St Dupont Montparnasse & Chairman Model Pens - Reference

[ArchiMark]

Thought I'd create a reference thread on ST Dupont Montparnasse & Chairman model fountain pens. Think these unique design and high quality pens deserve a post about them. Hopefully, most will agree......

 

Like with some other similar threads (example, see Delta pen reference threads...), would like this to be a 'reference thread'. By that I mean to keep the thread less of a conversational or 'pen review' thread and mostly a listing of descriptive information about the pens. So, would ask to avoid posting subjective or judgmental info that would be in a typical discussion post or pen review. Hope this makes sense....

 

Hopefully, the moderator will make this a sticky thread as it should be a useful reference guide to these pens over time.

 

If you have a variation of these pens, like a finish or pattern that I don't have, please add a post with your pen (a few photos and short description would be good...).

 

So, here we go......

 

I've now amassed 6 Montparnasse (including one LE pen) and 3 Chairman model ST Dupont pens. So, most of the pens in this series.

 

All of the pens I have are in the Large size. There is a smaller size available. Smaller size is a tad bit shorter and narrower diameter, otherwise basically the same pen.

 

Here's some group photos of the pens; capped and uncapped.

 

 

 

From left to right in photo:

 

1. Montparnasse Black

 

2. Montparnasse Blue

 

3. Montparnasse Green

 

4. Chairman Grenat Green

 

5. Chairman Grenat Red

 

6. Chairman Ambre (Amber)

 

7. Montparnasse Ecaille (often called marbled brown or tortoiseshell, thanks jar for correct name)

 

8. Montparnasse Silver Godron (lined pattern)

 

9. Montparnasse Silver Mozart LE

 

 

General Info

 

Approximate Dimensions (Large Size Pens)

 

Length - Pen Capped: 13.8 cm (5.5")

 

Barrel Diameter - Wide point (near start of gold section ring): 12.5 mm (0.5")

 

Barrel Diameter - Narrow point at end of barrel: Only about (1/32") narrower diameter

 

Length - Uncapped (from end to tip of nib): 12.4 cm (4-15/16")

 

Length - Uncapped (from end to end of section at nib: 10.4 cm (4.125")

 

Length Cap: 4.7 cm (1-7/8")

 

Diameter Cap - Wide point: 15 mm (0.625")

 

 

Nib Imprint: 18ct 750 with cursive 'D' in middle

 

 

Will add a separate post for each series of pen, with info and photos soon, so, that you have a better idea of what each one is like.

 

Hope you find this interesting and useful. If so, I might do another reference thread on the great Olympio model pens of which there are many versions.

 

Again, please try to keep this thread free from miscellaneous comments or subjective opinions. We can do that either on another thread here or in the Pen Review forum section. By doing it this way, it will help make this a useful reference source on these pens as you won't have to wade through lots of posts to find the info about these pens. Hope this is clear and makes sense.

 

Thanks for looking. Feel free to PM me with any questions or concerns about this approach, etc....

 

Mark

[ArchiMark]

Here's focus on the solid color Chinese lacquer pens.....

 

The lacquer finish like other details on these pens is flawless.

 

Pens 1 - 3 above; Black, Blue, Green

 

Please note that the color on the face of the pocket clip matches the color on the rest of the pen. Nice touch.

 

 

[ArchiMark]

Next up are the 3 Chairman pens; Green Grenat, Red Grenat, and Ambre.

 

Please note that since I don't have a French keyboard, I am missing the accent mark over the 'e' in Grenat. My apologies to all the people in France for this omission.

 

As you can see (hopefully....), these are extremely beautiful, mezmerizing designs and finishes to look at. I can't imagine how they are able to do such patterns and do them flawlessly, boggles my mind......

 

 

[ArchiMark]

Last, but not least, in the series*, are Pens 7 - 9; the Ecaille, Silver Godron, and Silver Mozart.

 

Three more beautiful and perfectly executed pens.....

 

Hopefully, you see why they call the silver pen Mozart.....

 

* At least of my pens in the first post in this thread......

 

 

 

[jar]

I can't pretend to have as fine a collection of pens as those seen above but I was asked to add any additional examples that might be interesting.

 

But for those not familiar with the ST Dupont Montparnasse I thought I'd add some basic info.

 

The Montparnasse is one of ST Dupont's internal section models; there is no section as commonly used, rather the pen is held by the body. That means even the smaller of the two models still has a large diameter where held and so very easy to use and control even for those who suffer from arthritis or other nerve damage.

 

The internal section is inserted or removed using a screw mechanism with a "D" ring on the bottom of the body similar to what ST Dupont used on their lighters.

 

http://www.fototime.com/5621E1F4E9FDCE0/large.jpg

 

A second important point is that the Montparnasse uses the Parker Standard cartridge/converter format and so modern Parker or Aurora cartridges or converters fit and work well.

 

Archi mentions some that are designated as "Chairman" versions. They were available in both the large and smaller formats and were translucent Laque de Chine (Urushi) over bodies with a Guilloché pattern.

 

Other finishes that I am aware off was a deep burgundy Laque de Chine but unfortunately I gave that pen away and don't seem to have a picture of it.

 

Then there was a gold plated version of the Godron pattern and a silver that is raised squares.

 

http://www.fototime.com/8485CC03DC12255/large.jpg[/img]

http://www.fototime.com/BD5ECE3ECE12CCB/large.jpg[/img]

 

Finally here you can see the relative size of the Montparnasse pens in relation to other ST Dupont models...

