HMS Birmingham 1913 Teak Pen
SKU:
£90.00
£90.00
per item
Handcrafted ballpoint pen made from timber dated to Birmingham, 1913 — a material carrying the character and industrial heritage of early‑20th‑century Britain. Each pen is finished with eight coats of lacquer and a burnished layer of carnauba wax for a smooth, durable sheen.
Available in chrome plate with gunmetal or gold plate with gunmetal hardware, featuring a twist‑finial mechanism, pocket clip, decorative detailing above the nib, and compatibility with standard G2/Parker refills. Supplied in a branded presentation box with a certificate of authenticity.
HMS Birmingham (1913) — Teak Pen
A Historic Timber, Reborn Through Craftsmanship
This handcrafted pen is made from authentic teak recovered from HMS Birmingham, a Town‑class light cruiser launched in 1913. The timber carries the quiet dignity of a ship that served through the First World War and beyond. Holding it is like carrying a preserved piece of naval history into your everyday life.
The Story of HMS Birmingham
HMS Birmingham was one of the early Town‑class cruisers, built for speed, endurance, and frontline service. She is best known for her role in the opening months of the First World War, including the action in which she rammed and sank the German submarine U‑15 — the first U‑boat ever sunk by a surface ship.
Throughout the war, Birmingham served with distinction in the North Sea and the Grand Fleet, taking part in patrols, escort duties, and major fleet operations. Her teak, seasoned by decades of service and exposure to the elements, was removed during restoration and refit work. Today, a small amount of this historic material has been transformed into a limited number of handcrafted pens.
Each one is a tribute to the ship, her crew, and a defining moment in naval history.
Throughout the war, Birmingham served with distinction in the North Sea and the Grand Fleet, taking part in patrols, escort duties, and major fleet operations. Her teak, seasoned by decades of service and exposure to the elements, was removed during restoration and refit work. Today, a small amount of this historic material has been transformed into a limited number of handcrafted pens.
Each one is a tribute to the ship, her crew, and a defining moment in naval history.
Craftsmanship & Finish
Every pen is individually hand‑turned on the lathe, shaped to highlight the natural grain and character of the historic teak.
It is then finished with:
It is then finished with:
- Eight coats of lacquer
- A burnished layer of carnauba wax
- A smooth, durable sheen designed to last
Hardware & Refill Details
Choose from:
- Chrome plate with gunmetal
- Gold plate with gunmetal
- Twist‑finial mechanism
- Pocket clip
- Decorative detailing above the nib
- Compatibility with standard G2/Parker refills
Presentation & What’s Included
Your pen arrives in a branded presentation box, complete with:
- Certificate of authenticity
- Material origin details
- Care information
Why This Piece Matters
Owning this pen means carrying a tangible link to HMS Birmingham — a ship that made naval history and served with distinction through the First World War. It’s a reminder of craftsmanship, courage, and the enduring legacy of the Royal Navy.
Specifications
- Material: Teak from HMS Birmingham (1913)
- Hardware: Chrome plate with gunmetal / Gold plate with gunmetal
- Mechanism: Twist‑finial
- Refill: Standard G2/Parker
- Finish: Lacquer + carnauba wax
- Packaging: Presentation box + certificate