Before Montblanc was a pen, it was an actual mountain, and still is; specifically, the highest mountain in the Alps and, in fact, in the entire European Union. But then just over a century ago, the Simplo Filler Pen company of Hamburg, Germany decided to produce a luxury line of writing implements, and its second model was named after the 11th highest peak in the world. In time, the name was absorbed by the firm itself.
Some of the models introduced over the years by Montblanc include limited edition runs lines with 18K gold and embedded with polished diamonds, rubies and other precious gems. The firm continues to manufacture its fountain-tipped pens to this day. Although stylus technology has advanced in the last hundred years, the old-style Masterpiece model continues to be a strong seller.
In 1977, British luxury goods brand Dunhill bought out Montblanc, whereupon its brand name was used to market other Dunhill goods, such as watches, leather goods and fragrances. Dunhill was in turn bought out by the Richemont group.
