Case Study: Luxury Pens
The history of the pen spans back to 2000 BC, when the Egyptians used reed pens on parchment and papyrus. The next great pen evolution would be the quill pen, used sometime around 600 AD. It wasn’t until 1822 when a machine-made steel-point pen was produced for the masses, which led to an overall increase in education and literacy. Though the implement was sturdier and more cost-effective than the quill, the user was still faced with dipping the pen in ink. The answer came in 1827 with the invention of a fountain pen which came equipped with an internal ink reservoir. By 1888, the ballpoint pen was introduced, offering an, even more, cost-effective option that was more durable, convenient, and could write on multiple surfaces–even underwater. In the 1930s, László Bíró, of Biro pens fame, came up with the idea of using quick-dry ink and the implementation of a small metal ball within the tip of the pen that would rotate, evenly, and cleanly distribute the ink.
It is no surprise that many of today’s luxury pen companies also have a long history, the oldest being Faber-Castell, which was founded in 1761. French luxury goods powerhouse Cartier began adding pens to their lines in 1868. Many of Cartier’s vintage and antique pens are considered highly collectible objets d’art and can be found in numerous private and public collections to this day. Parker, an American luxury pen company, was founded in 1888 and has been a favorite amongst many notable figures, such as John F. Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth II. Montblanc, founded in 1906, is considered one of the world’s most famous luxury pen companies. Named after the highest and most majestic peak of the Alps, it wasn’t long before Montblanc was a well-known name in over 60 countries.
The global retail value of luxury pens, in particular fountain pens, grew 37% between 2005 and 2015, in large part to massive growth in China. Early 2019 estimates calculated that the luxury pen market would generate more than $2.8 billion of revenue by 2021. Their growing popularity is due to two main factors:
- These aren’t your everyday disposable Bic pens. There’s a higher caliber of craftsmanship and options here. Expert designs and precise machinery craft exquisite and reliable wares that, with proper care, will last a lifetime. Many companies offer bespoke or personalizing opportunities, such as Montegrappa and Montblanc, allowing the collector to create one-of-a-kind pens. Additionally, companies are increasingly incorporating high-quality materials such as platinum, gold, or gemstones to attract collectors.
- They are seen as legacy pieces. Just as you would a vintage Kelly bag or your grandmother’s wedding ring, luxury pens are often handed down generation to generation as their quality and value remain steady over time.
These factors also apply within the secondary market, with varied auction results that are inclusive to all price points. Pens generally sell in the three-to-four figure range with the limited editioned examples selling up to five figures. Two other components that influence price are the quality of materials and level of condition. Pens made of gold or detailed with gemstones will generally see higher auction results than those made of resin or are unadorned. Outside of age, collectors are often influenced by condition. While some scratches or marks are generally expected, overt scratches to the resin or metal body or a bent nib will deter buyers.
In all, whether you fancy a classic Montblanc Meisterstück or a kaleidoscopic Parker Duofold, to own a luxury pen is to own a piece of finely-crafted history.
