Ancient prehistoric Kauri forests that grew 50,000 years ago are preserved
under the surface of the North Island of New Zealand.
Buried under a peat swamp by an unexplained act of nature at the end of the last
Ice Age, the trees have survived the centuries in an underground resting place,
sealed in a chemically balanced environment that has preserved the timber in
perfect condition.
The trees grew for nearly 2000 years before they were buried. Some have a girth
of around 40 feet, and a total height of nearly 200 feet. They are among the
largest trees in the world.
Extraction of the logs is time consuming, expensive and technically difficult
requiring skilled operators of heavy machinery. Working in wet conditions each
log must be carefully brought to the surface. Once removed from the ground the
log is assessed, then milled to yield the best grain and timber qualities. After
the log has been removed, the area is then restored to its original contours
with no environmental consequences.
Despite its long burial, with careful selection, cutting and drying, the wood
maintains its beautiful qualities and finishes to a rich cognac shade. When
polished the wood is a deep color with hues, textures and sheens that constantly
change under differing shades of light. It literally glistens as if lit from
beneath the surface.
Extensive scientific Radio Carbon Dating tests have been done on samples of
Ancient Kauri by independent organizations that include: The University of New
Zealand in Waikato, The University of Sydney, Australia, the New Zealand
Institute of Nuclear Science and Beta Analytic Inc. of Miami, Florida, the U.S.
leading laboratory for radio carbon dating analyses. Dating has proven beyond
doubt that these Kauri forests grew during the period 30,000 to more than 50,000
years ago.
Scientists are also studying the growth rings of Ancient Kauri to piece together
a look at the environment of our planet before the arrival of modern man.
Every finished piece becomes a collectable investment proven to stand the test
of time. It is not known how much Ancient Kauri lies beneath the ground. Because
there is a finite amount of Ancient Kauri available, you will want to take
advantage of having the privileged opportunity to use and enjoy this distinctive
and extremely rare wood.
This fountain pen is perfect for those with arthritic hands and those who like a
little bigger pen. Measuring 14mm in diameter, it is 22% larger than the
European style pens I make. The nib is also bigger than the standard nib in
keeping with the proportions of this pen. The El Grande fountain pen is
lightweight and well balanced making it easy to write with. It was handcrafted
in my Central New York studio using ancient kauri wood. Because of its larger size, this
pen shows off this beautiful wood like no other. This pen has a high quality
German made Iridium nib which is trimmed in 24 kt. gold plating. The gold
plating is epoxy coated for long life. The pen is 5.5" long when closed and was
finished using a French polish technique leaving the barrel with a smooth, satin
finish. The cap diameter is .60".
