A plastic rollerball with some gold trim for $1800

[omasfan]

The pen in question is a Tibaldi Divina Rollerball on ebay. I accidentally stumbled over the auction, looking for celluloid Tibaldis from the 90s.

Anyway, since the Italian pen forum is called "Penne stilografiche della bella Italia" I didn't think that this pastic stick warrants anything "bella" or specifically Italian and I thus post it here.

 

Super Rare Tibaldi Plastic Stick

 

I quote from the text of the ad:

This is a limited edition pen which I paid $1800.00 for new from an authorized ... pen retailer.

Why? Why?? WHy??? Why will someone be willing to shell out 1800 dollars for such a pen? It's just plastic with some sterling silver (which is plated in rose gold)! The pen probably costs $60 to $70 to produce (if even). There is nothing special about it. And it isn't even a fountain pen, just a lousy roller ball (sorry if I offended the rollerbal faction on FPN ). Ok, I normally really love Italian pens, but this one I just don't get. $1800 buys you a bunch of really splendid fountain pens if invested correctly. Why would someone spend it on a worthless plastic stick? The new Tibaldi /Aquila company pegs itself as luxury pen maker. But where exactly is the luxury? For the same money you get at least some luxury features with other pen makers (real solid gold trim etc.). And why should someone pay $950 for it on ebay?

 

This pen is becoming increasingly hard to find and is in new condition.

I hope the rarity is a result of pen lovers across the world discarding this pen into the garbage bin or smashing it somewhere until it shatters into a myriad smithereens. Sorry for being so caustic but I cannot but... :roflmho:

 

Sorry if I offended any Aquila/Tibaldi third generation lovers, but I wish to know what it is exactly that makes these pens so expensive. And you better have a good explanation.

Edited April 10, 2008 by omasfan

[johnee]

Who would trust a seller with 0 feedbacks on a purchase of $950? That's something the person should have considered when listing this.

 

I'm not saying this is a scam, but sure sounds strange. I would like to see proof of it's rarity.

[sbullock]

because that tibaldi name costs $1700 just to print.