Luxury Pens in previous auctions:
| Thumbnail | Title | Description | Realized Price |
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3 Pcs. Montblanc Ramses II Patron of Art Set | Montblanc, Germany limited edition Ramses II Patron of Art Meisterstuck set, three (3) pieces with boxes including one (1) fountain pen, numbered MG104105, one (1) rollerball pen, numbered BK101556, and one (1) mechanical pencil, numbered GK104104150, Germany Metal 3, to clip band. Each with lapis lazuli caps, fluted vermeil barrels, pens with precious blue resin grips, gold tone clips. “925” with additional hallmarks stamped to barrels, “MONTBLANC MEISTERSTUCK” stamped to center bands, white star logo to top of caps. Fountain pen also with “No 146,” to center band, “4810 (logo) 18K MONTBLANC 750” stamped to rhodium plated two-tone 18 karat gold nib. Each with original boxes and “Your Personal Montblanc Guide” booklets, two (2) with Ramses II booklets and certificates. Pens ranging from 5 1/2″ to 5 5/8″ L when closed, 6 1/4″ to 6 3/8″ L when opened. Pencil – 5 5/8″ L. Boxes – 1 7/8″ H x 6 7/8″ square. All items late 20th century. Provenance: Private Middle Tennessee collection. CONDITION: All items in overall good, gently used condition with surface scratches. Nib has been inked. Needs to be cleaned. Scattered areas of tarnish, largest approximately 1 1/2″. Boxes in overall good condition with surface scuffs, dents, largest 6 7/8″, wear to barcode stickers. [See more photos →] |
$1,664.00 |
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2 Montblanc Pen Sets with Boxes: Oscar Wilde and Agatha Christie | Two 2-piece sets of Montblanc, Germany Writer’s Edition Meisterstuck Pens, Oscar Wilde and Agatha Christie, with original cases, 4 items total. 1st-2nd items: Two (2) piece Oscar Wilde set, including one (1) fountain pen, numbered 02540/20000, and one (1) mechanical pencil, numbered 02540/12000. Black precious resin caps with gold plated bands and grips, marbled precious resin barrels, gold tone clips, white star logo to top of caps. “MONT(logo)BLANC” to clips. Oscar Wilde facsimile signature stamped to right side of clip. Fountain pen with 4810 1994 (logo) 750 18K MONTBLANC” with decorations stamped to 18 karat gold nib, gold “M GERMANY” sticker to barrel. Includes original case modeled as a book. Fountain pen: closed – 5 3/4″ L, opened – 6 3/4″ L. Pencil – 5 5/8″ L. Case – 7 1/2″ H x 5 3/8″ W x 1 5/8″ D. 3rd-4th items: Two (2) piece Agatha Christie set, including one (1) ballpoint pen, numbered 02926/25000, and one (1) mechanical pencil, numbered 2926/7000. Black precious resin caps and barrels, sterling silver trim and snake clip with two inset ruby eyes. “MONTBLANC – MEISTERSTUCK – EDITION -,” stamped to center bands, “925” with additional hallmark to clip band, white star logo top of cap. Agatha Christie facsimile signature stamped to right side of cap. Includes original case modeled as a book. Ranging in size from 5 1/2″ to 5 5/8″ L. Case – 7 1/8″ H x 4 1/4″ W x 1 5/8″ D. All items late 20th century. Provenance: Private Middle Tennessee collection. CONDITION: All items in overall good, gently used condition. Service certificates are not present. 1st-2nd items: Nib has been inked. Needs to be cleaned. Tarnish, possible ink stains to gold bands and clips. 3rd-4th items: Sterling silver trim and clip have been lightly cleaned, some tarnish remains. Scuffs, surface wear to box. [See more photos →] |
$1,664.00 |
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Montblanc Peter the Great 4810 Fountain Pen | Montblanc, Germany limited edition Peter the Great Patron of Art fountain pen, numbered “639/4810” to cap, 18 karat solid gold nib, dark green precious resin screw-on cap and barrel with yellow gold plated overlay and cast bands with laurel leaf motifs, gold tone clip. “MONTBLANC” stamped to cap, “GERMANY” stamped to clip band, Russian imperial two-headed eagle with “MONTBLANC 4810 750 18K” and date “1997” with additional logo stamped to nib, white star logo to top of cap. Closed – 5 3/4″ L. Opened – 6 1/2″ L. Late 20th century. Includes original faux malachite case and service certificate. Provenance: Private Middle Tennessee collection. CONDITION: Overall good, gently used condition. Light scratches to overlay. Nib has been inked. Needs to be cleaned. Case in very good condition. [See more photos →] |
