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Montblanc Heritage Collection 1912 Limited Edition 2012

by Jim Mamoulides, November 24, 2012

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Montblanc Heritage Collection 1912 Limited Edition cap top detail

100 years celebration of finest craftsmanship

Montblanc has a long history, founded in 1908 in Hamburg, Germany as the Simplo Fillerpan Company by Claus-Johannes Voss, Christian Lausen and Wilhelm Dziamborline. The famous Montblanc white star was trademarked in 1913 and the first Meisterstück fountain pen was introduced in 1924. Montblanc has long been a leader in producing fine limited edition pens, especially those that commemorate the arts, and that commemorate earlier Montblanc pen designs. Its first Limited Edition Patron of Art pen, ”Lorenzo de Medici," was released in 1992 and based on a Montblanc fountain pen from the 1920s.

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The new Montblanc Heritage Collection 1912 Limited Edition

In October, 2012, Montblanc will release the Heritage Collection 1912 Limited Edition writing instrument, which commemorates 100 years of Montblanc writing instruments, incorporating features and elements from many of the company's significant models in a modern interpretation. Features include a retractable nib, similar to the function of early safety pens, where the nib retracted to refill the pen using an eyedropper, though this pen has a two-step screw mechanism which combines the nib movement with a piston-filling function.

It has three slip on clips, another element from an era when fountain pens did not have attached clips on the cap. Each clip reflects a design type from the early 20th century. There is an Art Deco Clip, a stylized Snake Clip, and a Triangle Clip, each rendered in different materials to reflect the period and style.

The pen also has modern touches, such as titanium construction, the floating mother-of-pearl Montblanc star similar to those seen on current models, and a new nib with a triangle-shaped heart hole, intended to give a softer writing feel. The edition will be limited to 333 pieces.

Following is the official press release from Montblanc:

Drawing on a rich history, the Montblanc Heritage Collection 1912 Limited Edition brings to life a visionary approach to writing culture. The Heritage Collection is a fitting tribute to 100 years of reliable craftsmanship and quality and a step into a new dimension in both design and technology. Capturing the pioneering spirit of the early 20th century, Montblanc has once again achieved the impossible.

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Illustration of how the new Montblanc Heritage Collection 1912 Limited Edition pen functions, similar to early safety pens

Because there is nothing more unique than a person’s handwriting, innovation continues to play a vital role in Montblanc’s approach to manufacturing the most sophisticated instruments, so that every writing style can be given true personality. Limited to just 333 pieces, the Montblanc Heritage Collection 1912 Limited Edition is a technological marvel created by the most experienced master craftsmen. With the ingenious two-step screw mechanism, Montblanc sets new standards in the craftsmanship of contemporary writing instruments by redefining the principles of manufacturing. Made from titanium, an astonishing and elaborate lustrous material, the Limited Edition is both delicate and powerful. A new nib with a triangle shaped heart hole has been specially designed for the Heritage Collection to ensure a soft style of writing.

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The new Montblanc Heritage Collection 1912 Limited Edition pen with the cap posted on the end of the barrel

Reminiscent of Montblanc’s early beginnings last century, the Montblanc Heritage Collection takes its inspiration from the original technological impact of the Simplo Safety Filler, a product of the Simplo Filler Pen Company, the venture that set the foundation of what was to one day become the ultimate synonym of Writing Culture – Montblanc, a trademark registered in 1910. Derived from the word “simple”, the Simplo Safety Filler pioneered a design that made it virtually leak-proof when closed, thus enabling the instrument to be carried safely in any position. With its filling mechanism it set itself apart from the desk-dip pens most common at the time.

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The three slip on clips for the new Montblanc Heritage Collection 1912 Limited Edition pen

In the world of Montblanc, aesthetics in design have just as an important role as does technological innovation. The Montblanc Heritage 1912 Limited Edition, smooth and modern, reveals a floating mother-of-pearl emblem in the cap top and three “slip on clips”, each honouring a design movement from that era. The “Art Deco Clip” in 925 Sterling Silver, honours the Art Deco movement in design and architecture, the “Snake Clip” in German Silver, characterizes the spirit of change that epitomized the era, while the “Triangle Clip” in 750 solid gold is a modern interpretation of the classic clip shape from the early 20th century.

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The new Montblanc Heritage Collection 1912 Limited Edition pen nib detail

The white tip on the cap was the forerunner of what would become the world famous white star emblem symbolizing the snow covered top of the mountain Mont Blanc that has forever since symbolized Montblanc’s commitment to highest quality and finest European craftsmanship. The Montblanc Heritage Collection 1912 Limited Edition is reminiscent of an era where everything was possible, and advancement was a formidable driving force.

Over a century on, Montblanc continues to move forward in its mission to deliver the finest writing instruments by delicately balancing new technologies, timeless design and uncompromising quality of craftsmanship.

The Montblanc Heritage Collection 1912 Limited Edition is planned for availability in Montblanc boutiques in October 2012. The retail price of the pen is set to be £8,500 or US $13,250.

 

Acknowledgement

All images used in this article are © Copyright 2012 Montblanc. Press release © Copyright 2012 Montblanc. Company history sourced from Montblanc.com.

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Comments on this article may be sent to the author, Jim Mamoulides

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