There are only a few brand names of luxury pens that are really considered belonging to the class of the elite, and Dunhill Namiki is one of them. Its craftsmanship is unmatched, with the rich history involved in each one simply adds to its charm. The title Namiki is from Ryosuke Namiki, the co-founder of the internationally renowned pen manufacturer Pilot. The company was called Namiki Manufacturing Company from its creation in 1918 until 1938 when it became Pilot Pen Co., Ltd. In the early 20th century, British-based company Alfred Dunhill retailed the Pilot-produced maki-e fountain pens, Dunhill Namiki, in its local store and eventually distributed the pens internationally.
The excellent maki-e lacquer art on the pens' body is perhaps what sets Dunhill Namiki pens apart from other fine fountain pens. Maki-e is a centuries-old Japanese lacquer technique that uses the sprinkling of metallic powders. Only highly skilled maki-e artists are able to do an artistic quality work even up to this day. This art form can be seen in many Dunhill Namiki fountain pens, making them all the more appealing to collectors.
Some of these pens were produced for only a limited number, and their rareness adds to their value. But to attract unsuspicious pen lovers, there are also fake versions of these highly in demand pens being sold online. And with just the words of the seller and some photos of the product to rely on, even the most discriminating of serious pen collectors can be fooled as the pens in the photos look so genuine. By the time it reaches the buyer, it's far too late to realise that the item is bogus.
Vintage Dunhill Namiki pens have flat feeds that were normal in the 1930s, while fakes usually have ribbed feeds that are distinctly modern in style. Also, the art of Dunhill Namiki pens is difficult to replicate. Instead of beautifully handcrafted images, fake pens seem to have theirs printed. Authentic Dunhill Namiki pens normally use the sculpted lacquer method, or the taka maki-e, which gives pens noticeable highlights and raised textures.
A dunhill namiki pen is really a work of art. For serious pen collectors, it's like owning a genuine work of art with rich history. Unlike disposable pens, these maki-e pens can be entrusted from one generation to another. They can add to one's collection of luxury pens or be given as luxury corporate gifts. Depending on the pen, it can cost from several hundreds of dollars to even as high as more than $50,000 for vintage pieces.
The excellent maki-e lacquer art on the pens' body is perhaps what sets Dunhill Namiki pens apart from other fine fountain pens. Maki-e is a centuries-old Japanese lacquer technique that uses the sprinkling of metallic powders. Only highly skilled maki-e artists are able to do an artistic quality work even up to this day. This art form can be seen in many Dunhill Namiki fountain pens, making them all the more appealing to collectors.
Some of these pens were produced for only a limited number, and their rareness adds to their value. But to attract unsuspicious pen lovers, there are also fake versions of these highly in demand pens being sold online. And with just the words of the seller and some photos of the product to rely on, even the most discriminating of serious pen collectors can be fooled as the pens in the photos look so genuine. By the time it reaches the buyer, it's far too late to realise that the item is bogus.
Vintage Dunhill Namiki pens have flat feeds that were normal in the 1930s, while fakes usually have ribbed feeds that are distinctly modern in style. Also, the art of Dunhill Namiki pens is difficult to replicate. Instead of beautifully handcrafted images, fake pens seem to have theirs printed. Authentic Dunhill Namiki pens normally use the sculpted lacquer method, or the taka maki-e, which gives pens noticeable highlights and raised textures.
A dunhill namiki pen is really a work of art. For serious pen collectors, it's like owning a genuine work of art with rich history. Unlike disposable pens, these maki-e pens can be entrusted from one generation to another. They can add to one's collection of luxury pens or be given as luxury corporate gifts. Depending on the pen, it can cost from several hundreds of dollars to even as high as more than $50,000 for vintage pieces.
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