Mb Japanese Earthquake Donation Pen

[JLS1]

As indicated in the recent POA topic, Montblanc is releasing donation pen in wood made from the only tree left standing in a forest in Tohoku after the 2011 Fukushima earthquake. Price is going to be about $4400 (520K Yen) with 20% going to support the relief efforts. You can find more details here.

 

Here's a shot of the pen that's circulating with the various news stories, this one taken from Japan Today:

 

There's no indication as to whether the pen is a 149 or 146 size, but I generally like the design that (at least to me) takes a lot from the Aubrac, which is not surprising since it's the only other recent MB pen that I know is made of wood. (and yes, I remembered the Humbolt) I'm not sure if the star is a regular resin star or an MOP star. One interesting quote from the article is:

 

 

He said the high cost of each pen -- around $4,000 before tax -- reflected the scarcity of the raw material which is "not ideal for making fountain pens."

 

This seems pretty weird, since i) I never heard about production issues with the wood used in the Aubrac and ii) Japanese pen makers have been making fountain pens for years in wood. (Pilot makes wonderful pens out of Japanese maple). You'd think that MB might have asked Pilot or Sailor for a few tips...

 

PS: Mods - I wasn't sure if this should be posted in the MB forum or the Japan forum; feel free to move if necessary...

Edited February 27, 2015 by JLS1

[s5blitzer]

Thanks for sharing. Looks like a LeGrand 146 just like the other MB I was very interested in - Moon Pearl. I am more of a 149 person. Both are nice to own.

 

The comment about "not ideal" is probably referring to the scarcity of the wood (only tree left standing) since I am guessing there is a lot of unplanned waste in trying to get the final product looking perfect.

[Algester]

113 if not 311 pens will only be in circulation THATS A LOT OF WASTE considering how the tree looks like surely Sailor if not Pilot are the better candidates for this challenge

[zaddick]

It looks like the pen is the same size as the moon pearl. That pen is about the size of a 149, definitely bigger than a 146. However, and what had kept me from buying a moon pearl so far, the nib is a small looking #6.

Edited February 27, 2015 by zaddick

[s5blitzer]

Moon Pearl is a LeGrand (146). Confirmed with my boutique manager who was trying to sell me the pen 6 weeks ago.

[empty]

I handled a Moon Pearl at a boutique and it is based on a 146 but because of the sleeve style construction its as wide as a 149. The section tapers quite a bit and the nib is still a 146 size though. This does certainly look to be similar.

[zaddick]

Moon Pearl is a LeGrand (146). Confirmed with my boutique manager who was trying to sell me the pen 6 weeks ago.

You might want to take a look at the pen in person. I really liked it myself as it is quite substantial, but I am currently focusing on larger sized nibs in my acquisitions that require a significant cash outlay.

 

I am sorry if I mislead in my earlier quote. The pen is definitely from the 146 family, but it really is much wider and heavier than a standard black resin 146. The nib and section are 146 sized, but as empty noted and i was meaning in my earlier post, the body is quite a bit larger in diameter. And, for me, has a lovely look and feel.

[s5blitzer]

You might want to take a look at the pen in person. I really liked it myself as it is quite substantial, but I am currently focusing on larger sized nibs in my acquisitions that require a significant cash outlay.

 

I am sorry if I mislead in my earlier quote. The pen is definitely from the 146 family, but it really is much wider and heavier than a standard black resin 146. The nib and section are 146 sized, but as empty noted and i was meaning in my earlier post, the body is quite a bit larger in diameter. And, for me, has a lovely look and feel.

 

No apologies needed. You'e right in many ways including why seeing it in person may cause an emotional surge in me to want to impulsively buy the Moon Pearl. But I like you, prefer a larger nib. Glad I don't have an unlimited budget.

Edited February 27, 2015 by thebanker