The Patron of Art Edition for 2009 is dedicated to the banker, patron and orientalist Max von Oppenheim, the Writers Edition of the same year to the novelist Thomas Mann. Both series appear annually and rank among the most keenly collected Montblanc editions: the Patron of Art Edition honours historical patrons of the arts, the Writers Edition major writers.
The Patron of Art Edition is issued in two limitation sizes, a larger one of 4810 pieces and a smaller, more elaborately executed one of 888 pieces; the figure 4810 refers to the height of Mont Blanc in metres. The two versions differ above all in materials and finish, not in the underlying model.
Montblanc traditionally releases precise details of the theme and the design only shortly before delivery; until then the trade usually has nothing more than design sketches or the odd photograph. To identify a particular piece beyond doubt, what count are the limitation number, the dedication engraving and the certificate.