For your consideration, we present for sale this never-inked 2000 Montegrappa Human Civilization Limited Edition Fountain Pen, number 236 of only 1,912 examples produced worldwide. Fitted with an 18K Medium gold nib and preserved in Mint, New Old Stock condition, this pen remains exactly as it left Montegrappa’s workshop more than two decades ago. It is accompanied by its complete original factory presentation boxes, literature, and documentation, making this a highly desirable and increasingly scarce full-set example.
Introduced in 2000, the Human Civilization Fountain Pen represents the second edition in Montegrappa’s ambitious Trilogy of Mankind, following the Science & Nature edition and preceding the final release dedicated to human achievement. Conceived at the dawn of a new millennium, this edition reflects Montegrappa’s vision of humanity’s historical journey—its struggles, triumphs, and enduring legacy—rendered through precious resin, sterling silver, enameling techniques, and masterful Italian craftsmanship.
The barrel is adorned with eight finely engraved low-relief enamel over sterling silver scenes, each symbolizing a pivotal step in the evolution of human civilization. The choice of eight is deliberate, echoing its association with good fortune and continuity in Eastern tradition. These scenes are further elevated through the hand application of vibrant, kiln-fired enamel, lending depth, contrast, and visual richness to the sterling silver surface. Together, the engravings and enamels form a miniature art gallery that unfolds around the pen.
Crafted in a brownish swirl resin with enameled sterling silver overlay, the cap and barrel showcase Montegrappa’s renowned silversmithing expertise. The detailing is crisp and sharply defined, with exceptional clarity in both engraving and enamel work. The sterling silver clip is set with a genuine agate cabochon, an elegant and symbolic accent that reinforces the pen’s status as a true objet d’art. Production was strictly limited to 1,912 individually numbered pieces, underscoring the exclusivity and long-term collectibility of the edition. This is edition number 234.
This example remains unused and flawless. The sterling silver and enamel surfaces are pristine, showing no cracks, chips, scratches, dents, wear, or repairs. The cap threads engage smoothly and secure firmly to the barrel. The sterling silver trim is crisply hallmarked “925, *1055VI, MONTEGRAPPA”, and the barrel end is engraved with the limited-edition number 0236/1912. The pen measures approximately 5 5/8 inches capped and 6 7/8 inches posted, with a substantial yet well-balanced weight of 2.36 ounces, offering a reassuring presence befitting a flagship Montegrappa limited edition.
The fountain pen employs a piston-filling system, which has been carefully tested with water to ensure smooth, proper operation as originally intended.
The pen is fitted with an 18K gold Montegrappa two-tone (Platinum-plated) hand-engraved nib, marked “750, MONTEGRAPPA, M”. The iridium tipping measures approximately .82 mm when measured with digital calipers, aligning with its Medium designation. As the pen has never been inked, the nib has been intentionally left untouched, preserving its originality for the next custodian.
Included are the original Montegrappa Human Civilization presentation boxes, along with all factory literature and documentation, each remaining in excellent condition—an increasingly rare and important consideration for serious collectors of late-20th-century Montegrappa limited editions.
The Human Civilization Limited Edition Fountain Pen stands as one of Montegrappa’s most intellectually and artistically ambitious creations. With its symbolic narrative, precious materials, and pristine, never-used condition, this example represents a high-cachet Montegrappa collectible—one that would serve as a cornerstone piece in any advanced Montegrappa or museum-quality fountain pen collection.
Original retail price in 2000: $2,900.00
