For your consideration, we are pleased to offer for sale this exceptionally scarce circa 1997 Tibaldi Iride Limited Edition Fountain Pen, rendered in stunning Brown Tortoise marbled celluloid and fitted with an 18K Medium nib. This example is accompanied by its original literature and remains in what I would confidently consider Mint condition, having only been carefully dipped to produce the accompanying writing sample.
The Tibaldi Iride stands as one of the finest modern tributes to the golden age of Italian pen making. Its rich, semi-transparent tortoise celluloid displays remarkable depth and movement, shifting beautifully under light—an effect that simply cannot be replicated in modern resin. The material alone places this pen among the more desirable limited productions of the 1990s revival era.
Accenting the celluloid is Tibaldi’s signature trim: a 24K gold-plated “tie-shaped” clip and the distinctive triple cap band, all executed in heavy, 3-micron gold plating over brass. These design elements are unmistakably Tibaldi—refined, balanced, and rooted in the brand’s historic aesthetic. The trim remains in superb condition, polished to a bright luster, with no wear to note.
Production of the Iride was officially limited to 1,100 pieces, though it is widely accepted that fewer were actually completed, making surviving pieces increasingly difficult to source. This pen is individually numbered 443, discreetly engraved on the barrel, further reinforcing its place within this elusive production.
Condition is outstanding throughout. The cap and barrel are free from cracks, chips, or repairs, and the threads engage smoothly, securing the cap with precision to the barrel. The proportions are elegant and substantial, measuring approximately 5 1/2 inches capped and 6 1/2 inches posted, with a comfortable weight of 1.11 ounces—a pen that feels both balanced and purposeful in hand.
The Tibaldi Iride Fountain Pen comes fitted with an 18K/750 medium nib. I dipped the nib in Faber-Castell Cobalt Blue ink to perform a writing sample that you see in the images. The nib is designated a medium and stamped, "M" on the shoulder of the right tine area. The iridium tipping measures .81mm when measured with a digital caliper. The writing sample provided was done with the actual pen in the images that are listed for sale. The nib will range from a heavy fine/lightmedium (.58mm) to a double broad (1.43mm) line variation when measuring with digital calipers. The nib writes extremely smoothly with a wet line.
This Tibaldi Iride fountain pen uses a Vacuum-Fill filling system and I have tested it with water and it works as it was designed to. The Iride uses a vacuum pump filling system, which I think is similar to that of a Parker Vacumatic. You unscrew the spring-loaded blind cap, which pops out about half an inch, dunk the nib in the ink, and pump the cap three or four times. You can feel (and hear) the ink being sucked rapidly into the barrel. Once the pen's full, slowly push the cap towards the barrel and screw it back into place. The spring pressure is quite fierce, so it's important to have a good grip and use both hands.
While the original box is not present, the pen is accompanied by its original documentation, completing a strong collector presentation.
The Tibaldi Iride represents a pivotal moment in modern pen manufacturing—where historic inspiration, traditional materials, and contemporary engineering converge. Examples in this level of preservation, with strong color, clean trim, and fully functional filling systems, are becoming increasingly scarce.
This is a true collector-grade Tibaldi, offering rarity, beauty, and performance in equal measure. A standout addition to any serious writing instrument collection—and a piece that few will ever have the opportunity to own.
