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"Sanssouci, Potsdam"
Pen of the Year 2015
The new limited edition "Pen of the Year" is inspired by the fascinating architecture of
the New Palace of Sanssouci which was built according to plans by Frederick II.
Produced by the hand of a skilled master
The creation of the Pen of the Year demands the highest standards of craftsmanship. For the latest
edition, we were able to commission the Herbert Stephan gemstone manufactory. It carries on the
great tradition of the Idar Oberstein gemstone workshop which dates back to the 15th century and is
still of world renown. The manufactory's masters impressively demonstrated their unparalleled skill
with this year's Pen of the Year:
Its platinum-plated barrel and cap are adorned by four green Silesian serpentines and a Russian smoky
quartz – both ground and polished by hand.
The special edition combines 24-carat gold plating with green serpentine and rare chrysoprase,
Frederick's favourite natural stone. Chrysoprase has not been mined for many years and is only
available on the antique stone market.
The special edition is limited to 150 fountain pens and 30 rollerball pens. The platinum plated fountain
pen is limited to 1,000 units, the rollerball pen to 300 units. Each writing instrument is individually
numbered and comes in a highly polished, deep-black wooden case. It includes a certificate personally
signed by the manufacturer Herbert Stephan attesting to the authenticity of the natural stones. The
wooden case can also be used as a collector's case because a second insert has room for an additional
six writing instruments.
A look back: Frederick II at the peak of fame
Frederick II, later called the Great (1712-1786), King of Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg, took to
the European stage in 1740. As a philosopher, artist, musician, strategist, lawmaker and enlightened
monarch alike, he is said to be one of the most extraordinary rulers of his time. Inside this ruler coolly
pursuing his interests was a fine mind with astonishing talents: he designed his private apartments to
suit his own taste, right down to the last detail, sketched floor plans for Sanssouci and founded
Frederician Rococo.
After the Seven Years' War and victory over the powerful Habsburg monarchy, large and influential
Silesia became part of Prussia. Frederick was hailed as a military genius and henceforth called "the
Great". As a sign of his victory he ordered the construction of his largest and most ambitious building:
the New Palace of Sanssouci. Magnificent ballrooms, handsomely furnished apartments – everything
to ensure that guests from the German and European aristocracy could celebrate here in style.
Magnificent natural stones
Precious decorative natural stones played a special role, something Prussia had in abundance thanks to
the conquest of Silesia: wall coverings made from multi-coloured marble, floors inlaid with jasper,
amethyst and serpentine – the interiors of the New Palace are unparalleled in Europe! By sovereign
right, the monarch reserved all precious stones and chrysoprase in particular for himself.
These stones with their emerald to apple green colouration are considered the most valuable
variety of quartz. The New Palace was the culmination of the royal interest. This magnificent
building is home to a greater variety of natural stones than any other Frederician palace.
Pillars of History – the Pen of the Year Edition
The Graf von Faber-Castell Collection has carved out a special position for itself amongst
connoisseurs of fine writing culture due to its meticulous craftsmanship and carefully chosen
materials. The high point of the collection has been the sumptuous Pen of the Year edition
since 2003. The exclusive writing instruments are limited editions, elaborately showcasing
fine materials. These elegant productions are inspired by the historic works of major
designers and personalities.
The new Pen of the Year edition focuses on these "pillars of history" and the fascination that
they engender to this very day. In 2014 the first Pen of the Year of this kind was "Catherine
Palace" and an explicit homage to Catherine the Great. This year it is followed by Frederick
II – an equally great contemporary of Catherine's.
"Sanssouci, Potsdam"
Pen of the Year 2015
Special Limited Edition
Fountain pen technical data
Introduction and delivery
from January 2015
Barrel
Silesian serpentine
Metal parts
24K gold plated
Spring
18 carat gold, bicolour
Spring widths
M
Mechanism
Plunger mechanism
Stone
Silesian chrysoprase
Weight
approx. 85g
Total length
137 mm
Production
150 pieces
Price
€ 6,500.00
"Sanssouci, Potsdam"
Pen of the Year 2015
Fountain pen technical data
Introduction and delivery
from January 2015
Barrel
Silesian serpentine
Metal parts
plated
Spring
18 carat gold, bicolour
Spring widths
M, F, B, BB
Mechanism
Plunger mechanism
Stone
Russian quartz
Weight
approx. 85g
Total length
137 mm
Production
1,000 pieces
Price
€ 3,500.00
"Sanssouci, Potsdam"
Pen of the Year 2015
Special Limited Edition
Roller ball pen technical data
Introduction and delivery
from January 2015
Barrel
Silesian serpentine
Metal parts
24K gold plated
Stone
Silesian chrysoprase
Lead
Magnum format,
ruby ball M
Weight
approx. 90g
Total length
137 mm
Production
30 pieces
Price
€ 6,200.00
"Sanssouci, Potsdam"
Pen of the Year 2015
Roller ball pen technical data
Introduction and delivery
from January 2015
Barrel
Silesian serpentine
Metal parts
plated
Stone
Russian quartz
Lead
Magnum format,
ruby ball M
Weight
approx. 90g
Total length
137 mm
Production
300 pieces
Price
€ 3,200.00