Introduction to the Michel Perchin Ballpoint Pen Collection

The purpose of this guide is to familiarize you, the potential buyer, with the Michel Perchin Ballpoint Collection of fine, sterling silver and enamel, writing instruments.  We will define the edition size, detail the color palette, and highlight the important features of these unique, limited edition, twist mechanism ballpoint pens, for the benefit of new, and experienced, collectors and admirers of fine pens alike.

Fountain Pen or Ballpoint Pen?

Although well known for its meticulously crafted fountain pens, one of Michel Perchin Inc.'s earliest production pens was the limited edition pair of writing instruments simply known as the Ballpoint Collection.  The pens were produced in two colors only, warm amber hard enamel with 22 carat yellow gold plating and royal blue hard enamel with rhodium plating.

Limited Edition Quantity

The pens were slated for production of only 888 pieces in each color, beginning in 1997, but not all serial numbers were completed due to time constraints, strict quality control standards, and the introduction of newer designs.  (Please refer to our other guide discussing serial numbers for limited edition items.)  Recently, however, Michel Perchin Inc. was able to reschedule and complete production of a limited quantity of serial numbers that were never completed when the pens were first being produced.

Many Michel Perchin authorized retail dealers sold out of these items in the last several years but some of the newly produced pens are available at this eBay seller and authorized Michel Perchin Dealer: White Mountain Trading Company

How much do they cost?

The original manufacturer's suggested retail price for these items was $1100.00 apiece but some matched serial number sets, (an unusual occurence given the timing of production schedules and color variations), may sell for more in the after market or collector's market.

Why so expensive?

These ballpoint pens feature English hallmarked, 925 Sterling silver, and one-piece barrels, fitted with a twist mechanism cap which retracts the ballpoint refill into the body of the pen.

The Sterling silver pen barrels are precisely engraved, (known as guilloche'), prior to the application of translucent hard enamel in multiple layers using a goose quill.  (See our other guide for more details on the hard enameling process.)  The alternating wave pattern engraving gives the pens a shimmering effect when turned and moved around in light.

The serial number for each pen is engraved on the cap ring after the words, Michel Perchin:

The numerator, or top number of the serial number, indicates the pen's position in the production sequence.  The denominator, or bottom number, indicates the MAXIMUM number of pens to be produced in the series or edition.  (See our other guide detailing serial numbers and their meaning.)

The ballpoint refill extends out through the nose cone of the pen with a twist of the cap.

It retracts into the body of the pen with a twist of the cap in the opposite direction.  The pen accepts a Schmidt brand, P 900 style, ballpoint refill which should be readily available at any office supply store or fine stationers.

Michel Perchin Logo; Mark of Distinction

Lastly, one great feature on ALL Michel Perchin pens is the beautifully engraved MP Elephant logo.  The elephant was chosen as the mascot image for the Michel Perchin brand because of its recognition as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune in many middle and far eastern cultures.

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