Muskaan Thakur
German luxury goods manufacturer, Montblanc, recently paid homage to the renowned French poet, Victor Hugo by introducing a collection of limited-edition writing instruments in his name. This is not the first time that Montblanc has come out with tribute pens. The list includes several famous personalities from different walks of life that have left an indelible mark on this world.
Here are some of the tribute pens by Montblanc that you must check out:
Victor Hugo Limited Edition 1831
Details from Victor Hugo’s novel and the Notre-Dame inspired the creation of this pen. The end of the clip is shaped like a bell’s clapper, referencing The Hunchback of Notre-Dame‘s character bell ringer Quasimodo and the bells of Notre-Dame itself. The cap and barrel feature gothic arches and a rosette on the cap pay homage to the rode window of Notre Dame. The cone is engraved with trefoil frieze, a part of Notre-Dame’s architecture.
The yellow lacquer used refers to the yellow prisoners’ passport. His line ‘Chaque homme dans sa nuit s’en va vers sa lumiere‘ from Les Contemplations is engraved on the cap, symbolising redemption. Montblanc’s logo in mother-of-pearl is engraved on the cap top. For honouring the year The Hunchback of Notre-Dame was published, only 1831 pieces of these pens will be made.
Great Characters The Beatles Special Edition Fountain Pen
The Beatles were one of the most influential boy bands in the 1960s. Their popularity caused Beatlemania across the globe. This pen has colourful slips on the lacquered cap and barrel as a tribute to the costumes they wore on the cover of their album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
A microphone-shaped cap top and a cone resembling a button from a mixing table refer to their famous Abbey Road Studio. Also, the clip features four iconic moustaches worn by the band members for a photoshoot. Â
Great Characters Walt Disney Special Edition Fountain Pen
Walt Disney, the founder of Disney built an empire, which led us to the era of advanced animation. He was one of the most successful producers of his time. The pen’s overall shape was inspired by the legendary Monorail system. The colour scheme is derived from the original poster of Steamboat Willy.
Walt Disney’s signature features on the cap top and multiple hidden Mickey on the cap and barrel can be found. A distinct feature is the set of coordinates that are engraved on the cone, giving the location where Disney and his brother constructed a camera stand.
John F. Kennedy Special Edition Burgundy Fountain Pen
This pen makes symbolic references to the life of former American President, John F. Kennedy. The colour denotes Kennedy’s student years at Harvard University. His initials are engraved on the clip. The three gold-coated cap rings stand for his three brothers.
Also, the handcrafted 585 gold nib is engraved with the lunar module that landed on the moon in 1969 as a tribute to his Apollo space programme. Montblanc’s logo can be found on the precious resin.
Read: A tribute to Chef Floyd Cardoz, the man who dared to take Indian food to the US
Great Characters James Dean 1931 Fountain Pen
Hollywood heartthrob James Dean was titled a ‘Rebel’. However, there was an unseen side to him that hardly ever made it to the public eye. He was passionate about poetry. His favourite quote from The Little Prince, “What is essential is invisible to the eye” has been engraved on his tombstone.
Just like this quote, Dean’s love for writing was invisible to others. With this pen, Montblanc sheds light on his untold story. To mark the year of his demise, the edition is limited to 1931 pieces.
Muses Marilyn Monroe Special Edition Fountain Pen
American cultural icon, Marilyn Monroe, was one of the most popular actresses in the 1950s. These pens were inspired by the Ferragamo high-heels that she wore, her signature red lipstick (Ruby Tuesday by Max Factor) and her timeless white dress. Further, the clips recall her love for pearls and jewellery.
Read: A tribute to Jiggs Kalra, the master artist of Indian cuisine
Donation Pen Homage to George Gershwin Special Edition Fountain
George Gershwin was an American composer and a pianist. The pen’s clip is shaped like a clarinet referring to the clarinet opening from Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Another feature is the blue colour ink window.
The cap is inspired by Brooklyn Bridge to depict the relationship he had with his hometown. The cap and barrel are made out of black precious resin combined with platinum-coated fittings.
Patron of Art Homage to Moctezuma I Limited Edition 888Â
Moctezuma I, was the crowned ruler who reigned upon the Great Aztec Empire in 1440. This pen’s overall design was inspired by an atlatl, an Aztec spear-throwing device. The shape of the cone refers to an Aztec sacrificial knife with an obsidian blade. The lacquer colours are taken from the royal cloak. Two hieroglyphs are engraved on the cap marking the years of his reign. The handcrafted solid gold nib features an engraving of a three-armed cactus with a royal diadem and two scrolls.
