The "Cavalier of the Rose" Montblanc 104E / 124E

In the 1920s and '30s it was common to decorate black hard rubber holders with surface engravings (Guilloche). Guilloche is a machine-made engraving technique. It consists of very precise lines that, together, compose a detailed surface pattern.

The most-chosen pattern of guilloche engravings was the wave pattern. It often was subject to manufacturer-specific originalities. To stand out from the numerous fountain pens on the market, Montblanc produced a fountain pen with a beautifully engraved rose pattern.

This fountain pen had explicitly been described as the "Cavalier of the Rose". The pattern was only made for two medium-sized pen models: the safety pen 104E and the push-knob filler 124E.


Safety pen, size 4, with rose pattern on cap and barrel
Modell 104 E
Safety pen, size 4, with rose pattern on cap and barrel

Modell 124 E Push-knob filler, size 4, with rose pattern on cap and barrel
Modell 124 E
Push-knob filler, size 4, with rose pattern on cap and barrel

Models of the kind were produced with a standard nib, however, they were fitted with a special clip. Today, in many cases, this clip is missing on the pens, if such a pen even appears these days - which again is a very rare event.

124 E Barrel details
124 E
Barrel details

Naturally, as a completion of this magnificent fountain pen set, the Pix-pencil model 72E, was produced:

Model 72 E
Model 72 E

Yet, a guilloche engraving in hard rubber had decisive disadvantages: If the pen was used a lot, the relatively soft material became worn off and the pattern faded constantly.

As the production period of the pen was very short (1935-36) and the material showed sensitive reaction despite appropriate use, it is proven exceptionally difficult to find a Montblanc with a rose pattern nowadays. This surely makes it the centerpiece of any high-quality Montblanc collection. The Montblanc 124E shown on the photo has a special story to explain why it still is such good condition.

The pen was bought by a young man who felt inspired by the fine decor. His parents were absolutely against the purchase, as the pen had cost 25,- RM, which made it the most expensive pen made of hard rubber on the market. In the end, he obviously had his way. Unfortunately, he wasn't given much time to take pleasure in the new pen. He got called up during 2nd World War and fell. His sister, however, kept the pen and treasured it for decades without using it. That is why the pen outlasted the years in such good condition.

01/2010
Martin Lehmann