$1,560.00 |
![Lot 50: 2 Montblanc Pen Sets with Boxes: Voltaire and Recalled A. Dumas [Fils]](https://caseantiques.com/wp-content/uploads/auctions/2021-01-30/50_1-800x378.jpg "Lot 50: 2 Montblanc Pen Sets with Boxes: Voltaire and Recalled A. Dumas [Fils]") |
2 Montblanc Pen Sets with Boxes: Voltaire and Recalled A. Dumas [Fils] | Two 2-piece sets of Montblanc, Germany Writer’s Edition Meisterstuck pens, including Voltaire and Alexandre Dumas [Fils] recalled set, with original cases, 4 items total. 1st-2nd items: Two (2) piece Voltaire set, including one (1) fountain pen, numbered 03438/20000, and one (1) mechanical pencil, numbered 03438/12000. Each with black precious resin caps and barrels, vermeil bands with scrolling foliate engravings, gold tone clips, white star logo to top of caps. “925” with additional hallmark stamped to center bands, “MONT(LOGO)BLANC” and Voltaire facsimile signature stamped to right side of clip. Fountain pen with “4810 1995 (logo) MONTBLANC 750 18K” with decorations stamped to 18 karat gold nib. Pencil with “0.7 mm Germany” sticker to barrel. Includes original case modeled as a book and service certificate and outer boxes. Fountain pen: closed- 6″ L, opened – 6 1/2″ L. Pencil – 5 1/2″ L. Box – 2″ H x 5 3/4″ W x 7 3/4″ D. 3rd-4th items: Two (2) piece Alexandre Dumas [Fils] recalled set, including one (1) fountain pen, numbered 02744/20000, and one (1) ballpoint pen, numbered 02744/16000. Each with brown precious resin caps and grips, marbled precious resin barrels with engraved gold-plated mountings and inlays, gold tone clip in the form of a sword, white star logo to top of caps. Erroneous Alexandre Dumas [Fils] facsimile signature stamped to right side of clip. Fountain pen with “750 (fleur-dis-lis) 18K 4810 1996 (LOGO) MONTBLANC” with decorations stamped to rhodium plated two-tone 18 karat gold nib. Includes original case modeled as a book and service certificate and outer boxes. Fountain pen: closed – 5 1/2″ L, opened – 6 3/8″ L. Ballpoint pen – 5 1/4″ L. Note: Intended to honor Alexandre Dumas [Pere], the author of Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte-Cristo, Montblanc produced a small number of pens with the signature of his son, also named Alexandre, due to a research error. Montblanc recalled all unsold pens bearing the incorrect signature, however some were still sold. All items late 20th century. Provenance: Private Middle Tennessee collection. CONDITION: All items in overall good, gently used condition. Nibs have been inked. Need to be cleaned. Surface scratches to cap of Dumas ballpoint pen. Expected wear to exterior boxes. [See more photos →] |
$1,408.00 |
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Montblanc Prince Regent 4810 Ltd. Ed. Fountain Pen | Montblanc, Germany limited edition Prince Regent Patron of Art fountain pen, numbered “1216/4810” to center band, 18 karat gold nib, blue precious resin screw-on cap and barrel with vermeil scrolling line and crown overlay, gold tone clip. “925” with additional hallmark “MONTBLANC GERMANY” stamped to center band, crown logo with “MONTBLANC 4810 750 18K” and date “1995” with additional logo stamped to nib, white star logo to top of cap. Closed – 5 3/4″ L. Opened – 6 1/2″ L. Late 20th century. Includes original box (no service certificate). Provenance: Private Middle Tennessee collection. CONDITION: Overall very good, gently used condition. Nib has been inked. Needs to be cleaned. Scattered areas of tarnish, largest 1/8″, to overlay near bottom of barrel, bottom of cap, and nib. Light wear to case; no service certificate. [See more photos →] |
