Pens of Note

I saw the celluloid, and when Leonardo Pen created a fountain pen for the Novelli Pen Store in Rome, it was inevitable this pen would be part of my collection. I fell in love with the distinctive black and white patterned celluloid. What a beautiful pen.

Momento Zero Grande, Black & White Celluloid

The celluloid for this pen is so unique the pen is referred to by the colour of the celluloid: Momento Zero Grande, Black & White Celluloid. The pen has the classic look of the Leonardo Momento Zero Grande body/cap. The simple black and white colour scheme results in a basic and beautiful appearance. The pen has a smart and distinctive look. I notice in some of the photographs of the pen, depending on how the lighting, the pen has a black and white appearance. But the material is actually a gray and black tones.

Writing with the Momento Zero Grande - Black White Celluloid

I am very familiar with the Momento Zero Grande (MZG) body. It is a large pen, but fits very well in my hand. The overall balance is excellent. The feel of this pen is similar to the MZG experience. This is my first MZG fitted with a number eight size nib. The size of nib and pen is well matched. I ordered the nib in a Stub 1.1 size Every nib is slightly different, and this particular nib writes a but thiner than some of ther many 1.1 nibs I have. That actually opens up more options for use. No problem writing with the narrower lines of my calendar.

I use the pen posted and sometimes not, both modes are comfortable although I think I find myself writing with the pen unposted more than posted. The body section of the pen, not posted, runs about 140 mm which is a good length for my hand.

The pen is fitted with Leonard's in-house designed piston filling mechanism. The piston carries a general 1.5 ml of ink so I have a fair amount of writing that can be completed before I have to refil. The nob to twist and activate the piston is at the top end of the body. A smooth feeling operation, Leonardo has to be commended on the quality of their pistons.

The 12 mm, or so, size of grip of the nib section is comfortable in my hand. So while the pen has the look of being very large, It is not a jarring difference from other Leonardo pens. When I visited the Leonardo workshop last fall, I was shown the extra work that was being undertaken so that the nib section and nib holding units would accomodate the size eight nib.

My pen is fitted with a number eight size nib. The pen is available in both a number six and eight nib size. When I visited the factory Salvatore showed me the extra housing pieces that are made for the pen to accomodate the nib size options. My number eight nib is great and it lays a generous line of ink. But the 1.1 Stub cut results in a managable line of ink.    

The La Fenice nib is excellent. Leonardo does the polishing, engraving and finishing of the nibs in their workshop. From my discussions with Leonardo, their expertise with nibs is something that are proud of and they have been creating a fine writing experience.