Beating swords into ploughshares is an ideal humanity hungers for but rarely realises. So, the work of Fonderie 47, transforming AK-47 and other assault rifles into pens deserves everyone’s attention.
Beating swords into ploughshares is an ideal humanity hungers for but rarely realises. So, the work of Fonderie 47, transforming AK-47 and other assault rifles into pens deserves everyone’s attention.
As the Founder and CEO of two brands: Fonderie 47 and Liberty United, he has realised the adage ‘ the pen is mightier than the sword’ by transforming illegal guns into pens, jewelry, watches, and art.
In 2008, while working in Africa on water projects, Peter met boys and young men armed with assault rifles. He decided to try to do something to turn the AK47 against itself by transforming these guns into objects that were beautiful, noble and completely opposite to the gun from which they were made.
This concept has evolved into Fonderie 47.
“ As an entrepreneur, what is truly important is that you leave something lasting in the world. I create brands with a social purpose. This how I make my mark. Seeing the painful impact of these weapons inspired Fonderie47 to take action. Our mission is to take signifigant amounts of assault rifles out of circulation.” Thum comments.
Since its inception, Fonderie 47 has destroyed more than 50,000 assault rifles in African war zones.
Meanwhile, Liberty United funds programs to stop gun violence in the U.S. and focuses on making children and communities safer in neighborhoods with extreme gun violence.
A visionary, Peter previously founded and was President of Ethos Water, which was acquired by Starbucks in 2005 and has provided water to some half million people worldwide. Thum also founded the non-profit Giving Water, which has helped over 6,000 schoolchildren in Africa get water and sanitation access.
Today, Australians can join his fight with a simple stroke of a pen.
Inspired by Thum’s efforts and created in collaboration with Fonderie 47 to support the vision of an Africa free from assault rifles, each Peerless Fonderie 47 Collector’s Edition Pen from Cross literally takes aim in this senseless and ongoing war against humanity.
The purchase of each pen enables the destruction of 1 more assault weapon in Africa – a weapon that will never again be used to take human lives.
These unique pens subtly recall the mechanisms of an AK47 rifle removed from circulation. Each features a disk of blackened steel from a melted-down AK47 gun embedded in its cap and marked with the Fonderie 47 logo. To add to the story, the panel of the cap shows the unique serial number of a gun taken out of circulation to create it.
It’s a simple but compelling gesture and one that Peter Thum and his foundation are hoping will create an ongoing symbol of hope spread by the written word.
Please also visit http://fonderie47.com/collections/writing-instruments.
Cross Peerless Fonderie 47 Collectors Limited Edition Pen, $525, available at leading pen retailers across Australia, or see
www.luxurypens.net.au
Get behind this Amazing brand and Amazing cause…
by Arrnott Olssen
Editor Rogue Homme
