Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson’s adventure novels come alive in luxury pen producer Montblanc’s Writers Edition pen collection. Paying homage to the prolific writer, the house crafted four unique writing instruments. Heavily inspired by the writer’s works, each detail has been intricately embossed on the pens.
The first highlight of the collection is the Writers Edition Homage to Robert Louis Stevenson Limited Edition 8. The designers brought attention to the 18-carat gold cap which features an impression of a skull set with black sapphires. Moreover, several quotes from the novel ‘Treasure Island’ are carved out on the pen. One can find the writer’s signature and the year 1889 engraved on the cap ring.
The 1883 second edition draws inspiration from another renowned work by the writer, ‘Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’. This edition is limited to 1883 pieces, the number which symbolizes the year Treasure Island was published. The Montblanc emblem is made of mother of pearl, while the black lacquer barrel provides a striking contrast with its gold-coated accents. The gold Au 750 nib is adorned with unique TUSITALA embossing, and features clouds and seagulls. These elements symbolize the time when Mr. Stevenson set sail and spent around three years watching the clouds and birds.
The Limited Edition features a skull and crossbones engraved on the cap crown. The cap features a design that evokes the image of a treasure chest, with an added touch of a compass rose beneath the clip, shaped like a belaying pin, a tool used to secure ropes and rigging on ships. The barrel’s design incorporates a pattern composed of multiple ‘X’ marks, reminiscent of the typical indicator used to mark the location of treasure on a map.
The cap’s upper ring proudly displays the inscription “UNDER THE WIDE AND STARRY SKY,” which is the initial line of Mr. Stevenson’s self-penned requiem, also engraved on his tombstone. Another significant feature is the cap’s lower ring which has the number 1866, which is based on the year of the writer’s unofficial debut publication, “The Pentland Rising: A Page of History, 1666.” Some of these details continue to appear in other instruments as well.
The last Edition 94 is equally captivating. Small details of Mr. Stevenson’s life, such as the year 1888, when he alongside his family left San Francisco, are engraved on the instrument. This writing instrument takes its cues from the currency note issued by the Royal Bank of Scotland as a tribute to the author. Moreover, the cap tube is adorned with intricate hand engravings featuring symbols from pirate tales, such as a treasure chest, revolver, and pipe, all surrounding an inlay of Long John Silver (a character from Treasure Island). Other details just add to the beauty of the instruments.
In celebrating the life and works of the legendary Stevenson, Montblanc has once again proven its dedication to the art of fine craftsmanship and storytelling.
