PBA Galleries Fine Pens Auction, July 19th * Modern & Vintage * 361 Lots

[PBA Penman]

Hi all,

Some of you may know me from my time as Bonhams Auctioneers head of Fine Writing Instruments. Now I'm Director of Fine Pens and Comics for PBA Galleries in San Francisco. Our debut Fine Pens sale takes place on Thursday, July 19th at 11am PST. Interested clients can register to bid online. Bids can be placed online, in person, by phone or by absentee. Please note that our buyer's premium is 20% (Bonhams was 25%), so make sure to factor that into your bid amounts. Our next sale is December 6th and we're accepting consignments now. For info please contact me: ivan@pbagalleries.com.

The July 19th auction features 361 lots, with many fine modern and vintage Montblancs, as well as Parkers, Montegrappas, OMAS, Namikis and more.

Here's a link to the online sale:

https://www.pbagalleries.com/view-auctions/catalog/id/454/?page=1

Cheers,

Ivan

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: No. 12 "Goliath" Black Hard Rubber Safety Fountain Pen, Silver Snake Clip, Rare, 1922-1928. Estimate: $6000-9000

A rare and wonderful Montblanc No. 12 "Goliath" safety pen, considered by many to be the single most desirable vintage Montblanc. Black hard rubber, original thin silver snake pocket clip, "Simplo" imprint on barrel, "Montblanc" imprint on cap with mountain emblem, endpiece marked "12 B", large white captop star. 154mm. Massive 14K gold circle-vent Simplo nib, good flex. Very fine to excellent condition, black hard rubber glossy and clean with just a few small rubs, barrel imprint about 70%, cap imprint about 80%, snake clip beautifully patinated, captop star bright and unblemished, nib lustrous, safety mechanism functions smoothly, light cap marks to section. A phenomenal pen, huge, bold and charismatic.

-Wallrafen, Stefan & Jens Rösler. Collectible Stars I: Montblanc 1908-1947. [Cologne: 2014], p. 51. Scarcity rating of 9 (on 12-point scale): "Ultra-rare, up to 75 exist". It is certain that only a handful exist in such fine condition. The snake clip was available only to buyers who opted for it; thus even fewer survive with the clip in place.

-Lambrou, Andreas. Fountain Pens of the World. [Epping: 2005]. See p. 257 for a less favorable example with shortened cap, Montblanc (rather than Simplo) nib, and no silver snake clip.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: Architect's Fountain Pen, in Original Case, Black Hard Rubber, Very Rare, c.1925. Estimate: $2000-3000

A rare and historically significant Montblanc architect's piston-filling fountain pen, black hard rubber with steel blades and brass wheel, in original airtight black hard rubber case with screw-cap, patented Jan. 8th, 1924. The pen bears the Montblanc star imprint and the legend: SIMPLO / ORIGINAL MONTBLANC / D.R.P 381782 383712 D.R.P. / PATD 1480303 U.S.A. 195394 BRIT. / FRANCE 563434 SPAIN 9767 ITALY / MADE IN GERMANY. The steel mount for the drawing blades is engraved with the Montblanc star. The case is in the form of a Montblanc pen with a Montblanc emblem on the barrel and white captop star. Pen measures 151mm, case measures 169mm. The case is in fine to very fine condition, imprint 85%, a few light scuffs, black hard rubber unevenly oxidized. The pen is very fine, with black hard rubber handle quite glossy and imprint very crisp, turning knob lightly oxidized, some rust specks to blades. An outstanding example of one of the rarest and most sought-after Montblanc artifacts.

The piston-filler design was created by Montblanc's mechanically inclined managing director, Ernst Rösler. As an engineer he was familiar with the difficulty of inking lines with a traditional ruling pen, which required the blades to be inked frequently and necessitated constant clean-ups. According to The Pennant magazine, "Herr Rösler turned his considerable engineering talents to applying the fountain or reservoir principles to a blade style ruling pen."

The pen draws ink through a hollow needle. Moving the piston causes ink to flow, filling the space between the two blades. The brass wheel adjusts the space between the blades determining the thickness of the lines. Unlike standard fountain pens, this instrument works with India ink, making it ideally suited for drafting.

While there were at least two other similar devices created by other inventors, Mr. Rösler's design improved upon them in several important ways. Most notably, the piston filling mechanism was entirely internal to the pen, with no threaded shaft extending above the barrel, as was the case with rival models. It is highly probable that Mr. Rösler's experiments with piston filling systems led to the development of Montblanc's first piston-filler fountain pen, released a decade later in 1934, adding another layer of interest to this remarkable instrument.

-Wallrafen, Stefan & Jens Rösler. Collectible Stars I: Montblanc 1908-1947. [Cologne: 2014], p. 135: "In 1924 Ernst Rösler... applied for a patent of the 'Architect's pen.' It actually was a drawing pen with an added piston filling system.... The product was not advertised, it was a pure contract manufacturing for special MONTBLANC customers.... Today the 'Architect's pen' is one of the most desirable MONTBLANC products of this period. The value is 4000 to 7000 € depending on model and condition."

-Gorstein, Fred & Michael Fultz. "Montblanc's Wonderful Architect's Pen." The Pennant, Vol. XIV, No. 3. Winter 2000, pp. 2-4. "The Montblanc Architect's or Fountain Ruling Pen is avidly sought by both fountain pen and drafting instrument collectors... The last reported sale at public auction... was at the Chicago Pen Auction in 1998. There a pen and companion case in generally excellent condition was sold for $2,400 plus buyer's premium, More recent private sales suggest that prices are rising."

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: No. 00 Rouge et Noir Baby "Long" Black Hard Rubber Safety Fountain Pen, c.1921. Estimate: $1000-1500

A rare and exceptional Montblanc No. 00 Baby "Long" safety fountain pen, black hard rubber, cap imprinted "ROUGE ET NOIR", red captop star. 82mm. 14K gold Warranted heart-vent nib, very slight flex. Excellent condition, barrel and cap glossy black, captop star bright red, imprint perfectly crisp, safety mechanism functions smoothly, no condition concerns. A splendid Baby Rouge et Noir, perhaps the finest surviving example.

