Thanks everybody. I rarely show my pens here, so your kind comments are really appreciated.
As far as the photo is concerned, there's quite a saga attached to that. Briefly though, I have quite a large set-up for product shots, and I generally use Calumet backgrounds with a varying array of lighting, which I might post in a separate thread if anyone might be interested. But having had a fantastically helpful chat with that master Vic Perrin, these ones were taken in a light tent, using a new camera bought specially for the purpose, and I must say I'm delighted with the results.
And my thanks to Vic for his generous help, and for giving me the confidence to go back to a light tent and reassuring me that a camera doesn't need to cost the same as the national debt of a small third world country. The fact that Terry and I have both posted black glass (actually mine is perspex) on the same day is purely coincidental.
As far as the pen is concerned, I agree with comments here - yes its a beautifully versatile kit from the point of view of freedom of design. I confess I took my lead from some of the masters on this forum who have already amassed a wealth of experience in making them.
Thanks again for your comments guys.
