This is my first Imperial Wooden Pen and I started it on February 11, 2007. I carefully selected a dyed curly maple as I felt the grey stripes would add a lot of style to the Fountain Pen. I'm sure you will agree with me that tji is a magnificent looking fountain pen. The handcast fittings are plated with titanium to give them long lasting durability. The nib is plated with gold and rhodium, with the tip being hand polished iridium. The detailing on the han cast fitting are exquisite. This is a Fountain Pen that you will want to use on a daily basis and show it off.