Montblanc No. 6 Lapis Blue

Why it exists

The 1920s were Montblanc's era of ambition and experiment, and the No. 6 in Lapis Blue is among the most elusive expressions of that early production: a Big Size pen built around the large No. 6 nib, dressed in the deep mineral blue celluloid that gave the model its name.

Why it matters

The barrel carries the 'ANGEM' imprint — angemeldet, patent pending — the marking of the first issue, applied while Montblanc's signature designs were still being registered. First-issue examples were produced in limited numbers, and the imprint is one of the most sought-after early markings in the catalogue of Montblanc arcana.

The pen also shows the rare flat cap-top configuration. Most examples of this line wear a gently domed crown; the flat-top variants were produced only sparingly, and the geometry lends the pen an architectural, purposeful presence.

Why it is rare

Large-format Lapis Blue celluloid examples are exceptionally rare and seldom encountered in any condition. Here, every imprint — cap, barrel, knob — is deep, crisp, and fully legible: an extraordinary state of survival for a coloured Montblanc of the 1920s, whose celluloids tend to darken, shrink, or lose their imprints to a century of handling.

How it survived

Near Mint, with minor signs of use and gentle, age-consistent tonal variation between barrel and cap — a natural characteristic that occasionally occurs in early celluloids. The flexible 14C F nib is a smooth writer, tested with light pressure; the push-button filler works fully and holds ink perfectly. Professionally serviced and in full writing order.