Interest in Montegrappa’s collectible pens reaches a new pinnacle with the Fine Writing Instruments auction to take place at Bonhams in San Francisco on Wednesday, June 11th, at 10am PST. Interested parties may bid online, in person, by phone, or leave absentee bids.
Montegrappa is represented by four exceptional lots – three Dragon pens and a rare inkwell from 2005, all conceived to mark the 10th Anniversary of the original Dragon of 1995. The provenance is impeccable, each of the lots being offered from the private collection of Montegrappa’s top international collector, whose association with Montegrappa gained him access for purchasing several of the exclusive treasures from the company’s private vaults. All are in pristine condition and are marked PdA (“Prova d’Autore”), the only PdA (artist’s proofs) made.
The four items include:
Montegrappa Dragon, 18k Yellow Gold and White Diamonds Fountain Pen
This is a rare artist’s proof, one of only two created in this format, of the edition of 10 white diamond-studded pieces produced in solid 18k yellow gold. This example is set with 590 brilliant-cut white diamonds, with a total weight of 6.95 carats. The eyes are set with two rubies (3.36 carats). The gold used weighs an extravagant 106g and gives an impressive heft to the pen.
The marbled black celluloid body offsets the gold overlay in an artistic manner that produces an overall effect of opulence and grandeur that is unrivalled. The outer display box is lacquered hardwood that incorporates a dragon emblem in gold. Medium 18k two-tone gold nib. The recommended retail price in 2005 for the standard limited edition was $80,000+. Estimate: US$40,000-70,000.
Montegrappa Dragon 18K Rose Gold and Black Diamonds Limited Edition Fountain Pen
This rare artist’s proof is the only one created in this format. The elaborately hand-finished 18k solid rose gold dragon overlay is set with 590 brilliant-cut black diamonds, with a total weight of 6.95 carats. The eyes are set with two rubies weighing 3.36 carats. The gold used weighs an extravagant 106g and gives an impressive heft to the pen. The marbled black celluloid body offsets the gold overlay in an artistic manner that produces an overall effect of opulence and grandeur that is unrivalled. The outer display box is lacquered hardwood that incorporates a dragon emblem in rose gold. Medium 18k two-tone gold nib. The recommended retail price in 2005 for the standard limited edition was $80,000+. Estimate: US$35,000-60,000.
Montegrappa Dragon Mediterranean Blue Celluloid and 18K Yellow Gold with Blue Sapphires Fountain Pen
Created by Montegrappa’s most elite artisans for display at the company’s corporate headquarters, this unique pen in marbled blue celluloid, 18k solid gold and blue sapphires is a brilliant exercise in pure aesthetics. The only one created in this format, its existence has been a closely-guarded secret and its appearance in this catalogue marks its public debut. It is perhaps the most exclusive Montegrappa pen currently in the marketplace.
The hand-finished 18k solid yellow gold dragon overlay weighs 106g and is set with 590 sapphires. The eyes are set with four rubies. The pen is in pristine condition. Fine 18k two-tone gold nib. Outer box, lacquered hardwood display box that incorporates a dragon emblem in gold. The recommended retail price in 2005 for the standard limited edition was $80,000+. Estimate: US$35,000-60,000.
Montegrappa Dragon 18K Yellow Gold and White Diamonds Inkwell
Made of heavy Madagascar rock crystal base surmounted by an 18k solid gold dragon, with two ruby eyes and hundreds of brilliant-cut white diamonds set along the dragon’s back. An artifact of great beauty and rarity, this inkwell is the only artist’s proof in existence. It comes with acushioned black display box illustrated with a red dragon. Estimate: US$40,000-70,000.
