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For more than a century, a family company nested in the Italian Dolomites has remained relentlessly curious about perfecting the deeply personal – often magical – relationship between paper and the human mind.
Since beginning our quest for perfection in 1912, we have watched words – and the countless hours devoted to them – become devalued by abundance. ‘Progress’ has often come at the price of values, meaning and truth. Far from representing a suspension of progress, Montegrappa pens exist so that connoisseurs of thought and devotees of words may savour the luxury of slowing time down.
Many of our friends and rivals delight in celebrating pens as relics of days gone by. With the greatest of respect, we beg to differ. Whereas others portray themselves as keepers of tradition, Montegrappa remains steadfastly committed to the tradition of innovation.
Take a journey through some of the landmark moments that have shaped a century of convention-defying excellence…
1912
Writing history
Design and technology are making writing more accessible than ever. With personal correspondence on the brink of a boom, a group of industrialists open Italy’s first fountain pen factory.
1915
Signature style
The Bassanese Casa Erizzo estate – still home to Montegrappa – inspires the Reminiscence pen. A century later, its bold octagonal silhouette is a constant pillar of Montegrappa design.
1928
Pride and passion
Known throughout Italy and beyond, Bassano’s famous Elmo pens take on a new look and a new name, with the introduction of sparkling celluloid colours and the debut of the Monte Grappa insignia.
1938
An affair begins
The company embarks on a long and fruitful relationship with stationery merchant, Leopoldo Tullio Aquila. His ensuing love for pens and the finer things in life would go on to shape four generations.
1981
Turning the page
Having risen to become Elmo-Montegrappa’s largest customer, Gianfranco Aquila makes an offer to acquire Montegrappa and introduce it to the world. A renaissance begins.
1992
The new way
A strictly limited release of 1,912 sterling silver 80th Anniversary pens ushers in a new era of possibilities for Montegrappa and helps expand the boundaries of contemporary luxury.
1995
Enter The Dragon
Audacious and complex, The Dragon sets a new standard in pen design and craft, establishing the brand’s avant-garde credentials and the burgeoning influence of Giuseppe Aquila.
2010
Sting like a bee
After nine years in the care of Richemont, the Aquila family reassumes control of Montegrappa in 2009. Tribute to Muhammad Ali signals fighting spirit and fealty to true individualists.
2012
Celluloid on celluloid
A cameo appearance by the Chaos pen in The Expendables 2 marks the beginning of a bolder presence for the brand, and Sylvester Stallone’s role in the Montegrappa story.
2013
Art meets science
Exploring the relationship between the pen and the human cerebrum, the Brain pen is the first of several acclaimed collaborations with neurologist and author Richard Restak, M.D.
2014
Back on the block
Creativity, celebrity and timeless cool come to Bassano as Quincy Jones cuts the ribbon on Montegrappa’s first flagship boutique and premieres his capsule collection, The Secret Garden.
2015
Changing gears
Baselworld is the setting for the launch of a new paradigm in pen engineering and design. Forbes labels the complications of the Montegrappa Q1 “a technological proclamation for the industry”.
2015
Breaking the rules
Materials and flourishes that transcend the conventions of pen design are the new fashion. Authentic presentation complements the hand-worked copper and steampunk aesthetic of Grappa.
2016
Return to glory
Digital backlash and growing appreciation for handcraft is causing demand for fountain pens to surge. Increased retail sales are exceeded by sharp rises in private, corporate and special commissions.
2017
Journey to Westeros
Heraldry meets fantasy with the release of The Iron Throne, a wonder of lost-wax casting created as the crown jewel of Montegrappa’s wildly popular homage to the HBO series, Game of Thrones.
2018
Made by You
Montegrappa democratises pen design with the launch of two pioneering customisation platforms: Atelier and Configurator give new creative powers to aficionados and individualists.