-Wallrafen, Stefan & Jens Rösler. Collectible Stars I: Montblanc 1908-1947. [Cologne: 2014]. From p. 35: "The first brand of the young company [Montblanc]... was ROUGE ET NOIR.... After the war [WWI] ROUGE ET NOIR was still sold until 1923 but only in Italy. This is why there are ROUGE ET NOIR products with a red star that are identical to MONTBLANC products." No examples of this pen are pictured in the book. Regular Montblanc No. 00 Baby "Long" safety pens, without the ROUGE ET NOIR imprint or red captop star, are listed with a scarcity rating of 9 (on a 12-point scale), indicating "Ultra-rare, up to 75 may exist." No. 00 ROUGE ET NOIR examples are significantly more rare.

-Lambrou, Andreas. Fountain Pens of the World. [Epping: 2005]. From an account of the origins of the Montblanc brand name, p. 254: "As the company itself is unsure how the name Montblanc came about, it is pointless to speculate. Suffice it to say that, by 1911, all Simplo products with the white top [preceding the star emblem] had the name Montblanc while the pens with the red top kept the name Rouge et Noir."

Provenance: This example was previously sold at auction by Bonhams of Knightsbridge, 8th October 1999. Lot includes Bonhams auction invoice (duplicate) and original lot tag.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: No. 6 Compressor-Filler Fountain Pen, Black Hard Rubber, Rare, 1924-1926. Estimate: $700-1000

No. 6 black hard rubber compressor (pneumatic pump) filler, "Simplo" imprint on barrel, no cap imprint, white captop star, breather-hole at base of endpiece, endpiece marked "6 EF", retractable metal tube. 138mm. 14K gold No. 6 Montblanc heart-vent nib, slight flex. Fine condition, some rubs and light scuffs to barrel and cap but black hard rubber is not oxidized, barrel imprint quite rubbed but mostly legible.

Montblanc patented a rod-pump filling system in 1923, involving a retractable tube to be pulled out and pressed back in. The principle was applied to two filling systems: the pump-filler and the compressor-filler. Both offered advantages over prior filling systems but neither caught on with the public. The pump and compressor fillers were discontinued shortly after their debut, and these unusual pens are now highly prized by collectors.

-Wallrafen, Stefan & Jens Rösler. Collectible Stars I: Montblanc 1908-1947. [Cologne: 2014], p. 47. The No. 6 compressor-filler is mistakenly listed in the book as No. 5 (Director's Note: I contacted Jens Rösler who confirmed this: "You have found a mistake in the book. No. 5 is No. 6"). This pen has a scarcity rating of 10 (on a 12-point scale), indicating that up to 25 may exist, making it the rarest of the compressor-fillers listed in the book.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: No. 146 G Masterpiece Green Striated Celluloid Fountain Pen, c.1955. Estimate: $700-1000

No. 146 G green striated celluloid turning knob-filler, gold-filled clip, cap rings and trim, central band engraved "MASTERPIECE" (indicating that the pen was created for the UK and North American markets). 134mm. 14K gold two-tone 4810 Montblanc circle-vent nib, slight flex; low-profile "ski slope" feed allowing a lower writing angle and greater versatility. Immaculate condition, lightest rubs to clip. Just gorgeous. The green striated version is rarer than the grey striated, and more treasured by collectors.

-Wallrafen, Stefan & Jens Rösler. Collectible Stars II: Montblanc Writing Instruments from 1946 until 1979. [Cologne: 2001]. See pp. 20-21 for a similar pen in 144 size. The 146 is uncommon and highly-sought, and isn't listed in this book.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC WRITERS SERIES: Marcel Proust Limited Edition Fountain Pen, 1999. Estimate: $1000-1500

Tribute to the author of À la Recherche du Temps Perdu, a monumental work of 20th century literature. Engraved sterling silver hexagonal barrel, black resin cap, sterling silver trim. Medium 18K two-tone gold nib engraved with hour glass motif. Outer sleeve, outer box, display box, booklet. Limited Edition: 15,941/21,000. Excellent condition, not inked, silver incredibly bright.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC WRITERS SERIES: Ernest Hemingway Limited Edition Fountain Pen, 1992. Estimate: $1500-2500

Tribute to the Nobel laureate. The pen's design reflects the aesthetics of Hemingway's milieu. Brown and coral resin, gold-plated rings and clip. Outer box, display box, booklet, reply card, service card, original plastic sheathe (opened). Limited Edition: one of 30,000. Excellent condition, not inked.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC PATRON OF ART SERIES: Alexander the Great Limited Edition 4810 Fountain Pen, 1998. Estimate: $800-1200

Tribute to Alexander the Great. The pen's design incorporates decorative elements inspired by his life and milieu. Black marbled lacquer with golden veins, 18K gold-plated endpiece and cap, black enamel inlay. Medium 18K two-tone gold nib etched with ram's head motif. Outer sleeve, outer box, lacquered wood display box, booklet. Limited Edition: 1479/4810. Excellent condition, not inked.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC PATRON OF ART SERIES: Andrew Carnegie Limited Edition 4810 Fountain Pen, 2002. Estimate: $1400-1800

Tribute to Andrew Carnegie, American industrialist, tycoon and philanthropist, who invested heavily in education and funded 3000 public libraries. Black resin barrel and cap overlaid with sterling silver Art Nouveau-style filigree, winged nymph clip. Medium 18K two-tone gold nib engraved with Art Nouveau lily. Outer sleeve, outer box, lacquered wood display box, . Limited Edition: 4124/4810. Excellent condition, not inked.

[FredRydr]

Ivan,

Are the starting bids the reserve, or will the auctioneers be free to invite bids below the starting bids if no bids are offered at those amounts?

