Received this from Cross as a replacement for a less thatn acceptable Bailey fountain pen.  Since having received this quality writing instrument  I have been unable to put it down.  Wonderful quality workmanship.. The blue lacquer is more akin to blue gun metal finish and feels extraordinary in your hand.  The blue finish is accented and not overwhelmed by chromium accents.  While writing with teh Cross blue cartridge ink was a bit sub par, once I received the refillable cartridge and began using a Mont Blanc royal blue ink, this pen transformed into a spectacular writing  instrument.  needless to say I was a bit underwhelmed prior to switching to teh Mont Blanc ink.  Once I did, I became enamored with this fine writing instrument...