This year’s Montblanc Writers Edition turns its focus to Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, familiarly known as the Brothers Grimm, who collected and published folktales during the 19th century. Children—and adults—around the world have been enthralled by their works, which include Cinderella, The Frog Prince, Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White. Perhaps less well known is the brothers’ influence on a German Dictionary whose lofty goal was to record the origin and use of every word in the New High German language, from Luther to Goethe. Thus this new collection references not only on the duo’s well-loved yarns, but also their effect on culture.

Each of the four editions in the Homage to Brothers Grimm collection is engagingly shaped like a wooden walking stick, which refers to the tradition of the wandering storytellers who traveled from village to village entertaining audiences far and wide. The unusual clip appears as a gnarly root—in reference to the roots of language—or the facial profile of the brothers, depending upon the angle from which it is viewed. The cap rings on the writing instruments are engraved with the words “ES WAR EINMAL…” or “Once Upon a Time.” And the nibs are engraved with flames to symbolize the fires around which children sat to hear the beloved stories. The title of the Grimm brothers’ first publication Kinder-und Hausmärchen (Children’s and Household Tales) is engraved on the cone.

Homage to Brothers Grimm Limited Edition 8

The Homage to Brothers Grimm Limited Edition is the most exclusive of the four editions, with just eight pieces created. Its origin is the story of Snow White, whose namesake’s incomparable beauty angers her stepmother and causes her to seek vengeance. Snow White eventually finds love in a handsome prince after a circuitous path that includes seven dwarfs, a witch, and a poisoned apple.

The fountain pen’s cap and barrel are crafted from 18-karat white gold decorated with a yellow gold leaf-like décor and matte white gold inlays. The barrel comprises a faceted rock crystal, hand engraved with an image of Snow White inspired by a drawing by Ludwig Grimm. The cap and barrel are embellished with diamonds that symbolize Snow White’s shimmering beauty, according to Montblanc.

This edition is crowned by a cast piece comprising letters of the alphabet, A through F, covered by a sapphire glass. And the cone is embellished with hand-engraved leaves and rubies; it is also set with a black spinel cabochon symbolizing Snow White’s black hair.

The other thoughtful editions in the collection are the Brothers Grimm Limited Edition 86, which shares the tale of Hansel and Gretel, and the Limited Edition 1812 that references Sleeping Beauty. Finally, a set comprising a fountain pen, rollerball, ballpoint and mechanical pencil tells the story of Rapunzel.

Montblanc Haus

This new collection, and many others, is on display at the Montblanc Haus in Hamburg. The Haus is also featuring its first mono-exhibit since first opening last May, celebrating the company’s vast array of Patron of Arts writing instruments, which debuted in 1992. This not-to-be-missed showcase will run through the end of the year.