Fred

[markeh]

= is it possible to inspect the pens at your location on Sutter??
= As to function - not assumed to work??

thnx,

[PBA Penman]

Ivan,

Are the starting bids the reserve, or will the auctioneers be free to invite bids below the starting bids if no bids are offered at those amounts?

Fred

Hi Fred,

The starting bids are indeed the reserves. You are always bidding to buy, never bidding up to the reserve.

Cheers, Ivan

[PBA Penman]

= is it possible to inspect the pens at your location on Sutter??
= As to function - not assumed to work??

thnx,

Hi Markeh,

All modern pens can be assumed to work unless otherwise specified in the descriptions, but if you have specific condition concerns by all means email me and I will provide condition reports. We don't inspect vintage pens internally, so you should assume that any vintage pens may need standard servicing (new sacs, corks, etc.).

You can preview pens at our Sutter St. location the week of the sale. It's best to let me know ahead of time which pens you'd like to see so that I can prepare them for your arrival.

Cheers, Ivan

[PBA Penman]

Here's one I really love...

HENRY SIMPOLE: Tendril Sterling Silver Filigree Limited Edition Fountain Pen * PREMIERE EXAMPLE, c.2005. Estimate: $1000-1500

A large and impressive pen considered by some to be Mr. Simpole's finest design. The Tendril's wonderfully elaborate openwork filigree was inspired by a Japanese silver overlay pen that Mr. Simpole saw in a 1990s auction catalogue. The filigree is overlaid on a Conway Stewart body. 160mm. Broad 18K gold Conway Stewart nib. Outer box, lacquered wood display box lined in red velvet and cream satin, illustrated leaflet, signed limitation certificate. Limited Edition: No. 1 of only 6 examples made. Excellent condition, not inked.

Henry Simpole is the consummate penmaker's penmaker, and his overlay pens are some of the very best limited edition writing instruments of the modern era. Each of his designs is hand-crafted in small numbers to the most exacting standards. They perfectly blend the superior aesthetics of the eyedropper era with the superior filling technology of the present day. Mr. Simpole's pens are difficult to find on the retail market and they are almost impossible to obtain on the secondary market. Mr. Simpole has taken an indefinite hiatus from penmaking, and now that his production has ceased, the already small supply of his pens has evaporated entirely. The few lots offered in this sale represent a rare opportunity for collectors to obtain examples of Mr. Simpole's legendary handiwork.

[PBA Penman]

PARKER 51: Hand-Painted Cold Enamel Overlay Fountain Pen by Sergio Kullock, c.1980s. Estimate: $1000-1500

Parker 51 Aerometric filler, gold-filled arrow clip, iridescent green captop jewel, c.1960s, with custom hand-painted cold enamel overlay by master Argentinian penmaker Sergio Kullock, c.1980s. 138mm. Hooded nib, appears medium left oblique. Excellent condition, unblemished surface, nib seems scratchy.

A marvelous custom "fantasy" Parker pen evidencing superior craftsmanship, depicting two discreetly-posed unclad ladies frolicking in an idyllic setting reminiscent of the French Riviera. The painted overlay is quite unlike Mr. Kullock's usual gold, silver and resin overlay work, and as no hand-painted artisan 51's were officially produced by the Parker Pen Co., this outstanding custom job will certainly more than do to fill that particular vacancy. It is likely that this was the only example made.

[PBA Penman]

PARKER 51: 14K Gold Buckskin Beige Blue Diamond Double Jewel Vacumatic Fountain Pen with Matching Propelling Pencil, Original Box, 1945. Estimate: $2000-2500

An uncommon Parker 51 pen and pencil set in "Buckskin Beige" with "Heritage" style 14K polished solid gold caps. Fountain pen is a Vacumatic filler with iridescent green jewels set in captop and blind endpiece, pocket clip has a painted blue diamond, cap rim imprinted "14K GOLD / MADE IN USA", date code beneath clutch ring indicates 1945 manufacture. Pen measures 136mm, pencil measures 132mm. Hooded nib, appears medium. Both instruments are in very fine condition with very light handling wear and are in the original flip-top display box.

Leaving aside pre-production models and variants not listed in original Parker literature, Buckskin Beige, along with Yellowstone (aka "Mustard") and Nassau Green, is one of the least common and most highly-sought color variants for P51's.

-Lambrou, Andreas. Fountain Pens of the World. [Epping: 2005]. See pp. 92-93 for other P51 colors and cap styles.

[PBA Penman]

PARKER 51: 14K Gold "Empire State" Blue Diamond Double Jewel Vacumatic Fountain Pen with Matching Propelling Pencil, 1945. Estimate: $3000-5000

An immaculate and rare Parker 51 pen and pencil set, black resin with 14K gold "Empire" (or "Icicle") caps. Fountain pen is a Vacumatic filler with iridescent green jewels set in captop and blind endpiece, pocket clip has a painted blue diamond, cap rim imprinted "14K GOLD / MADE IN USA", date code beneath clutch ring indicates 1945 manufacture. Pen measures 136mm, pencil measures 132mm. Hooded nib, appears medium. Both instruments are in excellent condition, essentially mint; the pencil's barrel shows the lightest possible signs of careful handling consistent with age. A breathtaking set of the most desirable and iconic postwar Parkers.

-Lambrou, Andreas. Fountain Pens of the World. [Epping: 2005], pp. 92-93.

[PBA Penman]

SHEAFFER: Model 5000 Lifetime 14K Gold Cap Fountain Pen and Propelling Pencil Set, Original Box, c.1937. Estimate: $200-300

Lifetime Crest 5000 plunger-filler fountain pen and twist-action propelling pencil, black resin, hallmarked 14K gold caps, alternating pinstripe and plain panels, "White Dot" caps. 14K gold "Lifetime" nib, fine or medium. Both are engraved: "Lehigh Structural / Steel Company / To / George W. Welty / 25 Years of Service", caps engraved "GWW". Mr. Welty was a supervisor at the company who retired after 50 years. The instruments and original display box are in excellent condition, and were clearly treasured greatly by Mr. Welty (or forgotten about in a sock drawer). Mr. Welty worked for the company for 25 more years, retiring after his 50th anniversary. Wonder what his gift was then?

