Help & FAQs

Retro 1951® is a brand that specializes in creating unique gifts with a focus on high-quality, stylish writing instruments. We are best known our Tornado™ rollerball pen, which features a distinctive design and a smooth writing experience. Retro51 pens are popular among collectors, pen enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a well-made writing instrument.

In addition to our wide variety of fine writing instruments, Retro51 offers notebooks and is now the proud distributor of Pularys leather goods.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new promotional website! However, all sales will continue to be directed through the Retro51 Promotional - Corporate Sales Division. 

As a promotional supplier, Retro51 specializes in selling advertising specialties through distributors, incentive resellers, and directly to end users.  

The Tornado™ is a popular writing instrument, characterized by its sleek and vintage-inspired design. It features a cylindrical metal barrel with a signature knurled twist-top mechanism, which has become a trademark look for Retro 51.

They come in many colors, materials, sizes, and modes of writing: rollerball, fountain, ballpoint, and mechanical pencil. It is often praised for its smooth writing experience and durable construction. We like to say that THIS PEN IS OUT OF THIS WORLD!™  

Our trusted distributors are handpicked for their commitment to exceptional service and quality, ensuring your Retro51 experience is unparalleled. These industry leaders in promotional advertising are dedicated to customer satisfaction and possess in-depth product knowledge. With their expertise and innovative approach, they deliver a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience. Trust in the reliability and excellence that define Retro51 through our esteemed network of distributors.

Visit our Trusted Distributor page to contact one of our valued partners.  

To get your order started, contact the Retro 51 Corporate Promotional Division at promo@retro51.com. 

Please provide your PPAI (Promotional Products Association International), ASI (Advertising Specialty Institute), or SAGE number for distributor verification. Include billing and shipping information, as well as your Federal Tax ID Number if applicable.   

Please contact the Retro51 Promotional Division at promo@retro51.com for details on additional discount offers on your self-promotional project.

Yes! The minimum order quantity for customized writing instruments starts at 25 pieces. For orders with less than 25 pieces, a 'less-than minimum fee' will be applied.   

If you are looking for strict personalization (ie. personal name, date, or other significant marker), please visit our retail website www.retro51.com. 

We understand the importance of sustainability and value, so our pens are designed to be used repeatedly.   

When the ink runs out, simply replace the refill with a new one, and your Retro 51 pen will be ready to write again. We offer a variety of ink refill options to suit different preferences and writing styles. Refilling your Retro 51 pen not only allows you to continue enjoying its smooth writing experience but also reduces waste by eliminating the need for disposable pens.  

The Retro 51 Tornado Rollerball pen is compatible with any standard Parker-Style refill.

Please refer to Refill Reference Guide

If you have changed out the refill of your pen and it no longer works properly, there is a chance the inner spring was installed upside-down.

The tight wound end of the spring should go first onto the new refill.

Please refer to Changing Refill Guide

You can shop our variety of refills through our Online Retail Store.

If you are interested in larger bulk quantities, you can purchase refills through the Retro51 Promotional - Corporate Sales Division by contacting promo@retro51.com.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to us directly.

The PULARYS brand was born out of a passion for leather goods.

The modern Pularys wallet is an element of life, as necessary today as a smartphone. With the RFID protection, it uncompromisingly protects your data in an elegant and modern style.

To learn more about Pularys, please visit About Pularys.

Yes! Several Pularys wallets come with RFID protection card cases that can be engraved.   

Yes! The minimum order quantity for customized Pularys Leather Goods starts at 15 pieces. For orders of less than 15 pieces, a less-than minimum fee will be applied.   

All notebooks can be purchased through the Retro 51 Promotional - Corporate Sales Division. Please contact promo@retro51.com or browse the notebooks here.

Yes! You can customize notebooks. You can add your logo or company message to the outside front and back cover and/or the spine.

You can also have a fully customized notebook with graphics or illustrations that fits your brand.

Yes! We understand our responsibility to give back to the environment. As part of our commitment, we have implemented a tree planting initiative that aims to reforesting our planet.

