Peculiar to us in America, perhaps, especially in this day and age. However, back in 1950's China when you'd achieved or attained a higher ranking at work, this very fancy pen with it's lavish presentation perch, which was a high tech writing utensil in that day, would be one of many types of rewards a person would receive for their accomplishments. All of the materials are of the finest quality. The box is Chinese acacia wood and silk. The presentation piece is made of glass and the pen used to work but now needs a replacement ink cartridge which are readily available for little money. The Chinese wording says "long life."