The name ‘Orient Express’ conjures magic and myth from a time when sophisticated travellers heeded the siren’s call of exotic lands. It awakens visions of a train designed for glamour and sumptuous living. It unites a longing for adventure, for the distant, mysterious Orient, with total immersion in a world of lavish luxury. It all began with Georges Nagelmackers, a visionary who dreamed of travelling comfortably and unimpeded overland from Paris to Constantinople. His dream finally became reality on 4 October 1883. On that day, an elegant crowd thronged the Gare de l’Est in Paris to celebrate with great fanfare the maiden run of one of the most luxurious train ever created. The myth of the Orient Express had begun. This icon of stylish rail travel is the inspiration for the Montblanc High Artistry A Journey on the Orient Express Limited Edition 333. The distinctive look on the outside of the cars – elegant midnight blue, ivory-coloured and gold livery - is captured in the colour scheme, composed of translucent blue lacquer on the cap and barrel and Au 750 solid signature gold* for the fittings. The stripes on the sides of the cars are reflected in the ivory-coloured lacquer inlays on the cap top, which is crowned by the mother-of-pearl Montblanc emblem embedded in black onyx. Some of the most renowned designers and craftsman of the age were recruited to decorate the compartment of the Simplon-Orient Express. Every detail of the furnishings was artfully crafted in the Art Deco style, in which elaborate floral and geometric patterns took centre stage. Among the many special design items made for the Orient Express were the ornate, metal luggage racks, which provided the inspiration for the Au 750 solid gold, rhodium-coated skeleton overlay. The handcrafted UA 750 solid gold nib is decorated with a small bouquet of flowers and pays homage to the interior designer René Prou and his marquetry designs created for the Orient Express. The engraving on the Au 750 solid signature* gold cone highlights the route taken by the Orient Express in 1930, at the height of its legend of distinctive Art Deco style and glamour. *With signature gold and/or signature gold-coating, Montblanc evokes the enlightened shade of yellow gold which has become an appreciated tone for the Maison’s writing instruments.