 

http://www.fototime.com/FB19E08F336F692/large.jpg[/img]

 

... and to a Montblanc 149.

 

http://www.fototime.com/8D3DD8246D7C8F9/large.jpg

 

http://www.fototime.com/E5E251924FCFD57/large.jpg

[RMN]

Decidedly yummy....

 

 

D.ick

[ArchiMark]

Decidedly yummy....

 

 

D.ick

 

That really sums it up nicely, D.ick!

 

And a big thanks to jar for adding his pens and all the helpful info.......

 

Don't know how I could have forgotten to include the points about the 'D' ring and internal section design.......

 

If anyone else has a different finish, color, or design of the Montparnasse or Chairman series pens, please add it to the thread.

 

Enjoy!

[RMN]

Pinned this for now.

 

Perhaps later we will create a special "Interesting topics" pinned item with links to several topics.

 

 

 

D.ick

[ArchiMark]

Thanks, D.ick!

[RMN]

Is it an option to include other St. Dupont models?

 

 

D.ick

[jar]

I need to add just one more possible piece of information.

 

The Chairman designation was not a model but a finish designation. ST Dupont also used "Chairman" for those Olympio/Orpheo pens that were Guilloché covered by a transparent Laque de Chine.

[iveyman]

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/158166-st-dupont-fountain-pen-opus-xl-olympio-limited-edition-326400/

 

I have one of this LE ST. Dupont Opus XI Olymio pen. It is not a Montparnesse but would it be considered a Chairman design?

[jar]

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/158166-st-dupont-fountain-pen-opus-xl-olympio-limited-edition-326400/

 

I have one of this LE ST. Dupont Opus XI Olymio pen. It is not a Montparnesse but would it be considered a Chairman design?

No. Only the ones where the body was Guilloché (machine engraved) and then covered by a transparent Laque de Chine were called "Chairman" IIRC there were only two engraving patterns and three or four colors of coating.

[ArchiMark]

Is it an option to include other St. Dupont models?

 

 

D.ick

 

It's certainly an option, but my concern is whether or not it will make this thread either too long or too much info about too many different pen designs.

 

Had thought of starting another thread just for the Olympio/Orpheo models of which I think there's quite a few......

 

jar, what do you think about a combo thread versus separate reference threads?

 

 

 

I need to add just one more possible piece of information.

 

The Chairman designation was not a model but a finish designation. ST Dupont also used "Chairman" for those Olympio/Orpheo pens that were Guilloché covered by a transparent Laque de Chine.

 

Thanks for that info and clarifying in your other post about them being machine engraved prior to applying the Lacque de Chine......had wondered how they achieved such a perfect patterning.....

[jar]

I think it is best to try to keep the models somewhat separate. I'd group the Olympio/Orpheo/Fidelio/D-Link and the other recent models together since they are basic variations on a design, but Classique, Gatsby family, Neo-Classiq, Ellipsis, Montparnasse/St Germain and the Defi are all unique individual lines.

 

But that is just me. If the models are grouped together I think it would be necessary to have edit capability to build an index.

 

By the way, there was also a gold version of the Mozart..

[RMN]

OK, up to you. And of course you will need the time to do so.

 

In case you want something added or altered, give me a call, so I can edit a post where needed.

 

What is also possible is a skeleton ST D-topic with links to various topics on the separate models.

 

You're the experts here, so it's your party...

 

D.ick

[ArchiMark]

I think it is best to try to keep the models somewhat separate. I'd group the Olympio/Orpheo/Fidelio/D-Link and the other recent models together since they are basic variations on a design, but Classique, Gatsby family, Neo-Classiq, Ellipsis, Montparnasse/St Germain and the Defi are all unique individual lines.

 

But that is just me. If the models are grouped together I think it would be necessary to have edit capability to build an index.

 

By the way, there was also a gold version of the Mozart..

 

I think your grouping suggesting makes sense.....

 

Thanks for pointing out about the gold Mozart.....in fact there's been one listed on fleabay.....but out of my league price-wise....

 

Given what's going now at work, I may be able to start a post for the other grouping until next week, Friday at the earliest....as I need to take some more pics of my Olympio/Orpheo pens....

 

So if you have time to start one before me that's fine and then I can add to it. But if you don't then I'll start one.....

 

 

OK, up to you. And of course you will need the time to do so.

 

In case you want something added or altered, give me a call, so I can edit a post where needed.

 

What is also possible is a skeleton ST D-topic with links to various topics on the separate models.

 

You're the experts here, so it's your party...

 

D.ick

 

Thanks as always for your support, D.ick......not sure that I'm an expert, but glad to be at the party.....

[jar]

There were two other significant Montparnasse based Limited Edition series that certainly should be mentioned; the 1995 Les Elements Series with four versions, Air, Fire, Earth and Water and the two design 1996 Rendez-vous Series of Sun and Moon.

 

Both of these series included inlaid Laque de Cine designs where the body material was cut away and firred with layer on layer of Laque de Chine. The concept of inlaid lacquer was continued in several later series and models.

[ArchiMark]

Thanks for adding info about the LE pens....

 

Had seen these pens listed on fleabay, but didn't look at them closely to notice they were Montparnasse design pens.......bit wild designs for me.....not mention $$$'s.....

[jchch1950]

L.E. Montparnasse pens are not very common. Can somebody post photos of them. Thanks.