For your consideration, we are excited to offer for sale this Prototype 2014 S.T. DuPont Art Nouveau Casa Fenoglio Limited Edition Fountain Pen, fitted with an 18K gold Medium nib. This extraordinary piece has never been inked. It remains in mint, pristine condition, representing a rare opportunity to own a prototype example of one of DuPont’s most celebrated Art Nouveau designs.
*NOTE: This S.T. DuPont fountain pen represents an exceptionally rare prototype example of one of the brand’s most celebrated models—the Art Nouveau Casa Fenoglio. Distinguishing it from standard production pieces, the side of the clip bears the “SPECIMEN” engraving. This marking is not found on retail models and signifies that the pen was likely produced as a factory sample or pre-production prototype, intended for internal evaluation, testing, or display rather than public sale. Much like prototype automobiles or watches, such “Specimen” examples were created in extremely limited numbers—often as one-of-a-kind test models—making them especially prized among discerning collectors.
When compared to the standard Art Nouveau Casa Fenoglio limited edition, this prototype displays several unique design elements. The section is engraved with intricate Art Nouveau motifs—details absent on the production version, which features a smooth finish. The nib also bears an Art Nouveau pattern not found on the final release. Finally, where the production model carries an engraved edition number, the clip on this prototype is distinctly stamped “SPECIMEN.” Together, these rare attributes make this pen a fascinating piece of S.T. DuPont’s design history and an extraordinary acquisition for collectors of fine writing instruments.
The S.T. DuPont Art Nouveau Casa Fenoglio production model was released as a Limited Edition of 1,095 pieces. This particular example, however, is a prototype that predates standard production and therefore does not carry a limited edition number. Instead, it is uniquely stamped “SPECIMEN,” indicating its status as a pre-production test piece created while DuPont finalized the design for the official release—making it an exceptionally rare and collectible example within the series.
S.T. DuPont crafted this exceptional collection using two exquisite shades of Chinese lacquer—deep blue and vintage brown—showcasing the Maison’s most revered savoir-faire: the art of traditional Chinese lacquering and master goldsmithing. Each piece exemplifies the brand’s dedication to combining rare, precious materials with meticulous craftsmanship. The Art Nouveau writing instruments pay homage to the creative spirit of the era, blending the fluid elegance of Art Nouveau design with palladium-finished detailing and DuPont’s hallmark lacquer artistry.
This collection draws inspiration from Casa Fenoglio-Lafleur, a historic architectural masterpiece in Turin and one of Italy’s most celebrated examples of the Liberty style, the Italian interpretation of Art Nouveau. Designed by Pietro Fenoglio, the architect credited with introducing Liberty architecture to Italy, the building’s graceful lines and organic motifs echo through DuPont’s design—capturing the harmony, refinement, and timeless artistry of the early 20th century.
This fountain pen cap and barrel are in magnificent condition with no dings, dents, enamel loss, repairs, or damage with the cap always securing tightly to the barrel via a friction fit. The clip is stamped with, "Made in France 'SPECIMEN' ". The top of the cap has the stylized "D" for DuPont. There are no monograms or personalizations on the cap or barrel.
This S.T. DuPont Fountain Pen measures 6" in length capped, 7 3/8" inches posted. The diameter around the cap band measures 13.52mm, and the pen weighs 2.02 ounces.
The fountain pen will use an ink converter or cartridges. This fountain pen comes with an ink converter. I tested the ink converter with water, and it works as designed.
The NIB is an 18K/750 type with a medium point. The actual fountain pen tipping/iridium measures .82mm when measured using digital calipers. I have not inked the pen and wanted to keep it that way for the next curator. These S.T. DuPont nibs are typically known for their incredibly smooth writing - I am sure this one will not disappoint, should you choose to write with it.
The fountain pen only comes with a standard S.T. DuPont box.
S.T. DuPont fountain pens are among the finest writing instruments in the world, celebrated for their precision, artistry, and enduring craftsmanship. The Art Nouveau Casa Fenoglio Limited Edition exemplifies this legacy—an exquisite tribute to the elegance of the Art Nouveau era and the visionary work of Pietro Fenoglio, the architect who pioneered Italy’s “Liberty Style” - the Italian version of Art Nouveau!
This particular example is an exceptionally rare prototype, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail and refined aesthetics that define DuPont’s finest creations. The pen remains in mint, never-inked condition, a true collector’s treasure. With its rarity, artistry, and flawless presentation, this piece is destined to be a centerpiece in any refined writing instrument collection.
