Introduction to the Michel Perchin Desk Pen Collections

This discussion pertains to the Michel Perchin Desk Pen Collections, two sets of ULTRA LIMITED EDITION and beautifully hand crafted, enameled sterling silver writing instruments from this world class manufacturer.  As with our other guides about Michel Perchin pens, we will define the edition size, detail the color palette, and highlight the important features of these very rare, fine writing instruments, for the benefit of new and experienced collectors alike.

The Michel Perchin Ocean Blue Enamel Ballpoint Desk Pen

Michel Perchin, Inc. first introduced the Ocean Blue enamel Ballpoint Desk Pen in 2004 in response to the marketplace demand for a fine pen stand.  While continuing to work out the precision specifications for a Fountain Pen version, Perchin Inc. introduced the Ballpoint Desk first as a simple and easily refillable two piece desk set made up of pen and pen stand. 

Weighing in at nearly 1 ½ pounds of (.925) Sterling silver and enamel for both pen and stand, the Michel Perchin Ocean Blue Ballpoint Desk Pen was produced in an ultra limited edition quantity of only 10 pens and carried an MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price),of $6,000.00.  The pen nearly immediately sold out from the manufacturer and became available at only a few fine retailers worldwide. 

The Ocean Blue Ballpoint Desk Pen is fitted with a Schmidt brand, P 900, Ballpoint refill and the pen originally came with one refill loaded in the pen barrel and two additional refill cartridges.  The Schmidt brand refills are readily available for sale in better office products stores, and stationers, and many Michel Perchin authorized retail dealers.   

The Michel Perchin Ruby Red Fountain Desk Pen

Michel Perchin, Inc. introduced the Ruby Red enamel Fountain Desk Pen, in 2005, about one year after the introduction of the Ocean Blue enamel Ballpoint Desk Pen.  Having perfected the design and precision measurement specifications to allow for an appropriately sized fountain nib front, the Ruby Red enamel Fountain Desk Pen was the natural follow up to the earlier ballpoint desk pen version.

Also weighing nearly 1 ½ pounds of (.925) Sterling silver and enamel, the Michel Perchin Ruby Red Fountain Desk Pen was produced in only 10 pieces like it’s ballpoint pen cousin.  As another of the Ultra Limited Edition pens from Perchin, it was appropriately priced at $6,000.00.  This pen also sold out nearly immediately from the manufacturer and may no longer be available at the retail level due to its popularity among collectors. 

The Ruby Red Fountain Desk Pen is fitted with a German-made, medium size, 18k gold nib alloyed with iridium for strength.  (The pen could accept different sized nibs if the writer prefers.)  Further, the pen comes with a converter cartridge and six ink cartridge refills should the writer choose them over bottled ink.

Design Elements

Although not necessarily fashioned after a specific Faberge Egg design, like so many other Michel Perchin pens, the the Michel Perchin Desk Pens are strongly influenced by the design techniques used by Michel Perchin during his employ with Peter Carl Fabergé over 100 years ago.  Each of the Perchin Desk pens feature flawless guilloché, (engraved Sterling silver), hand applied enamel, and a final plating of 22k yellow gold, also known as vermeil. 

The pens themselves are tapered sleekly from tip to end of barrel to ensure perfect balance in the hand.  Each is engraved with several long parallel oval cuts that flatter the pens and “slenderize” its 7 ½ inch length.  The grip area of each pen is engraved in a “foxing” detail which makes the pen easy to hold and a pleasure to touch. 

Both pens are made from multiple solid Sterling silver components including the front sections and barrels.  The front section can be unscrewed to replace the appropriate ink cartridges, whether for the Fountain Pen or Ballpoint pen.  The Fountain Pen nib “unscrews” should the user prefer to change or replace the nib.  Again, additional nibs may be purchased through Michel Perchin authorized retail dealers. 

The base of each pen is also fashioned from multiple solid Sterling silver components that make up the rim, “dome,” ring, “knuckle” and pen holder.  The “dome” is engraved in a wave pattern and finished in translucent enamel in the respective color.  The pen holder is engraved in the “foxing pattern” and finished in translucent enamel.  The “ring” is engraved in an elegant floral design and the outer rim of the base is engraved in a drapery pattern.  All of the Sterling is plated in 22k yellow gold for a lasting luster. 
       

Availability

The Michel Perchin Desk Pens, fountain and ballpoint, are currently out of production as all 10 pieces in each color were made and sold by the manufacturer.  At the time this guide was published, (June 26, 2006), future production of additional Desk Pens, in either fountain or ballpoint styles, has yet to be scheduled. 

Only a handful of Authorized Michel Perchin Retail Dealers, including White Mountain Trading Company, stocked the Desk Pens since so few were produced.  Few retailers report having any of the Desk Pens in stock but White Mountain Trading Company reports having the Ocean Blue Ballpoint Desk Pen available.

Key Markings and Serial Numbers

The Michel Perchin Fountain and Ballpoint Desk Pens are readily identified as authentic by several different markings, including the Michel Perchin logo, the serial number of the pen, and English Sterling silver hallmarks which are located on the bottom ring of the pen holder component where it meets the “knuckle.”  (For more information about English Sterling silver hallmarks, please refer to our other guide, Sterling Silver Hallmarks.)

Packaging

Due to the ultra limited edition quantity and unusual size of each of the Michel Perchin Desk Pens, the items were delivered in an unremarkable white cardboard gift box.  The pen included a Michel Perchin Certificate of Authenticity, cleaning instructions/warranty card and the respective ink refills.  The packaging was not the focus of this pen for several reasons including the small edition size, unique size of the item, and limited selection of retail packages available in small quantities.  The single biggest reason the packaging was not a major focus for this piece was so the price point could be held in line, commensurate with the artistry, complexity and creativity behind its design.  A representative of Michel Perchin, Inc. explained that available resources went into producing an extraordinary desk pen, one that, he hoped, would “spend more time on someone’s actual desk than packed away unseen and unadmired.”  We happen to agree.

Quality

Michel Perchin writing instruments give the word quality a new meaning.  Their unique designs reach back into time to capture elegance unknown in today’s world of mass production.  No expense is spared in materials and workmanship.  The result is a powerful statement of value to be handed down from one generation to the next.  The uncompromising quality of Michel Perchin writing instruments is recognized by their presence in the Pen Museum, in Paris, France.

Thanks for reading and hope you found this information about the Michel Perchin Desk Pen Collections useful.  If you wish to send us a question about this item or any other Michel Perchin writing instrument, please feel free to contact us by clicking on the Ask Seller a Question button in any of our eBay listings!   Also, be sure to read our other eBay Guides and check back regularly for updated pages in our eBay Store.