Writing Instruments

The $66,000 Gold & Diamond Samurai Lighter Set from S.T. Dupont

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 9th 2011 at 4:01PM

S.T. Dupont, founded in Paris in 1872, is one of the few luxury firms that still makes exquisite accessories for that endangered species, the smoker. Their latest ultra-stylish offering is a limited edition lighter and fountain pen set designed in homage to the storied samurai, the military nobility of feudal Japan. The Samurai Prestige Lighter and Pen set, limited to just 20 pieces, is priced at about $66,000 and comes complete with a display stand and matching katana or samurai sword letter opener. The items are hand-crafted from a chiseled piece of solid rose gold set with hundreds of white diamonds and textured black leather and silk ribbon accents, and are made to resemble the katana and traditional samurai armour.

[via JustLuxe]

Gallery: S.T. Dupont Samurai Prestige Set

Tags: cigarette lighter, diamonds, Dupont lighters, dupont+lighter, dupont+samurai+lighter, dupontlighter, dupontsamurailighter, fountain pen, Japan, leather, lighter, lighters, mens style, Paris, S.T. Dupont, samurai, samurai sword, smoking, st+dupont, stdupont, sword, writing instrument

Limited Edition Beatles Pens Go On Sale

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Feb 7th 2011 at 4:01PM

Has the addition of the Beatles catalog to iTunes spawned a new Beatlemania? Accessories maker Acme Studio has inked a new deal with Apple Records and The Beatles. The brand has already created pens, mirrors, business card cases and more that capture the style of Frank Lloyd Wright, Karim Rashid, Keith Haring, Shepard Fairey and Sue Wong. The new line will include pens, watches, business card cases and eyeglass cases. The first designs will be released in May 2011 with year pens evocative of each year the band was together (1962-1970) and 13 limited edition pen and business card case sets for all of their UK album covers. The priciests set is a set of four pens for four Beatles, consisting of interchangeable rollerball, felt tip, fountain pen, and ballpoint pens. This item is limited to 600 produced and sells at UnicaHome for $450.

Tags: acme studio, Acme Studios, beatles, pensions, the beatles

Montegrappa Creates New Pen To Celebrate Bruce Lee

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Jan 12th 2011 at 11:01AM

With a new version of "The Green Hornet" about to hit theaters a lot of people are remembering Bruce Lee and his portrayal of Kato in the short-lived television series. Italian pen manufacturer Montegrappa has created a re-interpretation of one of the company's most coveted pens, "The Dragon" to honor the star on what would have been his 70th birthday.

Tags: fountain pen, fountain pen collecting, fountain pens, montegrappa, pens, roller ball pen, writing instrument, writing instruments

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Sylvester Stallone Inks A Deal With Montegrappa

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Dec 10th 2010 at 3:02AM

Sylvester Stallone has been chosen as the brand ambassador for luxury pen manufacturer Montegrappa and has acquired an interest in the brand. Additional terms of the partnership will be kept confidential but the company announced that Stallone will provide creative input regarding new styles of pens to be introduced during 2011. Montegrappa has been around for 99 years with its writing implements used by famed authors, heads of state, royalty and international leaders in politics, business, sports and entertainment. Montegrappa brand ambassadors also include Formula One racing driver, Jean Alesi, and author Paulo Coelho.

Stallone was first introduced to Montegrappa when he chose to ink a major contract with an ultra-rare version of the Montegrappa Gold Dragon Fountain Pen. He chose a solid gold version "artist's proof" of the pen which he eventually used to place his signature on the monumental contract. Giuseppe Aquila, CEO of Montegrappa, commented on the partnership, "I have had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Stallone on many occasions, including the 2009 Venice Film Festival, where Mr. Stallone was recognized for his filmmaking with the Glory To The Filmmaker Award. Sylvester is much more than a friend; he is an icon and an artist and now, an integral part of Montegrappa's distinguished history."

Tags: celebrity endorsement, celebrity endorsement deals, montegrappa, sylvester stallone

Birth Of A Montblanc: Making The World's Finest Pen & Why You Should Write With One

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) — Nov 16th 2010 at 11:02AM

Visiting Montblanc's headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, I experienced how the world's finest pen is brought to life, and learned a little something about culture. Let me make you an instant expert on fine writing instruments.

