Mightier than the sword: collecting pens and pencils with some ideas for upcoming buys
01 October 2020 They might be small but writing instruments have a big collectors’ market. Here we have a look at some top examples going under the hammer in the coming days.
This early 20th century propelling pencil in the shape of the Metropolitan Life Tower is offered at Dreweatts on October 14 with an estimate of £1500-2000.
With little luxury items such as these – pens and pencils are often compared to watches due to their size and the craftsmanship that goes into them – there’s a lot of value in precise details. There’s nothing like a famous previous owner to boost the value as well.
Here we look at a selection of pens and pencils to be found at auction soon.
Montblanc
This collection of 18 Montblanc pens and pencils from the 1950s is offered at Hansons’ sale of October 8-9. The lot has an estimate of £10,000-15,000.
Top of the line in terms of pen craftsmanship is the Montblanc. The company has operated since the early 20th century and now produces other luxury items such as fragrances, watches and eyewear. The collectability of this model (as well as the pen in general) is demonstrated by a single-owner group of 18 Montblanc pens from the 1950s going under the hammer at Hanson’ sale of October 8-99. The lot includes various instruments such as a golden Meisterstuck (Masterpiece) pen, a golden Pix pencil and various striated pens. Together they are offered with an estimate of £10,000-15,000.
View and bid for this collection of 1950s Montblanc pens and pencils here.
Chopin collectable
This Chopin commemorative Montblanc Meisterstuck has an estimate of £100-200 at Peter Wilson Fine Art on October 22.
Many pens, which were produced as limited editions or collectables, will also have their value enhanced when they are offered complete with a certificate, presentation box, or even an original bottle of ink. This Montblanc Meisterstuck Solitaire black and silver pen, for example, is offered in its Hommage a Frédéric Chopin cardboard presentation box. It has an estimate of £100-200 at Peter Wilson Fine Art on October 22.
View and bid for this Chopin commemorative Montblanc Meisterstuck pen here.
Novelty pencil
A series of writing instruments, including several novelty pencils, are offered at Dreweatts on October 14. Among them is this Tiffany & Co early 20th century propelling pencil in the shape of the Metropolitan Life Tower, the tallest building in the world from 1909-13. It is offered with an estimate of £1500-2000.
View and bid for this MetLife tower pencil here.
Victorian pencil
This Victorian propelling pencil in the shape of a bear is offered at Dreweatts on October 14 with an estimate of £400-600.
Even more historic is this early Victorian gold pencil offered at the same auction. It is in the shape of a bear clutching a wooden staff with cabochon ruby eyes and has an estimate of £400-600.
View and bid for this Victorian propelling pencil here.
A traditional luxury
This gold Bulgari pen is offered at Dreweatts on October 14 with an estimate of £60-80.
There are also more traditional luxury pens on offer at Dreweatts. These include this gold-plated roller ball pen Bulgari. It is offered with a Bulgari box, guarantee booklet and refill, and has an estimate of £60-80.
View and bid for this gold Bulgari pen here.