In the world of fine writing instruments, Montblanc has always stood as a pioneer by innovating and maintaining the same high standards of quality for which it has been appreciated over the years. This year, the Hamburg-based brand celebrates 100 years since the launch of the first Meisterstuck, the model that paved the way for its success and for which it is known worldwide today. To mark this important milestone, Montblanc returned to its origins to create the Meisterstück The Origin Collection highlighting its design attributes through the years and even revisiting original concepts from the extensive Montblanc archive that were never brought to life.
A very special nib design and a bent clip with a clip drop are just some of the features this edition brings along. Read on to discover every little detail Montblanc has worked on for this marvelous collection.
“At the peak of the digital age, the Meisterstück continues to be considered a symbol of culture, creativity, and connection. It is above all synonymous with the power of handwriting. With this special collection, we are inviting writing enthusiasts and lovers of Montblanc writing culture to come on a journey with us to discover, or rediscover through a new lens the design attributes that have become defining features of the beloved Meisterstück,” says Alessandra Elia, Former Montblanc Director of Writing Culture
Regarded as the quintessential writing instrument, the Meisterstück has left an indelible mark on mankind, wielded by many influential individuals who shaped our collective culture and history. What is interesting, however, and what few people probably know about, is the origin of the Meisterstuck and subsequent success, which is perhaps more accidental. It is said that some customers began to request writing instruments for “Sunday-use” – finer tools not meant for everyday use. Unbeknown to them, the craftsmen in the workshops had long been developing such writing instruments as personal projects, one-of-a-kind pieces that exhibited highly advanced craftsmanship and as such they were known as “Meisterstück”.
Over the decades, the Meisterstück has undergone a transformation from its original, straightforward black safety pen form to embody the stylistic influences of various eras, gradually adopting unique design features that now cement its timeless identity, established over fifty years ago. The engraving of “4810” on the two-tone gold nib, representing the altitude of Mont Blanc in meters, along with the bold clip design, were introduced in the 1920s. Meanwhile, the streamlined cigar shape and the trio of gold rings became part of its design in the late 1940s and 1950s.
A Special Design for a Special Occasion
To celebrate the 100th anniversary, each pen in the collection features a specially designed nib adorned with the number “100” and the years “1924” and “2024.” Additionally, a commemorative cap ring also displays these milestone years.
Initially, the name “Meisterstück” was translated into various languages. However, as its international fame expanded, the name became so iconic that only the original German version remained. Honoring the significance of its name, the original MEISTERSTÜCK logo is engraved on the side of the cap in every edition.
The clip we commonly find on the Meisterstuck models has been replaced with a distinctive bent clip on this edition featuring a clip drop that pays tribute to the diverse clip styles available in the 1920s, a time when clips were not permanently fixed to writing instruments but could be chosen by customers from a variety of options.
Echoing the various marble effects found in early Meisterstück pens, the precious resin of the cap exhibits an effect akin to dissolving ink, intentionally refined with today’s more sophisticated production techniques. To honor the original inspirations behind the Meisterstück The Origin Collection, each emblem is encircled by the specific color of that edition. I particularly like the new clip design for its vintage flair, which adds a touch of historical elegance to the modern iteration of the pen.
The collection consists of the Resin editions as well as the Doué and Solitaire.
Meisterstück The Origin Collection: Resin Editions
The Meisterstück The Origin Collection Precious Resin 149 showcases a black precious resin barrel and a cap with a dynamic ink flow effect, complemented by platinum-coated fittings that include the centenary cap ring and a special anniversary clip. Its solid Au750 gold nib, coated in rhodium, features a unique centenary design.
The Meisterstück The Origin Collection Precious Resin LeGrand features a dark blue precious resin barrel paired with a cap exhibiting a blue ink flow effect. The Montblanc emblem, set atop the pen, is embedded within precious blue resin, and the nib is crafted from rhodium-coated solid Au585 gold.
Lastly, the Meisterstück The Origin Collection Precious Resin Classique edition is rendered in green precious resin, highlighting the fluid ink cap effect alongside gold-coated fittings and an emblem encased in green resin. The solid Au585 gold nib is adorned with a distinctive centenary design, adding a touch of elegance.
Meisterstück The Origin Collection: Doué and Solitaire Editions
The Doué and Solitaire editions of the Meisterstück The Origin Collection bring to life a design concept previously archived and never before realized in production. This design, originating from a unique prototype within the vast Montblanc archives, is now featured on the cap of these editions for the first time.
The Meisterstück The Origin Collection Doué LeGrand showcases a platinum-coated cap adorned with a lacquered archive pattern in blue, which includes the engraved vintage MEISTERSTÜCK logo, paired with a barrel in precious blue resin. This edition is finished with a rhodium-coated solid Au750 gold nib and a Montblanc emblem embedded in blue resin at the cap’s summit.
The Meisterstück The Origin Collection Doué Classique contrasts this with a gold-coated cap featuring the lacquered archive pattern in green. It is topped with the Montblanc emblem set in precious green resin and a nib crafted from solid Au750 gold.
Lastly, the Meisterstück The Origin Collection Solitaire LeGrand edition marries the gold-coated design with Montblanc’s signature coral color, offering a vibrant twist to the classic styling.
To enhance the writing instrument collection, Montblanc also introduces a set of three ink colors—Blue, Green, and Coral. These inks are presented in glass bottles and housed in boxes adorned with the archival design, reflecting the primary colors of the editions. Additionally, a blue cowskin leather notebook embossed with the archive pattern enhances the collection. The lineup also includes a Meisterstück 100 leather notebook featuring a digital print of the iconic fountain pen, along with a set of cards and envelopes decorated with the 100th-anniversary motif, enriching the overall writing experience.
For a touch of elegance beyond writing, Montblanc is also releasing a series of round cufflinks in steel and lacquer, alongside leather bracelets that feature a steel clasp with a vintage design, commemorating this special anniversary.
Conclusion
The Montblanc Meisterstück The Origin Collection is an extraordinary celebration of craftsmanship and heritage, marking a century of unparalleled excellence in writing culture. I am incredibly excited to see what Montblanc has worked on over the past months and I must say that it has once again surpassed expectations of both enthusiasts and collectors. Each piece in this collection not only dazzles with its aesthetic beauty but also stands as a significant marker of historical achievement.
I must say this collection is truly a collector’s dream, not merely for its stunning design and quality but for the momentous milestone it commemorates. It is a testament to Montblanc’s continuous innovation and commitment to excellence, making each item in this series worth collecting.
For enthusiasts eager to own a part of this historic release, the Meisterstück The Origin Collection is already available in Montblanc boutiques and authorized retailers with prices starting at EUR 880,00 for the Classique version. This launch provides a unique opportunity to possess a piece of Montblanc’s storied legacy, beautifully encapsulated in this latest series.
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