There are pens that you’d buy knowing full well what you are getting, and then at times, we’ll come across pens that seems a bit, ordinary…but you can’t just figure out what it is no matter how many hours you spent googling. I would like to present to you one of those unicorns here today - a Dunhill made by Montblanc.

Alfred Dunhill, or usually known as “dunhill”, is a british brand focuses mainly on luxury goods, and in the previous century, they were more known for their tobacco related offerings. In the year 1977, something interesting happened: they started to acquire Montblanc, and that was the time this little fountain pen was born.

As the famous German brand began to discontinue their more affordable lines of pens, they started to create more avant garde models to compete with the italians: namely, the VIP and the Noblesse.

Tracing back at ebay and auction listings, I found that these Dunhill fountain pens were running around with the name “Gemline” and were offered in various finishes, similarly to those of the Montblanc Noblesse Gen 1-2-3; there were numerous examples with uncanny similarities. Further inquiry and googling reveals that this is not the only case where Montblanc create writing instruments for other brands.

Now, it has never been confirmed by either Dunhill or Montblanc that they outsourced the production of their writing instruments, but somehow it raised a question: is it disingenuous to label another brand’s product as your own, well even if you owned the major amount of shares in the company?

It is a tricky question to discuss with a clear answer in mind, since the production of fountain pens, especially the nib and feed parts require a lot of precision machining and thus, not everyone could create a good nib, therefore manufactures such as Jowo or Bock could provide everyone with a workable nib unit with consistent writing quality.

However, there is still a fine line between paying homage to a popular design or blatantly copying it for monetary purposes. I personally think that with this particular example we have here today, Dunhill did a good job with a distinguishing design and making it different enough from the usual Montblanc Noblesses. The choice of a sterling silver cap and body gives the instrument the heft and feel of a well made pen, and will be ready to age with its owner for years to come. Even after more than 40 years of age, the pen performs wonderfully while also developed a gorgeous patina with hints of its past glory. The slimmer profile isn’t a drawback at all since the weight of silver gives you that feel of being a solidly made instrument that can last a lifetime.