The Patron of the Arts Collection was launched in 1992 and continues to this day to launch a set of 2 pens annually - a Limited Edition of 4810 units and a more exclusive edition of 888 pens from the 1995 issue onwards. There were also some editions that had a more limited production.
Lorenzo de Medici - 1992 Limited Edition of 4810 pieces
The Patron of Art Edition Lorenzo de Medici pays tribute to an age in which handcrafts and art were inextricably linked with each other. The eight-sided barrel, made of 925 sterling silver and richly ornamented, is hand-engraved and signed by eight master craftsmen. This elaborately finished barrel and the delicately engraved nib with its heart-shaped hole make the edition as much a beautiful piece of jewellery as an exquisite writing instrument.
Although the last direct descendant of the Medici house died centuries age, the name of this aristocratic family from Florence is still evocative of a dynast that lasted over generations and which, with its influence on culture and the fine arts, has a permanent place in the history books.
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Description
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Good Value
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Online/Auction Values
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Specialty Store Pricing
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| Fountain Pen / 4810
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€
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€ 4.026 to € 6.035
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€
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Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
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Octavian - 1993 Limited Edition of 4810 pieces
The fascinating spider’s web design of the Patron of Art Edition Octavian is adapted from a design typical of the 1920s and also recalls the emperor’s elaborately woven network of power. In the middle of this web of delicate 925 sterling silver threads, which covers the gleaming black barrel and the precious resin cap, sits an artistically shaped, stylised spider. The hand-worked rhodium-plated nib in 18-catat gold also bears a delicately engraved spider.
Gaius Octavian, honoured by the Roman Senate with the name Augustus, was the driving force behind the cultural revival of the epoch that followed numerous years of war. By means of cunning tactical moves, strategic liaisons with powerful Romans and deliberate promotion of the arts, Octavian created an elaborate network of culture. Because of his support for the construction of splendid public buildings, which made Rome a city of marble and a powerhouse of artistic an intellectual endeavour, his name is forced connected with the heyday of the Roman Empire.
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Description
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Good Value
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Online/Auction Values
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Specialty Store Pricing
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| Fountain Pen / 4810
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€
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€ 2.800 to € 5.120
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€
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Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
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Louis XIV - 1994 Limited Edition of 4810 pieces
With its delicate splendour and extravagant detail, the Patron of Art Edition Louis XIV recalls the interior decoration of the rooms and salons of Versailles, the court of the Sun King. The fine barrel made of vermeil – gold-plated 925 sterling silver – is encircled with a delicate flower pattern, inspired by the world-famous gardens of Versailles.
The hand-cut nib in 18-karat gold is captivating because of its carved heart-shaped hole and the delicately engraved bows, a typical fashion accessory in the court of the Sun King.
Louis XIV: the “dieudonné”, or “gift from God”. The Sun King. He is a historically controversial figure, but he is also universally recognised for his appreciation of the fine arts. Louis XIV founded numerous leading European cultural academies, took a personal interest in promising, talented artists and created an edifice that will always be associated with his name: the Palace of Versailles.
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Description
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Good Value
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Online/Auction Values
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Specialty Store Pricing
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| Fountain Pen / 4810
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€
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€ 2.180 to € 3.210
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€
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Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
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The Prince Regent - 1995 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces and 888 pieces
The Patron of Art Edition The Prince Regent pays tribute to this British king and patron of the arts with a pen of truly regal appearance. A fascinating fretwork pattern winds over the deep blue precious resin barrel of the pen – in Edition 4810 this is in gold-plated 925 sterling silver, and in Edition 888 it is made of 750 solid gold.
The cap is decorated by a crown whose delicate composition recalls the keen eye for detail of royal craftsmen of the past.
In Edition 888 the crown is decorated by seven rubies and three diamonds. The nib, made of 18-karat gold, is decorated with a fine engraving of this insignia of the British monarchy in the Regency period.
Despite various periods of turmoil during his reign, King George IV of Britain, with his appreciation for the fine arts, managed to shape British culture to his taste. His influence is still visible today. Because of the monarch’s penchant for culture, art forms from the period of his reign are known as those of the “Regency Period”.
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| The 4810 Edition |
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| The 888 Edition |
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Description
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Good Value
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Online/Auction Values
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Specialty Store Pricing
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| Fountain Pen / 4810
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€
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€ 956 to € 1.450
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€
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| Fountain Pen / 888
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€
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€ 2.818 to € 7.000
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€
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Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
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Semiramis - 1996 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces and 888 pieces
Every detail of the Patron of Art Edition Semiramis is given the same care that the great master craftsmen of ancient Babylon were famous for. The barrel of Edition 4810, made of black precious resin, is surrounded by delicate gold-plated fretwork.
On Edition 888 this fretwork is made of 750 solid gold, emphasised by exquisite inlays of red enamel lacquer. An inlay of the heraldic animal of Ishtar decorates the elegant, elaborately embellished clip, which in Edition 888 is finished off by an approximately 0.2-carat diamond. With its delicate engraving, the 18K gold nib recalls the great era of Semiramis.
The politically astute Queen Semiramis is responsible for uniting the two countries of Babylon and Assyria to create one of the most fascinating empires of the ancient world.
Semiramis, as a lover of fine arts and patron of Nabu, the tutelary deity of the scribes, ordered the building of several palaces and monuments. It was under her rule that the gigantic Gate of Ishtar and the legendary second Wonder of the World – the Hanging Gardens of Babylon – were created.
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| The 4810 Edition |
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| The 888 Edition |
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Description
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Good Value
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Online/Auction Values
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Specialty Store Pricing
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| Fountain Pen / 4810
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€
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€ 1.409 to € 1.999
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€
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| Fountain Pen / 888
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€
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€ 4.026 to € 11.270
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€
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Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
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Catherine, the Great - 1997 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces and 888 pieces
The splendidly ornamented Patron of Art Edition Catherine II the Great commemorates the great era of the Russian Empire. Rose gold-plated ornamentation featuring blossom wreath motifs adorns the aubergine-coloured barrel of Edition 4810.
