There are only a few pens in the world that are worth calling masterpieces and today is about one of them: the Montblanc Artisan Edition Skeleton Charlie Chaplin LE 88. This edition was produced in 2007 in a batch of just 88 pieces a reference to the actor’s age when he died on December 25, 1977. What makes it unique? Well, let’s find out!
Born in London in 1889, Charlie Chaplin was certainly a figure to be remembered, if not one of the world’s greatest in the history of cinema inspiring millions with his talent and charisma, especially during the silent film era. His career began in British music halls long before he moved to the United States, where he made his film debut with “Making a Living” in 1914. He played in numerous films such as “The Kid” (1921), “City Lights” (1931), “Modern Times” (1936), and “The Great Dictator” (1940), but it was “The Tramp” that catapulted him to international stardom.
As a tribute to the actor’s illustrious career, Montblanc has crafted an exclusive edition inspired by Chaplin’s most celebrated film “Modern Times” with the pen’s intricate cog-wheels in 18K solid white gold reminsicent of the machines and machinations featured in the film. This collection celebrates the enduring legacy of a cinematic genius, emphasizing his unforgettable contributions to the world of film.
What is interesting is that the whole pen has been designed to signify Chaplin’s persona: the barrel and cone suggest his baggy trousers he wore in “The Tramp”; the captop is based upon his bowler hat and the solid gold clip resembles his walking cane. Each cog-wheel is set with a brilliant-cut white diamond (circa 0.18 ct) and the Montblanc snowy peak emblem is made in a luminous mother-of-pearl.
This model represents a milestone in Montblanc’s early artisan production as the team managed to design and craft a fountain pen of such complexity even though it didn’t have the advanced machinery and expertise they have today. Well, that didn’t come without costs, and this is something perhaps few people know about: Montblanc lost a lot of money producing the pen itself. Apparently, the Hamburg-based company greatly underestimated the labor and expense of making this intricate edition, and as a result, the cost of production exceeded the price announced before launch.
Now, 17 years after its launch, those who own a Montblanc Charlie Chaplin can consider themselves lucky. One of only 88 editions produced in the world has been estimated for sale at $75’000+ by Style of Zug – fine writing instruments boutique. At the request of a collector, they researched the market and eventually managed to find one of these rare editions.
If you’re looking for a very rare writing instrument, you may consider them, because their passion and commitment to writing instruments goes beyond all boundaries.