Meisterstück

Founded in 1906, Montblanc began as the Simplo Filler Pen Co. GmbH, producing high-quality fountain pens. In 1909, the company introduced its first iconic range, Rouge et Noir, distinguished by red caps. This was followed in 1910–11 by a white-capped model, reportedly inspired by Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain. The pen subsequently adopted the mountain’s name, and in 1913 the company registered its now-iconic snowcap emblem as a trademark.

The Meisterstück was introduced in 1924, initially featuring gold-plated finishes and nibs supplied with a warranty. Over time, the range evolved to incorporate higher-grade materials, including precious metals such as silver and gold. The name Meisterstück, meaning ‘masterpiece’, came to represent Montblanc’s finest writing instruments, prized by collectors and connoisseurs worldwide. In 1929, the company further reinforced its connection to the mountain by engraving ‘4810’, its height in metres, on Meisterstück nibs. This number remains a distinctive feature across many Montblanc collections. In 1934, Simplo officially adopted Montblanc as its company name.

Masters for Meisterstück

Considered a ‘Holy Grail’ among collectors, this Montblanc Masters for Meisterstück Meissen Black Porcelain fountain pen is an exceptionally rare survivor and exists primarily in the realm of collector's lore. Released into the Montblanc boutiques in 2011 alongside the white porcelain version, the black porcelain proved notoriously difficult to fire, being highly prone to structural imperfections and shattering in the kiln, with a failure rate of almost 100%. Consequently, the vast majority of black porcelain examples were rejected and discarded under Meissen and Montblanc's quality control standards, with only a handful being fully completed.

These production issues led to a discreet recall by Montblanc of all the remaining boutique inventory. It is estimated that only 20 to 40 examples survived into private hands, reputedly through early sales to Montblanc’s most valued clients. The pen offered here is believed to be the first Meissen black porcelain fountain pen to appear on the open auction market.

Patron of Art

Since its introduction in 1992, Montblanc’s Patron of Art collection has celebrated the influential patrons and advocates whose support helped shape the course of art and culture. Each limited-edition writing instrument draws inspiration from its honouree, with carefully selected materials and considered details reflecting their historical significance and artistic legacy.

Initially issued in a limited run of 4,810 pieces, referencing the height of Mont Blanc, the collection expanded in 1995 to include the more exclusive 888 edition, a number associated with good fortune in Asian cultures.

Over three decades, the series produced 61 distinct limited editions honouring 32 cultural patrons, culminating in a double edition celebrating Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 2022. In 2023, the collection gave way to Montblanc’s Master of Art series, which has since paid tribute to artists including Vincent van Gogh and Gustav Klimt. Together, these writing instruments reflect the relationship between artistic patronage, cultural history and the art of fine writing.

Patron of Art: Semiramis, 1996

This 1996 Patron of Arts edition pays tribute to Queen Semiramis of Babylon, who is associated with the unification of Babylon and Assyria and the legend of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The fountain pen combines a black resin cap and barrel with an intricate 18-carat gold filigree overlay and red lacquer detailing. A brilliant-cut diamond adorns the clip, while the gold components bear 750 stamps, Swiss assay marks and the common control mark.

The pen is fitted with a medium yellow gold nib, stamped 18K and 750, and features a piston-filling mechanism. Offered uninked, it is accompanied by its original red lacquer Montblanc Semiramis presentation box, Semiramis International Service Certificate and outer card box.

Patron of Art: Andrew Carnegie, 2002

Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie was honoured in 2002 in both the 4810 and 888 editions. Born in Scotland in 1835, Carnegie emigrated to the United States as a child and went on to become one of the leading figures of the American steel industry. Having amassed considerable wealth, he devoted much of his later life to philanthropy, supporting education, public libraries and cultural institutions. His commitment to the advancement of knowledge and the arts is reflected in Montblanc’s Patron of Art editions dedicated to his legacy.

The 4810 edition, features a black lacquer cap and barrel adorned with a silver overlay. A silver-coloured nude female figure forms the clip, while the pen is fitted with a medium two-tone gold nib and piston-filling mechanism. The rarer 888 edition, is distinguished by its mother-of-pearl lacquer cap and barrel, complemented by a white gold overlay. The cap features a clip in the form of a nude female figure, while a mother-of-pearl Montblanc rounded star is set into the cap.

Great Characters

Celebrating influential figures from the worlds of culture, politics, music, art and industry, Montblanc launched its Great Characters collection in 2009 with an edition honouring Mahatma Gandhi. Each writing instrument draws inspiration from the life and achievements of its subject, incorporating carefully considered design details, materials and engravings that reflect their individual stories. The collection has since paid tribute to a diverse range of personalities, including filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock (2011), physicist Albert Einstein (2013), President John F. Kennedy and artist Andy Warhol (both 2015), and The Beatles (2017).

Later editions have celebrated the lives of musician Jimi Hendrix (2022), Hollywood icon James Dean (218), and boxer Muhammad Ali (2023). Combining Montblanc's expertise in fine writing instruments with references to each figure's distinctive contribution to history, the collection offers a fascinating intersection of design, craftsmanship and cultural significance.

Great Characters: Enzo Ferrari, 2021

In 2021, Montblanc paid tribute to Enzo Ferrari, the celebrated motor racing driver and entrepreneur who founded Scuderia Ferrari and established one of the world’s most recognisable automotive marques. Crafted from red precious resin, the edition reflects Ferrari’s lifelong passion for motor racing. Its distinctive colour takes inspiration from ‘Rosso 70 Anni’, a special red developed to mark the 70th anniversary of Scuderia Ferrari, drawing on the iconic shades associated with the marque throughout its history.

The cap top of this 2021 edition features the Montblanc emblem set within a metal grid against a yellow background, referencing Ferrari’s birthplace of Modena, Italy, while the prancing horse, the marque’s celebrated emblem, adorns the reverse of the cap. The metal clip bears Ferrari’s words, ‘You cannot describe passion, you can only live it’, while the cone is engraved with two significant dates from his early career. Completing the design, the handcrafted 14K solid gold nib features a steering wheel inspired by the Ferrari 250 GTO and one of Enzo Ferrari’s nicknames, ‘Pilota’.

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Auction Details

Thursday 19 November, 10.30am GMT
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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Viewing at Dreweatts London: 16-17 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5LU
Tuesday 10 November: 10am-4pm
Wednesday 11 November: 10am-4pm

Viewing at Dreweatts Newbury: Donnington Priory, RG14 2JE
Saturday 14 November: 10am-3pm
Sunday 15 March: 10am-3pm
Monday 16 March: 10am-4pm
Tuesday 17 November: 10am-4pm

Further information
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