In Edition 888 this ornamentation is in 750 red gold. Precious rubies decorate the cap top of this edition, while both editions have the 18-karat gold nib, into which the symbol of the Russian monarchy – the two-headed eagle – is engraved.
Tsarina Catherine’s ambition was to continue the work of Peter the Great. Indeed, her commitment to the arts was impressive: she corresponded with Voltaire, Diderot and d’Alembert, among others. She is responsible for having the Hermitage – the famous winter palace – erected in St. Petersburg, and it is thanks to her love of painting that the royal art collection grew from a few dozen paintings to more than 4,000.
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| The 4810 Edition |
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| The 888 Edition |
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Description
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Good Value
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Online/Auction Values
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Specialty Store Pricing
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| Fountain Pen / 4810
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€
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€ 1.900
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€
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| Fountain Pen / 888
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€
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€ 3.523
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€
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Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
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Peter, the Great - 1997 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces and 888 pieces
Moved by the spirit of the Enlightenment, Tsar Peter the Great led the Russian Empire out of its cultural isolation into the center of the great nations of Europe.
The fine gold work of the Patron of Art Edition Peter the Great reflects the magnificent court of the Russian tsar: surrounded by laurel wreaths, artistic yellow gold-coated ornamentation encircles the dark green barrel of Edition 4810.
In Edition 888 these patterns are made of Au 750 white gold. The cap top of the pen is adorned with precious emeralds, which glow in the same green as that of the barrel. The two-headed eagle, a motif from the rich iconography of the age of the tsars, is delicately engraved on the Au 750 solid gold nib.
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| The 4810 Edition |
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| The 888 Edition |
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Description
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Good Value
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Online/Auction Values
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Specialty Store Pricing
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| Fountain Pen / 4810
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€
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€ 1.510 to € 2.675
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€
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| Fountain Pen / 888
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€
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€ 5.645
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€
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Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
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Alexander, the Great - 1998 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces and 888 pieces
This magnificent Hellenistic age is reflected by the Patron of Art Edition Hommage à Alexander the Great. The gold-plated cap of Edition 4810, which is shaped like a slender column, is richly ornamented with lotus flowers, which form a fascinating contrast to the black lacquer background. Gold-coloured veins flow mysteriously through the black, finely marbled lacquer of the barrel.
In Edition 888 not only these veins, but also the cap and clip are made of 750 solid gold. The clip is finished off with an approximately 0.14-carat drop-shaped diamond.
The 18-karat gold nib is delicately engraved with the stylised head of a ram – the symbol of the god Amon – a reference to Alexander the Great, who was once declared by an oracle to be the son of Amon on earth.
Few people have been able to shape the cultural course of the world so decisively as Alexander the Great. Through the influence of his teacher Aristotle, the young king of Macedonia sowed the seeds of Greek architecture, philosophy and art in large parts of the Orient during his conquests.
The cities founded by him – particularly Alexandria in Egypt – soon became centres of culture, science and research in the dawning age of Hellenism.
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| The 4810 Edition |
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| The 888 Edition |
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Description
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Good Value
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Online/Auction Values
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Specialty Store Pricing
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| Fountain Pen / 4810
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€
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€ 1.308 to € 2.100
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€
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| Fountain Pen / 888
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€
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€ 3.825 to € 8.830
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€
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Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
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Friedrich II, the Great - 1999 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces and 888 pieces
Just as extraordinary as this Prussian king is the Patron of Art Edition Friedrich II the Great made in his honour. The gold-plated barrel of Edition 4810 is decorated by two rings embellished with a pattern of curves. These, like the elegant clip, are also gold plated.
Edition 888 is decorated with rings of 950 platinum, and its barrel and cap are made of 750 white gold. A feature shared by the two editions is the 18-karat gold nib, which carries an engraving of the royal monogram of “Fredericus Rex”. An ingenious mechanism enables the pen to be screwed back into the barrel to protect it.
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| The 4810 Edition |
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| The 888 Edition |
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Description
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Good Value
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Online/Auction Values
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Specialty Store Pricing
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| Fountain Pen / 4810
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€
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€ 1.107 to € 1.975
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€
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| Fountain Pen / 888
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€
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€ 6.560
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€
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Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
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Charlemagne - 2000 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces and 888 pieces
The Patron of Art Edition Charlemagne, pays tribute to this great cultural visionary of the first millennium with an equally great writing instrument. The barrel and cap of Edition 4810 are made of delicately wound 925 sterling silver. The detailed gold-plated mountings are reminiscent of Carolingian features in the decoration of Aachen Cathedral, where Charlemagne was crowned.
In Edition 888, barrel, cap, rings and clip are all made of solid 750 white gold and decorated with tsavorites – green garnets. The hand-worked, rhodium-plated nib in 18-karat gold is decorated by an engraving of an early Medieval pattern and the emperor’s monogram.
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| The 4810 Edition |
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| The 888 Edition |
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Description
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Good Value
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Online/Auction Values
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Specialty Store Pricing
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| Fountain Pen / 4810
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€
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€ 1.008 to € 1.610
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€
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| Fountain Pen / 888
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€
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€
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€ 7.500
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Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
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Marquise de Pompadour - 2001 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces and 888 pieces
The Patron of Art Edition Marquise de Pompadour honours a captivating personality and an outstanding historical figure. The splendid gold-plated barrel and mountings of Edition 4810 represent the luxury of court life at Versailles. The cap, made of fine Meissen porcelain and decorated with a hand-painted, sepiacoloured rose finished in gold, recalls the Marquise’s love of porcelain. As a tribute to the age in which she lived, the 18-karat gold nib is decorated by a delicate engraving typical of the rococo style.
