For your consideration, we are pleased to offer for sale this exceptional 2004 Montblanc Annual Edition "Classical Mythology – Europa and the Bull" Limited Edition Fountain Pen, presented in Mint, Never Inked condition and complete with its original presentation box, outer box, and the accompanying Montblanc Europa and the Bull edition book.
The Montblanc Annual Edition Collection represents one of the company's most ambitious artistic collaborations, combining Montblanc's renowned writing instruments with the centuries-old porcelain artistry of the Meissen manufactory. Beginning in 2003, Montblanc released three Annual Edition designs each year, inspired by themes such as Classical Mythology, the Venetian Carnival, and Mythical Creatures. Each design was strictly limited to only 300 pieces worldwide and featured a hand-painted Meissen porcelain cap requiring months of skilled craftsmanship to complete.
This example commemorates the classical myth of Europa and the Bull, depicting the legendary tale in exquisite hand-painted detail upon the brilliant white Meissen porcelain cap. The cap further displays the iconic crossed blue swords hallmark of the Meissen porcelain factory, along with the Roman numeral "I" denoting the first edition of the 2004 Annual Edition series. The result is a writing instrument that is equal parts fine art, sculpture, and luxury fountain pen.
The barrel is finished in rich gold plating and complemented by matching gold-plated trim, creating a beautiful contrast against the porcelain cap. The cap and barrel are exceptionally well preserved, displaying no chips, cracks, porcelain damage, repairs, or signs of use. The cap secures firmly to the barrel with a precise friction fit. The cap ring is engraved "GERMANY" and bears the serial number GD1992989.
The fountain pen measures approximately 5 1/2 inches capped, 6 inches posted, and weighs 1.19 ounces, offering a substantial yet elegant feel in hand.
The pen utilizes a cartridge/converter filling system and accepts both Montblanc cartridges and bottled ink through the supplied converter. The converter has been tested with water to ensure proper operation. No evidence of ink has ever been found within the converter, feed, or nib, confirming this example has never been inked.
Fitted with an 18K gold Medium nib, the nib is engraved "4810", "Annual Edition", "18K/750", the Montblanc emblem, and "Montblanc." The nib measures approximately .84mm when checked with digital calipers. To preserve its untouched collector-grade condition, the pen has not been inked or dip tested.
Accompanying the fountain pen are the original Montblanc presentation box, outer box, and the original Europa and the Bull commemorative book, completing the presentation exactly as intended.
The Annual Edition Europa and the Bull stands among Montblanc's most sophisticated limited editions, combining fine German craftsmanship, hand-painted Meissen porcelain artistry, and classical mythology into a truly remarkable writing instrument. Examples preserved in complete, never-inked condition are becoming increasingly difficult to locate, making this an outstanding opportunity for the serious Montblanc collector.
A stunning and highly collectible Montblanc limited edition—beautifully preserved, artistically significant, and worthy of the finest writing instrument collections.
*Note: When purchased new, the pen was originally $1,400 at the Denver, CO Montblanc Boutique Store in 2005.
