Most precious writing instrument in the world

[jpr]

It certainly is a stunning pen in a Sheik/Sultan/Maharajah/King kind of way.

[Hugh200au]

I like the pen, though I'm not part of the demographic to which these atelier pieces are marketed.

 

The emeralds look bright and clear - and a bright clear emerald is often priced higher per carat than a similar quality diamond. Most emeralds are muddy. The channel pave setting requires precision, skill and experience.

 

I suppose I'm a bit disappointed in the thinly disguised class envy and resentment displayed in many of the posts. People who use fountain pens, rather than 50 cent Bic sticks really have limited credibility in badmouthing elitist conspicuous consumption.

 

Even if an object is well outside my price point, I can still appreciate the quality and effort that was invested in creating it.

 

Art pieces like this support the craftsmen and artisans that produce the pen, and their sale encourages the parent companies like Montblanc to invest even more in artists and artisans and in the pieces they produce. Surely most of us would agree that supporting the work of talented artists makes the world a richer and more interesting place. Montblanc has a thriving private atelier business where wealthy clients design one off creations and the artisans bring the design to fruition. Spec pieces like this pen serve as showcases to suggest the capabilities of the studio, and the showpiece attracts other clients to commission other designs.

 

Pieces like this often tour the MB Boutiques to promote the MB Atelier design shop, and then are sold to wealthy collectors. But sometimes they go to wealthy women who enjoy the opportunity to wear functional jewelry - they use the pen. These women might wear a suite of jewels in matching stones to an event - earrings, necklace, ring, watch, (and pen) - all in matching diamonds and emeralds. And anyone in the target demographic for a pen like this could purchase the pen without making any compromises in other areas of their lifestyle. They would still use their jet just as often, they would still buy the Bentley or the Feadship. And they would still contribute the same funds to the charities they support.

 

I like the pen.

 

I hope it goes to someone who will use the pen on occasion. I'd enjoy seeing the pen pulled from a star's purse on the red carpet at the Academy Awards.

 

It's a pen, sold as a pen to be used used as a pen. Yes, it may well be extremely well made...using high quality gems and "precious" metals and a work of art. Do I like it, no. Do I just "make fun of it" for "demographic" reasons? No, this post Another I don't like shows I also don't like cheap stuff as well. Do I think it in any way ,shape or form represents value? No.

It should be seen for exactly what it is, an overpriced item that has little to do with furthering the "arts" but more to do with marketing to those that can afford it....for the benefit of the seller. And this little gem "I suppose I'm a bit disappointed in the thinly disguised class envy and resentment displayed in many of the posts. People who use fountain pens, rather than 50 cent Bic sticks really have limited credibility in badmouthing elitist conspicuous consumption." takes the cake !! Really!! You should stand back and look at what you've said, it's laughable, hypocritical and incorrect.

 

Regards

Hugh

[tanburi]

I think you misunderstood my sarcasm and some of the other fpner's ironic remarks.

 

Its not that we are against the idea of such a prestigious writing instrument- its just that we cant and will not be able to afford said writing instrument and as such we make witty remarks instead of approaching the subject with true seriousness.

 

When we look at a pen of such prestige "how does it write" doesn't come to mind.

 

However, is it not just possible to dislike something without being able to to afford it? There are artists, and with that I mean real artists, goldsmiths, silversmiths, carpenters, etc, who create real pieces of art. In pens we have Henry Simpole, and although I do not like the idea of a pen as a piece of art as such, I do respect his work. I do not respect the creators of this pen, simply because i is tacky, looks silly, and is simply ugly.

 

Good summary.

[encre]

I dont think you read my comment.

 

I never stated envy- I mentioned the reason why many members wrote flippent comments regarding this pen such as my own "Needs more bling, its kinda matte" is due to our perception of such a tool. The first thing that came to mind was not a serious acknowledgment of its function as a writing implement but rather a humourous approach when discussing something that intellectually I did not recognize as a writing tool but rather as a luxury object which happened to be expressed in the form of a writing tool.

 

Did my clarifications help you in anyway? I hope in future you read my posts somewhat more carefully lest you paraphrase me and my intentions once more.

 

I think you misunderstood my sarcasm and some of the other fpner's ironic remarks.