Edition 888 pays a special tribute to the Marquise de Pompadour: both the cap of this fine pen – which is lovingly decorated with a hand-painted motif of the Marquise – and the barrel, which is also hand-painted with a delicate pattern of flowers, are made of Meissen porcelain.
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| The 4810 Edition |
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| The 888 Edition |
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Description
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Good Value
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Online/Auction Values
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Specialty Store Pricing
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| Fountain Pen / 4810
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€
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€ 1.670 to € 2.000
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€
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| Fountain Pen / 888
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€
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€ 6.445
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€
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Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
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Andrew Carnegie - 2002 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces and 888 pieces
The stylish and elegant Patron of Art Edition Hommage à Andrew Carnegie recalls the artistic style that Carnegie supported so enthusiastically: art nouveau. The clip of the pen is a graceful female figure, whose wings wrap around the cap of the pen like a butterfly’s. The black of the barrel of Edition 4810 provides a striking contrast to this delicate fretwork effect in 925 sterling silver.
The barrel and cap of Edition 888 are made of mother-of-pearl lacquer and covered with a 750 white gold weave. The Montblanc star in this edition is made of fine mother-of-pearl. A delicately engraved lily – a popular art nouveau motif – decorates the rhodium-plated 18-karat gold nib.
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| The 4810 Edition |
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| The 888 Edition |
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Description
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Good Value
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Online/Auction Values
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Specialty Store Pricing
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| Fountain Pen / 4810
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€
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€ 2.195
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€
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| Fountain Pen / 888
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€
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€ 9.380
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€
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Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
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Nicolaus Copernicus - 2003 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces and 888 pieces
Nicolaus Copernicus’ view of the universe is the model for the Limited Edition created in his honour. Nine rings in 925 sterling silver encircle the anthracite-coloured lacquer barrel. The sun is symbolised by the greenish-glowing faceted meteorite stone that decorates the clip.
In Edition 888 this is replaced by a yellow diamond, and the barrel is made of 750 white gold – like the rings, which are set with nine yellow diamonds. On the rhodium-plated 18-karat gold nib of both Limited Editions, there is a delicate engraving of Copernicus’ orbital charts.
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| The 4810 Edition |
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| The 888 Edition |
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Description
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Good Value
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Online/Auction Values
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Specialty Store Pricing
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| Fountain Pen / 4810
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€
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€ 855 to € 2.510
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€
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| Fountain Pen / 888
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€
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€ 5.805
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€
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Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
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John Pierpont Morgan - 2004 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces, 888 pieces, 8 pieces and a single piece
A thrilling symbiosis is reflected in the writing instruments of the Patron of the Art Edition Hommage à J. Pierpont Morgan. With their creative design of 925 sterling silver and modern carbon fibre on the cap, seemingly contradictory elements combine to form a unique blend of materials.
In the 888, this pattern is made of carbon and 750 solid gold. With its clear design the barrel brings back to life the Age of Industrialisation. The finely engraved M on the rhodium-plated 18-karat gold nib is reminiscent not only of a great financier, but also of his immortal legacy: the Morgan Library.
John Pierpont Morgan was not only one of the most influential financial magnates during America’s “Golden Age”, but also an enthusiastic lover and patron of the arts. His legacy has its most impressive manifestation in the Morgan Library which he founded in New York: in one of the world’s largest collections of significant works from art, literature, music and history, masterpieces from the Middle Ages can be found next to classics of the Modern Age.
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| The 4810 Edition |
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| The 888 Edition |
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| The 8 (Diamond) and the 1 (Black Diamond) Editions |
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Description
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Good Value
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Online/Auction Values
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Specialty Store Pricing
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| Fountain Pen / 4810
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€
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€ 1.308 to € 2.660
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€
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| Fountain Pen / 888
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€
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€ 7.150 to € 8.120
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€
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| Fountain Pen / 8
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€
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€
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€
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| Fountain Pen / 1
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€
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€
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€
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Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
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Pope Julius II - 2005 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces and of 888 pieces
The Edition Patron of Arts Pope Julius II, limited to 4810 fountain pens world-wide, has a sumptuous gold-chased design on top of a cream-coloured base. It is crowned by a destinctive cap, symbolising the tiara of the Pontifex Maximus, and is embellished with an 18-karat gold nib, which is engraved with the seal of Julius II.
It is also available in a very special version limited to 888 fountain pens made of solid 18-karat gold.
Pope Julius II. is considered to have been one of the most influential clerical patron of the arts. He transformed Rome into the cultural centre of the Renaissance and supported artists like Michelangelo and Raphael, commissioned the world-famous frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and ordered the construction of St. Peter’s church.
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| The 4810 Edition |
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| The 888 Edition |
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Description
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Good Value
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Online/Auction Values
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Specialty Store Pricing
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| Fountain Pen / 4810
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€
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€ 1.510
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€
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| Fountain Pen / 888
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€
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€ 11.900
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€
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Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
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Sir Henry Tate - 2006 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces, 888 pieces and of 8 pieces
The Patron of Art Edition “Sir Henry Tate”, strictly limited to 4810 fountain pens, is characterised by clear, tectonic shapes. The inspirational source is the neoclassical architecture of Tate Britain, the museum financed by Sir Henry Tate. The geometrical lines of the platinum-plated body and the decoration of the cap rings reflect characteristic elements in the style of the museum building. In elegant contrast, the cap and body feature red lacquer guilloche inlays and the cap head bears an ivory-coloured Montblanc star.
The most significant patron of British art was a successful sugar trader: Sir Henry Tate. Born in Lanca-shire in 1819, the industrialist used his negotiating skills and innovative spirit to build a sugar empire out of a small company.
