It’s 1992. Smartphones are still science fiction, CDs are playing in car stereos, paper maps live in glove compartments, and the Porsche 911 is still air-cooled. For analog purists, it’s hard to imagine a better time. Rolex introduces the Yacht-Master in solid 18k yellow gold, while Montblanc opens the first chapter of what would become its 30-year Patron of Art series.
In today’s article, we’ll take a look at the first-ever Montblanc Patron of Art Lorenzo de Medici 4810, an edition that not only set a new standard in the fine writing industry but changed how users see pens forever. This edition proved that pens can depart from their pure utilitarian condition to become personal luxury items.
The reason I’m writing this article is not that I’ve become overly nostalgic (although, now that I think about it, that could also be true), but that I just noticed Samuel Naldi talked about this pen, now over 30 years old, in his most recent YouTube video. Apparently, Writing Culture has one of the 4,810 pieces in brand-new condition. Without further ado, let’s dive into it!
A bit of historical context
After checking a few sources, I found out that Lorenzo de’ Medici died in 1492, aged only 43. If you do the math, 1992 is exactly 500 years after his death. Coincidence? It could be, but it could also be that Montblanc deliberately chose that year to mark 500 years since his death.
Lorenzo de’ Medici (also known as Lorenzo the Magnificent) was the ruler of Florence during one of the most extraordinary periods in its cultural history. He came to power in 1469, when he was still quite young, at around 20. At the time, Florence was technically still a republic (Lorenzo was not a king or duke), but the Medici family’s wealth, political alliances and influence made him its de facto leader.
Beyond politics, one of Lorenzo’s greatest contributions was his ability to turn Florence into one of the most important cultural hubs of the Renaissance. He supported artists, poets and philosophers, encouraged the study of classical antiquity and created an environment where talent could flourish. Michelangelo, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci are just a few of the names who benefited from Lorenzo de’ Medici’s patronage.
About the edition
The edition comes in an octagonal shape and is made of solid 925 sterling silver, with just a few parts in precious resin. What’s worth noting, and in my opinion the coolest part, is the hand-engraved motifs across each of the 4,810 pens. You read that right: none of the ornaments you see on the pen were laser-engraved, except for the corn guilloché pattern, which appears to have been machined. What’s even more interesting is that, according to sources, Montblanc hired eight master silversmiths to create the engravings by hand. And all of this was done back in 1992.
There is also a bit of mystery surrounding the eight master craftsmen who worked on the Lorenzo de’ Medici. According to archive material, each of the 4,810 pens was engraved by just one craftsman, with the eight artisans working on the edition in rotation. Once finished, each craftsman would add his initials to the pen. But there’s a catch: despite Montblanc mentioning eight craftsmen, their full identities remain surprisingly difficult to trace today. Initials such as HP, R, ZH, JB, BO and VK are documented on different examples, but the names behind them, and even the complete set of eight signatures, still seem to be something of a mystery.
The fountain pen uses a piston-filling system, and the nib is crafted from 18k two-tone gold, with a distinctive heart-shaped breather hole.
Considering that this was the very first edition in the Patron of Art series, I must say it was a spectacular way to start. I especially appreciate the human element Montblanc brought to the process. Having 4,810 pens hand-engraved is no small task, I imagine.
The edition available at Writing Culture is number 0063/4810 and bears the initial R of the master craftsman who engraved it. According to Samuel Naldi, the pen is in brand-new condition and comes with its original box and papers. It is currently priced at €8,359.95. (Shop here) For collectors of the Patron of Art series who have had the Lorenzo de’ Medici on their radar for years, this is a rare opportunity to find one in such condition.
Would you get it? Curious to hear your thoughts!
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