Hello, I have recently come across a Montblanc Franz Kafka 4810 18K 2004 750 Fountain Pen. The pen is used but in exceptional condition. The pen is engraved with 14208 / 18500. I am not an avid pen collector, and wanted to inquire on the rarity, and value of the piece. Can anyone offer any information? Thank you
the Kafka is my favorite writer's edition, which i own as well. one of the nice things about it is that the metallic parts are solid silver, rather than just plating. the translucent resin and shape are also remarkably modern, unlike Montblanc's more traditional offerings. it's not particularly rare, you can see there were more than 18000 pieces made on the number engraving. in general, none of the WE's is ever particularly rare. it is fairly easy to find on the used market and ebay. i believe it retailed for around $1200 in 2004; the price for one in very good condition seems to hover around $600-750 that i've seen on ebay (i've never seen one that is NOT in good condition, probably bc most buyers know it's limited and take good care, so i've not seen lower prices). a brand new Kafka is probably a little higher. this pen has not "appreciated" beyond the MSRP (very few of the WE's have, actually). ymmv, of course, depending on where you sell it.