Graf Von Faber-Castell Limited Edition Heritage Alexander Fountain Pen
This pen has been lovingly used. It comes complete with its original box and papers. It is equipped with an 18kt Medium nib and fills via cartridge convertor (included).
A new limited series of extraordinary writing instruments is set to enhance the Graf von Faber-Castell Classic Collection in honor of the company’s namesakes.
History behind the pen
The period around 1900 is one of the most exciting eras in Europe when manifold innovations and powerful tradition, aspiring entrepreneurs and glamorous aristocracy, Art Nouveau and the beginning of modern design are clashing. During this period, Lothar von Faber succeeds in producing the first branded writing instruments in his pencil factory near Nuremberg and thus lays the foundation for his company’s international reputation.
When it is time to appoint his successor, he chooses his granddaughter Baroness Ottilie von Faber. The sole heiress to the large modern pencil company makes the acquaintance of Count Alexander zu Castell-Rüdenhausen from one of the oldest German aristocratic families.
Baroness Ottilie von Faber and Count Alexander zu Castell-Rüdenhausen get married in 1898. Due to a testamentary clause in Lothar von Faber’s will, the company should keep the “Faber” name for all time. The marriage thus creates the new noble family of “von Faber-Castell”.
Lothar von Faber’s decision proves to be fortunate and crucial for the company’s development in the 20th and 21st century. The marriage requires Alexander to take on new responsibilities, too. As a cavalry captain of the 6th Chevau-léger Regiment in the Bavarian Cavalry and an aristocrat, he is not prepared for working as a merchant and does not have any qualifications useful for the production of pencils.
Nevertheless, he quickly proves his ability to manage the global business in Stein, which he serves with great loyalty and dedication. In 1905, the launch of the Castell 9000 in his regiment’s colour green is a great success. The pencil is characterised by a new standard of quality and value which is still valid today – a true classic and the inspiration for the refined guilloché metal barrel of the fountain pen “Limited Edition Alexander”, which is lacquered in the same green.
About the pen
The metal parts are made of solid silver. The grip, end cap and cap are adorned by the hallmark. The front end of the elegantly fluted cap is decorated by the double knurling characteristic for our Sterling silver writing instruments as well as by the intertwined initials A, O, F and C – a display of filigree craftsmanship. The barrel is a brilliant lacquered green guilloche.
The words “Handmade in Germany” are engraved in the decorative ring. The 18 carat, bicolour gold nib has been inscribed by hand. The end cap features an engraving of the collection’s name “Limited Edition Heritage” and the limitation of each of the fountain pens to 1,898 pieces, representing the year of Ottilie’s and Alexander’s wedding.
MSRP $1695