[PBA Penman]

CONWAY STEWART: Lot of 28 Dinkie Fountain Pens and 1 Propelling Pencil, 1920s-1950s. Estimate: $300-500

Lot of 28 Dinkie reduced-size fountain pens and one propelling pencil, celluloid and resin, gold-plated trim. Lever-fillers. Two in original boxes. ​Some with light wear and discoloration from age, some brassing to gold-plated clips and trim, some with stickers or sticker residue; generally fine condition, pens not tested internally.

[PBA Penman]

[MISC. VINTAGE]: Lot of 40 Celluloid Fountain Pens, c.1930s-1940s. Estimate: $300-500

Lot of 40 celluloid fountain pens, various makers, including 14 Conway Stewart pens (one being a No. 85L red herringbone lever-filler, very fine condition but with sticker residue), and 8 Parker pens. Other makers include Kingswood, Burnham, etc. Some nice pens here; great clean-up project for an ardent penman. ​Varying condition from good to very fine, most with some brassing to gold-plated clips and trim, many with stickers or sticker residue; pens not tested internally.

[PBA Penman]

[JAPANESE]: Rare Ban-Ei Maki-e Fountain Pen, Oversized, Falcon Motif, c.1950s-1960s. Estimate: $1500-2500

A rare and interesting hand-made fountain pen decorated in raised takamaki-e with a falcon on a tree bough, alert and poised to strike. The pen is unsigned but almost certainly from the celebrated Ban-Ei workshop, as it bears the same body style and "Steady" nib with correct feed that one associates with the workshop, and the high level of workmanship is consistent with Ban-Ei in the 1950s and 1960s. However, while one typically sees Ban-Ei pens of this era in plain black or vermillion lacquer, or with kamakura bori ornamentation, very few maki-e examples exist.

The pen is oversized (133mm long, 16mm diameter), with 14K rolled gold clip, cap band and captop and endpiece ornaments. Piston-filler. No. 4 14K gold Steady heart-vent nib, slight flex. Excellent condition, not tested internally. A remarkable pen.

[PBA Penman]

SUO PEN CO.: Rare Emperor Shōwa Hirohito Aluminum Coronation Fountain Pen, 1928. Estimate: $2000-3000

A rare and historically significant aluminum plunger-filler fountain pen, made by the Suo Pen Company of Kyoto, decorated with a low-relief Phoenix rising above leafy chrysanthemums and bearing the Japanese inscription "Go Taiten Kinen" (御大典記念). The literal translation is "Memento of the Great Ceremony", although in Japanese this phrase refers specifically to the enthronement ceremony of the Japanese emperor. The pen was created in observation of the 1928 coronation of Emperor Shōwa, known outside of Japan as Emperor Hirohito. 133mm. 14K gold "Warranted Suo" heart-vent nib, slight flex, fine or extra-fine. Excellent condition; a few specks of discoloration, no dings, hard rubber endpiece and section glossy and black, plunger mechanism functions smoothly.

The choice of aluminum for a fine commemorative fountain pen, rather than gold or silver, may seem perplexing to modern observers, but the significance would not have been lost upon Japanese citizens of the time. While we think of aluminum as a cheap, disposable metal, in 1928 aluminum was considered a precious commodity, emblematic of modernity and progress: it was lightweight, easy to melt and mold, and it didn't corrode. Although aluminum was first discovered in 1808, it wasn't until 1889 that the Bayre Chemical Company developed an economical process for extracting aluminum from bauxite. Even so, production was meager until the mid-1920s, when abundant bauxite deposits were discovered in South America. In 1928, aluminum was literally more valuable than gold, and it was considered superior to silver since it would not tarnish. It was thus considered an ideal metal to observe Hirohito's coronation, an event of great importance to the Japanese nation.

The Suo Pen Company was located in Kyoto, where the coronation ceremonies took place, and so it was natural for them produce a pen for the occasion. One may assume that aluminum was chosen for the overlay to signify a new and modern Japan. The overlay depicts a Japanese Phoenix, which represents a new beginning, as well as several chrysanthemums, a flower symbolic of the Japanese royal family.

Like many of the best pens, this one has a charismatic quality that doesn't convey fully in words and photos. The aluminum body has a soft, powdery, tactile voluptuousness quite unlike any other pen. It balances perfectly in the hand, particularly with cap posted on barrel. The wand-like profile and decorative motifs contribute to a rather mystical sensibility worthy of the pen's regal origins, and its rarity is extreme (it may indeed be the sole surviving example).

Special thanks to Kamakura Pens, who provided much of the background information about this pen and its milieu.

[PBA Penman]

PILOT-NAMIKI: Rare Red Lacquer Maki-e and Raden Vest Fountain Pen by Shogo, Japanese Fan Motif, A-Grade, c.1930. Estimate: $30,000-40,000

A rare and exceptional A-grade Namiki vest-firm lever-filler pen, elaborately ornamented in raised gold dust takamaki-e and abundant raden (mother-of-pearl) on red urushi ground, with maki-e decoration extending to the feed, a luxurious detail reserved for Namiki's most exalted examples. 14K rolled gold captop device, ringtop and band, classic "lifebuoy" lever, endpiece imprinted "Made in Japan". 101mm. 14K gold No. 2 heart-vent Pilot nib, engraved "Made in Japan". Signed by Shogo Iijima (1894-?), pupil of Shorin Ueda and perhaps Namiki's most acclaimed artist.

Red lacquer Namikis are significantly rarer that black ones and are highly prized by collectors. Murakami observes that "the quantity of vermilion pens was about one-twentieth of the black lacquered ones. A vermilion lacquered pen... is, therefore, a very rare item." Murakami, Dunhill-Namiki and Lacquer Pens. [Sakura City: 2000], p. 26.

