Montblanc Writing Instruments to Coincide With Los Angeles International Pen Show

On President’s Day, February 15, international auctioneers Bonhams & Butterfields will be holding the “Montblanc Sale of the Century” to coincide with the annual Los Angeles International Pen Show. This auction will be the first by the Bonhams & Butterfields exclusively dedicated to the prestigious manufacturer modern Montblanc, according to a press release.

With more than 130 lots of exceptional pens, the sale features several rarely seen pens from the major Montblanc categories such as the George Washington and Texas Ateliers prives Skeleton in solid gold.

"This auction is undoubtedly one of the largest and most complete offerings of modern Montblanc writing instruments to be publicly offered in recent years. It will bring together some of the finest contemporary examples of refined craftsmanship and technical mastery in calligraphic instruments created by the leading masters in this field,” said Rick Propas, Fine Pens Consultant for Bonhams & Butterfields.

Descriptions of highlights from the auctioneer follows.

In honour of President’s Day, the sale will feature several examples of Presidential pens. Inspired by the world leaders and their iconic residences, these pens have been painstakingly created from a variety of resin and precious materials designed to evoke the spirit of freedom. From the America’s Signature Series the Thomas Jefferson fountain pen is constructed in an unusual octagonal shape in homage to his Virginia home, Monticello (est. $21,000-24,000). Inspired by the third President of the United States, the instrument is decorated with solid gold rings as well as petrified wood inlays that represent Jefferson's commitment to nature and Monticello. The clip bears a mandarin garnet and is engraved with a portrait of the former President.

Highlighting the auction is one of the most sought after Montblanc pens ever produced, the Magical Black Widow Skeleton limited edition 88 fountain Pen (est. $18,000-24,000). Encased by a web of white gold, the instrument features a filigree spider studded with black diamonds on the clip. In some countries, the spider is seen as a symbol of luck, and, in honour of the lucky spider, whose figure 8-shaped body symbolizes infinity, Montblanc produced only 88 of these pens.

Montblanc pays tribute to Asian culture with the Axis Mundi limited edition 101 fountain pen. The white gold skeleton of this pen echoes the form of the famous structure, which is said to express a point of connection between sky and earth where the four compass directions meet. Adorned with diamonds of various sizes, the pen is expected to bring $15,000-25,000.

The sale also features the distinguished Soulmakers for 100 years limited edition fountain pen (est. $10,000-15,000). According to Montblanc, the instrument is named in honour of the ancient belief, which states: "if a person touched an object, that object would form a bond with part of their soul." This exquisite instrument was designed to celebrate Montblanc’s centennial anniversary in 2006. Made from solid white gold with white lacquer stripes, the pen boasts an engraved, Op Art? pattern formed by overlapping Montblanc stars along with the words "100 years Montblanc". The highly sought after example is topped with an unusual cap, which boasts a large diamond cut into the shape of the Montblanc logo.

Leading up to the sale on February 15, 10 a.m., previews will continue from February 12-14 at the Bonhams & Butterfields Galleries at 7601 W. Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles.

Select highlights will also be on display February 11-14 at the Los Angeles Pens Show at the Manhattan Beach Marriot.

To see the illustrated catalogue for the Montblanc sale and for more information, please visit www.bonhams.com/us.