Auctions | May 15, 2012

Mel Wilmore Collection of Montblancs at Bonhams

New York — Bonhams is pleased to be hosting the Fine Writing Instruments: The Mel Wilmore Collection of Extraordinary Montblancs auction on June 11. This will be the greatest single collection of fine Montblanc pens ever offered at auction. These spectacular pieces belong to Mel Wilmore, who is described as one of the top Montblanc collectors worldwide. A highlights preview of pens from the sale will be shown in Hong Kong on May 23-27. A full preview will follow in New York on June 9 & 10.

A top highlight of this collection is the 75th Anniversary Solid Gold Skeleton Fountain Pen and Watch set (pre-sale est. $60,000-75,000), a truly spectacular example of Montblanc's famed craftsmanship and design. Several other highlights celebrate great figures in American entertainment, such as the Charlie Chaplin Limited Edition 88 Fountain Pen (pre-sale est. $25,000-35,000) and a John Lennon Limited Edition 70 Fountain Pen (pre-sale est. $25,000-35,000).

A patriotic American spirit is also displayed in the Stars and Stripes Limited Edition 50 Skeleton Fountain Pen (pre-sale est. $15,000-25,000), the White House Limited Edition 43 Skeleton Fountain Pen (pre-sale est. $20,000-30,000), and the 4th of July Limited Edition 56 Skeleton Fountain Pen.

Mr. Wilmore's collection is so rare and valuable that he had a hidden pen room constructed in his estate, and his showroom was designed and arranged by several important Montblanc employees. Other highlights from this collection contain beautiful precious gems, including a Princess-Cut Diamond Creation Limited Edition 8 Fountain Pen (pre-sale est. $15,000-20,000) and a Ruby Creation Limited Edition 8 Fountain Pen (pre-sale est. $12,000-20,000).

The collection contains two artisan flag pens of legendary scarcity, decorated with diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and rubies: the Flag of Mexico Skeleton Ateliers Privés Limited Edition 15 Fountain Pen (pre-sale est. $18,000-24,000) and the Flag of Mexico Skeleton Ateliers Privés Limited Edition 15 Fountain Pen (pre-sale est. $18,000-25,000).

Collectors and enthusiasts of rare Montblanc writing instruments should not miss this auction, which represents the finest single collection in America. The preview begins at the Bonhams New York headquarters, located at 580 Madison Avenue, on June 9-11. To view the entire auction and to purchase an auction catalog, please visit www.bonhams.com.