Since 2003 there has been an annual edition of a superior magnum-sized plunger-action fountain pen, each produced for one year only.
Each pen is individually numbered on the head of the plunger mechanism. The pen is sold in an exclusive wooden case accompanied by an attractive brochure as well as a certificate assuring that the pen is produced for a limited period only. A platinized end cap protects the twist knob of the plunger mechanism and so prevents the pen from leaking. Each 18-carat bicolour gold nib, available in three widths (M, F, B), is ‘run in’ by hand before the pen leaves the workshop.
Pen of the Year 2012
The tenth Pen of the Year features a combination of two materials that could hardly be more complete opposites: The deep structure of bog oak, whose beauty has been naturally wrought over thousands of years together with gold that lends a supernatural sheen to the most beautiful works of art created by mankind. Layer upon layer of 24-carat gold leaf is applied to the bog-oak pen barrel in an intricate and detailed process. Embedded in resin, this reveals a unique pattern of reflections that only the purest gold can display. All metal fittings are 24-carat gold-plated.
Pen of the Year 2011
Nature’s luxury
As a bringer of luck, symbol of power, and elixir of immortality, jade is surrounded by a special aura. The cuts typical of this valuable gemstone are hand-chiselled, a piece at a time. The cap and barrel are tipped with immaculately faceted and polished stones, making the Pen of the Year 2011 a luxurious collector’s item. Platinum-plated metal parts and an 18-carat bicolour gold nib, carefully ‘run in’ by hand, round off this special edition that is limited to 1761 pens.
Pen of the Year 2010
A secret art of unique aesthetics
Inspired by valuable historic hunting rifles, the Pen of the Year 2010 combines the craftsman’s secret art of case hardening, engravings and gold inlays with beautiful Caucasian walnut wood. Platinum-plated metal parts and an 18-carat bicolour gold nib, carefully ‘run in’ by hand, round off this numbered edition.
Pen of the Year 2009
A near-forgotten art
The unusual material of the barrel of the Pen of the Year 2009 is hand-woven from selected horsehair, an extremely time-consuming process. Each hair from a horse’s tail is individually interwoven, so producing an expressive pattern. Platinized metal parts and an 18-carat bicolour gold nib provide the finishing touches to this Pen of the Year 2009, each pen individually numbered.
Pen of the Year 2008
The world’s smallest parquet made of Indian satinwood
No fewer than 84 rectangles have to be individually hand-made for the filigree herringbone pattern. No two segments are identical: each can be fitted at just a single position on the barrel. The masterpiece is crowned by a chessboard-faceted citrine gemstone set in the platinum-plated end cap. Platinized metal parts and an 18-carat bicolour gold nib provide the finishing touches to this Pen of the Year 2008, each pen individually numbered.
Pen of the Year 2007
Fascinating whims of nature
Forests from aeons ago were buried under water, lava, or soil. In the course of a crystallization process that may have taken up to 360 million years, the wood became petrified: a preliminary stage of the semi-precious stones chalcedony or agate. With great precision the pieces of gemstone have been cut, ground, and polished by the hand of a master craftsman. Each fountain pen becomes a unique work of art.
Pen of the Year 2006
The origins of culture
Mammoth ivory is a fossil material of immaculate beauty, preserved for millennia through being frozen in the pure ice of Siberia. Artistically engraved mammoth ivory is combined with ebony in time-consuming inlay work – a masterpiece of craftsmanship by the ivory carver Jürgen Schott, whose signature guarantees that only genuine materials are used. Platinized metal parts and an 18-carat bicolour gold nib provide the finishing touches to this Pen of the Year 2006, each pen individually numbered.
Pen of the Year 2005
The essence of writing
Stingray leather or Galuchat is considered to be one of the most remarkable and most durable leathers in the world. Skillful and elaborate processing characterizes this individually numbered Pen of the Year 2005, and each barrel exhibits an individually distinct pearl mosaic. Platinized metal parts, the platinum-plated bridge and an 18-carat bicolour gold nib represent a masterpiece in craftsmanship.
Pen of the Year 2004
Amber – The material that myths are made of
Exclusive plunger-action fountain pen with a barrel made of amber, platinized metal parts and an 18-carat bicolour gold nib, already ‘run in’ by hand. A platinized cap with amber inlay protects the knob of the plunger mechanism. The amber in this individually numbered special edition for 2004 was worked by the master craftsmen and head of the Catherine Palace workshop, which reconstructed the famous St Petersburg Amber Room.
Pen of the Year 2003
Quality over generations
Exclusive plunger-action fountain pen with a barrel made of snakewood. The decorative snakewood is one of the heaviest and most expensive woods in the world. It is reddish brown with figuring reminiscent of snakeskin. Platinized metal parts and an 18-carat bicolour gold nib provide the finishing touches to this Annual Edition 2003.