The Montblanc Donation Pens
Montblanc’s Donation Pens honour outstanding personalities from the world of classical and contemporary music – exquisite fountain pens, rollerballs and ballpoint pens that, in their gracefulness and attention to detail, faithfully commemorate the famous personalities after whom they are named. By purchasing a Donation Pen, people who appreciate music and fine writing instruments acquire not only an exclusive Limited Edition, but also support the promotion of art and culture with the donation Montblanc makes from the revenue of every Donation Pen sold.
- 1996 - Leonard Bernstein Collection
- 2000 - Yehudin Menuhin Collection
- 2001 - Johann Sebastian Bach Collection
- 2003 - Herbert von Karajan Collection
- 2005 - Sir Georg Solti Collection
- 2007 - Arturo Toscanini Collection
- 2010 - John Lennon Collection
- 2012 - Johannes Brahms Collection
- 2017 - Johan Strauss Collection
- 2019 - George Gershwin Collection
Disclaimer on Pricing and Valuation
Leonard Bernstein
Leonard Bernstein’s talent for bringing harmony into the finest detail is reflected in the Donation Pen dedicated to this great artist. For example, the gold-plated cap rings of the pen are inscribed with music and lyrics from the song “Maria” from “West Side Story” and are a testimony to Bernstein’s musical ability.The clip is shaped into an artistically curved clef symbol, and the Leonard Bernstein fountain pen reaches a crescendo in the handmade nib, with its delicate engravings of a dove. As a musical finishing touch, the elaborate presentation box that comes with the pen contains a compact disc with selected works by Bernstein played by the Philharmonie der Nationen.
- Ballpoint Pen
- Fountain Pen
Yehudin Menuhin
The Donation Pen was created as a token of respect for his life’s work. This pen, with its loving details, is as unforgettable as it is unique. As a tribute to the virtuosity of the violinist, the gold-plated clip symbolises the neck of a violin with its scroll. The delicately engraved ring around the cap of the pen carries his signature. A delicate engraving of a dove decorates the rhodium-plated 18K gold nib. Whichever of his passion Yehudi Menuhin pursued – performing or conducting – every note of his music was a gift to mankind. Through his music he succeeded in inspiring people all over the world – with the spirit of joy, hope and international understanding. This great gift was one of the reasons for the recognition and honour that he received worldwide.
- Ballpoint Pen
- Fountain Pen
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| The Menuhin Fountain Pen |
Johann Sebastian Bach
The Donation Pen Johann Sebastian Bach was designed to reflect the uniqueness and the great skills of the composer because the composition of this pen is just as extraordinary as Bach’s creations. The barrel and cap top are made of sepia-coloured precious resin. The coral-coloured cap is decorated with the engraved signature of Johann Sebastian Bach and a gold-plated clip in the shape of a clef symbol. Montblanc donated part of the profits from this pen to sponsoring the restoration of one of Bach's original manuscripts. A facsimile engraving of notes from the original manuscript of Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 embellishes the gold-plated cap rings of the pen. And the finely-engraved 18K gold nib is rhodium-plated and features an engraved portrait of Bach. The presentation box of the Donation Pen Johann Sebastian Bach contains five facsimile sheets of music from the manuscript for the Brandenburg Concertos.
Johann Sebastian Bach was the most important composer of German baroque music and Protestant church music. He composed pieces of unmistakable originality. The court composer, orchestra leader and music director reminded Ludwig van Beethoven of the sea, because of “the infinite, inexhaustible richness of the tone combinations and harmonies in his music”. His works, such as “The Well-Tempered Clavier”, bear witness to his remarkable creativity.
Johann Sebastian Bach was the most important composer of German baroque music and Protestant church music. He composed pieces of unmistakable originality. The court composer, orchestra leader and music director reminded Ludwig van Beethoven of the sea, because of “the infinite, inexhaustible richness of the tone combinations and harmonies in his music”. His works, such as “The Well-Tempered Clavier”, bear witness to his remarkable creativity.
- Ballpoint Pen
- Fountain Pen
Herbert von Karajan
One of Karajan’s life ambitions was to preserve a musical tradition for future generations. He opened the door to success for young, talented artists, and was convinced that he could overcome barriers and bring cultures and peoples together with his music.
The platinum-plated clip with its inlay in the shape of a conductor’s baton is a tribute to Karajan’s legacy as a conductor, as well as the artistically hand-cut, rhodium-plated 18 K gold nib. As a memento of Karajan, the presentation box of the fountain pen contains a pure silk scarf.
Although Herbert von Karajan began his unparalleled musical career as a pianist, it was as a conductor – perhaps the greatest ever – that he shaped the world of music in the 20th century. But Herbert von Karajan was more than just a brilliant musician. He was also a charismatic media star, a gifted opera producer and a successful festival founder. One of Karajan’s life ambitions was to preserve a musical tradition for future generations. He opened the door to success for young, talented artists, and was convinced that he could overcome barriers and bring cultures and peoples together with his music.