This instrument is without question one of the finest red lacquer pens ever created by Namiki. The cap and barrel are decorated with skillfully-rendered Japanese fans; one fan is ornamented with an image of Mount Fuji, the most elemental and profound emblem of Japan, and another bears a wonderfully detailed image of a riverside pavilion. An abundance of mother-of-pearl, including leaf and flower-shaped fragments, gives the pen a brilliant radiance. Shogo is generally considered Namiki's premiere artisan, and this elegant masterwork must be ranked among his highest achievements. Excellent condition, fine handling marks to golden captop device.

[PBA Penman]

MONTEGRAPPA: Eternal Bird 18K Gold Limited Edition Fountain Pen * PREMIERE EXAMPLE, 2005. Estimate: $7000-10,000

The premiere example of Montegrappa's 18K gold overlay Eternal Bird fountain pen. Created in 2005 as a companion piece to the 1995 Dragon pen, Montegrappa's Eternal Bird is a tribute to Feng Huang (the phoenix), the immortal bird of legend which rises, reborn, from its own ashes. It features a hand-finished solid 18K yellow gold overlay of impressive heft, a marbled red celluloid body and ruby eyes. The medium 18K gold nib is engraved with a phoenix in flight. Outer box, lacquered wood display box, chamois, booklet (numbered "0"), usage guide. Excellent condition, not inked.

Except for the rare PdA ("Prova d'Autore") artist's proofs that Montegrappa created for some of their most exclusive designs, the No. 0 limitations are the company's most desirable iterations, and were only offered to Montegrappa's most esteemed clients. The are almost impossible to obtain. Limited Edition: No. 0, preceding the regular limited edition of 100 examples.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: James Watt 18K Gold Skeleton Limited Edition 35 Fountain Pen, 2014. Estimate: $30,000-35,000

Montblanc's tribute to Scotsman James Watt, whose engineering innovations powered the Industrial Revolution. The skeletonized 18K gold barrel and cap, with oversized flywheel motif, reflect the "parallel motion" linkage system of Watt's revolutionary steam engine. The clip recalls Watt's double-weighted centrifugal governor. The joints of the supports connecting the 18K gold flywheels are decorated with diamonds, and a domed mother-of-pearl Montblanc star surmounts the cap. The skeletonized body of the pen affords a glimpse of the 18K gold piston-filling mechanism within. Two versions of this pen were released: a limited edition of 83 and this deluxe limited edition of 35.

Medium 18K gold nib engraved with a draft horse, symbol of horsepower. Illustrated outer box, lacquered wood display box, hardbound folder with booklet, certificate and service guide. Limited Edition: 14/35. Excellent condition, not inked.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: Wassily Kandinsky "Masters of Abstract Art" 18K Gold Skeleton Cap Limited Edition Fountain Pen, 2016. Estimate: $20,000-30,000

One of the great pioneers of 20th century art, Wassily Kandinsky ushered painting into a new era of freedom from concrete representationalism. His abstractions are typified by geometric elements and explosive floods of color, qualities embodied in this instrument's design. The color shading on the deep blue barrel suggests the short brush strokes of Kandinsky's early style; the 18K gold skeleton cap is modeled from the three basic geometric shapes, and enlivened with colors characteristic of Kandinsky's Bauhaus aesthetic; the mother-of-pearl Montblanc star under a rounded glass captop dome suggests the onion domes of his native Moscow. Medium 18K gold nib engraved with Kandinsky's signature initial "K". Outer box, illustrated inner box, lacquered wood display box, booklet. Limited Edition: 44/77. Excellent condition, not inked.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: Salvador Dali 18K Gold Skeleton Limited Edition Fountain Pen, 2004. Estimate: $10,000-15,000

Tribute to the famed Surrealist painter, with an 18K yellow and white gold skeleton cap featuring Dali's name and a solid 18K yellow gold barrel. The cap is studded with diamonds, and a luminous mother-of-pearl captop star completes the design. Medium 18K two-tone gold nib etched with Dali's portrait. Outer box, inner box, lacquered wood display box, booklet. Limited Edition: 041/100. Excellent condition, not inked.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: Cristobal Colon (Christopher Columbus) 18K Gold Toledo Limited Edition Fountain Pen, 2008. Estimate: $10,000-15,000

One of Montblanc's most impressive limited editions, this Toledo-style pen was released predominantly to the European market in 2008, and very few examples were made available to collectors in the U.S. and other markets. The pen's solid 18K yellow gold overlay is hand-engraved with motifs relating to Columbus's historic voyage of discovery. Medium 18K gold nib etched with a portrait of Columbus. Outer box, inner box, lacquered wood display box, booklet. Limited Edition: 15/92. Excellent condition, not inked. Pen and metal plate on lacquered wood display box both marked "15/92", label on outer white box marked "92/92", booklet is duly stamped and marked on facing pages with both numbers: "15/92" and "92/92".

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: Airbus A380 18K White Gold Skeleton Fountain Pen, c.2010. Estimate: $6500-8500

Montblanc pays tribute to the world's largest airliner, the Airbus A380, which set a new standard in air travel when it was introduced in 2005. Features an 18K white gold overlay with 42 diamonds encircling the captop, cap ring and cone. The double-decker design of the plane is reflected in the twin rows of portholes in the barrel, through which dark blue resin can be seen. The captop star is white gold set in black lacquer, a striking design touch shared by no other Montblanc artisan editions. Medium 18K platinum-plated gold nib. Outer box, inner box, lacquered wood display box, booklet. Limited Edition: 91/380. Mint condition, not inked.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: Charlie Chaplin 18K White Gold Limited Edition Skeleton Fountain Pen, 2007. Estimate: $20,000-25,000

Tribute to Charlie Chaplin, a key figure of early 20th century cinema. The pen's elaborate design, with many visual allusions to Chaplin's iconography, has made it one of Montblanc's most celebrated creations. The skeleton overlay's 18K white gold cog-wheels are inspired by the machines featured in his signature film, Modern Times, and various details suggest aspects of Chaplin's persona: the barrel and cone recall his baggy trousers, the captop is based upon his bowler hat, the clip resembles his cane. The cog-wheels are set with diamonds and the captop star is mother-of-pearl. Medium 18K rhodium-plated gold nib, large 149 size, etched with Chaplin's accoutrements. Outer box, lacquered wood display box, booklet. Limited Edition: 65/88. Excellent condition, not inked.

