Recently we had the pleasure of receiving the 2012 Pen of the Year from Faber Castell.
The German luxury pen company has been making gorgeous writing instruments since 1839. This is the final instalment of their Pen of the Year collection which started in 1994 with a stunning amber barrelled masterpiece made by the same artist that restored the legendary Amber Room in Zarskoye Selo near St. Petersburg. This year they have outdone themselves again.
The barrel is constructed of ancient wetland oak that can date back 8000 years in some cases. The ancient oak’s deep gnarled texture comes from being buried for thousands of years in German bogs and marshes. Faber-Castell hired Artist Ernst D. Feldmann who studied old Venetian gilding techniques and is a winner of the Bavarian State Design Award. He has achieved the near impossible, layer upon layer of hand applied 24k gold leaf over the ancient oak. The barrel is then embedded in resin revealing unique reflections that only the purest gold can display. To continue the gold theme Faber-Castell hasn’t stopped there. All of the fittings are plated in 24k gold and is crowned by a chessboard faceted citrine gemstone set in the cap.
Each piece is individually numbered and a certificate personally signed Mr. Feldmann attests to the 24k gold leaf-gilding process. One of only 1500 to ever be made worldwide, this piece will be a prized possession for even the most seasoned collector.