$1,320.00 |
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Montblanc Catherine the Great 4810 Fountain Pen | Montblanc, Germany limited edition Catherine II the Great Patron of Art fountain pen, numbered “2026/4810” to cap, 18 karat solid gold nib, aubergine precious resin screw-on cap and barrel with rose gold plated overlay and cast bands with blossom wreath motifs, gold tone clip. “MONTBLANC” stamped to cap, “GERMANY” stamped to clip band, Russian imperial two-headed eagle with “MONTBLANC 4810 750 18K” and date “1997” with additional logo stamped to nib, white star logo to top of cap. Closed – 5 3/4″ L. Opened – 6 1/2″ L. Late 20th century. Provenance: Private Middle Tennessee collection. CONDITION: Pen in overall good, gently used condition. Light scratches to overlay. Nib has been inked. Needs to be cleaned. Box/case/certificate not present. [See more photos →] |
$1,320.00 |
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Montblanc Alexander the Great 4810 Fountain Pen | Montblanc, Germany limited edition Alexander the Great Patron of Art fountain pen, numbered “532/4810″ to cap, two toned 18 karat gold nib, black and gold marbled lacquer barrel with gold plated accent bands, gold plated engraved screw-on cap with black lacquer lotus band, gold tone clip.”MONTBLANC” stamped to cap, “GERMANY” stamped to clip band, ram’s head with”MONTBLANC 4810 750 18K” and date “1998” with additional logo stamped to nib, white star logo to top of cap. Closed – 5 5/8″ L. Opened – 6 3/8″ L.Includes original faux woodgrain case and service certificate plus box. Late 20th century. Provenance: Private Middle Tennessee collection. CONDITION: Overall good, gently used condition. Light scratches to gold plating. Nib has been inked. Needs to be cleaned. Case in excellent condition. [See more photos →] |
$1,320.00 |
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2 Ltd. Ed. Cartier Fountain Pens | Two (2) Limited Edition Louis Cartier fountain pens, including 150th Anniversary and Dandy Ebonite Vert, both with two tone 18 karat gold nibs with rhodium inlay, screw-on caps. 1st item: 150th Anniversary platinum plated fountain pen, numbered “1284/1847” to interior center band, vertical pinstripe pattern to cap, barrel, and grip, black lacquer accents to barrel band. Includes original box, red case, and certificate of authenticity with service certificate. 2nd item: Dandy Ebonite Vert and gold plated fountain pen, numbered “803/1847” to interior center band, light green with wood grain striated ebonite to screw-on cap and barrel, black lacquer accents on the barrel band, gold plated vertical pinstripe pattern grip. “Ste C (diamond) L TF” and “PLAQUE OR G” to interior center band, gold sticker reading “M” to grip. Both with “Louis Cartier” stamped to center band, “MADE IN FRANCE” to interior center band, Cartier logo with “18K 750″ to nib, clips with Cartier logo, and onyx cabochon stone to end caps. Closed – 5 3/4″ L. Opened – 6 3/4″ L. Late 20th century. Provenance: Private Middle Tennessee collection. CONDITION: 1st item: Overall good, gently used condition with surface scratches. Nibs have been inked. Need to be cleaned. Box, case and paperwork in excellent condition. 2nd item: Possible surface stains, largest 2 1/2”. [See more photos →] |
$1,280.00 |
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4 Pcs. Montblanc F. Dostoevsky Writer’s Ed. Set | Montblanc, Germany limited edition Fyodor Dostoevsky Writer’s Edition Meisterstuck set, four (4) pieces including one (1) fountain pen, numbered 02564/17000, one (1) rollerball pen, numbered 2564/7000, one (1) ballpoint pen, 2564/8000, and one (1) mechanical pencil, numbered 2564/3000. Each with precious black resin caps and crosshatch pattern etched barrels, pattern repeated on the gold plated bands and top of gold tone clip, bottom with inset sapphire-colored cabochon stone, white star logo to top of caps. Each with Dostoevsky’s facsimile signature, right side of clip. Fountain pen with “4810 750 (logo) 18K 1997 MONTBLANC” and Greek Key or fretwork decorations stamped to 18 karat gold nib. Fountain pen and pencil with gold “M Germany” or “0.7 mm Germany” stickers. Does not include boxes. Fountain and rollerball pens 5 3/4″ L when closed, 6 1/2″ L when opened. Ballpoint pen and pencil approximately 5 5/8″ L. All items late 20th century. Provenance: Private Middle Tennessee collection. CONDITION: All items in overall good, gently used condition. Nib has been inked. Needs to be cleaned. Mechanical pencil cap easily separates from the barrel. [See more photos →] |
