Montblanc - Sakura- 333

Three versions

The model catalogue lists the edition under 2001 and describes the three pens as follows:

• Sakura 333: cap and barrel of Meissen porcelain. According to an owner, the cherry blossoms are hand-painted (Fountain Pen Network post of 14 October 2018); the photos show red-gold coloured fittings.
• Sakura Precious Gold 88: cap and barrel of red gold, the blossoms in porcelain.
• Sakura Precious Brilliant 8: cap and barrel of yellow gold, the blossoms of diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds.

Two constructions

According to the model catalogue all three are cartridge fillers. The two Precious versions have a retractable nib in the manner of the Bohème; the 1991–2006 edition list notes a retractable nib for the 88 and “Safety” for the 8. The Sakura 333, by contrast, has no retractable nib (Fountain Pen Network post of 4 August 2009).

The Year of the Golden Dragon 888 likewise combines gold and Meissen porcelain (post on Penexchange (thread “Die ‘kleinen’ Geschichten zu und hinter Füllhaltern”)). According to a forum post, the edition sizes 333, 88 and 8 are deliberately chosen lucky numbers (forum post of 1 April 2005).