 

Its not that we are against the idea of such a prestigious writing instrument- its just that we cant and will not be able to afford said writing instrument and as such we make witty remarks instead of approaching the subject with true seriousness.

 

When we look at a pen of such prestige "how does it write" doesn't come to mind.

 

Ah! There is came at last! I have waited for it. The envy comment. That all I write about the pen is just a way to express my envy of not being able to afford it, and that I simply adore the beauty and craftmanship, including this comment of course.

 

I would love to be able to write that I do can afford the pen, and therefore the envy comment would not apply to me. But no, although I wish I had, I do not have that kind of money. So unfortunately it is not possible for me to disprove an envy comment.

 

However, is it not just possible to dislike something without being able to to afford it? There are artists, and with that I mean real artists, goldsmiths, silversmiths, carpenters, etc, who create real pieces of art. In pens we have Henry Simpole, and although I do not like the idea of a pen as a piece of art as such, I do respect his work. I do not respect the creators of this pen, simply because i is tacky, looks silly, and is simply ugly.

[penicillin]

The Waterman Commando(?) that I inherited from my father is for me the most precious writing instrument in the world.

 

M

[Glenn-SC]

But there's obviously a great deal of resentment when one makes categorical statements like that, refusing to accept the possibility that Montblancs can write beautifully.

You can like the pens that you want to like, for whatever reasons you choose.

I will do the same with the pen I choose to like or dislike.

I truly don't care if others like what I like or not.

 

But in the event you are interested, I have written with probably a dozen or so MB fountain pens. All of them LOVED, by their owners. And only one wrote acceptably well.

The others skipped and scratched. JUNK!

 

Now, can I afford MBs? Yes.

Have I ever owned a MB? Yes.

Do I own any now? No.

 

MB has not shown me that they can make a good writing instrument.

Therefore: "Gold plating or diamond encrusted junk is still junk."

There is STILL no "class envy" in my statements.

[Beechwood]

The Waterman Commando(?) that I inherited from my father is for me the most precious writing instrument in the world.

 

M

 

 

Well I agree with the meaning behind this thought.

 

If I had $1.5 million to spend on a pen I would rather give the money to a cause that was far more deserving than my having the most expensive pen in the World.

[Blade Runner]

But there's obviously a great deal of resentment when one makes categorical statements like that, refusing to accept the possibility that Montblancs can write beautifully.

You can like the pens that you want to like, for whatever reasons you choose.

I will do the same with the pen I choose to like or dislike.

I truly don't care if others like what I like or not.

 

But in the event you are interested, I have written with probably a dozen or so MB fountain pens. All of them LOVED, by their owners. And only one wrote acceptably well.

The others skipped and scratched. JUNK!

 

Now, can I afford MBs? Yes.

Have I ever owned a MB? Yes.

Do I own any now? No.

 

MB has not shown me that they can make a good writing instrument.

Therefore: "Gold plating or diamond encrusted junk is still junk."

There is STILL no "class envy" in my statements.

And I've written with more than a dozen Parker 51s that wrote like junk. That still doesn't make the entire model or brand junk.

Even assuming the MBs you tried didn't write they way you like, the fact that you can't accept the possibility that MB can make an outstanding product that many experienced fountain pen enthusiasts enjoy betrays prejudice.

[jpr]

Ever notice how some avatars match exactly the attitude and language of the person using it?

Edited November 22, 2009 by jpr

[tanburi]

Edit: misunderstanding. Post quickly deleted.

Edited November 22, 2009 by tanburi

[tanburi]

Jpr, good point.

[Mille]

I dont think you read my comment.

 

I never stated envy- I mentioned the reason why many members wrote flippent comments regarding this pen such as my own "Needs more bling, its kinda matte" is due to our perception of such a tool. The first thing that came to mind was not a serious acknowledgment of its function as a writing implement but rather a humourous approach when discussing something that intellectually I did not recognize as a writing tool but rather as a luxury object which happened to be expressed in the form of a writing tool.

 

Did my clarifications help you in anyway? I hope in future you read my posts somewhat more carefully lest you paraphrase me and my intentions once more.

 

I think you misunderstood my sarcasm and some of the other fpner's ironic remarks.

