Two legendary Italian brands are nearing their centenaries. It is thus both fitting and timely that Montegrappa, which has been producing superior fountain pens and writing instruments in the same factory since 1912, has been chosen to produce the centenary pen for Alfa Romeo, born in 1910.
Italian qualities unite the two companies, both sharing the values that define Italian spirit, tradition and innovation. Another, almost transcendent quality unites them in that both companies have always insisted that their creations possess an elegance, a form that respects the function. Have there ever been any other sports cars as beautifully proportioned as the Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 or the 8C? So, too, do Montegrappa pens exhibit the Italianate blending of form and function.
The first fruit of this new partnership is an elegant set of pens that embody the essence of Alfa Romeo’s history and prestige. The series created by the Bassano master craftsmen for this important anniversary comprises twelve different pens (three versions of fountain, ballpoint and roller ball pens and mechanical pencils) to celebrate and honour the glorious car manufacturer in each and every design detail. The date on which the Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili was founded – 24th June 1910 – is referred to by the number of pens produced in this limited edition series.
Montegrappa has crafted a total of 1910 items: 246 (24-6, i.e. June) celluloid and carbon fibre fountain, ballpoint and roller ball pens; 246 celluloid and silver fountain, ballpoint and roller ball pens, plus 167 of each of the respective mechanical pencils and 25 of each of the four series in celluloid and solid 18K gold.
On the first model, traditional celluloid is used for the cap and a technologically advanced material such as carbon fibre is used for the body. This choice of materials represents an ideal bridge between the past and present, to acknowledge the dynamics of the prestigious automobile company, which remains faithful to its historical roots while striving towards the future, with meticulous care and attention to technological and stylistic innovation and research.
The exquisite artistic designs etched in low-relief on the body of the silver and gold versions in the Montegrappa collection are inspired by the stylistic elements on the evocative Alfa Romeo logo (the Visconti snake, badge and vintage logo). The brand also appears in relief on the top of the cap, while the classic Alfa four-leaf clover is etched on the 18K two-tone gold nib of the fountain pen, which is partially rhodium-plated. The nib feeder is made from ebonite, proving that even the parts hidden from the eye are selected and crafted with the utmost attention to detail.
Even the packaging confirms the elegance and sophistication of these unique writing instruments, which have such a refined, distinctive design. Each pen comes with its own exclusive eco-leather case, with a pen pouch and an international guarantee certifying the research, passion and pure brilliance of the craftsmen who have produced this commemorative line for Alfa Romeo.
ELMO & MONTEGRAPPA S.p.A.
Via Ca’ Erizzo 43/45
36061 Bassano del Grappa (VI) – ITALY
Phone: +39 0424 522232 – Fax: +39 0424 523975
contact@montegrappa.com – www.montegrappa.com
