Rosemary

[Deb]

This is a Rosemary pen – full name "Rosemary, That's For Remembrance" which is a quote from Hamlet when Ophelia is recounting the symbolism of the flowers as she prepares to end her young life.



Almost everything about this pen is a mystery. Rosemary and National Security were made on behalf of British Carbon Papers, a company about which little is known. Several manufacturers may have been involved in the making of these pens. Conway Stewart and Valentine have been suggested. More certain are Langs of Liverpool and Henry Stark, Son and Hamilton.



This clipless pen measures 12.8 cm capped and is probably a ladies' purse pen. Note the threading on the base of the barrel to enable secure posting. It has been said that the Rosemary was issued in memory of the fallen in World War I. Though there is no evidence for this it seems likely. And National Security? How many pens are named after an abstract concept?