$1,280.00 |
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2 Limited Edition Cartier Fountain Pens | Two (2) Limited Edition Louis Cartier fountain pens, including 150th Anniversary and Dandy Ebonite Vert, both with two tone 18 karat gold nibs with rhodium inlay, screw-on caps. 1st item: 150th Anniversary platinum plated fountain pen, numbered “1284/1847” to interior center band, vertical pinstripe pattern to cap, barrel, and grip, black lacquer accents to barrel band. Includes boxes and paperwork, including a numbered certificate. 2nd item: Dandy Ebonite Vert and gold plated fountain pen, numbered “803/1847” to interior center band, light green with wood grain striated ebonite to screw-on cap and barrel, black lacquer accents on the barrel band, gold plated vertical pinstripe pattern grip. “Ste C (diamond) L TF” and “PLAQUE OR G” to interior center band, gold sticker reading “M” to grip. Both with “Louis Cartier” stamped to center band, “MADE IN FRANCE” to interior center band, Cartier logo with “18K 750″ to nib, clips with Cartier logo, and onyx cabochon stone to end caps. Closed – 5 3/4″ L. Opened – 6 3/4″ L. Late 20th century. Provenance: Private Middle Tennessee collection. CONDITION: Overall good, gently used condition with surface scratches. Nibs have been inked. Need to be cleaned. 2nd item: Possible surface stains, largest 2 1/2”. [See more photos →] |
$1,216.00 |
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Montblanc Semiramis 4810 Fountain Pen | Montblanc, Germany limited editionSemiramis Patron of Artfountain pen, numbered “532/4810” to center band,18 karat gold nib, black precious resin barrel and screw-on cap with yellow gold-plated fretwork overlay and burgundy enamel accents, gold tone clip with leaf motifs and burgundy enamel inlay of the heraldic animal of Ishtar. “MONTBLANC” to center band,”MONTBLANC 4810 750 18K” and date “1996” with additional logo stamped to nib, white star logo to top of cap. Closed – 5 3/4″ L. Opened – 6 5/8″ L. Late 20th century. Provenance: Private Middle Tennessee collection. CONDITION: Overall good, gently used condition. Light scratches to overlay. Nib has been inked. Needs to be cleaned. Case/box not present. [See more photos →] |
$1,200.00 |
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Montblanc Agatha Christie 4810 Fountain Pen | Montblanc, Germany limited edition Agatha Christie Writers Edition Meisterstuck fountain pen, numbered “2926/30000” to cap, two toned rhodium-plated 18 karat gold nib, black precious resin screw-on cap and barrel, sterling silver trim and snake clip with two inset ruby eyes. “MONTBLANC – MEISTERSTUCK – EDITION -” stamped to center band, Agatha Christie facsimile signature to cap, “925” with additional hallmark to clip band, snake’s head with “MONTBLANC 750 18K 4810″ stamped to nib, white star logo top of cap. Closed – 5 3/4″ L. Opened – 6 3/4” L. Includes original case modeled as a book. Late 20th century. Provenance: Private Middle Tennessee collection. CONDITION: Overall good, gently used condition. Nib has been inked. Needs to be cleaned. Sterling silver trim and clip have been lightly cleaned, some tarnish remains. Case has a couple of small spots of light wear. Service certificate not present. [See more photos →] |
$1,024.00 |