He invested his wealth in contemporary art, founded universities, hospitals and libraries and opened the art treasures of his house to the public every Sunday. With a generous donation of £80,000 and 65 valuable paintings from his private collection, Sir Henry Tate laid the foundations for the most Important collection of British art in the United Kingdom in 1879. Today, the name “Tate” stands for a unique network of the fine arts – for four world-renowned museums in which the cultural spirit of their eponymous patron lives on.The platinum-plated 18-karat gold nib can be retracted with a twisting movement. It is finely engraved with two sugar canes, an allusion to the raw material that enabled Sir Henry Tate, as it says in his foundation statutes “to help British art achieve its rightful place and thus provide pleasure to millions of people in this and further generations”.
The exclusive edition also includes the fountain pen “Sir Henry Tate”, of which only 888 will be produced. Made of solid 750 white gold and completed with grey lacquer inlay work. The cap head is surrounded by a series of square-cut diamonds.
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| The 4810 Edition |
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| The 888 Edition |
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| The 8 Edition |
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Description
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Good Value
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Online/Auction Values
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Specialty Store Pricing
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| Fountain Pen / 4810
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€
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€ 1.208 to € 1.670
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€
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| Fountain Pen / 888
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€
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€ 3.221 to € 6.865
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€
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| Fountain Pen / 8
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€
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€
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€
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Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
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Alexander von Humboldt - 2007 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces, 888 pieces and of 8 pieces
Every detail of the Limited Edition Alexander von Humboldt pays tribute to the great naturalist and leading cultural patron. His spirit of discovery is brought to life in every detail in this Limited Edition.
In the 4810 edition the spine and corpus are made of black grenadille, a luxurious hardwood from the southern hemisphere. The inlay, clip and bindings are reproduced in 925 sterling silver bringing to mind the art of the native indians whose culture Humboldt studied on his South American expedition.
The 18 K gold nib is platinum-plated and bears a fine engraving of a sextant, one of Humboldt's favourite instruments which aided his research and surveying around the world on his voyages of discovery.
In the 888 edition the deep black onyx of the body and cap creates a fascinating contrast to the fittings made of 750 solid gold.
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| The 4810 Edition |
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| The 888 Edition |
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| The 8 Edition |
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Description
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Good Value
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Online/Auction Values
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Specialty Store Pricing
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| Fountain Pen / 4810
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€
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€ 1.107 to € 1.409
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€
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| Fountain Pen / 888
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€
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€ 3.825 to € 6.290
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€
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| Fountain Pen / 8
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€
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€
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€
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Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
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François I - 2008 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces and of 888 pieces
King François I left his mark on France’s national culture as a royal Patron of the arts. The design of the Limited Edition François I fountain pen pays tribute to the life and work of the French Renaissance King. Splendid insignia of royal power blend harmoniously with artistic expression. The Edition 4810 pen features a tiger-eye gemstone, a reference to a charm worn by François I, contrasting with the black precious resin of the cap and barrel. Ornamental Renaissance patterns are masterfully engraved on the elaborately modelled clip and gold-plated rings, giving the pen its royal aura.
François I was France’s first Renaissance king, crowned in 1515 in the Reims cathedral. During his reign, François I brought France to artistic and cultural ascendancy. A passionate poet, he was known for improving the royal library and making himself available to the public. As the founder of the Collège de France in Paris, which still exists today, he introduced the study of Latin, Greek and Hebrew. His policy in 1536 helped the French dispense with Latin as the language of bureaucracy. Famous artists were invited by François I to move to France. They included Leonardo da Vinci, who brought the “Mona Lisa” to Paris and worked at the king’s court until his death.
Other world-famous works of art by Michelangelo, Titian and Raphael were also brought to France at the kings’ request. Many Renaissance artists accepted the invitation to work at the French court under his patronage. As the patron of arts and culture, King Francois I laid the foundations for the royal collection of paintings, which is to this day on display in the Louvre Museum in Paris.The specially designed 18 K gold nib bears the engraved symbol of the French Royal house: the French lily. The ivory-coloured Montblanc emblem on the top of the cap completes the regal appearance of this unique writing instrument.
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| The 4810 Edition |
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| The 888 Edition |
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Description
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Good Value
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Online/Auction Values
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Specialty Store Pricing
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| Fountain Pen / 4810
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€
|
€ 1.107
|
€
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| Fountain Pen / 888
|
€
|
€ 3.221
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€
|
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Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
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Max von Oppenheim - 2009 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces and of 888 pieces
Baron Max von Oppenheim's life was filled with a passion for exploring and discovery, for beauty and the fascination of the Middle East. To honour a man who roamed from Europe to the East the design of the Limited Edition Max von Oppenheim is inspired by the domes of Eastern mosques. Pale grey lacquer inlays on the barrel, made of 925 sterling silver, are reminiscent to the decoration and frescoes of the Middle East while the fountain pen's gold-plated rings recall the famous designs and reliefs from Tell Halaf.
The limited Edition Patron of Art Max von Oppenheim is crowned by the white Montblanc emblem and embellished with a finely engraved Bedouin motif on the rhodium-plated 18 K gold nib.
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| The 4180 Edition |
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| The 888 Edition |
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Description
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Good Value
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Online/Auction Values
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Specialty Store Pricing
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| Fountain Pen / 4810
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€
|
€ 906 to € 2.415
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€
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| Fountain Pen / 888
|
€
|
€ 6.860
|
€
|
|
Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
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Elizabeth I - 2010 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces and of 888 pieces
Elizabeth I built up 16th century England into a world power and created the foundation for a historic age of culture. Montblanc honours surely the most famous female monarch of Great Britain with an edition consisting of two fountain pens of the very finest quality: the “Limited Edition Patron of Art Elizabeth I” is limited to 4810 fountain pens and in an even finer edition limited to 888 writing instruments.
