MONTEGRAPPA Extra 1930 Mediterranean Blue Rollerball

As with classical music, so are classic shapes the ideal platforms for various interpretations. For nearly 90 years, Montegrappa’s Extra 1930 pen has been the company’s brand-defining writing instrument, described by one observer as “the Montegrappiest pen of them all.” It draws inspiration from an historical model that first appeared in the early 1930s, yet its form is so close to perfection that the Extra 1930 transcends time, fashion and whim.

As Montegrappa’s most recognisable creation, the Extra 1930 is revered and treated with the utmost respect. It is made of celluloid – the ideal material for a pen – but has engendered derivatives in other materials. For the definitive edition, the colour choices have been restricted to swirling celluloid in Black & White, Bamboo Black and Turtle Brown. Until now, that is.

For the coming season and beyond, the Extra 1930 collection will be offered with barrels and caps in Mediterranean Blue and Red. The new celluloid colours inject fresh energy into this evergreen selection of writing instruments, proffering a subtle contrast with the more subdued nature of the original hues.

As with all Extra 1930 pens, the two new colours will be applied to the set of virtues that delineates the collection: all trim is in sterling silver, the cap is fitted with the signature clip with rotating sphere and the Greek fret design is etched onto the cap’s silver junction. The fountain pen’s nib is in 18k gold and is offered in the following writing grades to match the owner’s writing style and preference: Extra Fine, Fine, Medium and Broad. The filling system is piston-fed.

When dealing with a classic, one treads carefully. But not too carefully. In the new colours of blue and red, the Extra 1930 gains something … extra.