Written by Beulah | 23rd April 2019
Montegrappa pens have become a subject of fascination for collectors all over the world. Refreshingly, Montegrappa acknowledges the joy to be found in fandom with their own line of “fandom” pens titled Emblems of Obsession. While the official fandom pens focus on topics like UEFA and Game of Thrones, we believe that every Montegrappa is worth getting excited about and have selected some of our favourite alternative fandom pens.
Montegrappa Hemingway Traveller Gold Fountain Pen
Montegrappa Hemingway Traveller Gold Fountain Pen
Ernest Hemingway’s association with Montegrappa began when the legendary author was stationed next to the Montegrappa estate, during the First World War. A life-long fan of Montegrappa pens, Hemingway’s loyalty to the brand was returned with a series of specially dedicated pens that represented the many faces of Hemingway. Highlights include: The Writer, The Fisherman and The Traveller. The latter pen was also released in gold, and has become one of the rarest, most coveted Montegrappa pens on the market; fetching more than $50,000 at auction.
Montegrappa Leonardo da Vinci 500th Anniversary Rollerball
Montegrappa Leonardo da Vinci 500th Anniversary Rollerball
Of course an Italian company like Montegrappa wish to honour one of their country’s geniuses who shaped the world! The Leonardo da Vinci 500th Anniversary Rollerball pays homage to da Vinci’s desire to meld natural materials and scientific methods. The symmetrical brass details on the barrel clearly mimics da Vinci’s use of the Golden Triangle in works such as the Mona Lisa. The rest of the barrel is made from aged olive wood that carries a golden glow and is well suited to the archetypal Renaissance man.
Montegrappa Alfa Romeo Gold Fountain Pen
In 2010 the luxury car manufacturer Alfa Romeo celebrated its 100th birthday and, in honour of the occasion, Montegrappa released the limited edition Alfa Romeo gold fountain pen. Despite the name, this fountain pen isn’t actually gold. A stylish black and red barrel compliments the pen’s silver nib feeder. The only touch of gold is the 18K two-tone gold and partially rhodium-plated four leaf clover, which adorns the pen nib. The origin of this symbol can be seen here, in our exploration of iconic Italian sports brands.
Montegrappa Q1 Fountain Pen
The Q1 was heralded as the fountain pen of the future. A titanium barrel and a leather cap give this steampunk-inspired pen a smooth, powerful design. Interchangeable ink cartridges allow the user to change ink colour mid-sentence, and a chromium-cobalt feeding system ensures that, despite it’s gadgets, the Q1 is still a traditional fountain pen. Montegrappa flourishes include the familiar octagonal pattern on both the pen lid and nib, and the Montegrappa logo.
Montegrappa Dragon Bruce Lee 18k Gold Fountain Pen
Montegrappa Dragon Bruce Lee 18k Gold Fountain Pen
One of only 88 produced, the Dragon Bruce Lee 18k gold fountain pen was the second installment of the Montegrappa Icons series. Dragons played an important role in Lee’s life; he was born in the year and hour of the Dragon, one of his names means ‘little dragon’, and he found international fame starring in iconic films like Enter the Dragon and Way of the Dragon. It’s hardly surprising that dragons are also a significant feature of this pen, with carved dragons embracing the barrel and lid. The rest of the barrel is made from celluloid (another nod to Lee’s film career) and 18k gold.
Montegrappa Aphrodite Fountain Pen
Montegrappa haven’t created many pens inspired by women, but they made an exception for the Greek goddess of love; Aphrodite. Modelled on The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli, this pen features Aphrodite and her lover Adonis, carved in silver and entwined. The packaging is a giant scallop shell, mirroring Botichelli’s depiction, and other details from the painting are exquisitely rendered along the black ebonite barrel. Mother-of-pearl enclosures and a pearl at the tip of the clip are the final, shimmering touch.
Montegrappa Salvador Dali Sterling Silver Fountain Pen
Montegrappa Salvador Dali Sterling Silver Fountain Pen
The Salvador Dali Sterling Silver is almost as weird and wonderful as the man himself. The pen’s packaging is egg-shaped, a tribute to Dali’s belief that the egg represents a combination of love and hope. The pen is part of the Montegrappa collection of ‘peerless artists’ and include the familiar Dali motif of the space elephant; it’s trunk extended half-way down the barrel of the pen. Once the cap is removed the owner will see a quote from The Secret Life of Salvador Dali, winding around the inner barrel.
____________________
Find these objects and more in this week's Italian Pen Auction.
____________________
Discover more montegrappa pens | pens & stationery
You might also like:
Geert Schoots’ Passion for Montblanc Pens