Following the success of Bonhams New York’s June sale of fine writing instruments, the auctioneers will present another exciting fine pen sale on August 19th. Consisting of just over 400 lots, the sale will include rare, limited editions pens by Montblanc, Dunhill, and Loiminchay as well as feature a number of Dunhill-Namiki pens exemplifying the collaboration between the two iconic makers.
Amongst the most sought after lots will be a Dunhill-Namiki Lake Biwa maki-e fountain pen. This artist signed vintage maki-e fountain pen combines several of the finest Japanese lacquer techniques and is the result of the famous 1930s collaboration between Dunhill and Namiki. Extremely rare, this outstanding example is estimated at $15,000-30,000.
Also of interest will be a Dunhill-Namiki Motorities Maki-e limited edition fountain pen. Detailed in gold dust and mother-of-pearl Raden, the design incorporates wheels and flames in honor of Dunhill’s original early 1900s “Dunhill Motorities” line of automobile accessories. Limited Edition 09/25, the pen is offered with all original packaging and papers and carries an estimate of $20,000-30,000.
A Montblanc Magical Black Widow skeleton limited edition 88 fountain pen is certain to garner collector attention. One of the most coveted of Montblanc pens, the Black Widow is encased by a web of white gold, featuring a filigree spider studded with black diamonds on the clip. In some countries, the spider is seen as a symbol of luck, and, in honor of the lucky spider, whose figure ‘8’ shaped body symbolizes infinity, Montblanc produced only 88 of these beautiful pens. Offered in a black lacquered presentation box along with all original packaging and papers the pen is expected to fetch $18,000-24,000.
Another Montblanc highlighting the sale is the maker’s 4th of July limited edition 56 pen. Paying tribute to the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, the body is made of red precious resin and is striped in mother-of-pearl and white gold filigree, representing the red and white stripes of the flag. The body and cap are star-studded and feature 13 signatures selected from the 56 signers. Estimated at $10,000-15,000, this patriotic lot is sure to attract bidders.
Other notable Montblancs to be offered are the Teatro alla Scala limited edition 78 fountain pen and the maker’s hommage à John Harrison skeleton 333 limited edition fountain pen. Featuring diamonds circling the cap and engraved motifs echoing the style of the famed opera house for which it was named, The Teatro alla Scala pen is estimated at $8/10,000. Carrying an estimate of $7/9,000, the special themed John Harrison Skeleton pen honors the inventor of the chronometer with a design featuring transparent blue celluloid representing the oceans and continents made of solid gold overlay.
Rounding out the sale is a Krone Pink Stingray limited edition fountain pen (pictured, left). Recalling tropical beaches, this pen is made in sterling silver with a genuine pink stingray cap with pink diamonds encircling the cap and surmounting the top. Limited edition 3/8, the pen is estimated at $8,000-10,000.
Previews will take place at Bonhams’ New York from August 16th to August 18th. Highlights from the sale will also be on preview from August 14th to August 15th at the Washington DC Supershow (www.pencentral.com), the largest such show in the world. The sale will take place on August 19th at 1 PM EST at the New York galleries. The illustrated auction catalog will be online at www.bonhams.com/newyork in the weeks preceding the preview and auction.
www.bonhams.com/pens.