The Pen Makers Boat: #659 Now Sold

Elm Burr and Laburnum and 24ct Gold Plated Fountain Pen

A pen of two halves -

ELM BURR
A burr (American burl) is a tree growth in whichever the grain has grown in a deformed manner. It is commonly found in the form of a rounded outgrowth on a tree trunk or branch that is filled with small knots from dormant buds.

A burr results from a tree undergoing some form of stress. It may be environmental or introduced by humans. Most burr grow beneath the ground, attached to the roots as a type of malignancy that is generally not discovered until the tree dies or falls over. Such burrs sometimes appear as groups of bulbous protrusions connected by a system of rope-like roots. Almost all burr wood is covered by bark, even if it is underground. Insect infestation and certain types of mould infestation are the most common causes of this condition.

Burr yields a very peculiar and highly figured wood, one prized for its beauty by many; its rarity also adds to its expense. It is sought after by people such as furniture makers (mainly used as veneers, artists, and wood sculptors. The knots and twists in oak Burrs are usually a few per foot or so, however these pens have many more to make a spectacular premium quality dressing for only the best of the pen mechanisms that I sell.

Seasoning burr can be a long drawn out process that can take many years and there is no guarantee that there will be any usable timber once it is sawn.

LABURNUM
These deciduous trees are sometimes called Golden Chain due to the golden yellow flowers they produce.

Laburnum has historically been used for cabinet making and inlay, as well as for musical instruments, such as wind instruments as recorders and flutes. It was a popular wood for Great Highland Bagpipes.

The heart-wood of laburnum may be used as a substitute for ebony or rosewood, it is very hard and a dark chocolate brown with a butter-yellow sapwood,