Graf von Faber-Castell Pen of the Year 2020 Sparta Ruthenium Edition fountain pen

The Pen of the Year 2020 is entirely dedicated to the Greek heroes of Sparta and their mythical leader King Leonidas. This Pen of the Year is fully based on the iconic Spartan armor.

In reference to the rivets on the harness, the barrel of the pen is adorned with 0.35kt raw diamonds that have been hand-set. The seven diamonds represent the seven core values of the Spartan army.

In reference to the breastplate, the grip of the pen is made matte and shaped to the human upper body. This was also done with the breastplate to intimidate the enemy. The milled decorations in the body of the pen are a reference to the battle skirt of the Spartans. This consisted of separate strips of hard leather and was meant to protect the upper thighs and sensitive parts of the warriors from swords, spears, and arrows.

The elegant round helmet had a narrow spindle between the eyes that protected the nose and a crest made of horse manes to emphasize their strength and intimidate the enemy. The cap of the POTY 2020 is based on this iconic Greek helmet.

Sparta

It was King Leonidas who led his 300 men to victory against the Persian King Xerxes. With a cunning plan, he managed to drive the Persian army into a trap, so that 300 men were enough to wipe out the entire legion to the last man. Unfortunately, Leonidas paid for this heroism with his own life. Iconic on the battlefield were the red, round Spartan shields. They were large enough to cover the entire upper body. The shield features an inverted V. This is the lambda, the 11th letter of the Greek alphabet, and symbolizes Lacedaemonia, the ancient Greek name for the Spartan region.

The shield is the inspiration for the end of the holder of the Pen of the Year 2020. This is also finished with red lacquer and the lambda. The red shield on the endcap is in turn surrounded by the typical Greek meander. This decoration can be found on many objects from that time. The unbroken line represents immortality and eternity. As is customary, the Pen of the Year 2020 is also launched in two editions: a Ruthenium coated version and a pvd-coated Black Edition.

Ruthenium:

Referring to the rivets on the armor, the barrel of the pen is adorned with 0.35kt raw diamonds that have been hand-set, symbolizing the indestructibility of the Spartan army. The end of the holder is red lacquered as if it were a miniature of the Spartan shield, complete with lambda and surrounded by the Greek meander. The shape of the cap is a homage to the typical Spartan army helmet. The fountain pen has an 18kt gold ruthenium coated nib and the holder features an ink window. A total of 310 pieces of the fountain pen will be made, while only 90 of the roller will be produced.

Specifications:

* Steel holder, Ruthenium coated, sandblasted
* Holder inlaid with 7 0.35kt diamonds
* Lacquered and milled bar end
* 18kt gold nib, ruthenium plated