I never thought much about fine writing instruments. The life I tend to live is practical and versatile. Much like my fellow Americans I shed tradition for convenience and economy. The practice of writing words has been done with half dollar ballpoint pens and pencils purchased from a drugstore. My finest "writing instruments" were dutifully sourced from hotels and other easy giveaways. Perhaps this is why I tend to prefer the keyboard. A bit of that changed when I discovered that for just a bit more (and at the right store), I could get pens made in Japan that worked better. With them I wrote more, and seemed to enjoy drawing and taking notes in a new way. Good tools are always appreciated and help you be more productive, but are writing instruments are more than just that?

Is writing like language? Does the process we use to write change what we say and the culture around us? Some academics posit that "language is culture." Then, by that accord is the way we write language a function of that culture? People worry heavily that the popularity of instant messaging via computers and text messaging via phones leads to a distinct degradation in our writing and language. It is hard to argue with this if you have any experience with these communication mediums. So what about the opposite? If casual ways of writing harm formality, do more formal ways of writing increase one's level of sophistication, even temporarily?

Gallery: Montblanc Pen Manufacture images

Tags: factory, hamburg, how made, manufacture, montblanc, pen, pens, writing instrument

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Montblanc Now Offering Bespoke Pen Making Service

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) — Oct 31st 2010 at 10:02AM

A new service by traditional fine pen (among other goods) maker Montblanc will offer customers the experience and opportunity to order custom made pens suited to their particular writing style. Montblanc has always offered a number of pen nib sizes depending on a writer's preferences, but the new service will include a unique personalized writing evaluation to designed to identify how someone writes, what the best type of pen size is for them. It also involves the creation of a one-of-a-kind fountain pen nib made for you at the Montblanc pen manufacture in Hamburg, Germany.

I had the opportunity to experience the writing "exam" myself first-hand. The process is simple and informative. Montblanc sits you in front of a computer with a large digital writing tablet. You are given special paper sheets that are placed over the tablet and asked to write preselected text as you normally would. Your writing is digitized via software on the computer in real time, which tracks variables such as how hard you write, the angles you make with the pen, and when you lift a pen off the paper when writing. It is quite interesting to see an analysis of your own writing – the test feels a lot like a vision exam.

The computer makes a recommendation as to what type of Montblanc fountain pen nib is best suited for your penmanship style. A fountain pen nib is the tip of the pen that actually does the writing. At one time these tips were part of specially cut feathers, but have since been made out of metal. Montblanc is known for making the highest quality, most effective pen nibs around (and they look quite nice as well). Montblanc pen nibs are constructed from solid gold, with the ends of the tips being made from a complex metal alloy (that is actually more expensive than gold). This alloy is used because gold is a relatively soft metal, and Montblanc designs their pens to last decades, even with constant use.

Tags: bespoke, custom, instrument, montblanc, pens, writing

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Bentley's Expanded Collection on Display in Paris

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Sep 29th 2010 at 9:01AM

For many customers, a Bentley is as much about the badge on the hood as the engine beneath it. So it should come as little surprise that the company's range of branded merchandise has expanded over the years to become one of the most extensive and the most exquisite in the business.

Among those partnerships on which Bentley has embarked with merchandising partners are timepieces by Breitling, writing instruments by Tibaldi, sunglasses by Estede, skis by Zai, leather goods by Robert Ettinger of London and newly-announced scarves by Heritage Cashmere. The full collection will be on display at the Paris Auto Salon, beginning precious few days from now at the Port de Versailles, but you can see them for yourself in our extensive high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Bentley Collection

Tags: 2010 paris, 2010 paris auto salon, 2010 paris auto show, 2010 paris motor show, bentley, Breitling, Estede, Heritage Cashmere, paris, paris auto salon, paris auto show, paris motor show, Robert Ettinger of London, tibaldi, zai

Montblanc's Queen Elizabeth I Fountain Pens

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Jul 11th 2010 at 3:02PM

Montblanc's newest Patron of Art Edition celebrates the legendary Queen Elizabeth I. Queen Elizabeth I built up 16th century England into a world power and her legacy is celebrated with two fountain pens the "Limited Edition Patron of Art Elizabeth I" is limited to 4810 fountain pens and a finer edition is limited to 888 writing instruments.

