"Sanssouci, Potsdam" Pen of the Year 2015
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P RESSEINFORMATION · P RESS RELEASE COMMUNIQUÉ DE P RESSE · COMUNICADO DE P RENSA INFORMAÇ ÕES P AR A A I MPRENSA "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 .