Montblanc

From maker of non-leaking fountain pens to a global luxury brand

Web Site: www.montblanc.com

In 1906 produced high-quality safety fountain pens in Berlin. During 1907 - 1909 the company relocated and rebanded in Hamburg, Germany under the name: Simplo Filler Pen Company. The first "Rouge et Noir" pen was released in 1909. A significant transformation from a writing-instrument company to a company selling high-end watches, leather goods and accessories.

The "Rouge Et Noir" was issued in 1909 and became the first significant pen by the new company. In 1910 the name "Montblanc" was registered as the trademark and from that time used as the name for all its pens. In 1913 the six-point white star, or sometimes called the snowflake, became the branded logo for the company.

It was in 1924 the company established lines of pens, with the Masterpiece (Meisterstück). It was in 1929 that the number 4810, the height in meters of of the highest peak in the Alps, Mont Blanc, appeared on the nib. Became the company's iconic flagship writing instrument. Since 1930, the number 4810 (the height of Mont Blanc in meters) has been engraved on Meisterstück nibs, symbolizing its commitment to peak quality.

In 1934 the company changed its name to Montblanc Simplo GmbH. In 1935 the company expanded, acquired a leatheer good manufacturer in Offenbach and introduced pen pouches and notebooks.

The factory was destroyed during World War II. During that time, Montblanc's pens were made in Denmark. After the way, Montblanc Simplo GmhH rebuilt is production centre in Germany.

Following the same stylish theme of the Meisterstück line, the iconic Meisterstück 149 was issued in 1952.

In 1977 Alfred Dunhill obtained controlling interest. Dunhill's marketing strategy was to concentrate on higher price points and also expand into other luxury products. US distribution was assigned to Koh-I-Noor. Montblanc USA was later created. In 1993 Montblanc became part of the Swiss Richemont Group.

There are so many noteable Montblanc pens. The Meisterstück 149 (1952) became the company's signature "cigar-shaped" black pen, it became arguably one of the most famous writing instrument in the world. In 1992 the Patron of Arts & Writers Editions were issued starting with the Lorenzo de'Medici and Ernest Hemingway pens.