| Writers
Series
Released every fall since 1992, usually consisting
of a fountain pen, ballpoint pen, and 3-piece
set (with mechanical pencil), each issue is
themed after a famous writer and comes in a
matching book display case. Fountain pens sell
for around $700 when the are first released.
Past releases several years old typically sell
in the $900-$1,500 range. Sets are around double
the fountain pen price and are limited to much
smaller quantities. The least expensive piece
is usually the ballpoint but can become scarce
quickly due to high demand. If you can afford
it, the 3-piece set is a great collectors item.
The Agatha Christie, Marcel Proust, and Jules
Verne are my personal favorites.
Patron
of the Arts Series
Released every year since 2001, each release
commemorates famous individuals making great
contributions to the arts and culture. Released
in spring, these issues only consist of a fountain
pen in a lacquered wooden display case. Two
versions of this series are issued: the 4810
version (limited to 4,810 pieces) typically
sells for $2,200, with the oldest pieces going
for much more, and the 888 version (limited
to 888 pieces), made of more precious materials,
starts at around $5,000 retail. Because these
are only produced in fountain pens and in much
more limited quantities than the Writers Series,
the Patron of the Arts series is targeted at
the more 'serious' Montblanc collector, especially
the 888 series. The Holy Grail is the Lorenzo
de Medici (first issue back in 1991), good luck
finding one! My person favorite is the Octavian
'Spider Web' pen.
Special
Edition Series
This is the series of limited pens that don't
fit neatly into a themed category. They range
from Asian themed pieces (which are quite popular)
to Anniversary Editions. The Special Edition
Series typically has more limited production
than the Patron of the Arts Series wich typically
make them more highly prized.
Donation
(Music) Series
Technically the Donation Series is a Special
Edition and not necessarily considered a true
Limited Edition because not all series pieces
carried individual serial numbers (some do.)
This is the least expensive series with prices
typically in the $200-$500 range. A portion
of the proceeds are donated to a charity benefiting
young artists. Appreciation is iffy, but many
people use these pieces and enjoy the classical
music theme.
75th
Anniversary versus 100 Years
In 1999, Montblanc released their 75th Anniversary
Special Edition (appointed with yellow gold)
and the more valuable, serial numbered Limited
Edition (in rose gold) limited to 1,924 pieces
each. These pens inlcuded a diamond on the clip
ring and on the Limited Edition the Montblanc
star on the cap is in mother of pearl. The most
sought after piece is the 149 Fountain Pen only
available in the Meisterstuck model.
Many wonder why are the 100 Years (2006) and
75th Anniversary (1999) series only 7 years
apart? I call it marketing for maximum profits.
Technically the two series celebrate two different
events. The 75th Anniversary celebrates the
debut of when Montblanc's Meisterstuck fountain
pen was introduced - the line that is Montblanc's
core brand that made them famous. The 100 Years
line celebrates when the founders of Montblanc
created their first pen company, the "Simplo-Filler
Pens Company". What will the celebrate
next? |
