MANILA, Philippines—The Montblanc Writers Edition Pays Tribute to Robert Louis Stevenson, the celebrated Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer (1850 – 1894). Stevenson is renowned for his iconic adventure novel Treasure Island and the chilling tale The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Although plagued by a severe bronchial ailment throughout his life, his dedication to writing and exploration never waned. Born and educated in Edinburgh, Scotland, Stevenson defied his frail health to become a celebrated figure in his time. His quest for a climate suitable for his health led him to Samoa, where he ultimately settled and passed away at the age of 44.
Every intricate facet of the four distinct editions comprising this collection embodies the essence of Robert Louis Stevenson’s life and literary works, particularly Treasure Island. The writing instrument’s design takes inspiration from the telescopes used by sailors and pirates, with the cone’s lower geometry evoking the unfurling of a spyglass. Each edition features an original interpretation of the iconic skull and crossbones, a universally recognized symbol of piracy. The collection is adorned with a compass rose, an homage to the pivotal role that “Treasure Island” played in Stevenson’s most famous novel.
A tribute to Stevenson’s final years in Samoa, where he earned the affectionate nickname “TUSITALA” or “teller of stories” from the locals, graces each nib in the collection. This exclusive Montblanc Writers Edition masterfully captures the essence of Robert Louis Stevenson’s legacy and his enduring impact on literature and exploration.
Writers Edition Homage to Robert Louis Stevenson – Limited Edition
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The Montblanc Writers Edition pays homage to Robert Louis Stevenson with a collection featuring Fountain Pens, Rollerball Pens, Ballpoint Pens, and Mechanical Pencils. Crafted from special resin and platinum-coated elements, each piece is intricately designed. The cap showcases a treasure chest pattern and a compass rose, reminiscent of maritime themes. The barrel displays an “X” pattern, referencing map markers for hidden treasure.
The Montblanc emblem on the pen top features an elevated skull and crossbones motif. Inscriptions include Stevenson’s requiem quote and his signature with the year 1866, marking his first publication. The fountain pen’s solid gold nib bears a special embossing of “TUSITALA” and sea waves, symbolizing Stevenson’s journey to Samoa.
Writers Edition Homage to Robert Louis Stevenson – Limited Edition 1883
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The limited edition Fountain Pen and Rollerball, part of the Writers Edition Homage to Robert Louis Stevenson Limited Edition 1883, are meticulously crafted with metal and precious lacquer. The collection is themed around Stevenson’s iconic work “Treasure Island.” The barrel showcases the ship “Hispaniola,” with a unique mechanism transforming its flag from British Red Ensign to Jolly Roger.
The black precious lacquer barrel contrasts the gold-coated cap embellished with treasure chest and compass rose patterns. Inscriptions on the cap highlight duality and Stevenson’s career decision in 1871. The emblem is in mother-of-pearl framed by red lacquer, while the gold-coated solid Au 750 gold nib features the special “TUSITALA” embossing, capturing Stevenson’s journey to Samoa.
Writers Edition Homage to Robert Louis Stevenson – Limited Edition 94
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The Writers Edition Homage to Robert Louis Stevenson Limited Edition 94 is inspired by a commemorative banknote from the Royal Bank of Scotland. The limitation number reflects the year of the banknote’s release in 1994. The cap and barrel are crafted from Ag 925 Sterling Silver bordered by a solid Au 750 yellow gold grid with lacquer inlays. The cap tube boasts engraved pirate symbols like a treasure chest, revolver, pipe, and Long John Silver inlay. The barrel features a map of Treasure Island and an inlay of Captain Flint, the parrot.
The cone, forepart, and fittings are composed of solid Au 750 yellow gold, featuring the silhouette of the “Casco,” the ship Stevenson used to leave North America, on the cone. The cap ring bears the author’s signature and the year 1888, signifying Stevenson’s departure from San Francisco aboard the Pacific Ocean-bound vessel. The solid Au 750 bi-color gold nib displays the embossing “TUSITALA” and a palm leaf design, symbolizing Stevenson’s arrival in Samoa. The fountain pen’s Montblanc emblem is enhanced with a 3D skull in Ag 925 sterling silver, surrounded by translucent lacquer.
Writers Edition Homage to Robert Louis Stevenson – Limited Edition 8
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The Writers Edition Homage to Robert Louis Stevenson Limited Edition 8 showcases a meticulously 3-D hand-engraved solid Au 750 gold cap with decorative elements, including a striking skull adorned with Black sapphires. Engraved iconic lines from Treasure Island and a coin detail with “MMMMDCCCX” reference the novel, subtly alluding to Montblanc and Mont Blanc mountain’s height. Stevenson’s signature and the significant year 1889 are on the cap ring, marking his arrival at Apia port on Upolu island.
The barrel design draws from wooden planks and bears “WALRUS,” Captain Flint’s ship name that hid the treasure. A cut-out of Upolu island, Stevenson’s cherished paradise, conceals his house’s GPS coordinates. The forepart and fittings are of solid rhodium-coated Au 750 Gold, while the cone is mahogany wood, resembling the island’s treasure-hiding tree. The Montblanc emblem in solid Au 750 gold is surrounded by precious lacquer. The solid Au 750 gold nib is elegantly adorned with “TUSITALA” framed by palm leaves. This Writers Edition continues Stevenson’s legacy in an intricate and meaningful design.
Montblanc’s latest Writers Edition beautifully continues the legacy of a literary icon, weaving a new chapter in his remarkable narrative waiting to be explored.