Cartier Fountain Pens

In 1847, Louis Francois Cartier founded the Cartier jewelry company in Paris, France. The company specialized in high-end jewelry and watches. As the company grew, it began to offer other products, including writing instruments. Cartier began manufacturing plume pens in 1868, although these pens were not produced under the Cartier name. Louis Cartier's grandson Louis was responsible for adding pens to the Cartier product lines.

Cartier expanded its product lines in 1929 in response to the worldwide economic depression. Since Cartier specialized in high-end watches and jewelry, their pens from this era were manufactured to allow for a watch. Some pens had flat shafts with a timepiece located toward the top of the pen, while others had a wide, round top with a watch. One office set included a gold notebook with a watch installed on the notebook's cover and a gold pen attached to the side.

Cartier has continued to manufacture pens in many different styles. Cartier pens include durable metals or composite materials, fine lacquer finishes, and precious metal plating and trim. Many of Cartier's fine vintage pens were manufactured in the '80s. Collectors prefer pens in excellent to mint condition with the original box and papers.

Quick Facts

• Cartier fountain pens are easy to identify since Cartier stamps all of its pens with the Cartier name either at midshaft or near the base of each pen
• The La Dona Menagerie fountain pen was named for '40s movie star Maria Felix. The gold-plated pen features carved crocodiles and sells for about $4,000
• Cartier's limited edition Dragon Décor fountain pen is solid sterling silver formed into the shape of a dragon with red garnet eyes, a white pearl in its mouth, and a gold nib. The pen sells for €32,300