The platinum-plated clip with its inlay in the shape of a conductor’s baton is a tribute to Karajan’s legacy as a conductor, as well as the artistically hand-cut, rhodium-plated 18 K gold nib. As a memento of Karajan, the presentation box of the fountain pen contains a pure silk scarf.
Although Herbert von Karajan began his unparalleled musical career as a pianist, it was as a conductor – perhaps the greatest ever – that he shaped the world of music in the 20th century. But Herbert von Karajan was more than just a brilliant musician. He was also a charismatic media star, a gifted opera producer and a successful festival founder. One of Karajan’s life ambitions was to preserve a musical tradition for future generations. He opened the door to success for young, talented artists, and was convinced that he could overcome barriers and bring cultures and peoples together with his music.
- Ballpoint Pen
- Fountain Pen
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| The Karajan Fountain Pen |
Sir Georg Solti
The design of this exceptional Special Edition honours both the pianist and the conductor Sir Georg Solti. The jet-black precious resin with the platinised fittings pays tribute to the pianist: the clip symbolises the keyboard of a piano, while the cap rings reflect the piano strings. The artist´s signature on the body honours the conductor Sir Georg Solti. The radiant red recalls his hand-written comments on musical scores. The fine engraving on the rhodanised 18K gold nib perfectly completes this masterpiece.
Sir Georg Solti is considered to be one of the greatest opera conductors of the 20th century. His performance of Richard Wagner´s "Der Ring der Nibelungen" still counts as a brilliant moment in musical history today. Born as György Solti in Budapest in 1912, the artist began his musical career as a pianist, making his first appearance at the age of twelve. His début as opera conductor was in 1938. In 1961 he began his time at Convent Garden Opera House in London and in 1972 he became a British citizen and was knighted by the Queen.
Sir Georg Solti is considered to be one of the greatest opera conductors of the 20th century. His performance of Richard Wagner´s "Der Ring der Nibelungen" still counts as a brilliant moment in musical history today. Born as György Solti in Budapest in 1912, the artist began his musical career as a pianist, making his first appearance at the age of twelve. His début as opera conductor was in 1938. In 1961 he began his time at Convent Garden Opera House in London and in 1972 he became a British citizen and was knighted by the Queen.
- Ballpoint Pen
- Fountain Pen
Arturo Toscanini
When Arturo Toscanini died in New York in 1957 at the age of almost 90, he had revolutionised the world of classical music and paved the way for upcoming young musicians. It is a way which Montblanc wants to continue with the Donation Pen “Arturo Toscanini”. The many facets of his genius are reflected in the design of these exclusive writing instruments. The black precious resin and the platinum-plated mountings with their clear lines and harmonised proportions pay tribute to Toscanini’s perfectionism. The clip, shaped like the strings and string holder of a violoncello, which is enhanced by the maestro’s engraved signature on the cap ring, is reminiscent of his early career as an outstanding cellist. In the fountain pen, a fine engraving also adorns the hand-crafted, rhodium-plated 18 K gold nib.
The musical career of Arturo Toscanini, born in 1867, spanned seven decades. His repertory included 480 works for the concert hall and about one hundred operas. Toscanini celebrated his first triumph in 1886 on a tour of South America, when he had to step in for a performance of Aida right after the conductor had been fired. He only found a piano arrangement of the opera on his desk. Toscanini took the baton and conducted from memory – it was the beginning of an incomparable career. His high musical standards opened the doors to the leading opera houses in the world to him. In 1937, having reached the zenith of his fame, Toscanini turned to the new media of radio and record as chief conductor of an orchestra founded specifically for him in New York, captivating millions of people every week who were glued to their radios.
The musical career of Arturo Toscanini, born in 1867, spanned seven decades. His repertory included 480 works for the concert hall and about one hundred operas. Toscanini celebrated his first triumph in 1886 on a tour of South America, when he had to step in for a performance of Aida right after the conductor had been fired. He only found a piano arrangement of the opera on his desk. Toscanini took the baton and conducted from memory – it was the beginning of an incomparable career. His high musical standards opened the doors to the leading opera houses in the world to him. In 1937, having reached the zenith of his fame, Toscanini turned to the new media of radio and record as chief conductor of an orchestra founded specifically for him in New York, captivating millions of people every week who were glued to their radios.
- Ballpoint Pen
- Fountain Pen
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| The Toscanini Fountain Pen |
John Lennon
Created in honour of a great musical legend: the Donation Pen John Lennon, produced in black precious resin. In recollection of his countless singles and albums, the cap and barrel have been finely engraved to resemble the grooves of a record. The platinum-plated clip recalls the neck of a guitar, paying tribute to Lennon’s most important instrument. This writing instrument is fittingly completed with an engraved self-portrait of its namesake and the Montblanc emblem on the cap.