[PBA Penman]

Two sealed Montblanc Artisan Editions...

MONTBLANC: Leonardo da Vinci 18K Gold Limited Edition Skeleton Fountain Pen * SEALED, 2013. Estimate: 14,000-18,000

This pen, featuring one of Montblanc's most inventive designs, honors Leonardo da Vinci. Solid 18K rose gold with ruthenium-plated fittings, clip with diamond-studded rotating gear, captop features hidden view of a mirror reflecting concealed Montblanc star emblem. This pen had low distribution outside of Europe and is seldom found on the secondary market. Medium 18K gold nib engraved with bat wing motif inspired by Leonardo's sketches. Outer box, inner box, inlaid wood display box, booklet. Limited Edition: 45/74. Excellent condition, untouched, box still sealed in the original shrinkwrap.


MONTBLANC: Genghis Khan 18K Gold Limited Edition 88 Fountain Pen * SEALED, c.2013. Estimate: $14,000-18,000

Genghis Khan, the legendary Mongolian warlord, unified the rival nomadic tribes of central Asia and established the largest contiguous empire in history. This pen pays tribute to the warlord with numerous details: the clip suggests the recurve bows used by Khan's warriors; the cap is inspired by their helmets; the scales suggest their armor; the 18K gold fittings recall their ornate weapons; the olive wood endpiece reflects their wooden arrowheads. Medium 18K gold nib engraved with an eagle, symbol of Genghis Khan's army. Outer box, inner box, wood display box, booklet. Limited Edition: 45/88. Excellent condition, untouched, box still sealed in the original shrinkwrap.

[PBA Penman]

Hi all,

A friendly reminder: It's easy to register to bid with PBA. All registrants for the July 19th sale will automatically be sent catalogues for the next sale (December 6th). Here's a link to the online catalogue:

https://www.pbagalleries.com/view-auctions/catalog/id/454/?page=1

If you have pens to consign for the December 6th auction, please contact: ivan@pbagalleries.com

[PBA Penman]

MONTEGRAPPA: Bruce Lee Dragon Sterling Silver Limited Edition Fountain Pen, 2010. Estimate: $2000-3000

Montegrappa honors one of the greatest icons of the 20th century with this Bruce Lee fountain pen, created in 2010 in honor of the martial arts legend's 70th birthday. The design was adapted from Montegrappa's original Dragon design, the company's most successful pen, and has itself achieved iconic status in the pen world. Cinnamon-veined red celluloid, heavy sterling silver dragon overlay, ruby eyes, Yin-Yang captop device. Medium 18K two-tone gold nib engraved with silhouette of Bruce Lee. Outer box, inner box, black lacquered wood display box, velvet drawstring bag, brocaded red silk pen sleeve, booklet, certificate. Limited Edition: 132/888. Excellent condition, not inked.

[PBA Penman]

Or for something really rare...

MONTEGRAPPA: Bruce Lee Dragon Sterling Silver "Bamboo" [Black Celluloid] Limited Edition Rollerball Pen * ONE OF TWO MADE, 2010. Estimate: $3000-5000

Montegrappa created its Bruce Lee Dragon pen in 2010 in honor of the martial arts legend's 70th birthday. The original design, in red celluloid overlaid with sterling silver, was adapted from Montegrappa's highly successful Dragon design, and quickly achieved iconic status in the pen world. This special "Bamboo" version was produced in an ultra-limited edition of two fountain pens and two rollerballs. These rare variants were never available through regular retail channels and were sold privately by Montegrappa to their most exclusive clientele. They are among the rarest limited editions ever made. This is the first time that one of these variants has been offered publicly.

Black celluloid with silver-grey veins, sterling silver dragon overlay, sapphire eyes, sapphires set into captop Yin-Yang emblem. Outer box, inner box, black lacquered wood display box lined with brocaded red silk, velvet drawstring bag, brocaded red silk pen sleeve, booklet, certificate (numbered "0"). Limited Edition: One of two rollerball examples made; this one is numbered "0". Excellent condition, not inked.

[PBA Penman]

MONTEGRAPPA: Cosmos Enigma 18K Gold Limited Edition Fountain Pen, 2002. Estimate: $1500-2000

An interesting pen featuring motifs reflecting philosophical questions about man's place in creation. Solid 18K gold with enamel & iridescent resin. 18K two-tone gold nib. Outer box, inner box, cylindrical wood and acetate display box, folder with booklet, service guide, guarantee card. Limited Edition: 069/100. Excellent condition, not inked.

[PBA Penman]

MONTEGRAPPA: Aphrodite 18K Gold Limited Edition Fountain Pen, 1997. Estimate: $3500-4500

Tribute to the Greek goddess of love, beauty and pleasure, with a sculptural and elaborate 18K solid rose gold overlay depicting Aphrodite and Adonis, mother-of-pearl panels, two pearls, and black ebonite body. One of Montegrappa's earliest and most emblematic limited editions. Medium 18k two-tone gold nib. Outer box, clamshell display box, booklet, certificate. Limited Edition: 57/188. Very fine condition, ebonite toned to chocolate brown, not inked.

[PBA Penman]

Looking for a thinking man's pen? This one's a no-brainer:

MONTEGRAPPA: Brain Sterling Silver Limited Edition Fountain Pen, 2012. Estimate: $2500-3500

Undoubtedly one of the most interesting pen designs of the modern limited era, this instrument was created by Montegrappa in collaboration with Dr. Richard Restak, a foremost expert in the field of neurology. The result is a tribute to the human brain, that most enigmatic of organs, with an emphasis on the curious connection between man's psychic and physical natures. Fine 18K gold nib engraved with a seahorse, an allusion to the hippocampus, a major component in the brains of vertebrates. Outer sleeve, outer box, wood display box, pen holder, hardcover book, booklet, certificate. Limited Edition: 449/1012. Excellent condition, has been inked.

