Classic Pens CP8 Murelli Vannerie Rollerball Limited Edition 000/250

The eighth limited edition in the Classic Pens CP series, the CP8 Murelli, comprised a matched set of fully engraved sterling silver fountain pens and roller/ball pens. Released in September 2008, it paid tribute to the Murelli family—particularly founder Robert Murelli, a master of guilloché engraving. The designs were based on Classic Pens’ in-house Legend 766 fountain pen and 762 roller/ball model. Two engraving patterns were offered: Flammé (flame) and Vannerie (basketweave), with either rhodium or gold-plated trim. This marked a departure from earlier CP editions, as it was the first time the series was not based on sterling silver models from established pen manufacturers.

As with other Classic Pens CP releases, the project involved multiple collaborators. Classic Pens worked with Aquila Brands in Italy to manufacture the sterling silver components and pen fittings. Founded in 2002 by Giuseppe Aquila and his father Gianfranco Aquila, the company is family-owned and also controls brands such as Tibaldi (acquired in 2004) and Elmo & Montegrappa S.p.A. (acquired in 2009), bringing significant expertise in luxury silver pen production.

The guilloché engraving was carried out by R. Murelli R.S.A.R.L., a specialist workshop founded by Robert Murelli in 1949 when he was 22, originally in Vincennes, France, before relocating to Domont in 1960. Today, it remains the last active French guilloché workshop. At its peak, it produced up to 100,000 engraved pieces for brands like Cartier and Dumont, employing eleven craftsmen and operating over twenty engraving machines. Since 2012, it has been officially recognized as an “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” for preserving traditional guilloché craftsmanship using historic equipment.

The edition was limited to 500 pens in total—250 with Flammé engraving and 250 with Vannerie. Each cap band was laser-engraved with the Classic logo, edition name, and individual number, allowing collectors to assemble matching numbered fountain and roller/ball pen pairs. The planned distribution included 175 fountain pens and 75 roller/ball pens for each pattern.

The fountain pens use a cartridge/converter system and are fitted with 18-karat two-tone gold nibs plated in platinum by Peter Bock, marked with the Classic logo and offered in fine, medium, broad, and broad italic nib sizes. The roller/ball versions feature a self-contained mechanism compatible with Parker-style ballpoint and rollerball refills.