Montblanc – Elegance in writing through a digital age

Posted on June 18, 2024September 5, 2024 by Alastair Meiklejon

If anyone has watched the recent interpretation of The Talented Mr Ripley on Netflix, the originally titled ‘Ripley’, you will have seen such a plethora of stylish items, from Salvatore Ferragamo shoes to Alfa Romeos, and one of the most focused items appears to be Dickie Greenleaf’s pen. The Montblanc Meisterstuck 149 almost playing a starring role in the series.

Whilst there are many brands that create stunning pens, there really is only one choice when it comes to the real top level writing instruments that people long for. In the same way that Omega might actually make a better diving watch than Rolex, 99% of people still dream of owning a Submariner.

The brand started life in Germany in 1906, producing luxury writing instruments under various different names until 1909 when the name Montblanc became the famous brand that we know today. Inspired by one of the most famous mountains in the world, the emblem that is still used today is their representation of a snow-capped mountain, and features heavily in their products and publicity. Later on, the nibs of all Meisterstuck (German for Masterpiece) pens would be engraved with the number 4810, to represent the height in metres of the mountain the brand is named after.

During World War II, the factory that produced their range was destroyed and they had to rely on a facility in Denmark to produce their instruments, however post war they managed to shine with many new ranges being released and slowly becoming the brand that most people know them as.

During the 1960s and 1970s, and after being taken over by Alfred Dunhill, they became even more exclusive, abandoning the less expensive models and producing even more exquisite and elaborate examples of fantastic writing instruments with celebrities all queuing up to buy them. By the 1980s, if you were a rock star signing a contract, or a world leader signing a negotiation, you would be doing it with a Montblanc.

In the last 40 years, Montblanc has become synonymous with the art collaboration pens that they have embraced with items retailing for around the £8,000 mark, but with their jewelled collaborations have broken records The Montblanc Boheme Royal selling for a staggering £1.1 million. The Collaboration with Van Cleef & Arpels ‘Mystery masterpiece’ selling for just short of £550,000 and numerous other watches within their collections selling for astonishing figures.

The good news is, if you just want to write and enjoy a quality pen, Montblanc still have you covered in 2024 with a lovely ballpoint pen, the Pix available for £240… so if writing is your passion, and even if you aren’t signing multi million pound deals, one can still enjoy the elegance that a good pen brings.

The Ivory Bill – Addressing the Elephant in the room

Posted on February 7, 2023January 31, 2025 by Alastair Meiklejon

What it means for you and your clients

February 2020, Rachel Doerr and I were sat in the law offices of Mishcon de Reya, having been asked to attend a discussion debating the 2018 Ivory Bill and how the enforcement and understanding of it would take place. Fast forward two months, and due to Covid, Ivory was the last thing on the minds of the government, or anyone else for that matter.

So, 2023 we are now at the point where the Ivory Bill of 2018 should now be clear in everyone’s minds, if you own ivory, or have clients with ivory – it’s even more important.

What Is It?

The Ivory Bill of 2018 was created to ensure that the United Kingdom was at the forefront of regulatory measures to assist in the reduction of the worldwide trade of ivory.

What was wrong with the old legislation?

To put it in simple terms – the understanding of the law. Many people unknowingly sold or bought ivory items that by definition, were illegal – but without expert opinion (and in some cases carbon dating equipment) it would have been impossible to be sure of what items were and were not legal, so the Ivory Bill 2018 was created.

What does the ivory bill mean now, in 2023?

The sale of most items of ivory within the United Kingdom is now illegal, therefore they will have no commercial value, there are some exemptions – here are the published examples by The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs;

1. De minimis

Items with a volume of less than 10% by volume, and which were made prior to 1947. Items with this volume of ivory are not traded for their ivory content, and as such do not contribute to poaching. This limit will mean the UK has amongst the toughest approaches to this category of exemption internationally.

2. Musical instruments

Musical instruments with an ivory content of less than 20% and which were made prior to 1975. This will cover the vast majority of commonly used and traded instruments and accessories, such as pianos and violin bows.

3. Portrait miniatures

Portrait miniatures produced prior to 1918. Portrait miniatures are a discrete category of item which, although painted on thin slivers of ivory, are not valued for their ivory content. Sales of portrait miniatures will not fuel, directly or indirectly, the continued poaching of elephants.

4. The rarest and most important items of their type

Items made of, or containing, ivory produced prior to 1918 which are assessed by an independent advisory institution as of outstandingly high artistic, cultural or historical value, and are an example of the rarest and most important item of their type. These items are not valued for their ivory content, and the trade in them will not fuel the poaching of elephants.

5. Museums

Commercial activities which include sales, loans and exchanges to, and between, accredited museums. This ban will not affect the display of historic, artistic and cultural items to members of the public by accredited museums.

How does this impact my clients who own items of ivory?

If your client owns any items that fall outside of the exemptions this means they have no commercial value in the United Kingdom and cannot be sold under the Act.

If they are Exempt this means they potentially have a monitory value and will require a certificate of exemption from DEFRA to prove this before you can sell the item using the declare ivory scheme or hire out service.

It has become clear that some major insurers are now asking for any item that contains ivory to now have a certificate of exemption before it is insured – this can include many items, from furniture, to silver, and many other items. This will mean having a DEFRA certificate in the name of the client, not the retailer that it may have been purchased from.

Ivory was used for many purposes in the 17th to 19th centuries whether that be for decorative or practical purposes and people may be surprised as to what includes ivory in their construction.

At Doerr Dallas Valuations we can help clients identify what may need certificates, and assist them in applying for them – speak to our team to find out how you can make sure you or your clients don’t fall through the cracks of this legislation that will impact the industry nationwide.

You have £5,000 to spend – Yayoi Kusama objects

Posted on March 9, 2021March 17, 2025 by Jonathan Horwich

£5,000 to spend. A Limited Edition by the Japanese Contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama.

I would spend my £5,000 on a limited Edition by the Japanese Contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama ( born 1929).

Yayoi Kusama tea set

I would choose one of her objects series, perhaps a Tea Set (above), or group of mini pumpkins (below) They are all colourful, tactile, fun, attractive, look great on display and invite curiosity. Plus, they offer an investment opportunity, as Kusama’s work has an international appeal and great originality. While still being recognisably her work it is like a strong international brand.

Image of Yayoi Kusama's 11 mini pumpkins

Yayoi Kusama – Eleven ceramic Pumpkins, one red and 10 yellow, 6 x 8 cm. estimate $2-3,000

Her work comes up for sale all the time, is widely available and sells well around the world. This is of key importance with art investment; the more countries you can sell in the better your chances are of some financial uplift on your purchase price.

Yayoi Kusama mini pumpkin

I have chosen a few examples which I would buy in a heartbeat, all are coming up for auction somewhere around the world currently and the estimates are all under £5,000.