[PBA Penman]

Or perhaps something more subdued?

MONTEGRAPPA: Chaos Sterling Silver Limited Edition Fountain Pen, 2011. Estimate: $3500-4500

A collaboration between Sylvester Stallone and Montegrappa, the Chaos pen features an elaborate hand-finished sterling silver overlay seething with a phantasmagoria of emblems of disorder, with a skull, a sword, a fist, and reptilian forms embodying the concept of chaos. The overlay is detailed with yellow enamel representing fire set against a pearlescent black celluloid body; the overall effect is rather striking. Medium 18K gold nib. Outer box, wood display box, leather pen sleeve, folder with booklet, service guide. Limited Edition: 200/1000. Excellent condition, not inked.

[PBA Penman]

Silver:

MONTEGRAPPA: White Nights Sterling Silver Limited Edition Fountain Pen, 2003. Estimate: $2000-3000

Inspired by the natural atmospheric phenomenon that causes summer nights in St. Petersburg to glow with brilliant celestial light. White, red & blue enamel inlaid with sterling silver. Medium 18K two-tone gold nib engraved with coat-of-arms motif. Outer box, pearlescent resin display box inset with metal coat-of-arms, chamois, white leather pen sleeve, booklet, usage guide. Limited Edition: 1031/1305. Excellent condition, not inked.

[PBA Penman]

And gold:

MONTEGRAPPA: White Nights 18K Gold Limited Edition Fountain Pen * PREMIERE EXAMPLE, 2003. Estimate: $5500-7500

Inspired by the natural atmospheric phenomenon that causes summer nights in St. Petersburg to glow with brilliant celestial light. White, red & blue enamel inlaid with solid 18K yellow gold. Fine 18K two-tone gold nib engraved with coat-of-arms motif. Outer box, pearlescent resin display box inset with metal coat-of-arms, white leather pen sleeve, booklet (numbered "0/42"), usage guide. Excellent condition, not inked.

Except for the rare PdA ("Prova d'Autore") artist's proofs that Montegrappa created for some of their most exclusive designs, the No. 0 limitations are the company's most desirable iterations, and were only offered to Montegrappa's most esteemed VIP clients. The are almost impossible to obtain. Limited Edition: No. 0, preceding the regular limited edition of 42 examples.

[PBA Penman]

Here's a fun lot to dream about over the weekend...

[MISC. VINTAGE]: Lot of Approx. 250 Fountain Pens, 1920s-1990s. Estimate: $400-600

Lot of approx. 250 instruments, mostly fountain pens. Black hard rubber, plastic and other materials. Various makers including Parker, Waterman, two Montblancs (one being a Meisterstück No. 134 in poor condition), Conway Stewart, Wahl-Eversharp, Sheaffer, Dunhill, others. Fun lot, a wonderful opportunity for treasure hunters and conservators. Varying condition, many black hard rubber pens oxidized, brassing and corrosion to many gold-plated components, most pens with stickers or sticker residue, some pens broken, none of the pens tested internally, lot offered as-is.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: Masters for Meisterstuck L'Aubrac Precious Wood Fountain Pen with Folding Knife *SEALED, 2012. Estimate: $1800-2400

Handcrafted from precious grenadille wood reflecting the veteran manufacturing techniques of the Forge de Laguiole. Platinum-plated clip, sterling silver fittings, mother-of-pearl captop star. This pen was purchased from the Montblanc Boutique in Dubai, which is one of the premium Montblanc outlets, and it is accompanied by a specially-produced grenadille-handled folding Laguiole knife. This is an exclusive extra only available to a small number of Montblanc clients. Medium 18K gold nib engraved with 4810 emblem. Outer box, inner box, wood display box, booklet, Laguiole folding knife in box with leaflet. Excellent condition, pen still sealed in original plastic sheathe.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: Meisterstück 149 President Barack Obama Inaugural "Yes We Can" Fountain Pen: One of 100 Made, 2009. Estimate: 1000-1500

Black resin Meisterstück, 18K gold-plated trim, large 149 size. Gilt-engraved with President Obama's campaign slogan "Yes, We Can 1/20/2009" in Mr. Obama's own cursive. Broad 18K two-tone gold nib, Diplomat size. Outer box, Meisterstück 149 display box, service booklet, original Montblanc certificate and receipt. No ink bottle. Limited Edition: one of 100 made (Serial No. MS1534713). The pen's unique serial number, engraved on the clip ring, matches the number stated on the certificate, which is printed on watermarked Montblanc letterhead. The receipt indicates that the pen was sold at the Montblanc Boutique at Copley Place, Boston on November 5, 2009. Excellent condition, unused.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: John Lennon White Lacquer Limited Edition 1940 Fountain Pen, 2010. Estimate: $2000-3000

Tribute to the legendary Beatle, one of the key figures in 20th century popular music. Translucent white lacquer barrel and cap, sterling silver inlay patterned after the "Imagine" mosaic in New York's Central Park, guitar-inspired clip with inset blue tanzanite, cap ring engraved with Lennon's self-portrait. Medium 18K rhodium-plated gold nib engraved with peace symbol. Outer sleeve, outer box, flip-top display box, booklet. Limited Edition: 863/1940. Excellent condition, not inked.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: Rouge et Noir Limited Edition Anniversary Safety Fountain Pen, One of 100, 2006. Estimate: $4000-6000

Montblanc pays tribute to its origins with this replica of the classic safety pen that launched the company in 1906. Vulcanized hard rubber body, red captop device, eye-dropper safety filling system. 18K gold retractable nib with heart-shaped ink reservoir. Outer sleeve, outer box, red cloth-over-boards fliptop presentation box, facsimile carrying box in the style of the original packaging, traveling inkwell, booklet, service guide. Limited Edition: 14/100. Excellent condition, not inked.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: Princesse Grace de Monaco Special Edition Fountain Pen, c.2012. Estimate: $600-900