 

Its not that we are against the idea of such a prestigious writing instrument- its just that we cant and will not be able to afford said writing instrument and as such we make witty remarks instead of approaching the subject with true seriousness.

 

When we look at a pen of such prestige "how does it write" doesn't come to mind.

 

Ah! There is came at last! I have waited for it. The envy comment. That all I write about the pen is just a way to express my envy of not being able to afford it, and that I simply adore the beauty and craftmanship, including this comment of course.

 

I would love to be able to write that I do can afford the pen, and therefore the envy comment would not apply to me. But no, although I wish I had, I do not have that kind of money. So unfortunately it is not possible for me to disprove an envy comment.

 

However, is it not just possible to dislike something without being able to to afford it? There are artists, and with that I mean real artists, goldsmiths, silversmiths, carpenters, etc, who create real pieces of art. In pens we have Henry Simpole, and although I do not like the idea of a pen as a piece of art as such, I do respect his work. I do not respect the creators of this pen, simply because i is tacky, looks silly, and is simply ugly.

 

I think I copied the wrong post. I am sorry!

[Mille]

Moved around shows, and then finally bought by a shieks wife to her son in a futile attempt to encourage his educational efforts. The pen is then given to Paris Hilton as thank you for a well spent night and she shoves it in her hand bag. The pen likes it there among other pointless luxury items, until Paris has a gig opening an envelope with a winner. She find her pen and rips up the envelope with a guy who takes her liking. Then the pen gets its big chance because she needs to give him her phone number, but unfortunately holds the pen upside down and wrecks it. It does not really matter as the guy helps her with a ballpoint and takes the pen to get up the olives out of his drink. Handing the glass to the waiter, the green colour of the pen reminds the waiter the celery twig is missing in a bloody mary he is about to hand out. As a joke he puts the pen in the drink. Not that it matters, as it has not been inked anyway. Late that night a cleaner finds the pen under a sofa and notices the semi precious stones on it, which happened to be worth as much as $20,000, which made it possible for her to pay her sons college degree.

[penrivers]

¿ Class ?, I always see class more as a moral statment than an income wealth categorization.In that context

I can say that I know waiters , cowboys, taxis and trucks drivers, nurses, physicians, tramps, teachers,

salesmans etc. with lots of good class.

¿ Envy ?, ugly passion in excess, but you need a little bit for survive. That statment I like:''keeping up with the jones'',it doesnt mean envy necesarily, but energy, ambition, self confidence and commitment.

The pen is nice, (I woulndt say beautiful), but is out of the reach of 99.98% of the people. So, the only sane, rational approach to that writing instrument is in the comical-joke frame.

But the point is in this post that I agree with MarkoKloss post 13 in this thread.

Pelikan is as prestigious as Montblanc, they make fountain pens that costs thousands of dollars, but also they do make Pelikans futures and Pelikanos without fearings of losing niches or status into the higher income people.

Of course its a free world and Montblanc must do whatever to keep its factory working. Greetings from México.

[RHutch]

I believe that the pen also comes in a presentation case carved out of a unicorn's horn and the bottle of ink it comes with is made from the tears of cherubs. If I had one of those I'm sure I could write a best selling novel.

[ofpwriter]

Tempting and not even that expensive... I think I'll wait for the flighter version, that's just too green for me.

 

By the way, how water resistant are cherub tears?

[MidnightBlue]

I have one of these and it skips, it's too heavy and I'm a little self conscious using it in public.

Thanks

[RHutch]

Tempting and not even that expensive... I think I'll wait for the flighter version, that's just too green for me.

 

By the way, how water resistant are cherub tears?

 

Very resistant. Next years ink is made with the urine of Leprechauns, it's magically delicious.

[Nimrud]

Yes, I must agree it is the most "precious" writing instrument in the world.

[WendyNC]

From the picture, it appears to be a very good one of what it is. I'm personally rather fond of shiny metal and polished rocks, but just happen to prefer to carry them around attached to my body. However, if they decided to make one in yellow gold with rubies, it would go nicely with a set I have and I've always wanted to try a Montblanc.

 

Edited to add a link to the next page at that site.

Edited November 23, 2009 by WendyNC