Monteverde Dakota Pen Collection
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We appreciate all our “pen pals” throughout the year, and look forward to enjoying the holiday season with you! This Black Friday, be sure to stop by the shop and see Bert. Whether it’s just to say hi or see all the amazing deals that are too good to even mention, it’s always a great time at Bertram’s Inkwell. Well, Monteverde has done it again, folks! As you can see in my pictures and videos of the new Monteverde Dakota Pen Collection, I’m a huge fan. These smaller sized pens pack a powerful punch.
First of all, I didn’t expect the Monteverde Dakota Pen Collection to be as substantial as it is. When I first saw them, I was instantly reminded of a well-known Asian pen. However, these Dakota pens are made out of solid metal. Only the grip section is not. The way they look and feel rugged is perfect for an EDC (everyday carry) vibe. Enjoy easy portability in your pocket (shirt or pants), purse, bag/briefcase, etc. for those moments you need to jot a quick note on the go. Or stay prepared for your spontaneous writing inspiration.
Speaking of inspiration, the Dakota pen is inspired by the shape of the fuselage of the magnificent Douglas C-47 Skytrain, also known as Dakota. Notably, this played a pivotal role during World War II. The Monteverde Dakota Pen Collection pays homage to the 80th anniversary of the end of this historic conflict on September 2, 1945.
The Dakota aircraft was instrumental during crucial moments of the World War II, most notably on D-Day, June 6, 1944. During this pivotal operation, the C-47 Skytrain was vital in executing Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy. It transported thousands of paratroopers, including the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, and delivered essential supplies and equipment to the landing forces.
Ideal for those who appreciate writing instruments that “fly” across every page with ease, the Dakota collection adds satisfaction to every action when in use. Whether you prefer holding the pen by the barrel for comfort or posting it to achieve a full-length writing experience, the Monteverde Dakota is designed to meet your needs. Its pocketable design makes it easy to carry, transforming from a compact pen to a full-sized writing instrument when posted. The Dakota collection is a fitting tribute to the aircraft that soared through history, blending functional elegance with a deep respect for its storied past.
Starting from the Dakota’s solid stainless steel cap and barrel, to its German-made nib that effortlessly glides across the page, and ending with the satisfying closing action of the slip-in elongated cap, this pen completes every writing session with joy. The top of the cap is adorned with an engraved Dakota plane propeller, adding a touch of nostalgia and honoring the legacy of the Dakota plane during this anniversary.
The Monteverde Dakota fountain pens measure 121 mm (4.76 in) when capped, 118 mm (4.64 in) when uncapped, and 156 mm (6.14 in) when posted. The rollerball pens measure 121 mm (4.76 in) when capped, 112 mm (4.40 in) when uncapped, and 149 mm (5.86 in) when posted. Diameter is 11.4 mm (0.45 in).
What makes the cap special? The Monteverde Dakota’s innovative Slip-In Cap is where precision meets function, blending engineering excellence with sensual design to create more than just a pen — it’s an extraordinary experience. Every detail is inspired by the smooth ascent of a plane, allowing the cap to glide effortlessly into place with just a gentle push, delivering an airtight embrace that keeps your ink fresh and ready to flow.
This innovative design, unlike traditional screw-on or snap-on mechanisms, offers a seamless blend of functionality and elegance, accentuating the pen’s sleek profile and transforming it into a true companion in your writing journey. Impeccable design and unparalleled performance come together in a luxurious ritual, where every time you close the cap, you’re reminded of the power of precision and the beauty of simplicity.
The Dakota features a premium JoWo #5 nib from Germany, renowned for its superior craftsmanship, ink flow, and smooth performance. The nibs are offered in three distinctive point sizes: extra fine, fine and medium. JoWo nibs are celebrated for their precision and consistency, providing a luxurious writing experience with every stroke. This high-quality nib enhances the pen’s overall functionality, making it a standout choice.