Songs full of powerful passion and creativity, compositions full of emotion and innovative spirit: John Lennon knew better than most musicians how to fascinate an audience. His inspiring, emotional lyrics spoke from his soul to millions, and with revolutionary hits like “Imagine” or “Give Peace a Chance” he made musical history – these works provided a voice for a whole generation, whose only desire was for peace and freedom.
Songs full of powerful passion and creativity, compositions full of emotion and innovative spirit: John Lennon knew better than most musicians how to fascinate an audience. His inspiring, emotional lyrics spoke from his soul to millions, and with revolutionary hits like “Imagine” or “Give Peace a Chance” he made musical history – these works provided a voice for a whole generation, whose only desire was for peace and freedom.
- Ballpoint Pen
- Rollerball Pen
- Fountain Pen
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| The John Lennon Fountain Pen |
Johannes Brahms
Montblanc honours this great musical genius with the Johannes Brahms Donation Pen, which is crafted from precious black resin. The clip, taking the form of a tuning fork, and the five lines of a music staff that embellish the cap, are evocative of the first notes and the expectative suspense immediately before the performance of an orchestra. The delicate engravings of a signature from Johannes Brahms on the cap ring and a dove on the 14 K gold nib complete this masterly edition – which is accompanied by a tuning fork as a special something extra. It was none other than Robert Schumann who recognised the brilliance of Brahms, twenty years old at the time. He personally paved the way for Brahms’ musical future by becoming his mentor.
Johannes Brahms completed his first symphony in 1876, which marked the beginning of a unique musical legacy. Brahms' powerful musical language, his compositional expression and his intense emotion, as well as his creative enthusiasm, made him the greatest musical virtuoso of the Romantic period – who was acclaimed throughout Europe as a brilliant composer, pianist and conductor.
Johannes Brahms completed his first symphony in 1876, which marked the beginning of a unique musical legacy. Brahms' powerful musical language, his compositional expression and his intense emotion, as well as his creative enthusiasm, made him the greatest musical virtuoso of the Romantic period – who was acclaimed throughout Europe as a brilliant composer, pianist and conductor.
- Ballpoint Pen
- Rollerball Pen
- Fountain Pen
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| The Brahms Fountain Pen |
Johan Strauss
The Montblanc Donation Pen Collection is honoring world-famous classical musicians of the past decades. With each purchase of a Montblanc Donation Pen, a specifically defined amount will be donated to carefully selected cultural projects related to classical music.
This year's edition pays tribute to the Austrian composer of Operettas and Viennese waltzes, also know as "The Waltz King": Johann Strauss (the son). The design of the writing instrument is based on the shape of the very first Donation Pen, Leonard Bernstein. The clip is inspired by a violin bow as reference to his passion - playing the violin. Strauss' signature as well as the Montblanc lettering are delicately engraved on the cap ring. The special gift box additionally contains a music box with an excerpt of his most famous waltz, "Donauwaltz".
This year's edition pays tribute to the Austrian composer of Operettas and Viennese waltzes, also know as "The Waltz King": Johann Strauss (the son). The design of the writing instrument is based on the shape of the very first Donation Pen, Leonard Bernstein. The clip is inspired by a violin bow as reference to his passion - playing the violin. Strauss' signature as well as the Montblanc lettering are delicately engraved on the cap ring. The special gift box additionally contains a music box with an excerpt of his most famous waltz, "Donauwaltz".
- Ballpoint Pen
- Rollerball Pen
- Fountain Pen
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| The Strauss Set of Pens |
George Gershwin
The 2019 edition pays tribute to George Gershwin, an American composer and pianist. The clip is in the shape of a clarinet—a tribute to the clarinet opening from Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue". The cap ring is decorated with the Brooklyn Bridge to symbolize the close relationship George Gershwin had with his place of birth. The cap and barrel are made out of black precious resin combined with platinum-coated fittings. The special gift box additionally contains three prints of the Brooklyn Bridge.
- Ballpoint Pen
- Rollerball Pen
- Fountain Pen
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.
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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.
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WEIGHT |
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No signs of use, New Old Stock, boxed and fully documented, not inked ever
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No discernable user markings, boxed, dipped or once ink filled
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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
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All parts original, some signs of use, surface scratching, brassing, light discolouration, fully functional
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Not all parts may be original, heavy sign of use, worn imprints, used look, may need repairs, dings/stratches, medium discolouration
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Not working, missing parts, cracks, strong discolouration, very visible dings
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Another devaluation scale may be considered for particular typologies of damage
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