David Oscarson pens are available by directly contacting and ordering the specfic pen you would like; info@chatterleyluxuries.com
The Harlequin Collection is the sixteenth in the David Oscarson series of Limited Edition writing instruments. Produced in five color variations, each will be limited to production of 88 pieces (including fountain pens and roller balls). As a follow-up to our sold out 2005 edition, Pierrot and Pierrette, Harlequin is the third and unmistakable cast member of the Italian Commedia dell arte who steals the heart of Pierrette with his witty tongue and daring personality. His anarchic behavior is complimented by his patched costume, which is made from remnants of richer ones… This brash character somehow seems to have the necessary creativity to survive and take his satisfactions in life despite the world that is constantly abusing him.
In the spirit of artistic mastery and the tradition of Old World craftsmanship, this inspiring Collection combines the centuries-old technique of Guilloch with the art and expertise of Hard Enamel. The Harlequin Collection incorporates multiple levels of Guilloch engraving and five colors of translucent (Red, White, Yellow Green and Blue) and Opaque (Black) hard enamel. The Silver components of the Black Onyx, Pearl White and Sapphire Blue are finished in a bright polish while the Ruby Red and Emerald Green versions are finished in Gold Vermeil.
Hand-crafted from 18-karat gold and .925 Sterling Silver, each precious metal component passes through multiple stages of precision engraving, creating an intricate pattern known as guilloch; a painstaking process which brings life and light to the surface of precious metals.
The Art Deco design of this Limited Edition requires multiple stages of engraving. The entire body of the pen is first cut down to the level of the sunburst background, leaving the outlines and centers of the interlocking diamonds in high relief. The sunburst patterns are then engraved onto the surface of the body of the pen, maintaining the integrity of the outlines and diamond centers in high relief.
Using a mortar and pestle, a composition of glass, water and metal oxides is ground for hours by hand. When settled, the water is removed, leaving the fine paste that is the basis for hard enamel. A quill is then used to apply each coat of the mixture to the surface of the metal, ensuring that the entire guilloch area is completely covered in enamel. The components are then fired in a furnace at temperatures exceeding 1,000 F, fusing the enamel to the metal and forming a layer of glass.
After cooling, the pieces are manually ground with a diamond file, restoring their proper shape and surface. This tedious process is repeated at length until the level of enamel reaches the depth required to cover the peaks and fill the valleys of each intricate guilloch pattern. When the final stages of firing are completed, the pieces are polished and buffed, revealing the velvet finish of translucent hard enamel.
Production of translucent hard enamel demands the highest levels of patience, experience and skill. A five-year apprenticeship is required to ensure that the highest levels of quality will be met in each individual Collection piece.
Each Harlequin piece is set with three VVS-1 diamonds (.016 carats each): one in the top of the crown, one in the bottom of the barrel and one in the clip. The Harlequins unique filling system accommodates a cartridge, converter or eyedropper fill; a series of seals and O rings prevents the ink from leaving the chamber at any point. A roller ball version of the Collection is also available.
Engineered in Heidelberg, Germany, the 18-karat gold nib is unsurpassed in quality and form. Coupled with an ebonite feeder, each nib is plated with rhodium and tipped with iridium to ensure durability in fine, medium and broad sizes.
The Harlequin Collection will be produced in five color variations:
Onyx Black with Translucent Red, White, Green and Blue Hard Enamel Pearl White with Translucent Yellow, Blue, Green and Red Hard Enamel Sapphire Blue with Translucent Red, Yellow, Green and White Hard Enamel Emerald Green with Translucent Red, Blue, Yellow and White hard Enamel in Gold vermeil Ruby Red with Translucent Blue, Green, Yellow and White Hard Enamel in Gold Vermeil.
