The Friedrich II fountain pen appeared in 1999 as the annual edition in the Patron of Arts series, with which Montblanc honours historical patrons of the arts. The edition ran to 4,810 pieces worldwide — the figure refers to the height of Mont Blanc in metres and recurs throughout this series.
Technically the pen follows not the large piston fillers but the Bohème design: size and filling system match that series, so it is a cartridge pen with a retractable 18-carat gold nib that is wound out and back in by a twist mechanism at the end of the barrel. The body is rolled gold.
As with every limited edition, a missing box, certificate or service booklet depresses the price considerably.