The fountain pen can easily be filled via standard international ink cartridges or high-quality push-in piston converter (included). The capped gel pen adds a touch of elegance and practicality with its extra smooth writing refill. Use Monteverde Parker Style ballpoint or gel refills in a myriad of point sizes and colors.
Each pen in the collection is crafted from solid stainless steel and available in four distinctive finishes: Stainless Steel, Black Sky, Military Green, and Raw Flame.
The Stainless Steel variant exudes a timeless appeal with its brushed matte finish. The cool, subdued surface not only highlights the pen’s sleek contours but also serves as a nod to the precision craftsmanship involved in its creation. Stainless steel is celebrated for its exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion, making it an ideal material for a writing instrument that is built to last. Its inherent strength ensures that the Dakota pen can withstand daily use while maintaining its elegant appearance. Additionally, the natural weight of stainless steel contributes to a balanced feel in hand, enhancing the overall writing experience with a sense of solid craftsmanship and reliability. The stainless steel pen is further complemented by its chrome trim, which adds a touch of modern sophistication and gleam, subtly enhancing the pen’s refined look.
The Black Sky color option is steeped in mystery and depth, capturing the essence of a starless night. The rich, velvety black finish has an almost tactile quality, drawing you in with its smooth and sophisticated appearance. This finish not only absorbs light but also seems to envelop it, creating an impression of infinite depth, much like the vast, uncharted skies that pilots once braved in the Dakota aircraft. The Black Sky is adorned with gunmetal trim, which enhances its contemporary and slightly edgy character. This combination of deep black and dark metallic tones gives the pen a stealthy, almost futuristic vibe. The Black Sky Dakota is more than just a writing instrument; it’s a statement of elegance and power, a reflection of the boundless potential that lies within the dark unknown.
The special Military Green color brings a sense of rugged reliability and adventurous spirit to the Dakota collection. The matte green finish is inspired by the tough, no-nonsense appearance of military equipment, embodying a sense of resilience and practicality. This hue echoes the color schemes used on military aircraft during World War II, including the iconic Dakota plane. The green finish is reminiscent of the olive drab paint used to camouflage these aircraft, helping them blend into their surroundings and protect them from enemy fire. Adding to the historical significance, the Military Green Dakota also pays tribute to the insignia and markings that adorned these planes. The Dakota was often emblazoned with national emblems, unit symbols, and identification numbers, each telling a story of bravery, service, and mission success. This pen captures that spirit, serving as a reminder of the valor and commitment of the soldiers and aircrew who relied on these aircraft during critical moments in history. The chrome trim contrasts beautifully with the matte green, highlighting the pen’s robust character with a sleek, polished accent that emphasizes its military-inspired design.
The Raw Flame variant of the Monteverde Dakota is a true masterpiece, achieved through a specialized process of hand-flaming the stainless steel barrel. The metal, when subjected to these high temperatures, creates a unique, one of a kind rainbow effect. As the flame dances across the surface, it produces an extraordinary spectrum of colors that seem to glow from within. The result is a pen that radiates with an array of iridescent tones, shifting and changing depending on the angle of the light. The colors evoke the intense heat and brilliance of a fire glow, with deep blues, purples, and rich fiery oranges and reds. The process of achieving this finish is incredibly intricate and challenging, requiring a high level of skill and precision. Each Raw Flame pen is unique, as the pattern and distribution of colors are the direct result of the flame’s interaction with the stainless steel, ensuring no two pens are exactly alike.
Finally, due to the complexity of the manufacturing process, minor imperfections can sometimes occur during the hand-flaming, adding even more character and uniqueness to each pen. These slight variations in the finish—whether subtle shifts in color or irregularities in the pattern—are a testament to the handcrafted nature of the pen. Rather than detracting from the overall design, these imperfections contribute to its individuality, ensuring that every Raw Flame Dakota has its own personality, making it impossible to replicate. The pen is finished with chrome trim, which not only complements the hues with its reflective shine but also adds a sleek, modern touch, creating a perfect blend of raw intensity and refined elegance.