Aurora 88 Sigaro Blu Limited-Edition Fountain Pen

I did end up buying one of these from Endless Pens in the US for US$426.25 (plus shipping) at the end of December. The glossy metal section, in actual use, bothered me less than I thought it would because I find myself holding onto the threaded part more often than not (with my normal pen grip), and the threads aren't sharp so it didn't pose a problem either. In spite of the pen's heft, it is very comfortable with which to write. Also, from product photos I thought the original Aurora 88 Sigaro in brown with gold trim looked better (and more like an actual cigar), but on the weekend I had the opportunity to see both the Sigaro and the Sigaro Blu 'in the flesh' side by side, and find myself actually preferring the Blu. As well, this is helping not want to also buy the new Aurora 888 Nettuno, which looks somewhat similar. I recently bought the Pelikan M815 Metal-Striped for US$425 as well from Endless Pens, and personally I think the Aurora Sigaro Blu pleases me far more in every way as a writing instrument and an object of beauty, especially for essentially the same price.

To me, life would be somewhat colorless if there weren’t examples of exquisite craftsmanship, even if their acquisition requires large expenditures of legal tender.

There's that, and then there's Warren Buffet. Ever see his home and car? That Warren is one woke dude...