Austrian Heinreck Helme and Engineer Alessandro Marzotto established the Montegrappa pen in Bassano del Grappa, Italy in 1912. Before Bassano became such a historical landmark, during the First World War, it was the center of military operations where Ernest Hemingway and John Dos Passos, two renowned writers, had both volunteered for service as ambulance drivers.
The Montegrappa pen has been designed with emphasis on comfort for penmen of all professions. The designers have also kept in mind the balance and overall performance of the pen. The Montegrappa is designed with premium quality, platinum plated, 18K solid gold nibs, and hand-turned ebonite feeders. It is plated with precious metals and rare woods. It is known for profoundly expressing the personality of its user.
The Montegrappa Limited Edition pens launched on the 80th anniversary of its foundation were not only special because of their approval from collectors all over the world, but because the pens are each inspired by historical events, the culture of the past, and mankind’s deepest emotions. These pens are created so that every individual can choose one that best fits their lifestyle and their character.
The designs found on Montegrappa pens are directly drawn from the artist’s hand onto the pen’s surface. The artist must first draw his design the actual size it will be on the pen. He then traces the drawing once more onto the tracing paper placed on the pen. The craftsman of the pen then outlines the design with a metal point to delicately engrave the surface. Then finally, the engraving is made by hand with a small scalpel that is used to cut away fine shavings from the metal surface, giving the design a two-dimensional visual, also known as the process of Hand Etching.
Another process known to Montegrappa craftsmen is Quality Control. The components of the writing blocks of Montegrappa foundation pens are tested individually before and after final assembly. Because of the company’s dedication towards their product, the Montegrappa pen has become one of the most sought after and treasured personal accessories in the world.