A fascinating encounter: the deep structure of ancient wetland 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.
The combination of gold leaf and ancient wetland oak makes the Pen of the Year 2012 an extraordinarily luxurious fountain pen. The 18 carat bi-colour gold nib is available in line widths M, F and B, each one ‘run in’ by hand. The end-cap protects the twist knob for the filling mechanism. All metal fittings are 24-carat gold-plated. The masterpiece is crowned by a chessboard faceted citrine gemstone set in the cap.
A sensitive and masterly touch is demanded, if gold leaf is to mould perfectly to the graining of the oak barrel of the pen.
The gold leaves are carefully applied by hand using a fine squirrel-hair brush. A 4 000-year-old technique is used that dates back to the Egyptians and is mastered by only a select few people today. Such an extraordinary craft demands particular artistry and skill.
After studying old Venetian gilding techniques and winning the Bavarian State Design Award, the gilder and church painter Ernst D. Feldmann has achieved the almost impossible: Layer upon layer of 24-carat gold leaf is applied to the 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.
Each individually numbered writing implement comes in an exclusive deep black wooden case. A certificate, signed personally by Ernst D. Feldmann, attests to the 24-carat leaf-gilding on the 1700 year old German oak wood, as well as to the limited edition to 1500 fountain pens. The high-gloss collector’s case with glass lid and two removable trays made of linden wood provides a masterly setting for any collector’s favourite pens.
HK Snob