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3 Pens, incl. Montblanc, Cartier, Omas | Three (3) Designer fountain or rollerball pens, including Montblanc Meisterstuck No. 149, Cartier, and Omas 360. 1st item: Montblanc Meisterstuck No. 149 fountain pen, two tone 14 carat gold nib, precious black resin barrel and screw-on cap with gold plated trim and clip. Stamped “- MONTBLANC – MEISTERSTUCK No 149” to enter band, “4810” with Montblanc logo and “14C MONTBLANC 583″ to nib, white star logo to top of cap. Closed – 6″ L. Opened – 6 5/8” L. 2nd item: Cartier rollerball pen, gold plated vertical pinstripe pattern to twist action cap and barrel, clip with Cartier logo, center band, and tip. Stamped “Ste C (diamond) L TF” “Cartier Paris” to center band, stamped “003939”, “MADE IN FRANCE”, and “PLAQUE OR G” below center band. 5 5/8″ L. Includes original box, case, and service certificate. 3rd item: Omas, Italy 360 triangular rollerball pen, black resin barrel and snap-on cap with gold plated Greek Key or fretwork trim to center band and grip, gold tone tip, clip, and accent bands. Stamped “OMAS ITALY” to cap. Closed – 6 3/8″ L. Opened – 7 3/4 L. Includes original box and case. Late 20th/early 21st century. Provenance: Private Middle Tennessee collection. CONDITION: All pens in gently used condition. Pens have been inked. Surface scratches, areas of tarnish. Montblanc pen – no case or box. Cartier exterior box with minor wear, tape residue and small tear; case and all other materials excellent. Omas case with some small dings. [See more photos →] |
$1,024.00 |
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2 Pelikan Fountain Pens, incl. Concerto, Green Str | Two (2) Pelikan, Germany M800 fountain pens, including Concerto limited edition and Souveran Green Stripe, both with two tone 18 carat gold nibs with rhodium decoration, screw-on caps. 1st item: Concerto navy blue resin and gold tone fountain pen, numbered “76/4000” to top of cap, vermeil barrel band depicting the opening notes Beethoven’s “Ode To Joy” from his Ninth Symphony, stamped “925” with additional hallmarks, gold sticker reading “18C M” bottom of barrel. Includes original case, pouch, service certificate and 2 exterior boxes. 2nd item: Black resin and gold tone Souveran M800 fountain pen, green celluloid acetate stripes to barrel. Both pens with “PELIKAN – GERMANY” stamped to center bands, pelican logos to top of screw-on caps, nibs stamped “18C-750 F”, bill shaped clips. Closed – 5 5/8″ L. Opened – 6 1/2″ L. Second half 20th century. Provenance: Private Middle Tennessee collection. CONDITION: Both pens have been inked, need to be cleaned. 1st item: Overall very good condition. Ink tank and filler appear to be clean. Tarnish to inlay. Small tear to exterior cardboard box and a couple of spots of wear to printed cardboard box; case and other materials excellent. 2nd item: Gently used condition. No box or case. [See more photos →] |
$704.00 |
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2 Parker Fountain Pens, incl. MacArthur Ltd. Ed. | Two (2) Parker fountain pens, both with two-tone 18 carat gold nibs with rhodium finish, screw-on caps, and arrow shaped clips. Nibs engraved with maker’s name and “18K 750”. 1st item: Limited Edition Douglas MacArthur Anniversary pen with orange resin and gold trim. World War II commemorative plaque at top of cap, and “Douglas MacArthur” engraved beside clip. Numbered 0650/1945 near top of cap. Maker’s name, logo, and “Made in UK” on bottom of barrel. Includes original box, wooden case with inset seal, and certificate of authenticity. 2nd item: Duofold model pen with cobalt blue marbled resin and gold trim. Maker’s name, logo, “Made in UK”, and “I I Y” etched on bottom of the barrel. Both pens: Closed – 5 3/8″ L. Opened – 5 1/8″ L. Original box and case. 20th century. Provenance: Private Middle Tennessee collection. CONDITION: Overall good condition. Both pens inked. Need to be cleaned. 1st item: Potentially leaking. Box and case – excellent condition. 2nd item: Plaque to top of cap missing. Box and case- excellent condition. [See more photos →] |
$512.00 |