Description

The Retro 51 Tornado The Met Tudor Armor Fountain Pen brings a remarkable piece of Renaissance history into the world of fine writing instruments. Created in collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, this beautifully detailed pen draws inspiration from an extraordinary suit of armour dating back to 1586, now preserved in The Met’s collection.

The original armour was crafted in the royal workshops at Greenwich under the direction of master armorer Jacob Halder (British, documented 1558–1608). Commissioned for George Clifford, Third Earl of Cumberland, who later became a Knight of the Garter in 1592, the armour was designed for both field and tournament use. Its elaborate decoration reflected the prestige, power, and artistic sophistication of the Elizabethan court.

Retro 51 has carefully translated the armour’s intricate decorative motifs onto the pen’s brass barrel. The design incorporates the Tudor rose, symbolising the English royal dynasty, the French fleur-de-lis, historically featured in the English royal arms, and Queen Elizabeth I’s distinctive double-E cipher. These historical elements are complemented by polished brass trims, creating a writing instrument that captures the regal character of its inspiration.

Beyond its decorative appeal, the Tudor Armor Fountain Pen is designed for an enjoyable writing experience. Equipped with a high-quality JoWo stainless steel nib, it offers a choice of Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, and 1.1 mm Stub nib sizes to suit different handwriting styles and preferences.

Each fountain pen features an individually engraved serial number on its top ring and arrives in a specially designed Metropolitan Museum of Art commemorative tube. The packaging includes a foldout print exploring the original artwork and its historical significance, while the tube itself doubles as a practical pen stand.

Although individually numbered, the Tudor Armor Fountain Pen was not produced as a limited edition. However, this distinctive design has now been retired, making the remaining stock a special opportunity for collectors, history enthusiasts, and lovers of beautifully crafted writing instruments.

Add a piece of Tudor-inspired artistry to your collection while stocks last!