Frederick the Great, as king and connoisseur of decorative natural stones, cultivated a personal and simultaneously regal interest in the rich Silesian deposits then used to do justice to Prussia’s new status. By special sovereign right, the monarch reserved all precious stones and chrysoprase in particular for himself: these stones with their emerald to apple green coloration are considered the most valuable variety of quartz. Frederick the Great himself travelled to Silesia to choose the most beautiful.
After his victory in the Seven Years’ War Frederick the Great ordered the construction of his largest and most ambitious building: the New Palace of Sanssouci. Magnificent ballrooms, impressive galleries, a baroque palace theatre – Paying homage to these splendid rooms, the “Sanssouci, Potsdam” Pen of the Year brings the lustre of a major era alive in such a fascinating manner.
The creation of the “Sanssouci, Potsdam” Pen of the Year demands the highest standards of craftsmanship. The Herbert Stephan gemstone manufactory was singularly predestined for this task. It carries on the great tradition of the Idar Oberstein gemstone workshops, which dates back to the 15th century and is still of world renown. The masters have demonstrated their incomparable skills with impressive results: the 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 favorite natural stone. Chrysoprase has not been mined for many years and is only available on the antique stone market.
Each writing instrument is individually numbered and comes in a highly polished, deep-black wooden case. It includes a certificate personally signed by the master craftsman of the Herbert Stephan gemstone manufactory 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.
Fountain Pen, Platinum-plated - Limited to 1000 pieces.
Rollerball Pen, Platinum-plated - Limited to 300 pieces.
Fountain Pen, Special Edition 24ct Gold-plated - Limited to 150 pieces.
Rollerball Pen, Special Edition 24ct Gold-plated - Limited to 30 pieces.
Includes a certificate personally signed by Herbert Stephan attesting the authenticity of the natural stones.
*The 2015 Pen of the Year is no longer available.
