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21 Nov 2009, San Francisco and Los Angeles |
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24 Nov 2009, Chester |
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24 Nov 2009, Chester |
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24 Nov 2009, Knightsbridge |
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24 Nov 2009, Knightsbridge |
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Montblanc and Namiki Lead
Clavius Collection Sale at Bonhams New York
http://www.bonhams.com/usbooks
The attention of modern, high-end pen collectors was turned toward the New York galleries of Bonhams. On October 12th, the international auctioneers presented the highly anticipated second part of the renowned Clavius Collection of Fine Writing instruments.
Clavius amassed this exceptional collection over the course of fifteen years, with the help of dealers on three continents. The result is a group of pens reflecting diverse themes and a range of unique materials- such as gemstones, exotic woods, and precious metals. Amongst the collection can be found illustrious makers including Mont Blanc, Namiki, Grayson Tighe, Krone, Loiminchay, and Montegrapa.
The most hotly sought after lot proved to be a transparent and platinum "Skeleton" fountain pen and watch set by Montblanc (pictured at top). The striking set features transparent resin overlaid with platinum-plated lattice-work, finely crafted to reveal the inner-workings of the pen. The matching watch features a transparent face revealing an intricate time mechanism, and the Montblanc star as the focal-point. Presented with its original lacquer box, the limited edition set sparked an active round of bidding, ultimately fetching $13,420.
Another lot of great interest was the limited edition "Double Dragon Emperor" fountain pen by Namiki. Created to celebrate the Millenium, the handcrafted maki-e oversize presents two legendary dragon motifs. On the cap, "The Respectable Son-In Law That Rides the Dragon", and on the barrel, "The Child That Meets The Dragon". Estimated at $4/6,000 and offered in a red velvet lined finished cherrywood box with all papers, an ink bottle and eyedropper, the lot neatly outperformed bringing a final price of $7,625.
The "Art of War" magnum fountain pen by Krone (pictured, left) did not escape the notice of collectors. This highly limited edition pen pays tribute to Sun-Tzu, China's most famous general and author of The Art of War. Meticulously hand-painted, this pen features a bold and brilliant backdrop of gold leaf and features an authentic piece of the Great Wall of China set in its cap. Carrying an estimate of $3/5,000, the lot surpassed expectations bringing $6,710.
Other top sellers included the celluloid and 18k sterling silver "Dragon" fountain pen and inkwell by Montegrappa, which fetched $6,710, as well as the silver and vermeil "Buddha" fountain pen by Caran d'Ache, which fetched $5,490.
The illustrated auction catalog for the sale will be online at www.bonhams.com/us in the weeks following the auction. For more information, please visit www.bonhams.com/newyork.
Press Contact: PRNY@bonhams.com, Staci Smith, 917-345-5157
NOTES FOR EDITORS
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son and Neale UK. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street, and Knightsbridge, and a further seven throughout the UK. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Boston in the USA; and Switzerland, France, Monaco, Australia, Hong Kong and Dubai. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 50 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, go to www.bonhams.com.
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