On October 12th, collectors of fine writing instruments will be presented with a spectacular collecting opportunity. The second part of the Clavius Collection–a world-class assemblage of many rare, ultra-high-end, modern, limited edition writing instruments–will be offered at international auctioneers, Bonhams New York. Considering the successful sale of the first part of the collection this past February at Bonhams’ Los Angeles galleries, anticipation is running high.
Clavius actively collected over the course of fifteen years, establishing relationships with dealers on three continents who called to his attention to the most outstanding modern pens. This resulted in Clavius acquiring blockbuster names such as Mont Blanc, Namiki, OMAS, Parker and Pelikan. Dupont, Grayson Tighe, Krone, Loiminchay, Montegrapa, Sheaffer, Visconti and Waterman are also represented as well as several smaller makers such as L. Michael Fultz and Bexley.
The collection reflects a diversity of interests including pens paying tribute to musicians, movie stars, inventors and others. Additionally, a range of unique materials- such as gemstones, exotic woods, and precious metals- can be found amongst the collection as well.
One of the most coveted lots of the sale is a Maki-e “Motorites” fountain pen by Dunhill-Namiki (pictured, left). Decorated in maki-e, the ancient Japanese lacquer style, this exquisite pen is detailed in gold dust and mother-of-pearl. The design incorporates wheels and flames in honor of Dunhill’s original 1900s “Dunhill Motorites” line of automobile accessories. Presented with a lacquered box and all original packaging and papers, the lot is estimated at $30/40,000.
Also of great interest is a jade “Forbidden City” fountain pen set by Loiminchay. These two fountain pens are each crafted from a single piece of high-quality jade–one from crystal jade, the other light purple jade. The oversized pens are decorated in high-relief dragon carvings. Expected to fetch as much as $14/16,000, the limited edition pens are certain to draw serious collector attention.
A transparent and platinum “Skeleton” fountain pen and watch set by Montblanc is also garnering much pre-sale attention. The striking set features transparent resin overlaid with platinum-plated lattice-work, finely crafted to reveal the inner-workings of the pen. The matching watch is a fitting accompaniment, with its transparent face revealing the intricate time mechanism, and the Montbalnc star as the focal-point. Presented with its original lacquer box, this limited edition pen is estimated at $12/15,000.
Of great cause for excitement is the OMAS Collezione “Legni Pregiati” (Precious Wood Collection). Offered from 1995 to 1997, in twelve different exotic woods drawn from around the world, this limited edition series consists of fifteen fountain pens. Among the woods are violet ebony, pernambuco, amarante, cocobolo, amboina, lignum vitae, and thuya. Each pen comes in an individual slide topped wooden box with papers interpreting the woods and protective sheaths. The sets are presented in a case with three trays, each showcasing five of the pens and their woods–it is unknown how many intact sets exist. Estimated at $8/12,000 this is truly an extraordinary prospect.
Also highly desirable is a set of five, limited edition Michel Perchin, Star of India pens (pictured, right). The set includes one 22k gold-trimmed pen in each color: blue, green, red and white. The fifth pen is French blue enamel with rhodium trim. Carrying an estimate of $7,500-12,500, all five pens are numbered and feature hard enamel over guilloche work with exquisite detailing.
Certainly not to be overlooked are a porcelain Montblanc “Year of the Golden Dragon” fountain pen hand-painted by Meissen Porcelain (est. $6/8,000); the fossil Ivory “Angel Fantasy” fountain pen by Grayson Tighe featuring scrimshaw (est. $3/5,000); and a hand-painted “Art of War” Magnum fountain pen by Krone with an authentic piece of the Great Wall of China set in its cap (est. $3/5,000).
The sale will be on view at Bonhams New York from October 9th until the morning of the sale which takes place on October 12th at 1PM EST. The illustrated auction catalog for the sale will be online at www.bonhams.com/us in the weeks preceding the preview and auction. For more information, please visit www.bonhams.com/newyork