The brilliant lacquer of both writing instruments is modelled on the royal garments of Elizabeth I. With the Tudor rose and the cross of the British Crown, the royal insignia put their stamp on the cap, which is crowned with a green cabochon on the clip. In addition the words “Video et taceo” engraved on the cap ring recall the supreme principle of Elizabeth I’s government.
At the same time there are also traces of Elizabeth I’s childhood days to be found: the fine engravings on the gold-plated fittings recall the artistic embroidery of the book “The Glass of the Sinful Soul” – the book that Elizabeth I designed herself at the age of eleven. This extraordinary edition is completed with the ivory-coloured Montblanc emblem on the cap head and the royal crown engraved on the 18 K gold nib.
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| The 4180 Edition |
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| The 888 Edition |
|
Description
|
Good Value
|
Online/Auction Values
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Specialty Store Pricing
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| Fountain Pen / 4810
|
€
|
€ 1.308
|
€
|
| Fountain Pen / 888
|
€
|
€ 3.825 to € 9.380
|
€
|
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Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
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Gaius Maecenas - 2011 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces, 888 pieces and of 20 pieces
To mark the 20th anniversary of the Montblanc Patron of Art Edition, Montblanc is honouring Gaius Cilnius Maecenas – whose name has become an eponym for "patron of the arts" – with a limited edition luxury fountain pen.
The design of both Editions is inspired by the columns of Roman temples. The barrel of Edition 4810 is finished in marbled lacquer, while the barrel of Edition 888 is made of the finest marble in homage to the material that has come to symbolise the Roman Empire.
In Edition 4810, the first verse of Horace’s ode to Maecenas appears on the cap, which, like the rings, is crafted from 925 sterling silver. In Edition 888, this first line is rendered in 750 solid gold on a skeletonised cap, which features a ring engraved with "Gaius Cilnius Maecenas". Edition 888 also features Maecenas's portrait on a replica ancient Roman coin positioned on the bottom of the cone.
The 18K gold nib, which is rhodium-plated in Edition 4810, is adorned with fine engravings of a laurel wreath and the Roman numerals "MMXI", emphasising that this unique Edition is dedicated to the spiritual father of patronage.
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| The 4180 Edition |
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| The 888 Edition |
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| The 20 Edition |
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Description
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Good Value
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Online/Auction Values
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Specialty Store Pricing
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| Fountain Pen / 4810
|
€
|
€ 1.935 to € 2.700
|
€
|
| Fountain Pen / 888
|
€
|
€ 5.033
|
€
|
| Fountain Pen / 20
|
€
|
€
|
US$ 97.800
|
|
Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
|
Joseph II - 2012 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces and of 888 pieces
The writing instruments of the Joseph II Limited Edition reflect the delicate features of the royal crest ornaments. The design is inspired by the imperial coat of arms of the monarch, which is immortalised as a fine engraving on the 18 K champagne-gold nib (Edition 4810) and the rhodium-plated 18 K gold nib (Edition 888). The clip of the Edition 888 is crowned with a sapphire and pays a veritable royal tribute to the eponym of this edition.
 |
| The 4180 Edition |
 |
| The 888 Edition |
|
Description
|
Good Value
|
Online/Auction Values
|
Specialty Store Pricing
|
| Fountain Pen / 4810
|
€
|
€ 1.308
|
€
|
| Fountain Pen / 888
|
€
|
€ 3.221 to € 7.240
|
€
|
|
Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
|
Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan - 2013 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces and of 888 pieces
The design of the Limited Edition Ludovico Sforza 4810 and 888 cap top and cone is characterised by the striking architecture of the Castello Sforzesco. The black lacquer of the 4810 edition is adorned with ornaments inspired by da Vinci's ceiling fresco from the "Sala delle Asse" in the Milanese castle.
Ludovico Sforza was born in 1452 as the fourth son of the Milanese duke Francesco Sforza. After being crowned Duke of Milan in 1494, Ludovico promoted humanist education at the University of Milan and commissioned the expansion of the Renaissance Castello Sforzesco. Throughout his reign, Ludovico Sforza supported numerous outstanding artists with commissions at the Milanese court, including the architect Donato Bramante and the greatest genius of his era, Leonardo da Vinci. This universal genius worked for the Duke of Milan for a decade and a half, during which time he created two of his best-‐known works for his patron: "The Last Supper" in the convent church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and "The Lady with an Ermine".
 |
| The 4180 Edition |
 |
| The 888 Edition |
|
Description
|
Good Value
|
Online/Auction Values
|
Specialty Store Pricing
|
| Fountain Pen / 4810
|
€
|
€ 1.207
|
€ 2.320
|
| Fountain Pen / 888
|
€
|
€ 3.522 to € 6.860
|
€ 8.100
|
|
Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
|
Henry Steinway - 2014 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces and of 888 pieces
The Patron of Art Edition Henry E. Steinway refers to the classic beauty of a Steinway piano. A gold-plated piano frame decorates the cap, whereas the cap of the 888 edition is made of artfully skeletonized solid 750 gold. Black and white piano keys adorn the barrel of the 888 edition, and the 4810 edition features a barrel in classic black lacquer finish. The clip resembles the patented screw used for bending the grand piano rim. ´Steinway & Sons´, the name to be found above the keyboard of every Steinway piano, is engraved on the cone ring of these Limited Edition pens, completed by an engraved portrait of Henry E. Steinway on the 750 gold nib.
