45.00
2018American Silver EagleSuperb Gem Unc-69$72.00
2019Australia Silver KookaburraBrilliant Uncirculated$35.00
2019American Eagle Silver Dollar Uncirculated$35.00
2019American Silver EagleUncirculated$35.00
2019Great Britain Silver 2 BritanniaBrilliant Uncirculated$40.00
2019China 30g Silver 10 Yuan PandaBrilliant Uncirculated$43.00
2019Australia Silver KoalaBrilliant Uncirculated$50.00
2019Canada Silver Maple LeafBrilliant Uncirculated$50.00
2019American Eagle Silver Dollar NGCUNC-69$52.00
2019American Eagle Silver Dollar NGCPerfect UNC-70$65.00
2019American Silver EagleMS70$65.00
2019WAmerican Eagle Silver Dollar OGPProof$70.00
2019WSilver Eagle West Point Satin FinishPCGS Priemer 70$82.00
2020American Eagle Silver Dollar Uncirculated$37.00
2020PAmerican Silver EaglePCGS MS69$43.00
2020Silver EagleNGC 69$50.00
2020WAmerican Eagle Silver Dollar OGPProof$70.00
2020Silver EagleNGC 70$80.00
2021American Eagle Silver Dollar Uncirculated$38.00
2021WAmerican Eagle Silver Dollar OGPPR63$72.00
Buffalo Indian Head Liberty SMI 1 Troy oz .999 Fine Silver Round BU$30.00
Buffalo Indian Head Liberty SMI 1 Troy oz .999 Fine Silver Round BU$30.00
Buffalo Indian Head Liberty SMI 1 Troy oz .999 Fine Silver Round BU$30.00

I am currently experimenting with using a slide rule and learning how to use a slide rule to engage an ADHDer that I am tutoring parallel to my teaching.
The theory behind this is building up a tactile rigourous problem-solving based skill with instant feedback and a lot of novelty will help engage them.
It’s working, they’re already starting to plan how to make TikTok tutorials on how to use the tool.
They’re confidence with main stream maths is improving becawue they are buldong an understanding of ways they can learn and experiencing getting good at something, this ability to ‘get good’ is helping them to see where they can improve elsewhere.
The idea is that they’re learning something special, it also helps that they’re really into vintage fashion and like to, do research into pre-digital staff as part of an ongoing hyper fixation.
This is the resource question for any of my older teachers or cats that went to school way back when (or similarly oddball digital natives that like analogue tools), do you have any slide rule resources you’d be willing to share via scans or links etc?
I’ve got a good collection of slide rules (about 16 of different size and brand).
I’ve got a really tight textbook that is helping with building up my own skills and I’m using to support my student in mastering, the relevant skills themselves.
Another question is do any of you have any memory of the kind of activities that were used when slide rules were a core tool at school?
It’s a great way to get kids to understand the importance of orders of magnitude and also a way to help them to move on from their perfectionism. A device that can only give 3-4 sig figs helps to see that near enough is, in fact, often, good enough.
It blows their mind when I explain to them that it was slide rules and log tables that got us to the moon.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read this, anything you could share would be AMAZING!

So as we know, Evil Morty killed ricks and supposedly cataloged every rick by how evil they are. There is shown to be a rick more evil than C-317 and is described as "a total weirdo"
I was wondering, is this catalogue only ricks that were killed and had their memories scanned, or actually every rick? If so, is it Rick prime?

