Following its collaboration with Meissen porcelain, Montblanc is proud to present its latest tribute to the excellence of Forge de Laguiole knives, crafted in the LʼAubrac region of southern France.
Derived from both the local capuchadou and the Spanish navaja, the Laguiole knife was originally produced in 1829 and used by LʼAubrac farmers and cattle herders, before becoming a cult object that is recognised the world over as a symbol of French art de vivre. Manufactured by hand from start to finish in up to 180 operations by a single artisan, a Laguiole is more than a knife. It is a talisman and a faithful companion just like a Montblanc Meisterstück fountain pen.
Representing the absolute pinnacle of this exceptional collaboration, the Montblanc Masters for Meisterstück LʼAubrac Atelier Privé Edition, costing £43,000, is limited to just eight pieces, each hand-crafted by the most highly skilled artisans of Montblanc and Forge de Laguiole. The Meisterstück LeGrand fountain pen is interpreted in ebony wood, intricately carved in a three-dimensional pineapple pattern – a traditional Laguiole motif and one of the most challenging to create – each facet of which is then set with a brilliant diamond.
Equally exquisite are the ornate 18-carat gold nib and fittings, engraved with a graceful leaf motif created with the artisans of Forge de Laguiole. Appropriately for such an exceptional piece, the cap is crowned by a Montblanc diamond, the unique, patented gem cut replicating the legendary star emblem.
Restricted to only 50 pieces, the Montblanc Masters for Meisterstück LʼAubrac Artisan Edition is fashioned from Brazilian precious wood enhanced by finely chiselled 18-carat white gold inlays that pay tribute to the traditional craft techniques used by Forge de Laguiole. Priced at £17,200, this refined interpretation of the Meisterstück LeGrand fountain pen is completed by an 18-carat gold nib and a Montblanc diamond on the cap.
Finally, the Montblanc Masters for Meisterstück LʼAubrac Special Edition, available at a cost of £1,680 and not limited in quantity, comprises a Meisterstück LeGrand Fountain Pen built from exotic grenadilla wood, which is highly prized for its beautiful fine grain and lustrous waxed finish. The cap and barrel are enhanced by tiny sterling silver rivets inspired by the handles of Forge de Laguiole knives, while the silver cap rings are decorated with a heritage Laguiole motif alongside the Montblanc signature. An 18-carat gold nib the Montblanc star emblem in mother-of-pearl finish this elegant writing instrument, destined to be treasured by connoisseurs of true craftsmanship – people who share the timeless values of tradition and dedication represented by Montblanc and Forge de Laguiole.
The Montblanc Masters for Meisterstück LʼAubrac writing instruments will be available from Montblanc boutiques as of October 2012 on a very limited basis.
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