Pens of Note

Montegrappa Miya Argento, Yellow Celluloid

On one of my visits with Novelli Pen in Rome I was debating about getting the Montegrappa Miya Argento Yellow. I was so attracted to the beaytul yellow celluloid. But, I had already just about committed to a number of other pens. I put the pen aside and said I would get that on a trip in the following. Marco mentioned that if I really wanted the pen, it may not be available next year. It was his last, and the pen was no longer in production.

Luckily I re-assessed and picked up the pen. Many years later, Montegrappa has released its Mia line, produced in resine with different trim. While I have a couple Montegrappa Mia pens, the original Miya line is distinctly different.

The Miya Argento, Italian for silver, is one of the classic Montegrappa celluloid and sterling silver pens. I call this combination, iconic Montegrappa.

The trim and the nib section are made with sterling silver. I particularly like the nib section in sterling silver as I do not to worry about ink stains on the celluloid. With a light colour this is a concern.

 

The Mia Body

The Mia has been part of Montegrappa's pen lines for a number of years. I already own a Montegrappa Mia in yellow celluloid so I am familiar with the shape and size of the pen. I find this a very comfortable pen to hold the smooth style of the pen has a classic, vintage appearance. The Mia is 140 mm in length (capped) and 125 mm body only, there is a good width to the pen with a maximum diameter of 16.5 mm. When open and capped the overall length is 158 mm. The weight of the pen is and easy to hold 31 grams. The trim is stainless steel giving the pen a crisp clean look. The stainless steel trim provides the traditional classic look of the Mia line, however, results in a very reasonable price point for the pen.

A feature I like is the ability to post the cap when writing.

Ink Filling System

The pen uses a cartridge/converter filling system and this helps to contribute the overall light weight of the pen as well as keeping the price point very reasonable.

Nib

The Novelli Mia Autumn is available with a JoWo steel or 14 kt gold rhodium plated nib, available in six widths: Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad, Stub 1.1 and Stub 1.5. I have the 14kt gold Broad nib.

 

 

 

The Celluloid

Celluloid was the body materia Montegrappa has used for its leading lines. I am a big fan of the Extra 1930 line, and the Miya line is a pen that is slightly smaller. The yellow celluloid is bright and cheerful. Celluloid always fees great in the hand.

The Cap Band

The Greek pattern cap band is a reflectiion of the previous classic lines. The Mia line that was released a few years later uses and single solid rhodium band, engraved with "Montegrappa". Nice as that is, it is not the same classic, iconic look of what has been used previously.

There are pens using what is referred to as Primary Manipulation resin - resuns wuth free flowing lines of colour that swirl along and around the body of the pen. What I like about the Montegrappa Mia is the pattern runs the length of the pen in relatively straight lines rather than be more random curves. I feel this gives the pen a combination of a sophisticated look as well a longer visual appearance of the pen.

Writing with the Miya

When I wrote with the pen in the store I immediately liked the smoothness of the 18 kt gold nib and the feel of the pen in my hand. There is a bood girth to the pen body and nib section.

 

I have a number of Montegrappa fountain pens and this is an excellent pen to add to your collection as an everyday writer or as your introduction to the pens of Montegrappa.