Tribute to Grace Kelly, the Academy Award-winning American actress who became Princess of Monaco. Royal purple resin cap and barrel, champagne gold-plated endpiece, clip and fittings, mother-of-pearl endpiece cabochon, petal-cut pink topaz set in clip. Medium 18K gold nib. Outer sleeve, outer box, display box, booklet. Excellent condition, not inked.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: Marlene Dietrich Commemorative 1901 Limited Edition Fountain Pen, 2007. Estimate: $1500-2000

Tribute to acclaimed actress, whose humanitarian efforts during WWII earned her both the French Legion of Honour and US Medal of Freedom. The pen's oval profile recalls Dietrich's silhouette, and the sapphire-set pocket clip resembles the ties she wore to scandalous effect. Herringbone-patterned sterling silver, mother-of-pearl accents to top and bottom, 22 diamonds set in cap. Medium 18K gold rhodium-plated nib, heart-shaped vent aperture. Outer box, leather display box, booklet. Limited Edition: 794/1901. Excellent condition, not inked, some patina to silver.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: Greta Garbo 1905 Commemorative Limited Edition Fountain Pen, 2005. Estimate: $1500-2500

Homage to the Swedish-born American actress. Black resin cap and barrel with sterling silver inlays and trim, mother-of-pearl captop star, clip and ring set with 16 diamonds and an Akoya pearl. Medium 18K gold nib. Outer sleeve, outer box, display box, booklet. Limited Edition: 1715/1905. Excellent condition, not inked.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: Albert Einstein Sterling Silver Limited Edition Fountain Pen, 2012. Estimate: $3000-5000

One of Montblanc's most successful and innovative modern designs. Platinum-plated barrel, dark blue lacquer cap with a grid of inlaid platinum-plated lines into which the ball-ended clip dips, suggesting the curvature of space-time. Medium 18K gold nib engraved with designs inspired by Einstein's theories. Outer box, lacquered wood box, booklet, small hardcover book. Limited Edition: 394/3000. Excellent condition, not inked.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition Great Characters Fountain Pen, 2011. Estimate: $1200-1800

Tribute to Alfred Hitchcock, one of the most influential filmmakers in the history of cinema. Lacquered sterling silver barrel and cap with a spiral pattern inspired by the 1958 classic Vertigo. 53 hatch marks are engraved on cone representing Hitchcock's 53 films. Medium 18K gold rhodium-plated nib etched with Hitchcock's profile. Outer sleeve, outer box, display box, small "film can" containing book, booklet. Limited Edition: 1125/3000. Excellent condition, not inked. Light patina to silver.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: Mahatma Gandhi Limited Edition Fountain Pen, 2009. Estimate: $2200-2800

The design of this pen honors the life and achievements of Mahatma Gandhi. The captop and cone are wrapped with sterling silver wire, representing the spindle, symbolic of Indian independence. The white lacquer barrel suggests peace and truth, and the Mandarin garnet set in the pocket clip captures the orange hue of the Indian flag. Medium 18K rhodium-plated gold nib engraved with portrait of Gandhi. Outer sleeve, outer box, display box, booklet, small hardcover book. Limited Edition: 53/3000. Excellent condition, not inked, slight patina to sterling silver.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: Miles Davis Limited Edition Great Characters Fountain Pen, 2016. Estimate: $2000-2500

Tribute to Miles Davis, the influential jazz musician. Platinum-plated barrel and cap engraved with motifs referencing to the five major jazz periods he helped to create, and with a spiral representing the tornado he witnessed as a child and considered the spiritual source of the breath he needed to play the trumpet. 18K gold rhodium-plated nib etched Davis's silhouette (box label indicates medium, but nib appears broad). Outer sleeve, outer box, display box, booklet, small hardcover book. Limited Edition: 194/1926. Excellent condition, nib has been inked or dipped.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: Andy Warhol Limited Edition Great Characters Fountain Pen * SEALED, 2015. Estimate: $1500-2500

Montblanc's tribute to one of the leading figures in Pop Art, whose vast influence still permeates both the art world and popular culture. The cap is inspired by Warhol's silkscreen print "Flowers"; the cone is embellished with a barcode, referencing Warhol's commentary on commercialism in the arts; the grey lacquer barrel and platinum-plated fittings allude to Warhol's New York studio, The Silver Factory; and the cap is engraved with his dictum: "You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you." Medium 18K gold nib engraved with dollar sign motif. Outer sleeve, outer box, display box, booklet. Limited Edition: 50/1928. Excellent condition, untouched, box still sealed in the original shrinkwrap.

And...

MONTBLANC: Leonardo da Vinci Limited Edition Great Characters Fountain Pen * SEALED, 2013. Estimate: $2200-2800

Created to honor one of the greatest geniuses of the Renaissance, this pen features a silver-colored, anodized cap and barrel with platinum fittings, every detail of which corresponds directly to Leonardo's original sketches of flying machines and mechanical constructions. The captop contains a mirror which reveals the Montblanc emblem, a reference to his mirror studies. Medium 18K gold nib engraved with a bat, alluding to Leonardo's famous bat wing sketch. Outer box, display box, booklet. Limited Edition: 94/3000. Excellent condition, untouched, box still sealed in the original shrinkwrap.

[PBA Penman]

MONTBLANC: Lalique Limited Edition 4810 Desk Set, 1991. Estimate: $1500-2500

The Lalique Glass and Crystal Works established its reputation as the preeminent maker of fine art glass during the Belle Epoque. The acclaimed company collaborated with Montblanc, the world's foremost maker of fine writing instruments, to create this limited edition set of writing accessories in crystal with gold-plated sterling silver accents. The set comprises a fountain pen holder, an inkwell and a rocker-style blotter. The set was issued in 1991, a year before the first Patron and Art and Writers Series releases, making this one of the earliest Montblanc limited editions. Outer box, display box, booklet, certificate of authenticity card. Limited Edition: 2471/4810. Excellent condition, no chips, cracks or damage.