The Romanov family's 304-year reign was accompanied by some of the world's finest and most famous treasures, including the Imperial Eggs and countless objects de art created by the artistic brilliance of Peter Carl Faberge and his goldsmiths. The Russian Imperial is the 28th in the David Oscarson's series of Limited Edition Writing Instruments and marks the 100th anniversary of the Romanov family's abdication from the throne.
Produced in four primary color variations, each limited to an aggregate production of 304 pieces, the collection stands as a tribute to the unparalleled artistry and craftsmanship associated with the Romanov dynasty. Crafted from solid Sterling Silver, the cap and barrel feature repeating Guilloche sunbursts overlaid with interlocking double-leaf accouterments reminiscent of the 1896 Coronation Egg commemorating the 1896 coronation of Nicholas II. Two double-headed eagles adorn the gripping section and the clip is ornamented with three pairs of floral rosettes. Cyrillic font encircles the cap ring and the entire body is finished in Hot Enamel.
The Russian Imperial Collection continues in the spirit of artistic mastery and the tradition of Old World craftsmanship by combining the centuries-old technique of Guilloche with the art and expertise of Hard Enamel. Using a mortar and pestle, a composition of glass, water and metal oxides is ground for hours by hand. When settled, the water is removed, leaving the fine paste that is the basis for hard enamel.
A quill is then used to apply each coat of the mixture to the surface of the metal, ensuring that the entire Guilloche area is completely covered in enamel. The components are then fired in a furnace at temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, fusing the enamel to the metal and forming a layer of glass. After cooling, the pieces are manually ground with a diamond file, restoring their proper shape and surface. This tedious process is repeated at length until the level of enamel reaches the depth required to cover the peaks and fill the valleys of each intricate guilloche pattern.
When the final stages of firing are completed, the pieces are polished and buffed, revealing the velvet finish of translucent hard enamel. Production of translucent hard enamel demands the highest levels of patience, experience and skill. A five-year apprenticeship is required to ensure that the highest levels of quality will be met in each individual Collection piece.
Each David Oscarson Writing Instrument is available as a Fountain Pen in Fine, Medium, or Broad. It is also available as a Rollerball Pen or can be purchased as a convertible set to switch between the two writing modes.
