Mr Nigel Burn pen collection

By William Gregory MRICS Golding Young and Mawer.

A single owner collection of fountain pens was sold at auction recently. Over 100 pens from the collection of the late retired solicitor Nigel Burn was offered in 53 lots totalling over £10,000, including buyer’s premium.

The online auction attracted multiple bidding and viewing from across the country, but it was a keen contest between 15 collectors that saw every lot selling.

The top price went to a Parker 51 9ct gold fountain pen which sold for £650. The Parker number 51 was produced to mark the 51st anniversary of the company’s foundation; it has been produced in various forms and is one of the company’s most popular fountain pens. The example sold at auction was of typical design but made of 9ct gold, which increased its value and rarity.

Another pen which made use of a unique material was an Alfred Dunhill grey carbon fibre model. Decorated with brushed mounts and signed on the band, the pen came with Dunhill ink cartridges and papyrus leather case, selling for a hammer price of £300.

A Visconti Opera fountain pen decorated with brown and grey simulated marble and a 14k gold nib sold for £170, while a Porsche Design Tec Flex steel and gold fountain pen with part woven decoration raced away at £170.

Of the 12 Montblanc Meisterstück pens offered at auction, the top price went to a model 146 with an engraved steel cap selling for £340.

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