Special Sub-Topic: Are you Familiar with Today's Pens? Click Here To Play: Are you Familiar with Today's Pens?

Let's start off with an easy question. We have all heard of Cross pens, but do we all know the nationality of Cross? In which country does Cross make its pens?

United States. All Cross pens ahave been made in Rhode Island, USA for over 150 years. Some of the newer models include the "Vice", "Morph" and the "Matrix".

Perhaps you've used a fountain pen. This company developed a new fountain pen, in 1884. This was a big advance in the development of fountain pens, as this design made them less messy.

Waterman. Lewis Edson Waterman created a new fountain pen that was revolutionary. A bad fountain pen caused him to lose a contract when it stained a document. He created a new fountain pen that sent ink down the back of the nib and onto the paper. He called this pen the "Regular".

Montblanc has a reputation for making fine German pens. Other than metal, the bodies of their pens are often made of which material?

Resin. All of their lines, including the "Meisterstuck", the "Boheme" the "Scenium" and the "Starwalker" feature models made in precious resin. Many of their pens have either a platinum clip or gold clip. The Solitaire Royal fountain pen even is encrusted in 4 810 diamonds!

Which one of these Parker pens does not exist?

Infinity. The Infusion is one of the newer Parkers. It is a very curvy "new-age" design made of stainless steel over brass with resin ends. The Infusion only comes in ballpoint and 0.5mm pencil. The Inflection is also a newer Parker, and it comes in all types of pen. The Insignia has been around for a while, and it is quite thin, almost like Cross pens. Newer Parker pens are made in the USA and the UK.

Many pen companies are more than 50 years old. Which one of these pen companies is the oldest of the group?

Montblanc. Rotring was founded in Germany in 1928. Lamy was also founded in Germany one year later. Another German company, Montblanc, was founded in 1906. Sensa, by far is the newest pen company, appearing in 1995. Sensa has a new gel "grip" that molds to you fingers. That is why they are called "The world's most comfortable pen".

Sigma, a pen company owned by Merangue, is not very well known. Which of its models has an exclusive gunmetal finish?

Summit. Sigma doesn't have any history behind it, but they do offer good deals. For as little as ten dollars, you could get a smooth writing pen with a velvet lined case. Refills are cheap, because they will accept Parker refills. The Sigma Summit only comes in a gunmetal finish, where as the others come in different finishes. The Sigma Bullion features a gold finish.

Which one of these sports car manufacturers also produces a line of exclusive pens?

Porsche. Interestingly enough, the prices of the pens are not like the prices of their cars. The "Aero", made of aluminum ,can be yours for only 60 dollars! The pens are made by Faber-Castell, but designed by Porsche.

Which one of these clothes designers also produces a line of pens?

Bill Blass. Bill Blass' pens are very affordable.

There is a company that produces unique pens that have pressurized ballpoint refills. These pens were used by NASA in space, where other pens would not work. What is the name of this company?

Fisher. The "space-pen" can write under water, or upside down! They use pressurized ball-point cartridges. This pen appeared around 1945.

The Waterman Serenite has a few unusual features. Which one of these is the only true statement?

It will accept ballpoint and rollerball cartridges. The Waterman Serenite is very expensive, around $500. It has a mildly curved body. It comes in fountain pen and rollerball, but the rollerball version will take ballpoint refills as well. The pen also has a small clip. I certainly hope you've enjoyed this quiz, and hopefully learned something new.