WRITING HISTORY: A STAR IS BORN

In 1906 a stationer, banker, and engineer set out to create a writing instrument that exceeded the quality and design of the current pens of the time. The resulting empire was something that Claus-Johannes Voss, Alfred Nehemias, and August Eberstein could not even have imagined.

By 1908 they had established themselves as SIMPLO FILLER PEN COMPANY specializing in fountain pens with simple built in inkwells. In 1909 they trademarked and begin producing under the name Montblanc. In 1913 a star was born when the round star logo was introduced and the company identity began to truly take shape. The star representing the snow covered peak of the highest European mountain, Mount Blanc, symbolized their commitment to the highest quality and finest craftsmanship. Something to this day that is still evident in every product bearing the label.

Today Montblanc can be found in 70 countries and 360 Mountblanc stores worldwide, making it a true international symbol of excellence.

Meisterstück Le Grand
Platinum Line

The Meisterstrück was introduced in 1924, and has since then become the cornerstone fo the Montblanc name. It is a Piston fountain pen, with 14 K gold nib with rhodium-plated inlay, barrel and cap made of black precious resin inlaid with Montblanc emblem, and platinum-plated clip and rings. It comes in four available writings styles: Piston Fountain Pen, Ballpoint with twist mechanism, Rollerball, and Mechanical Pencil with twist mechanism. $360

Visit montblanc.com for more information.

Piquer Nique

Piquer Nique

Though the exact origin of the word picnic is not definitive, it is believed to have been derived from the French term piquer nique (the French piquer means to pick at food; nique means something small of no value.) The word was accepted by the Academie francaise in 1740 and thereafter became an adopted word in many languages. In Victorian Britain picnics were often elaborate affairs. Weekend shooting parties and sporting events were occasions for grand picnics, with extensive menus and extravagant presentation.

In its earliest times, the tradition was reserved for the wealthy and aristocratic members of societies. The Greeks had "eranos", the French "montegade", both have similar meaning to the modern "pot luck" style gatherings of current popularity. Usually held indoors and often at the cost of contribution or fee, the term eventually evolved into a meaning that meant eating outdoors. However, the concept of contributing to the event still remained intact.

Today the picnic seems to still carry the stigma of affluence and extravagance. It can be a great first date, romantic opportunity, or exquisite social gathering. Wine, cheese, meats, nuts, and berries are often culinary staples carried inside picnic baskets. Baskets also commonly house a picnic blanket, serving ware, and other necessities to complete the event. It is not uncommon for gaming to have a presence during the gathering. Bocci, Badmiton and Croquet are more traditional games, but many outdoor games including ladder golf, lawn darts, and horseshoes are commonly played as well.



BASKET

From: http://www.finesse-fine-art.com/Picnic/LeatherFold/LeatherFold01.htm

Louis Vuitton 6 person fully fitted fold fronted combined (tea, drinks, sandwich and dinner service) motorists traveling picnic set. The very finest and earliest 1918 totally complete original example in the world.

Complete with outside canvas and leather edged foul weather cover, the most impressive extremely heavy black leather case adorned with all Vuitton brass studs, outside brass hinges, catches and locks, and with heavy black leather carrying handles, marked L. Vuitton. This amazing set opens to reveal a yellow Vuitton fabric interior, with the original factory label with 1 Rue Scribe, Paris, 149, New Bond Street Logo, plus factory number, plus makers logo address stamped on the lid interior in the right hand corner.

This amazing set was a special commission in September 1918, and has the Vuitton trade logo leather plaque inside the lid, and the original Vuitton number printed on the fine white interior cover, situated in the right hand corner. This number and date of sale has been verified by the Louis Vuitton museum in Paris. This outstanding set is the finest of its type available anywhere in the World, and even the Vuitton museum itself does not own an example of such a magnificent and unique picnic set. Simply the ULTIMATE stylish picnic set from the supreme master of his craft - Louis Vuitton.

GAME

Bocce Set

From: http://franklinbocceset.com/

Franklin Professional Bocce Set An exquisite marble finish and a professional 113-mm size compose the most handsome bocce ball set you'll ever own. Striped for ball distinction and super-durable, the Franklin Professional 113mm Bocce Set will be a set you'll love for years. Stripes are important when it is necessary to differentiate between individual players. Normally four of each color is all that is required. The expert or professional bocce player will normally use a size somewhere between 107mm and 115mm. The size will depend on the strength of the players and their frequency of play.The occasional backyard player will most likely appreciate a size somewhere between 100mm and 110mm. The expert or professional bocce player will normally use a size somewhere between 107mm and 115mm. The size will depend on the strength of the players and their frequency of play. The size of the pallino, which is often called a jack, is also measured in millimeters across its diameter. This characteristic is not as important as the size of the bocce ball. There is no regulation size of the pallino. International Standard size is 40mm, and sizes between 50 and 60mm are popular in the United States. (If you plan to use your bocce set in the backyard, longer grass can often hide a smaller pallino. Aim for a bocce set with a pallino of 50mm or larger for lawn use.) $159.99



