Montblanc Steps Into The Ring With Muhammad Ali For 2023 ‘Great Characters’ Pens
By Alexa Heah, 02 Nov 2023
Montblanc is honoring the legendary Muhammad Ali with a unique collection as part of its annual Great Characters collector line.
This collection, which pays homage to individuals whose accomplishments have left a profound mark on humanity, will be a tribute to the boxer’s achievements in both sports and civil rights activism.
The Montblanc Great Characters Muhammad Ali Collection consists of three distinct editions, each commemorating a significant victory in Ali’s illustrious career: 1964, 1974, and 1978.
One of the standout design elements is the reference to the boxing tape that wrapped around the athlete’s hands, symbolizing the art of boxing that he mastered.
First, the Montblanc Great Characters Muhammad Ali Special Edition features a cone with the iconic quote “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” translated into a bee and butterfly design. The clip of the pen resembles a championship belt.
Elsewhere, the design represents Ali's achievements as a boxing champion. Engraved lines on the instrument’s cone mimic the ropes of a boxing ring, while the cap of the pen takes the shape of a punchbag.
Plus, the matte black precious resin on the barrel represents the hand wraps used by boxers. The pen also commemorates Ali’s famous victory at the Summer Games in 1960, engraved with “ROMA MCMLX.”
Next, the Montblanc Great Characters Muhammad Ali Limited Edition 1942 celebrates Ali's birth year.
The pen features a yellow gold-coated bandage design, symbolizing the boxing ring ropes. The cap showcases the pattern of the maestro’s coat as he entered the stadium for the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” fight in 1974.
The writing tool also acknowledges the legend’s victory pose with an inscription of “KO-W 8 (15),” representing his knockout in the 8th round of a 15-round match.
Last but not least, the Montblanc Great Characters Muhammad Ali Limited Edition 98 is named after the year the athlete was named a “Messenger of Peace” of the United Nations in 1998.
This time, the cap resembles a punchbag, with the cap ring bearing the inscription “W 15 (15),” signifying his victory in a 15-round match.
The writing instrument’s clip is designed as a victory belt inscribed with “ALI” and set with a diamond.
In addition, the cover is adorned with a lacquered butterfly, and the handcrafted gold nib features a portrait of Ali surrounded by six stars, representing the six principles he lived by.
Plus, the collection includes a Notebook #146 in Saffiano leather featuring the superstar’s iconic victory pose and a special green ink.
The Montblanc Great Characters Muhammad Ali Collection will be available from November 2023 at Montblanc boutiques worldwide and online. Head here for more information.
[via Montblanc, images courtesy]
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