Prices are firm. You pay shipping. Shipping is $5 first class or $9 USPS priority. If weight is over 16 oz, must be priority. Delivery is guaranteed (see below).
You can combine from more than one lot in order to meet a minimum.
Kitco Gold $2,314, Silver $27.25
Lot 1: Lot of Fifteen (15) 2019 Congo Silverback Gorilla 1 oz Silver Coins - $455
These Republic of Congo coins are made by Scottsdale Mint. They are sealed in Scottsdale cardboard strips of 5 each. The back of the strip is just blank cardboard (pictured)
https://imgur.com/ekwlA2f
https://imgur.com/CjJB6yd
https://imgur.com/gNskFap
Lot 2: Roll / Tube of $10 Face Value PROOF Franklin Half Dollars (90% Silver) - $310
None are impaired
https://imgur.com/v4DChjk
Lot 3: Hayleybug Mint "Be the Reason the Rum is Gone" Pirate 5 oz Silver Bar - $152
I'll try to match the leather COA (with serial number) to the bar. I believe I have all of the COAs
35 available
https://imgur.com/wFse3Wk
https://imgur.com/SVyc3gs
https://imgur.com/T1Lnnrl
https://imgur.com/JZYrnJW
Lot 4: Vintage, Toned Hamilton Mint Bars - $30.25 each, minimum order of 10
Most are very nicely toned
https://imgur.com/Oz2Jy02
https://imgur.com/UIHLwdX
Lot 5: Pre-33 $20 Gold Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS
1900-S MS61 - $2350
1900 MS63 - $2400
https://imgur.com/yGLpKGW
https://imgur.com/93ITrrL
Lot 6: Pre-33 $20 Gold Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle NGC/PCGS
https://imgur.com/yGLpKGW
https://imgur.com/93ITrrL
https://imgur.com/eWge7uW
https://imgur.com/SGhF0lU
MS62 - $2340 1 available
MS63 - $2360 5 available
MS64 - $2410 1 available
Lot 7: Pre-33 $20 Gold Liberty / Saint Gaudens Double Eagle - $2,300 each
6 5 available 1928 is gone
https://imgur.com/IAWGzqx
https://imgur.com/ctHsM2N
https://imgur.com/wg4lHO3
https://imgur.com/PgSRdK2
https://imgur.com/iGClpa2
Lot 8: 1897 $10 Gold Liberty Head NGC MS61 - $1180
https://imgur.com/cG9euAv
https://imgur.com/9NUKtr4
https://imgur.com/r2TLpfI
Lot 9: 90% Junk Silver Mercury Dimes - 20.0 X Face Value ($20 FV minimum order)
No slicks, all have dates. Pics are from inside bag
$80 FV available
https://imgur.com/Hla7WWU
https://imgur.com/F3J8X6u
​
SHIPPING: Shipping to USA only. I take responsibility for shipping. If tracking says it was delivered or that it was out for delivery (they sometimes forget to do final scan), I consider it delivered. If tracking says it got lost or package damaged and empty, I will reimburse you fully or give you the same product if possible.
Payment options in order of preference: Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, PPFF, BTC.

hi everyone! I'm very into campy 80s fashion (the kind of thing you'd see in low budget films/shows from the era) and I'm on the lookout for 80s lingerie. I'm talking frills, pastels, lots of lace and bows, floaty mesh... really extra stuff. there's two brands in particular I'm interested in, and I'm pretty hard pressed to believe nobody is listing these secondhand or has them rotting in a cupboard somewhere, so I thought I might as well ask! bear in mind I'm based in the UK, and both of these brands are UK based too.
the first is ann summers. I can find plenty of vintage stuff from there, but its all y2k and 90s. the brand launched in the 70s (I used to work there so I'm well versed in the history of it) and the 80s catalogues have so many vibrant, gorgeous girly designs, but I can barely seem to find anything at all that's pre-90s.
second is silver rose (of london I believe?). I only found this brand through pinterest but aside from copies of catalogue pages - again, with the most gorgeous extra pieces - but I can't find anything else at all. I'm guessing they went out of business, but I find it hard to believe nobody has 80s silver rose pieces tucked away somewhere!
any help or a point in the right direction is greatly appreciated! or at least just confirmation that I didn't hallucinate silver rose and it actually existed 😭
Edit: just adding on two extra brands I've found that have similar stuff! Brettles (again, UK based. also does a lot of stockings but I'm not too interested in hosiery) and fredericks of hollywood