Thomas Mann
With his pseudonym of Mark Twain, the American writer recalled the defining period of his life spent as a steersman on the Mississippi. The design of the writing instrument is also inspired by the river that had a lasting influence on Twain and his work: The sinuous curving lines on cap and barrel, made of deep-blue precious resin, reflect the shallow waves of the river. The top of the cap is shaped to resemble the Mississippi steamboat chimneys, whose steam is illustrated by ivory-coloured precious resin. The clip is formed by a stylised jew’s harp, a musical instrument that was popular in the Southern states in Twain’s time. Platinum-plated mountings and the ivory-coloured Montblanc emblem complete the distinctive character of the writing instrument. The crowning features of this unique Limited Edition are Mark Twain’s signature and the number of the pen on the cap ring, and the two fathoms engraved on the rhodium-plated 18 K gold nib. The limited edition marks the centenary of Mark Twain’s death in 2010. | |
| Limited Edition | |
| Launch: Limitation: | 2009 12,000 fountain pens 15,000 ballpoint pens 6,000 rollerballs 3,000 sets comprising fountain pen, ballpoint pen and mechanical pencil |
| Characteristics: | • Rhodium-plated 18 K gold nib engraved with the “Buddenbrook” house • Barrel in precious black lacquer with multilayered inlays • Platinum-plated clip set with onyx-coloured zircon • Ivory-coloured Montblanc emblem |
| The brilliance of Paul Thomas Mann, born 6 June 1875 in Lübeck, was already evident in his early creative phase: he demonstrated flashes of genius in his prose sketches and essays whilst still a schoolboy, before signing a letter with “Thomas Mann. Lyrical dramatic poet” at the age of just 14. He was, however, to be proved right: he had barely begun as a trainee in an insurance company when he made his writing debut with the published novella “Gefallen”, which earned him widespread acclaim. Encouraged by this critical success, Mann decided to commit to a career as a writer. |