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The CP Series of Limited Editions 1990-2008.

Formed in 1987 by Andreas Lambrou and Keith G. Brown, Classic Pens, Inc., had a difficult task trying to persuade major pen manufacturers to form a partnership with them to produce a limited edition fountain pen. Undeterred, they continued to knock at the doors of pen companies. In 1990, Sheaffer UK agreed to such a venture and the highly successful Targa by Sheaffer was chosen as the model for the first limited edition of  
Classic Pens. Limited to only 250 fountain pens in hallmarked sterling silver cut in the vannerie pattern and trimmed with gold plate, the CP1 was the catalyst not only for the CP Limited Editions, but also for two other Sheaffer CP pens in the series.  
The CP1 Targa by Sheaffer and The CP2 Pushkin Sheaffer Crest.
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During the making of the CP1, Lambrou and Brown had formed a friendly working relationship with Sheaffer UK that paved the way for the 1993 Edition, the CP2 Sheaffer Crest Pushkin. The first CP2 prototypes were made in sterling silver in the same pattern as the Sheaffer Crest 595, which is cut in an interrupted barleycorn pattern. Classic Pens wanted a unique pattern, however, for the CP2 and Sheaffer made further Prototypes in Palladium Plate and Sterling Silver in a full barleycorn pattern.
CP2 Prototype in Palladium Plate .
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Sheaffer agreed to give this unique Crest pattern to Classic Pens,Silver was chosen ahead of Palladium Plate and the original order of 250 pieces was increased to 500. Interestingly, Sheaffer actually had two pens made with the Stanza wrote on two lines and four lines ,both were marked with the limited edition number of 250.  
CP2 Prototype in Sterling Silver with the interrupted barleycorn pattern.
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Close up the cap band on the CP2 prototype showing the limited edition number of 250 .
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Prototype CP2 showing the stanza laser etched on two lines .
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The Aurora 88 Homer CP3, Iliad and Odyssey, were made in 1995 in a set of 500 pieces, the first in the series to have a set of two pens. The diamond design of the Iliad reflects the virtues of Achilles and the elaborate, complex design of the Odyssey flamme pattern symbolizes the wily character of Odysseus. The exclusive patterns produced for these two pens strenghten the relationship between Murelli and Classic Pens,which as continued to produce the exquisite patterns of the CP series.
The CP3 Homer Aurora 88 Pens,Iliad and Odyssey.
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The Sheaffer Legacy CP4 followed in the footsteps of the Aurora CP3 with a set of two pens which continued throughout the CP series. Choosing the American Civil War as a theme, Classic Pens this time planned an edition of 1865 sets to correspond with the year that war ended. Again Murelli was chosen as engraver, and in three sessions of four days each, the beautiful designs of the Washington and Richmond pens evolved. The engraving patterns had to represent the history and landscapes of both the North and the South, but they must have common features and yet remain distinct. Using computerized engraving machines during the first two sessions, linear patterns were chosen. These proved unsatisfactory, however.
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CP4 Prototypes from the first of two sessions at Murelli's producing patterns in linear engraving.
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CP4 Prototypes from the second of two sessions at Murelli's producing patterns in linear engraving.
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Then Murelli re-activated the 1928 circular engraver from his museum for the third session. Four patterns were developed before Classic Pens made a final decision on the finishes of the Washington and Richmond. The Washington design reflects the North’s diverse culture and urban development while the Richmond moiré pattern evokes an agrarian culture and the graceful flowing rivers of the South. Just before launch of these pens, however, Bic assumed control of Sheaffer and an agreement was reached between Sheaffer and Classic Pens to limit production to 500 sets.   
The CP4 Pens Washington and Richmond.
 

The fifth limited edition in the Classic Pens CP series is the CP5 Celebration Pens Vintage and Modern. It was the fruit of the cooperation between Classic Pens, Parker and Murelli. The CP5 series pays homage to the original Duofold of the 1920s, as well as to its modern expression. It was launched in 1999 in a single edition of 500 CP5 Vintage and 500 CP5 Modern fountain pens world-wide.
CP5 Vintage (left) and CP5 Modern (right), 1999
 

The sixth limited edition in the Classic Pens CP series is the fruit of the cooperation between Classic Pens, Pelikan and Murelli.  The theme chosen for the CP6 series is Goethe. The guilloche engravings of the two pens, Marguerite and Charlotte were inspired by his works, Faust and Werther. The series was offered in 2002, in a single edition of 500 CP6 Marguerite and 500 CP6 Charlotte fountain pens world-wide.
CP6 Marguerite (left) and CP6 Charlotte (right), 2002
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The seventh limited edition in the Classic Pens CP series is the CP7 Ocean Pens Pacific & Atlantic. It was the fruit of the cooperation between Classic Pens, Sailor and Murelli. The series was launched in 2003 in a single edition of 250 CP7 Pacific and 250 CP7 Atlantic Fountain pens world-wide
CP7 Pacific (left) and CP7 Atlantic (right), 2003
 

The eighth limited edition in the Classic Pens CP series is the CP8 Murelli Pens Flamme and Vannerie. It is the fruit of the cooperation between Classic Pens, Aquila Brands and Murelli. The series is being launched in 2008.

The canvas for the CP8 series is the Classic Legend 766 full size fountain pen and 762 full size roller/ball pen. It is the first time that the now popular roller/ball pen writing mode is offered with a CP series.

The pens are manufactured in Italy by Aquila Brands to the specification of Classic Pens. The CP8 series is named in honor of the Murelli Family. Classic Pens and Murelli have had a fruitful working relationship since 1990 with the CP1 Targa, the first series in the CP Collection.
CP8 Flamme (left) and CP8 Vannerie (right), 2008