Montegrappa’s attractive range focuses on both standard collection and limited edition pens, along with accessories such as cufflinks and even wristwatches. Many Montegrappa pens are made from celluloid – unlike any other pen maker in the world. The historic material is specially formulated to make beautiful pen barrels and must be aged for long periods of time before it is ready for use.

Limited edition pens from Montegrappa feature unique designs focusing on the life and achievements of various celebrities. For Aquila, the more polarising the design, the better. He explains how designs that everyone likes at first end up being poor sellers in the market, while designs which offer both positive and negative feedback from different people end up selling the best.

To help make the best decisions, Aquila created a unique board of directors unlike those at many luxury brands. The board at Montegrappa combines industry and company veterans as well as artists and actors. Aquila believes that an eclectic pool of ideas helps keep the brand moving forward and motived to achieve what he describes as the hallmarks of an Italian luxury brand: an equal focus on fashionability and craftsmanship.

Writing instruments – like watches – are considered to have extremely competent lower-priced options in modern times. Yet many people don’t invest in either. Aquila explains how in the 1920s, a pen for a man was like a mobile phone today. Everyone had one, with those of greater taste and wealth having the best ones, and they would also commonly show them off. Pens today, he explains, are mostly sold because of their design and story. This is why limited edition pens with the most intricate designs, high-quality craftsmanship and connections to popular people or stories are those most coveted by collectors. These pens are also quite beautiful. Aquila points out how collectors can find Montegrappa writing instruments with beautiful timeless designs, or those which are delightfully avant garde.