Posted 13 years ago
bfoker
(1 item)
This pen was found during the demolition of an old author's home. I have only been able to find one remotely like it, and zero information on it. I say remotely because my piece has not only the gold accent "grips", but gold ends as well. Also, mine has the classic "head" stamps on the metals vs. the more current numerical values as far as purity and kt's. It is made if France, and just below the writing there is a very, and I mean VERY tiny hand engraving that says LZ 11. I've had a few people look at it, and it has us all baffled due to it's ambiguity. If anyone can shed a little light on this mysterious pen, we'd all love to hear about it.
Hi, I'm assuming that you already know that Jean Schlumberger, master jeweler, designed for Tiffany, too. Perhaps this is one of his items. I haven't hunted long at all. I have a hunch this might well be his.
http://www.tiffany.com/About/Designers/JeanSchlumberger.aspx
Sorry, I should read the title, not just look at the photo and the description! I'll keep looking for this exact pen for a while. Bemusedly, miKKo
Here we go again - last time for tonight - promise!. Just found two very similar pens on ebay. There are some details you might want in the listings.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TIFFANY-SCHLUMBERGER-18K-Gold-Sterling-Silver-Pen-/110721885231?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c789e42f
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TIFFANY-SCHLUMBERGER-18K-Gold-Ballpoint-Pen-/290680173162?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43ade3726a
thanks mikko. I actually listed it on ebay for a while, but it never hit the reserve. I will probably be re listing it in the near future. They definitely don't come up very often. That gold one is really gorgeous. Both seem to be listed by the same auction company out of NY. Their prices seem a bit on the high side, which I guess is why those 2 pens are still available and have been for some time. I can guarantee that my reserve will be a lot less than their asking prices...
Thank you, bfoker, for your very great courtesy! miKKo
I wonder if lz11 is the marking Shlumberger gave it. The zeppelins which were designed by the Germans and used in WW1.....were given initial lz#. LZ11 was called the Viktoria Luise. Just looked that last part up.
Back to the point...It has the shape of a zeppelin also since he has some German decent, it would of been something he seen as a young lad. Maybe he even had a fling with Viktoria Luise....that might be a stretch though.
Just a thought.
Hi, jmac. Your comment was was most interesting!!! If you discover anything more on this trail, I should love to read it. I was unable to find any trace of such a connection, myself. (My search was cursory, though.) I was suprised to find that Schlumberger fought in the French Resistance during WWII, and that he once worked for General Charles de Gualle. Don't know why I was surprised, but I was. I rememeber viewing some of Schlumberger's master works in a major museum exhibition, and I don't recall learning therein of his valor during WWII. Very sad.
For myself, I am wondering if this could be an inscription requested of the purchaser on a gift item, i.e., could "LZ " be someone's initials, and the "11" representative of a significant date? This stylish and luxurious pen would make a fine gesture of esteem, affection, or devotion. If this pen were purchased at Tiffany's, perhaps they would have a record of such an engraving order.
FYI, Schlumberger was one of only four Tiffany jewelers whom the firm permitted to sign their works. Regards, miKKo
Brando090 For some reason you're comment was deleted, though I saw it through my email. If you happen to see this message, email me at : bfoker@gmail.com
thanks