Henry E. Steinway, born in Germany in 1797, was without a doubt the most important piano-building pioneer of all time. After his emigration to New York in 1853, he founded ´Steinway & Sons´ – the legendary company whose inventive spirit is manifested in 128 patents to date. Many of the early ones, such as the over-stringing technique and the rim-bending patent covering the process of shaping the curved wooden grand piano rim, determined the shape and construction techniques of the classic grand piano. Apart from being a true innovator of his craft, Steinway actively supported New York music scene and, in 1866, founded the Steinway Hall in Manhattan. The first and largest concert hall of its time was a historical success: to this day, Steinway Halls all over the world serve as cultural meeting places for international musicians and music connoisseurs.
 |
| The 4180 Edition |
 |
| The 888 Edition |
|
Description
|
Good Value
|
Online/Auction Values
|
Specialty Store Pricing
|
| Fountain Pen / 4810
|
€
|
€ 1.700
|
€ 2.320
|
| Fountain Pen / 888
|
€
|
€ 6.860
|
€ 8.050
|
|
Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
|
Luciano Pavarotti - 2015 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces, 888 pieces and of 98 pieces
In homage to the five famous operas which brought Pavarotti international fame – “Turandot”, “La Bohème”, “Rigoletto”, “Un ballo in maschera” and “L’elisir d’amore” – five gold-plated rings decorate the cap of the Luciano Pavarotti Limited Edition 4810. They also symbolise the five impressive tiers at the opera house “Teatro Comunale Luciano Pavarotti” in his home town of Modena in Italy, which was named after him in honour of the great tenor. The magnificent ornaments that adorn the tiers of the “Teatro” are eternalised as exquisite engravings on the cap ring.
As with every concert Pavarotti would look for a bent nail backstage before performing alongside his fellow celebrities from the world of music. It served him as a good-luck charm for his performances and he would not go on stage without this ritual which is common among opera singers. As a reminder of the unusual talismans Pavarotti carried in his pocket at all times during his performances, the 750 solid gold nib of the Limited Edition is decorated with a delicate engraving of a bent nail.
At the beginning of his career, Luciano Pavarotti often wore a suit and tie when he wasn’t under the spotlights. Over the years he developed his own extraordinary style visually setting him off against all other classical artists. He was greatly enthusiastic about wearing exquisite scarves, white hats and brightly-coloured shirts with Hawaiian flower patterns. Pavarotti’s incomparable style quickly became his trademark and is reflected in the design of the Limited Edition by a cone in red lacquer adorned with delicate flower patterns. Together with the turquoise cabochon, these flower patterns are reminiscent of the colourful Hawaiian shirts Pavarotti typically wore, providing the finishing touch to this Limited Edition in honour of Luciano Pavarotti.
 |
| The 4180 Edition |
 |
| The 888 Edition |
 |
| The 98 Edition |
|
Description
|
Good Value
|
Online/Auction Values
|
Specialty Store Pricing
|
| Fountain Pen / 4810
|
€
|
€ 1.241 to € 2.534
|
€ 2.320
|
| Fountain Pen / 888
|
€
|
€ 5.805 to € 7.800
|
€ 8.050
|
| Fountain Pen / 98
|
€
|
€
|
€
|
|
Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
|
Peggy Guggenheim - 2016 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces, 888 pieces and of 81 pieces
She was one of the most influential American collectors and exhibitors of contemporary art. Numerous young artists such as Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock, whose works Peggy Guggenheim showed in Europe and America, owed her their early successes. She spent most of her life in Europe, enjoying a bohemian life in Paris in the early 1920s. In 1948, after opening galleries in London and New York, she acquired the historic Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal, which she converted into a home with exhibition rooms for her collection. Open to the public, her palazzo attracted intellectuals and artists from all over the world. Peggy Guggenheim died on 23 December, 1979 and was laid to rest in the garden of her palazzo next to her 14 beloved Lhasa Apso dogs. Her private palace was restructured into a public museum in accordance with her will. This secured the lasting presence of her collection in Venice for further generations to admire.
The linear design of clip and cap, as well as the lines and shapes of black lacquer inlays in the platinum-plated cap and barrel, are inspired by Art Deco works from her collection. The red lacquer inlay spiral on the cone represents the striped mooring poles lining Venetian waterways. The lion’s heads embossed on the cap ring refer to Peggy Guggenheim’s Venetian palace, the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, as well as the lion of Saint Mark, the symbol of Venice. In memory of the dogs she adored, the handcrafted Au 750 gold nib of the Patron of Art Edition Peggy Guggenheim bears a fine engraving of the paws of Peggy Guggenheim’s favourite breed.
 |
| The 4180 Edition |
 |
| The 888 Edition |
 |
| The 81 Edition |
|
Description
|
Good Value
|
Online/Auction Values
|
Specialty Store Pricing
|
| Fountain Pen / 4810
|
€
|
€ 1.530 to € 2.300
|
€ 2.350
|
| Fountain Pen / 888
|
€
|
€ 6.250 to 7.255
|
€ 7.950
|
| Fountain Pen / 81 |
€
|
€ 22.100 to € 33.280
|
€
|
|
Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
|
Scipione Borghese - 2017 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces, 888 pieces and of 89 pieces
Scipione Borghese (September 1, 1577 – October 2,1633) was an Italian Cardinal, art collector and patron of the arts. A member of the Borghese family, he was the patron of the painter Caravaggio and the artist Bernini. His legacy is the establishment of the art collection at the Villa Borghese in Rome, which serves as a monument to Roman interior decoration at its most extravagant and the finest collections of Baroque sculpture anywhere in the world.
 |
| The 4180 Edition |
 |
| The 888 Edition |
 |
| The 89 Edition |
|
Description
|
Good Value
|
Online/Auction Values
|
Specialty Store Pricing
|
| Fountain Pen / 4810
|
€
|
€ 1.765 to € 2.805
|
€ 2.400
|
| Fountain Pen / 888
|
€
|
€ 6.610 to € 8.990
|
€ 6.611 to € 7.950
|
| Fountain Pen / 89 |
€
|
€ 36.280
|
€ 36.820
|
|
Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
|
Ludwig II - 2018 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces, 888 pieces, 40 pieces and of 5 pieces
The Patron of Art Homage to Ludwig II Limited Edition 4810 writing instrument features the swan as its central theme of design – a recurring motif throughout King Ludwig II’s life.
