Montblanc, a leading manufacturer of writing instruments, is celebrating its 100th anniversary of the Meisterstück writing instrument The Origin Collection. The all-black fountain pen, known as the Meisterstück, was introduced in 1924 and has become a symbol of culture, creativity, and connection. The collection features a unique design that has evolved over time, reflecting the influences of different eras. The Meisterstück has evolved from its simple black safety pen appearance to reflect the number “4810” engraved on the two-tone gold nib, bold clip design first appearing in the 1920s, while the streamlined cigar shape and three gold rings were adopted in the late 1940s and 1950s.
To commemorate the 100th anniversary, each edition is decorated with a special design nib showing the number “100” and the years “1924” and “2024.” A special cap ring is also decorated with both milestone years. The original MEISTERSTÜCK logo is engraved on the side of the cap of every edition. The bent clip on the edition with a clip drop is an homage to the many different clip versions that existed during the 1920s when clips were not fixed to a writing instrument, but could be chosen by customers from a range of different clips.
The Meisterstück The Origin Collection also includes the Doué and Solitaire Editions, which bring an early design study sourced from the extensive Montblanc archive into existence. The Doué LeGrand edition combines a platinum-coated cap with the lacquered archive pattern in blue adorned with the engraved vintage MEISTERSTÜCK logo and a barrel in precious blue resin. The Solitaire LeGrand edition pairs the gold-coated design with the signature Montblanc coral color.
Montblanc will release the Meisterstück The Origin Collection from April 2024 from Montblanc boutiques worldwide and online. The brand is synonymous with excellence in craftsmanship and design, pushing the boundaries of innovation ever since its first revolution in 1906.
100 Years of Meisterstück: History and Design Evolution
Montblanc was introduced the Meisterstück writing instrument in 1924 under the name Simplo. The Meisterstück, meaning “masterpiece” in German, was created by craftsmen who honed their savoir-faire and developed one-of-a-kind instruments for themselves. The first Meisterstück collection was introduced in 1935 and 1955, with the number “4810” referring to the height of Mont Blanc mountain. In 1928, two gold rings were added to the cap to strengthen it and reduce crack risk.
The company was renamed Montblanc Simplo GmbH in 1935 and 1955, leading to several new products and innovations. The first Meisterstück with three golden rings on the cap was introduced in 1957, representing Wilhelm Dziambor, Christian Lausen, and Claus Johannes Voss. The Meisterstück was also introduced in 1949-1959, with the 149 model being a true future classic.
From 1960 to 1976, Montblanc continued evolving its production methods to modern standards and materials, embracing more efficient technologies in response to the boom of mass production across industries. The “Linie 60” models featured similar setups throughout all ranges, while the timeless 149 model remained unchanged.
The Meisterstück has retained its core design codes and continues inspiring as a symbol of writing culture. Its distinctive characteristics include a “cigar” form, the Montblanc emblem on the cap top, a nib handcrafted of valuable Au 585/14K or Au 750/18K gold featuring an engraving of ‘4810’, and three gold rings on the cap.
Montblanc’s leather collections continue to reflect the Meisterstück’s impact on the Maison’s leather design, with the Meisterstück Collection’s brilliant black leather and fountain pen nib shape inspiring many leather pieces.