For every notebook order, we will plant trees with the Eden: People+Planet and thegoodapi.com. Together, we can make a difference and support a greener world. Learn more

All orders will be processed through the Retro 51 Promotional - Corporate Sales Division, subject to approval. To ensure efficient processing, please email your orders directly to promo@retro51.com or complete the Quote Request form.

Once your order details are received, Retro 51 will send you a virtual proof to preview the desired decoration method and options. We will then wait for proof approval.

*Note that phone orders will not be accepted. Orders cannot be placed through this online platform at this time, but we aim to offer additional features in the future.

Once the virtual proof is approved, a 50% deposit is required to begin production. The remaining balance is due upon shipment. Alternatively, you can pay the full amount upfront if preferred. If paying in full, we will provide a shipping quote before invoicing.  

We accept all major credit cards, checks, and wire transfers. 

Decoration is the method of customization used, we offer laser engraving and pad printing.  

• Logo engraving is a custom process where we laser engrave simple logos or stylish writing onto the body of your pen. It is done with high precision. Learn more on engraving process
• Logo imprinting uses an image reproduction process, recreating your company trademark or symbol on a writing instrument in one or multiple colors of your choice. Learn more on the process and available standard colors
• Custom Design with R51 Design Studio allows you to have a unique Pantone color or a design that wraps around the entire barrel. We collaborate with you to create an exclusive Tornado tailored for your upcoming function or event. Learn More on R51 Design studio

We accept artwork files in vector format as EPS, AI, or PDF. 

*Please refrain from sending low-resolution JPEGS, as they may impact the final print quality.  

Yes! Whether you want a custom Pantone color, or a design printed all the way around the barrel itself, we will work with you to produce a one-of-a-kind Tornado for your next function or event.

With R51 Design Studio, several options are available at low quantities. Starting at 300 pieces for a custom color or full 360-degree print and 500 pieces for an acid-etched (texture) barrel. Learn more  

Yes! You can personalize your writing instrument by laser engraving individual names or other text onto the pen body. Create a unique and personalized writing instrument, perfect for a gift, corporate award and more.

• We offer single-line text with up to 20 characters.
• Two-line text is also available with up to 20 characters on the first line and up to 15 on the second line.

For any questions, please contact the Retro 51 Promotional Division.  

The following fonts are available for Personalization: Spectral SC, Poppins, Munson, Montserrat, Roboto, Electrum. 

If you have a specific font in mind, the font will need to be reviewed for availability and engraving readability. For any questions, please contact the Retro 51 Promotional - Corporate Sales Division promo@retro51.com

What is a set-up charge?  

• A set-up charge covers the labor cost required to prepare machines and products for engraving or imprinting on customized orders.   

What is a strike charge?  

• A strike charge covers the cost of engraving or imprinting each item. Each time a logo is placed on a pen or tube, a strike charge will apply. (ie. If you are decorating both the barrel and top disc of the pen, separate strike charges will apply: one for the barrel and one for the top disc.)  

• The art, text, or design file submitted is not unlawful, harmful, threatening, tortious, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, libelous, invasive of another’s privacy, hateful, or racially, ethnically or otherwise objectionable, is not connected to any political affiliations, associations or candidates, does not infringe on any patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, or other proprietary rights of any third party (this includes, but is not limited to, sport teams and collegiate licensed logos or phrases), and does not otherwise violate anyone’s rights or other categories listed below.
• Retro51 respects the intellectual property rights of others, and we ask that you do the same. All text is reviewed upon submission and if your submission infringes any copyrights or trademarks, your order will not be processed and/or approved.  
• If you are submitting a company, collegiate, or military logo on behalf of your business, we will require appropriate authorizations for any licensed or copyright images or text.  

For full Project specifications and additional order information, please review the Project Terms

All shipping fees will be invoiced and included in the overall invoice amount unless a shipping quote is requested before submitting the deposit.  

Richardson, Texas

Orders will be dispatched via UPS Ground, unless otherwise indicated on the purchase order.

Orders will be delivered to the billing address specified on the purchase order unless other instructions are provided.

Yes! An additional $15 for each distinct address location.