The cap is made of translucent lacquer with a special guilloche design underneath, emulating the white feathers and a champagne gold-coated clip shaped like the long curved neck and head of the graceful water bird. The blue of the translucent lacquer barrel contrasts the regal crown-shaped cap, with engraved lettering that drew inspiration from the royal seal of the Bavarian monarch, whereas the lacquer mirrors the blue of Ludwig’s official royal portrait, as well as the blue of the pillars inside the throne room at Neuschwanstein castle. This matches the Au750 solid gold nib of the fountain pen, decorated with an engraving of the fairy tale Neuschweinstein, as well as the ring set with a round-cut red synthetic stone, with a champagne gold coated cap ring is engraved with “WWV 75”, the code of Wagner’s Lohengrin about the Swan Knight sent in a boat pulled by swans to rescue a maiden – a homage to the opera that set the young Ludwig on his journey of patronage.
With its birds and floral motifs, the skeleton design of the Patron of Art Homage to Ludwig II Limited Edition 888 writing instrument depicts Ludwig’s passion for creating paradises and poetic refuges, where he could escape from the real world earned him his “Fairy Tale King” moniker. Inspired by mural paintings of the lavish throne room at Neuschwanstein, the intricate Au750 solid gold overlay features a cutout design that augments the translucent white lacquer underneath, finely paired with a platinum-coated swan-shaped clip and fittings decorated with engravings. The cap ring is set with a round cut ruby, and the Montblanc emblem at the top of the cap is made of precious mother of pearl – evoking the opulent surroundings the king created in each of his palaces.
The Patron of Art Homage to Ludwig II Limited Edition 40 continues the collection’s lavish and elaborate commemoration of King Ludwig’s spectacular fairytale castles in further exclusivity. Limited to only 40 pieces, in reference to the age at which Ludwig died in 1886, the fountain pen pairs the technical virtuosity of the métiers d’art with some of the most precious materials: the solid Au750 champagne-coloured gold writing instrument features a guilloché under a white lacquer surface, masterfully decorated with a hand-engraved gold inlay of a lion motif, symbol of Bavaria. The barrel captures an inlay of miniature feather work, surrounded by a guilloché pattern on the solid gold barrel inspired by the grandiose architecture of Neuschwanstein. Under a sapphire glass is a skilled artisan leaning on the near-forgotten art of plumasserie, or the craft of preparing and applying feathers by hand. The meticulous artistry caps off with a cap top set with a Montblanc diamond and a ruby baguette, with a cone embellished with a line of rubies above the engraving of the king’s initials, and two rubies sparkle as the swan’s eyes on the pen’s clip, before finally, an intricate design engraved upon the gold nib of the fountain pen that recalls one of the flying machines that Ludwig II dreamed of journeying in to his castle.
Lastly, with just five pieces available worldwide, the Patron of Art Homage to Ludwig II Limited Edition 5 honours the date of September 5, 1869, when the construction of Neuschwanstein Castle began. An elaborate tribute to the lavish world of the king, the solid AU 750 champagne gold of the fountain pen is paired with sparkling diamonds set with full pave, while the barrel is embellished with a Romanesque motif reminiscent of the castle’s opulent interiors, and adorned with an inlay of miniature plumasserie surrounded by a guilloche pattern. The ruby baguette set on the cap top ring is inspired by the rich red sash worn by Ludwig II in his royal portrait, whereas the engraving on the castle tower-shaped cone is taken from the seal of the monarch, and the precious gold royal crown on the cap top is set with a Montblanc Diamond fit for a king.
 |
| The 4810 Edition |
 |
| The 888 Edition |
 |
| The 40 Edition |
 |
| The 5 Edition |
|
Description
|
Good Value
|
Online/Auction Values
|
Specialty Store Pricing
|
| Fountain Pen / 4810
|
€
|
€ 1.995 to € 2.600
|
€ 2.500
|
| Fountain Pen / 888
|
€
|
€ 6.570 to € 8.586
|
€ 7.950
|
| Fountain Pen / 40 |
€
|
€
|
€
|
| Fountain Pen / 5 |
€
|
€
|
€
|
|
Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
|
Hadrian - 2019 Limited Editions of 4810 pieces and of 888 pieces, 76 pieces and of 5 pieces
Hadrian (76 –138 AD), the Roman emperor reigned from 117 to 138. He is regarded as one of the Five Good Emperors (Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius). He built Hadrian’s Villa at Tibur (Tivoli), which was also one of the greatest Roman gardens (100 ha) reflecting the places Hadrian saw during his travels. He also shaped the city of Roma and Athens with his massive building projects: Pantheon, Temple of Venus and Roma, Mausoleum of Hadrian (Castel Sant’Angelo). Hadrian is also known for building Hadrian’s Wall, which marked the northern limit of Britannia (Roman Britain).