Both pens are covered in lacquer modeled on the monarch's royal garments. The Tudor rose and the cross of the British Crown are also featured on the cap and the clip is topped with a synthetic green garnet cabochon. The words "Video et taceo" (I see and say nothing--one of Elizabeth's mottoes) are engraved on the cap ring.

The 4810 fountain pens have a body and cap of black precious resin with gold-plated inlay. The Elizabeth I Limited Edition 888 is a 750 solid gold fountain pen with a red lacquered barrel and cap. The 18K gold nib features a bejeweled gold crown in which Elizabeth I ascended the throne in 1559.

Tags: fountain, montblanc, Queen Elizabeth I, writing instrument, writing instruments

Montblanc's Personal Code Ink Prevents Fraud

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — Apr 12th 2010 at 3:01PM

Montblanc has long been an icon of luxury in the writing world and that tradition continues as they plan to release a new kind of cutting edge ink. Personal Code Ink contains a special botanical ingredient that gives it a unique DNA code of sorts that can be identified and linked to its specific owner. Each ink is unique and impossible to duplicate, being heralded as unique as a fingerprint and inspiring the slogan "Only one person will own this ink -- you." Each Personal Code Ink set comes in a wooden box finished with black lacquer and includes a felt-tipped Meisterstück Signature Pen, a rollerball Meisterstück Solitaire Barley, and ten ink cartridge refills for months and years of forgery-safe writing.

In the event of signature or other handwriting dispute Montblanc with use forensics to authenticate whether Personal Code Ink was used and if so by whom. Look for Personal Code Ink in Montblanc boutiques worldwide starting May 2010.

Tags: custom ink, ink, montblanc, pens, personal ink, signature, writing

Building Your Antique Pen Collection

by FK Foytek (RSS feed) — Apr 4th 2010 at 3:00PM

They say the pen is mightier than the sword but these days it is mostly the keyboard that stands in for the pen. Nevertheless antique pen collecting is growing in popularity. Many older examples are snapped up quickly but excellent selections are still available. Demonstrators (pens which were never sold to the public) and fountain pens from the early mass production period 1885-1915, (which have straight caps and taper caps) are still reasonably priced.

One avenue for pen collectors to try is to seek out lesser known names. Quality brands such as Wirt, Aikin Lambert, and John Holland have hardly been collected. Foreign brands, with the exception of Pelikan and Montblanc, have mostly been over looked. Begin building your collection by looking for quality construction, fine design, historical significance, and technical interest. It's an investment that will pay off financially and in personal enjoyment of your collection.

Most vintage pens and pencils are sold in as-is condition, so it is imperative, to closely inspect any potential pen purchase. Damage and defects seriously affect the value. A magnifier and a light are necessary equipment. Also, there is no standard grading system for vintage pens. Terms such as "good", "very good", and "excellent" can mean very different things to each seller. But as you gain experience you will see how each dealer grades and develop relationships with dealers whose grading you trust.

Tags: antique pens, fountain pen collecting, pen collecting, vintage pens

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EXCLUSIVE: Fine English Company Founder Benedict Wormald's Ten Essential Luxuries

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 10th 2010 at 9:01AM

Click above to see Benedict Wormald's 10 Essential Luxuries

The Fine English Company is a recently launched line of luxurious furniture, luggage and lifestyle accessories reminiscent of Britain's colonial past with a contemporary flair, founded by former financial consultant Benedict Wormald. The company was born out of a desire to trade in his City lifestyle in London and turn a lifelong passion for classic British design and antiquities into a business. The Fine English Company's products combine traditional craftsmanship with detailing of exotic animal skins, rare and native woods and veneers to create a range of collectible and desirable objects betokening the best of bespoke British luxury. "I am a great devotee of simplicity and pared down restraint in luxuries," Wormald tells Luxist, "simple items that are executed very well. Luxury to me is not necessarily about adornment or precious materials for vastly inflated prices. I demand a very tactile and aesthetic element from the things I deem to be 'above par'. There is a very definite trend for this that we are seeing in bespoke commissions where people are making much more considered purchases and investing in the construction and execution of the item and not just materials."

