Montegrappa

Montegrappa

In 1912, Heinrich Helm and Alessandro Marzotto founded the first Italian fountain pen factory. The bell tower of the Casa Erizzo private church inspired the creation of one of their first models in 1915, the Reminiscence… read more

Montegrappa fountain pens

Montegrappa cartridges

history

In 1912, Heinrich Helm and Alessandro Marzotto founded the first Italian fountain pen factory.

The bell tower of the Casa Erizzo private church inspired the creation of one of their first models in 1915, the Reminiscence. Its octagonal silhouette is still recognisable today and is a hallmark of the brand, as is the rotating ballpoint clasp that was created later and is found on most models.

The pieces are mainly made of ebonite or galalith. The latter allowing to make marbled models before the discovery of celluloid in the 1920s. This material, which allowed complete freedom in the creation of coloured models, gave the firm a new lease of life. It took the name of Montegrappa in 1928 and offered colourful, marbled and sparkling models.

A decisive encounter

In 1938, Montegrappa met a stationery merchant. Leopoldo Tullio Aquila, a lover of nibs and beauty in general, built a fruitful relationship with the company’s directors. It has lasted for four generations. His descendant Gianfranco Aquila acquired the company in 1981 and travelled around the world to present the brand. In 2000, the company was taken over by the Richemond group, before being taken over by the Aquila family nine years later.

Montegrappa manufactures pieces that are meticulously crafted with an eye for detail. The brand also makes a point of paying tribute to characters or events that have made world history. These models are made from precious materials and metals. For example, the model released in 2000 celebrates the Great Jubilee of the Catholic Church. Or the Muhammad Ali, the Dante Alighieri: the Inferno, the Queen or the Hemingway. These fountain pens are true works of art.

In 2018, Montegrappa created two pioneering personalisation platforms: Atelier and Configuratore. The first one allows to have any design element the applicant likes engraved or painted (portrait, drawing). The second allows the customer to choose a basic model and adapt the material and colours to suit his or her needs. All of Montegrappa’s know-how and requirements for passionate customers can be found in these customisation services.

In 2020, Montegrappa introduces the letter M ambigram which will be found on all models.

Montegrappa is now the oldest Italian fountain pen company. Its models are unmistakable for their typical clip and beautifully engraved nib, but above all for their strong presence in the world of writing.

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