“GOTICA” limited edition fountain pen

(Caran d’Ache Private Collection). Rhodium-coated Sterling Silver.

Limited edition “Gotica” from Caran d’Ache’s “Private Collection”. It is a miniaturized tribute to gothic art and architecture. “Gotica” has a six-sided rhodium-coated sterling silver body and cap and each surface displays a gothic window of rosette and fleurs-de-lis in luminous colours. The edition is limited to 1140 pieces as a tribute to the age which provided its inspiration.

Each of these luxury fountain pens starts its life in the workshops of Barcelona silversmiths Miguel Cunhill who produce the silver framework for the gothic decoration. Caran d’Ache master craftsmen then apply the colours to the pen using a fine brush. The colouring technique is appropriately reminiscent of that used to create stained glass.

Presented in a handsome wooden case, the Gotica is destined to become a reference for collectors.

“Harmony” limited edition fountain pen

(Caran d’Ache Private Collection). Gold finished, with Chinese Lacquer.

Limited edition “Harmony” fountain pen: the art of Feng Shui applied to handwriting.

For thousands of years, Chinese culture has been based on the teachings of Feng Shui, which aim to improve the quality of life for each individual. Today, the secrets of this traditional wisdom in the areas of health, wealth and happiness have been revealed and have conquered the rest of the world. It was inevitable that these universal values would capture the attention of Caran d’Ache which has worked with a Feng Shui expert to create the Harmony limited edition. The pen was conceived and developed in accordance with the principles of Feng Shui, helping its owner to make the most of every day of his or her life. It is produced in 888 examples (001 / 888) – a number that favours good luck and prosperity – and the pen is finished in gold, together with genuine red Chinese lacquer.

Mont Blanc Solitaire Meisterstuck Fountain Pen

Mont Blanc Solitaire Meisterstuck
fountain pen oddity: can you help?

Mont_Blanc_Solitaire_fountain_pen_open[Update: this pen has now found a new owner]. This Mont Blanc Solitaire fountain pen is possibly an oddity – you’ll see why in a moment or two. But one quick note first… this writing instrument is not ours, but we would like to help a good customer value it, find out how rare it is (or otherwise) and, if appropriate, possibly find a loving home for it. It is possibly an oddity… so please read on and email us if you know any interesting or relevant information. Thank you in advance!

Mont_Blanc_Solitaire_case_openAnd now for the story behind this possibly rare writing implement… probably best described in our customer’s own words back in February this year…

“About 15 years ago I did some work for Dunhill, who I believe owned the Mont Blanc brand. The pen was part of a consignment sent to the States and returned when it was discovered that the nib was 14 carat gold and not 18 carat.

The retail value at the time was $450, see sticker on box… I am not sure if it can be regarded as a collectors piece or purely an oddity. I get the impression that very few exist. (I could be wrong). Apart from this I have no other information.”

So, there you have it. Can you help?

Questions which immediately spring to mind are…..

  • How rare is it?
  • How on earth did this ‘error’ with the nib occur – if it is an error?
  • Is it worth more – or less – because the nib is 14 carat gold, not 18 carat gold?
  • Is there a collector out there who would just love to add it to his/her collection?
  • And the million dollar question…. what would a fair market value be?

Description & Condition

The fountain pen is, in effect, ‘new old stock’ but I’ll expand that description a little more. The owner says that it has never been used (that’s quite evident on inspection, as is the fact that it has never had ink put into it). It even has the original “Made in W. Germany” and “M” stickers on the barrel (see photos).

The original leaflets are still under the pen tray of the presentation case.