Wormald is very passionate about exquisitely made goods and those that are true to the term bespoke, which is increasingly taken in vain. "If you choose to go bespoke from an early age, the lifetime cost is more than borne out in comparison to a larger number of machine made and mass produced brand led products," he notes. "I only wish someone had told me that aged 18! I have Savile Row suits that are as good now at 15 years old as they were new and a good pair of bespoke shoes, a made-to-measure shirt and a bespoke suit will feel more comfortable than any other choice all day and every day - suits only irritate if they don't fit properly and a good suit and shoes will help your posture and the way you comport yourself." Wormald points out that "bespoke need not necessarily be expensive. The power is coming back to the customer to demand something different, something unique to treasure for generations." In the gallery are images of his essential luxuries; continued below you'll find his fulsome explanations about what makes them a must.

Gallery: Fine English Company Founder Benedict Wormald's 10 Luxuries

Tags: Aston Martin, Benedict Wormald, bespoke, Fine English Company, Holland Holland, JaegerLeCoultre, Kilgour, London, Savile Row, Turnbull Asser, UK, Vertu

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Dunhill Crushed Black Diamond and Meteorite Pen

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 3rd 2010 at 4:01PM

London luxury goods firm Dunhill has come out with a limited edition line of writing instruments made from meteorite and crushed black diamonds. The all-black Sentryman Meteorite Rollerball Pen for $1,100 features an innovative lacquer finish containing authentic crushed black diamonds and meteorite stone for a stunning effect. The clip and detailing is done in brass coated with a black PVD finish that matches perfectly with the lacquer and gives the piece a strong masculine appeal. The meteorite was sourced from the legendary fields of Campo del Ciel in the Gran Chaco Gualamba region of Argentina where interstellar stones were first discovered in 1576.

Tags: diamonds, Dunhill, London, meteorite, pen

S.T. Dupont Limited Edition Neptune Gift Set

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — Feb 20th 2010 at 4:02PM

Inspired by mythological Roman figure Neptune, God of water and of the sea, this set from S.T. Dupont pays tribute to ancient times with a contemporary design that beautifully represents waves, water, and serenity in deep blue Chinese placed lacquer. Great for a collector or lover of Roman mythology (or of course anyone who just likes to use stylish writing instruments), the set comes in a numbered limited edition of 888 and includes a Ligne 2 lighter plus three Olympio Large pens -- one each fountain, roller, and ballpoint. $1000

Via Bornrich

Tags: mythology, neptune, pen, pens, s.t. dupont, S.t.Dupont, st dupont, StDupont, water

Conway Stewart Valentines Limited Edition Pen

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — Feb 12th 2010 at 3:03PM

Conway Stewart has designed a pen just for Valentine's Day. The 'Valentines Limited Edition' is made of rich red resin and shining sterling silver with a large 18k gold nib. Carefully designed and balanced for smooth and effortless writing, the clean contemporary design is accented with small engravings of romantic Shakespearean love sonnets. The romance continues all through the packaging with a small book of sonnets, a calligraphic copy of the love Sonnets engraved on the pen, and a bottle of red ink all included in a pretty black satin-lined box. Limited to only 50 for $750.

Tags: conway stewart, ConwayStewart, pen, valentine, valentines day, ValentinesDay, writing, writing instrument, WritingInstrument

Tibaldi for Bentley Mulsanne Pen Series

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Feb 4th 2010 at 4:02PM

If you're going to write a check for a $285,000 luxury sedan like the new Bentley Mulsanne, you're not going to use any old disposable pen, now are you? Of course not. That's why, like their sister-company Bugatti, Bentley has teamed up once again with an Italian pen-maker to deliver the same Flying B feel in a smaller package.

Designed to accompany the new Mulsanne, the latest Tibaldi writing instrument is the product of a long collaboration between the two companies. The Mulsanne series includes roller-balls and fountain pens, crafted in sterling silver and 18-karat rose gold, with knurled metal grips and wood trim in any of Bentley's three veneers: dark stained vavona, burr oak or burr walnut. With a clip designed to emulate Bentley switchgear and an emblem styled after the car's starter button, the Mulsanne series will be built in limited quantities and available to an elite cadre of clientele...again, like a Bentley.

Gallery: Tibaldi for Bentley Mulsanne pen