FOOD

Wine, Swanson 2005 Salan Sangiovese

From Swanson Vineyards

"The floral and opulent 2005 Sangiovese was macerated on its skins just long enough to give it good color, without adding too much astringency. It was gently oaked, so as not to detract from the delicate floral, red fruit nose. This wine has enough acidity to make it an excellent match with tomato-based pasta sauces, antipasti, and many light dishes."
- Chris Phelps, Swanson Vineyards winemaker $75.00

Sausage, Toscano Picante

From Marky's

Italian 'Toscano Picante' Sausage - 5 lb/2 kg by Molinari, USA. A tangy pork and beef salami, coarsley chopped with traditional flavour and shape. P.G. Molinari is a name that has meant excellence in Italian salami and sausage for over ninety years. Founded in 1896, Molinari & Sons has carried on the traditional Italian art of sausage-making in the cool climate of San Francisco.
Great for a gourmet salami gift.

Cheese, Laura Chenel Chevre

From the early creation of cheese on the small Sebastopol farm to its current home in the renovated historic Stornetta Dairy in Sonoma County's Carneros Region, Laura Chenel's Chevre, Inc. has been growing along with an increasing appreciation of goat's milk cheese on the American palate. From its inception, Laura Chenel's Chevre was quickly branded as America's first name in chevre. Laura Chenel is the recognized "pioneer" of American goat cheese production. In the late 1970's and early 1980's she established the prototype that allowed legions of other goat cheese makers to succeed. In 2006 Laura sold to the Rians Group, a French artisan cheese corporation with a commitment to the same level of quality and artisan production Laura herself held. She was then able to go back to her first love of raising and tending her goats. She was able to choose a successor who would remain true to the spirit of the brand.The employees in the plant remain, the milk producers remain, the goats remain and the adventure continues with a deep commitment to the original concept. It is now a harmony of French technique and the inspiration of Sonoma Terroir.

Crackers, Carr's Crackers

The story of Carr’s Biscuits began during the British Industrial Revolution, when Jonathan Carr formed a small bakery in the city of Carlisle, England in 1831. The business thrived, and became so popular that only 10 years later it was granted Queen Victoria’s Royal Warrant, an award that has been granted to Carr’s by British royalty continuously since that time.

ACCESSORY

Rabbit Wine Opener Tool Kit

The original Rabbit Corkscrew featured in an ideal collection of wine tools for opening, serving and storing wine. A Great Gift Item. Six piece set of wine tools in velvet, easy-grip finish - Includes (1) The original Rabbit Corkscrew; (2) Foil Cutter; (3) Drip-Stop Ring; (4) Wine/Champagne Sealer; (5) Wax Whacker--handy tool for removing wax seals; (6) Spare spiral for the Rabbit. Handsome presentation case with Lucite cover for gift-giving and permanent storage of wine tools. $55.00

American Heritage: J.W.Hulme Co.

It is difficult to describe American Heritage without utilizing visual imagery to stimulate the mind. This is due in part to the fact that, not only does a picture speak a thousand words, but that J.W. Hulme perfectly reproduces the essence of this genre in their products. I had the opportunity to thoroughly peruse one the bags from their American Heritage collection while sitting next to a fellow on an airplane. in addition, he was kind enough to let me gather his thoughts on the product. His testimony to the quality of the bag was extremly sincere and left me with quite an impression. Hence, the in depth look at the brand and their American Heritage collection.

All of the American Heritage bags come with a complimentary custom embossed patch for your initials. The leather is saddle brown distressed full-grain leather and is hand buffed to an antiqued patina finish. All the leather is tanned in the USA using environmentally friendly processes.

Featured Bags:

Heritage Leather Gladstone (top right): 950.00

Heritage Leather Document Case (bottom right): 750.00

Heritage Leather Duffle (bottom left) : 890.00

All bags can be ordered online at www.jwhulmeco.com

A bit about the company from their website:

ABOUT US

From canvas tent making during World War I to our present day high-end luggage and sporting accessories manufacturing, J.W. Hulme Company's craftspeople have been making distinctive luxury leather and canvas bags since 1905. Their skill, commitment to time-honored techniques and absolute dedication to quality have made the J.W. Hulme Co. name synonymous with high quality products.

For J.W. Hulme Co., which has never considered going off-shore with its production, Made in the USA is a true reflection of its philosophy. Our unique, handmade bags speak to a time when rugged American individualism was valued and people personally knew of someone who was a true artisan. From the materials we choose to the elegant hardware we use, the J.W. Hulme Co. pledge is to produce exceptional, unique and valued bags and accessories for discerning customers. The proof is in the look and feel of our bags which are backed with a lifetime guarantee.

The J.W. Hulme Co. collection ranges from duffle bags to brief cases to sporting and hunting gear. J.W. Hulme Co., which has been in St Paul, Minnesota for over 100 years, has 25 employees.

Deans List

Knit ties, polo's, Shuron Freeways, and above-the-elbow rolled woven button-ups. It is safe to say that James Dean represents everything classic American style can be proud. His timeless style and persona made him an instant classic, and an iconic figure in more then one way. He is truly an icon worth continuous praise.