  • International Guarantee/Instruction booklet, as new – gold foil and brown cover, interior in black and white with diagrams etc. Clearly the guarantee is no longer valid.Mont_Blanc_Solitaire_documentation
  • Mont Blanc Guarantee card/4 page booklet, as new – litho gold cover with blind embossed logo and black text to reverse and interior. Again, clearly the warranty is now out of date. This card had never been filled in.Mont_Blanc_Solitaire_case_closed
  • Black and white folded leaflet – “Mont Blanc.. instructions for filling.. for converter use.. for continuous use…Exclusive Montblanc Representative in the U.S. and Canada… KOH-I-NOOR RAPIDOGRAPH, INC. Bloomsbury, New Jersey 08804” address and blurb. As new.

The presentation case (with its beige suede effect exterior and brown velvet effect interior) is in ‘new‘ condition having always been More

“1001 Nuits” limited edition fountain pen

(Caran d’Ache Private Collection). Vermeil (gold-plated silver).

Limited Edition “1001 Nuits” is inspired by the Orient. The new fountain pen in the Private Collection from Caran d’Ache reflects passion. The blend of gold and deep blue recalls the star-studded skies of our childhood dreams, while interlaced Arabic calligraphy brings to mind the ardour of the two lovers’ passion. Limited to 1001 pieces and intended for art aficionados and collectors, it is a truly exclusive work of art. Its body is crafted in vermeil (gold-plated silver) and adorned with the work of acclaimed Swiss goldsmith and jeweller Edouard Jud. The designs ornamenting the fountain pen are freely inspired by Arabic calligraphy.

Limited/special edition fountain pen: Pen of the Year 2007 by Graf von Faber-Castell

With Fossilised/petrified wood and Platinum-plating.

“Pen of the Year 2007” – an outstanding limited edition fountain pen from the Graf von Faber-Castell Collection. 2007’s release takes us millions of years into the past with a barrel made of petrified wood.

Cut and crafted by expert gem cutters, the fossilised wood is painstakingly crafted to give the barrel jewel-like qualities.

GvFC_penoftheyear_2007_gift_boxPetrified wood has formed over a period of up to 360 million years by being subjected to a permanent crystallisation process. During this immense amount of time, the wood has undergone a unique metamorphosis while being buried in the water, mud and volcanic ash. Minerals, metals, lime or phosphorous from the mighty sedimentary layers have dissolved and impregnated the very fibre of the fallen trees. Gradually they have replaced the wood, while retaining part of its organic structure. In the presence of silicic acid, petrified wood may transform into a precursor of semi-precious gems such as chalcedony and agate …

Please click here for full details of Graf von Faber-Castell’s Pen of the Year 2007.

Product codes: 145040 (Medium nib) / 145041 (Fine nib) / 145043 (Broad nib)

Limited edition Pen of the Year 2008 by Graf von Faber-Castell

Special Edition Fountain Pen with Satinwood and Platinum-plating

GvFC_Pen-Year-2008_case“Pen of the Year 2008” – this year’s outstanding limited edition fountain pen from the Graf von Faber-Castell Collection . This fine release features the world’s smallest parquet of finest Indian satinwood. The inspiration was Countess Ottilie’s private salon (or drawing room), found in the Faber-Castell castle, which itself features 100 year old panelling in luxurious East Indies satinwood. (This expensive wood is also known as lemonwood due to its fragrant scent and thus the Countess’s salon has come to be known as the ‘Lemon Room’).

The pen’s herringbone pattern was also inspired by the Countess’s own writing desk which, along with other items of her furniture, features such a pattern. There are at least 84 satin wood rectangles which have been individually hand crafted for the filigree herringbone pattern on this  amazingly detailed writing instrument. GvFC_Pen-of-the-Year-2008cuNo two panels are the same and each individually numbered instrument is therefore unique. The barrel has been repeatedly polished and varnished in a very time-consuming process, and the numbered implement is crowned by a chessboard-faceted citrine gemstone set in the end cap, platinum-plated metal fittings and an 18-carat bicolour gold nib, which has been carefully manufactured in an elaborate process including many stages performed by hand. Finally the nib, which is available in Fine, Medium and Broad writing widths, has been run in by hand for excellent writing properties and performance.

