Visconti Galileo Galilei Limited Edition pen and pen stand.
Visconti is masterful in creating limited edition pens, each with a distinct personality, gorgeous presence, and often featuring a historical reference. In the first quarter of this year, the ambitious Italian brand has introduced three new examples: the Galileo Galilei, the Il Magnifico Calacatta Gold, and the Year of the Dragon, which was introduced in January and shown here. Following are some details.
Visconti Galileo Galilei
It’s been 460 years since Galileo’s birth in Pisa, Italy. The Italian astronomer, physicist and engineer made an indelible mark on mankind with his numerous scientific contributions and discoveries, and Visconti is honoring his virtuosity with the Galileo Galilei limited edition fountain pen. Comprising just 188 pieces worldwide, the collection is another on-point example of Visconti’s eye for design and penchant for the past.
The decorative elements of the pen bring to mind the Baroque embellishments of the era in which Galileo lived. On the body of the pen, antiqued vermeil and polished palladium combine to create a chiaroscuro effect that is both elegant and dramatic, punctuated by transparent resin for focused viewing of the ink system and the 18-karat gold nib. The pen is fitted with the new “Galileo Double Filler” and a palladium-plated nib in extra fine, fine, medium, broad, and stub nib widths. The trim is aged yellow gold and palladium.
Each pen comes with a wooden case that includes a unique stand for the telescope-inspired pen, which is modeled after the astrolabes that Galileo used. When the packaging is opened, a starry night sky illuminates the back wall of the box. The tableau is created by a rechargeable LED light strip and mirrors. The pen and its accouterments are priced at $5,995.
Visconti Il Magnifico Calacatta Gold
Visconti Il Magnifico Calcatta Gold.
This is Visconti’s 7th edition of the Il Magnifico collection, which is a tribute to Lorenzo de Medici, the renowned patron of the arts. De Medici is perhaps best known for his sponsorship of such revered artists as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo, among many others.
The Calcatta Gold limited edition features Calacatta Macchia Oro marble, a rare variation of white Carrara marble quarried in the Apuan Alps with yellow gold veining. The pen’s engraved cap is coated in yellow gold, as is the pen’s trim, perfectly complementing the marble barrel. The fountain pen is fitted with Visconti’s own power filler and hook safe lock; a rollerball pen is also available. As for numbers, there are 188 fountain pens (each with an 18-karat gold nib) and 88 rollerball pens available worldwide. The former is priced at $2,595 and the latter, $2,395. Packaging is a custom Il Magnifico limited edition box that matches the pen.
Visconti Mythos: Poseidon
For all you Mythos collection fans, the new Mythos Poseidon made its debut earlier this month. While not a limited edition, it is a beautiful pen crafted in dark sea-blue resin. The collection includes a fountain pen with a steel nib, a rollerball pen and a ballpoint pen. The pens are priced at $199, $179, and $169 respectively.