The 4810 Edition
The shape of the cap top and cone are inspired by typical ancient Roman buildings, especially those with a concrete dome. The pattern at the cap top ring and cone ring are also inspired by decorations, which are typically used in the Roman Empire, with a connection to the Roman god Janus, who is the god of time. The clip is inspired by a grain of wheat, which comes from the story of Hadrian as the first Roman emperor who passes the initiation of the Eleusinian Mysteries. The cap ring has a special engraving, inspired by two portraits and an arch: the Greek Hero Antinous, who became a symbol of Hadrian’s dreams of pan-Hellenism and Medusa, who is often used on Roman architecture. The pattern around rebuilds a Roman arch. The special engraving on the 18-carat solid gold nib is inspired by the Phoenix, which is based on a story between Hadrian and his predecessor Trajan. The quotes engraved on the cap and cone ring are from the books Historia Augusta (Augustan History) stating that Hadrian is a great emperor. The fountain pen comes in 146 size (Le Grand) and the cap and barrel are made of basalt stone, complemented with gold coated and ruthenium-coated fittings.
 |
| The 4810 Limited Edition Fountain Pen |
The 888 Edition
The shape of the cap top and cone are inspired by typical ancient Roman buildings, especially those with a concrete dome. The square pattern on the cap is paying tribute to the Roman interior decorations, which can also be seen in the Pantheon in Rome. The pattern at the cap top ring and cone ring are also inspired by decorations, which are typically used in the Roman Empire, with a connection to the Roman god Janus, who is the god of time. The clip is inspired by a grain of wheat, which comes from the story of Hadrian as the first Roman emperor who passes the initiation of the Eleusinian Mysteries. The cap has an inlay with a special engraving inspired by a gold Aureus coin used in ancient Rome (1st century BC to the beginning of the 4th century AD). The pattern around rebuilds a Roman arch.
The special engraving on the 18-carat solid gold nib is inspired by the Phoenix, which is based on a story between Hadrian and his predecessor Trajan. The quotes engraved on the cap and cone ring are from the books Historia Augusta (Augustan History) stating that Hadrian is a great emperor.
 |
| The 888 Edition |
The 76 Edition
The limited number of the edition represents the year of Hadrian’s birth. The cap top and the writing instrument’s fittings are made of solid white gold, with a Montblanc emblem in mother-of-pearl at the centre of the cap top. The design of the cap is inspired by the delicate mosaic pattern from the floor of a typical Roman building.
A barrel created of matte Egyptian basalt, features a contrasting shiny hand-carved peacock – a symbol of immortality and was once part of the original decoration of Hadrian’s mausoleum. The Au750 handcrafted yellow gold nib is engraved with the Hadrianic phoenix with a halo and laurel leaf.
 |
| The 76 Edition |
The 5 Edition
The Edition 5 represents Hadrian legacy as one of the “five good emperors”. A rotating solid gold sphere enriched with a hand-engraved Montblanc emblem decorates the cap top. The solid white gold barrel features an exquisite precision hand-carved peacock surrounded by dark blue sapphires skilfully set in pavé.
The decor of a traditional Roman building’s typical mosaic floor is the inspiration for the hand-engraved pattern on the white gold cap, embellished with a handset micro mosaic made of carefully selected pieces of black and white glass, manufactured in a special process and precisely positioned on a base of stucco. The handcrafted bi-colour gold nib is decorated with the Hadrianic phoenix with a halo and laurel leaf in an artful engraving.
 |
| The 5 Edition |
|
Description
|
Good Value
|
Online/Auction Values
|
Specialty Store Pricing
|
| Fountain Pen / 4810
|
€
|
€
|
€ 2.750
|
| Fountain Pen / 888
|
€
|
€
|
€ 8.100 to € 13.200
|
| Fountain Pen / 76
|
€
|
€
|
€
|
| Fountain Pen / 5
|
€
|
€
|
€
|
|
Sheldon Rarity Factor: (Rx******) ...
|
|
Disclaimer on Pricing and Valuation
|
The prices given here are the low and high average found on the international market between the years 2014 and 2017. The difference between the lowest and the highest values can be due to such factors as the state of preservation, the provenience, the reputation of the seller, and the completeness of the offer (original case, documentation, ink accessories, etc.). Every collector should be fully aware of the difference between selling prices and purchase prices, and between passion and investment.
|
Against the normal "market pricing", the following table provides some guidelines for the valuation and negotiation of collectible (not current) fountain pens as per their condition.
|
|
CONDITION GRADE
|
VALUATION
WEIGHT
|
REMARKS
|
|
UNUSED
|
200%
|
No signs of use, New Old Stock, boxed and fully documented, not inked ever
|
|
MINT
|
175%
|
No discernable user markings, boxed, dipped or once ink filled
|
|
EXCELLENT
|
100%
|
All parts original, slight signs of use, slight surface scratches, minor discolouration, crisp imprints, trim or body with no significant brassing, no dings, may be boxed, fully working
|
|
FINE
|
90%
|
All parts original, some signs of use, surface scratching, brassing, light discolouration, fully functional
|
|
FAIR
|
70%
|
Not all parts may be original, heavy sign of use, worn imprints, used look, may need repairs, dings/stratches, medium discolouration
|
|
POOR
|
50%
|
Not working, missing parts, cracks, strong discolouration, very visible dings
|
Another devaluation scale may be considered for particular typologies of damage
|
|
ISSUE / DAMAGE
|
VALUATION EFFECT
|
|
Nib is twisted but working
|
- 5%
|
|
Nib is not original
|
- 20%
|
|
Personal name or advertising engraved
|
- 10%
|
|
Small dents in metal body/cap
|
- 10%
|
|
Significant dents in metal body/cap
|
- 30%
|
|
Small scratches/cracks in resin body/cap
|
- 10%
|
|
Very visible scratches/cracks in resin body/cap
|
- 35%
|
|
Without cap or wrong cap
|
- 20% to - 35%
|
|
Brand missing in cap (when applicable)
|
- 5% to - 15%
|
|
Without clip, broken clip or wrong clip
|
- 15%
|
|
Piston system is leaking (when applicable)
|
- 5% to - 20%
|
|
Piston system is not functioning (when applicable)
|
- 30% to - 35%
|
|
Safety mechanism is not functioning (when applicable)
|
- 30% to - 45%
|
|
Lever ink system not functioning(when applicable)
|
- 15%
|
|
No ink sack for lever ink system (when applicable)
|
- 5%
|