GvFC_Pen-Year-2008_parquetEach pen is individually numbered (inside, on the plunger filling mechanism concealed underneath the platinised cap). The metal clip is of solid metal, is hinged and spring-loaded.

As the owner of a Pen of the Year you can register your pen and take advantage of an exclusive service: once a year you can have it cleaned and checked by experts, at no charge*.

This writing instrument oozes quality and is truly a work of art.

• Quantity produced is limited to one year’s production only.
• 18-carat bicolour gold nib which is ‘run-in’ by hand and available in
• medium (M), fine (F) and broad (B) nib widths.
• Spring-loaded solid metal clip to ensure that the pen sits firmly in the pocket.
• Platinum-plated metal fittings and citrine gemstone incorporated into the design.
• Each implement is individually numbered and comes in an exclusive wooden case
• with a beautifully designed brochure plus certificate.
• Limited Edition Certificate bears the personal signature of Count Faber-Castell.
• Complimentary service and clean by experts, at no charge*.

* Correct at time of writing (early April 2008). Service, operated by Faber-Castell, requires registration.

£2246.85 each (including VAT for UK & EU countries)

Limited edition Diamante fountain pen by Aurora

Possibly the most exclusive, valuable writing instrument in the world.

diamante_2rrThe only pen in the world known to contain over 30 carats of diamonds, this masterpiece is created by Aurora, the oldest and most prestigious fountain pen manufacturer in Italy. An exquisite diamond cabochon crowns nearly two thousand “4 C” certified De Beers diamonds on a two hectogram solid platinum barrel with a two-tone, rhodium-treated, 18KT solid gold nib, creating what may well be the most exclusive,  valuable writing instrument available in the world.

diamante_1rAlthough the price for this piece is not published to the public, it is believed to be circa €1 Million Euros. Only one of most fortunate of people in the world may contend, each year, ownership of this most exclusive jewel of jewels, personalised with their coat-of-arms, signature or portrait.

A similar series, limited to only ten pieces and accomplished in white gold, may also be contended for by the world’s elite. The two different versions are said to represent the brightness of dawn and the charm of nightfall – a celebration of the first and last rays of the day. Inimitable jewels, hand-delivered in any part of the globe.

Aurora is a leading Italian company in the production and sale of quality writing instruments. Founded in Turin in 1919, Aurora has become part of the history of writing instruments, thanks to its ability to combine leading-edge design and the best Italian craftsmanship. A rich cultural legacy and a long tradition of success have made Aurora’s writing instruments true masterpieces of Italian craftwork, recognised and esteemed the world over.

Please contact Pens From Heaven for further details and availability.

Aurora ‘Optima’ Fountain Pen in Black Resin & Chrome Trims

Aurora 'Optima' fountain pen in black & chromeAurora

The Optima fountain pen from Aurora, shown here in black resin with chrome-plated trims, represents timeless elegance, attention to detail and fine craftsmanship. It features precious materials including a rhodium-treated nib in 14Kt. solid gold. Gift box for the Aurora Optima fountain penThe main ring shown just off-centre above is embellished by classical Greek-inspired decoration. The gift box which comes with the Optima is shown on the right.

Nib widths available: Extra Fine (XF), Fine (F), Medium (M) or Broad (B).

Lagoon Limited Edition Fountain Pen by Caran d’Ache

'Logoon' limited edition fountain pen by Caran d'AcheThis is the “Lagoon” limited edition fountain pen from the Caran d’Ache Private Collection, featuring rhodium-coated Sterling Silver. It is adorned by panels of genuine mother-of-pearl which shimmer in all colours of the rainbow. They come from Indonesian pearl oysters, and are hand applied into the six panels on the pen body by Caran d’Ache craftsmen. The clip, made of rhodium-coated sterling silver, is styled in the form of a wave. This Limited Edition pen is accompanied by a numbered certificate.

Product code: 1601.481 (sorry — no longer available).