Way back in May 2020 we took a look at the magnificent Visconti IL Magnifico Lapis Lazuli, and since then we keep thinking about the stylish italian brand! Visconti is unusual in some senses as many people (who are perhaps less in the know) would assume that Visconti is much older than its 33 years. A combination of incredible craftsmanship instilled in the grand tradition of Italian writing instrument design as well as an acute sense of style and flair, set Visconti up to play with the big boys with centuries of history behind them. We get asked about Visconti a lot so we decided that we would address some of the most common questions and take a look at some of the most popular Visconti pens.
Are Visconti Pens Good?
At the Hamilton Pen Company we are often asked this question about a number of brands. It is of course a very difficult question to answer because it is so subjective. It really depends on what you are looking for from a pen. This will also vary from model to model. On the whole, it is reported that Visconti’s write ‘wet’ so if you enjoy a smooth flowing writing experience then Visconti is likely a brand you will enjoy. Aesthetically Visconti creates attractive pens. Not universally but on the whole, Visconti presents bold yet classic lines, colours and interesting details which appeal to most tastes. Some report issues with the tuning of the nibs on some models of Visconti with comments of issues with the wider sized nibs.
Where are Visconti Made?
Visconti is a relatively young company even though their practices and methods are very much informed and defined by the traditional approaches. Established in Florence, Visconti arose in a city famed for its art and culture, as well as being home to Italy’s largest industrial quarter for luxury goods and fashion. The company was started by close friends Luigi Poli and Dante del Vecchio in October of 1988 with the aim to draw upon their combined love of writing instruments to create a business which would not only be successful but would also promote their love of combining style with practical and high quality products. Perhaps one explanation for their swift rise in the industry relates to the boldness of their design work and their confidence to jump straight in with a limited edition less than a year after starting-up. The limited edition launched in 1989 was the ‘Urushi’ which was released in a limited run of 100, formed from ebonite and adorned in the complex yet beautiful Japanese Urushi lacquer-work technique. The Urushi sold out quickly which helped establish Visconti as a key player in the pen industry.
Are Visconti Pens Handmade?
Each Visconti writing instrument is hand crafted by talented artisanal masters, creating beautiful pieces to be treasured. Every single Visconti pen is made with the highest quality materials and cutting-edge technology making Visconti one of the leading manufacturers of fine writing instruments in the world.
In just a short space of time, Visconti’s designs have gained iconic status which exemplifies the values of luxury, quality, innovation, craftsmanship, creativity and high level design.
Popular Visconti Pens:
Asking questions about Visconti is all well and good but the best way to get a feel for the brand is to take a look at some of the most popular models.
Visconti Homo Sapiens Crystal Dream Fountain Pen - Bronze
The Visconti Homo Sapiens is one of the most exceptional pens on the market! Manufactured from lavastone from Mount Etna, probably the world's most famous active volcano on the Island of Sicily. Almost certainly spewed out of the ground during Etna's last eruption, the lavastone is ground and mixed with modern resins to produce a tough near indestructible matter from which these extraordinary pens are made. They have a soft, warm feel to the hand and because the material is slightly hygroscopic it also feels very dry to the touch.
Complimented with bronze fittings and of course Visconti's signature arched bridge pocket clip, the cap secures cleverly into place with Visconti's brilliant cantilever bayonet system. A crystal clear acrylic section on the barrel reveals the inner workings of the pen and also features as an ink view window.
The fountain pen features Visconti's 18ct rose gold nib which has an elegant pink sheen and needless to say, it is an absolute dream to write with. The nib has a gorgeous amount of flex giving a truly comfortable writing experience. Fitted with Visconti's Double Reservoir Power Filler system and presented in a Visconti gift box.
Visconti Van Gogh Fountain Pen - Starry Night
Visconti continue to develop the Van Gogh series of multi-faceted pens.
Manufactured from Visconti's vegetal resin, these pens replicate the colours and images that made Van Gogh the master that he is and are a pleasure to both use and keep.
As always with Visconti pens, the balance is just right when the cap is posted or unposted and when not in use the cap has a magnetic closure system to keep the nib safe. The polished stainless steel nib which is pleasantly engraved comes in either Fine, Medium or Broad widths. The pen is completed with polished chrome fittings and carries Visconti's signature arched bridge pocket clip.
Ink supply is via international standard cartridges or an ink converter (included) should you wish to use bottled ink with your pen.
Presented in an unusual Visconti gift box printed with a sample of Van Gogh's work and with a card bookmark depicting the painting the pen takes its name from.
Visconti Rembrandt Fountain Pen - Dark Forest
The Visconti Rembrandt Fountain Pen features an unusual variegated resin in a choice of colours. The fountain pen is nicely balanced and comfortable to write with when the cap is posted or unposted and when not in use the cap has a magnetic closure system to keep the nib safe. The polished stainless steel nib which is pleasantly engraved comes in either Fine, Medium or Broad widths. The pen is completed with polished chrome fittings and carries Visconti's signature arched bridge pocket clip.
Supplied with an ink converter ready for use with bottled ink but also takes international standard size ink cartridges if this is your preference. The Visconti Rembrandt fountain pen is presented in an elegant Visconti gift box.
Visconti Mirage Fountain Pen - Horn
The Visconti Mirage Fountain Pen features an unusual variegated resin in a choice of colours and a fluted design runs the length of the barrel and cap. The fountain pen is nicely balanced and comfortable to write with when the cap is posted or unposted and when not in use the cap has a magnetic closure system to keep the nib safe. The polished stainless steel nib which is pleasantly engraved comes in either Extra Fine, Fine, Medium or Broad widths. The pen is completed with polished chrome fittings and carries Visconti's signature arched bridge pocket clip.
Visconti Medici Fountain Pen - Golden Black
The Medici collection is dedicated to one of the most important and powerful Italian dynasties that led the Florentine golden age.
The pen’s shape was designed following the principles of the golden ratio. It is manufactured from a luxury smooth resin called Acrosilk, a combination of resin and silk fibre, and is reminiscent of the exquisite Florentine stone mosaics visitors can admire in most Medici villas.
The Medici pen has eight facets just like the Florence baptistery whilst the chiseled lily on the metal band has been a symbol of the Tuscan capital for over two millennia.
The fountain pen features Visconti's 18ct gold nib which has an elegant sheen and needless to say, it is an absolute dream to write with. The nib has a gorgeous amount of flex giving a truly comfortable writing experience. Fitted with Visconti's High Vacuum Power Filler system and presented in a Visconti gift box.
Visconti at The Hamilton Pen Company
Visconti Pens are extraordinarily elegant writing instruments originating from intense historical and technological research. Across the Visconti range, the philosophy of art, passion and technology can be seen side by side with examples of bold pieces alongside classic styles.
Visconti never fail to please with a superb succession of limited editions, highly sought after by collectors around the world, and regular editions that have stood the test of time providing reliability, quality and practicality. We are very pleased to stock Visconti...shop our full collection here
