Montegrappa Smiley 50th Anniversary Ballpoint

In 1972, a journalist at the paper France-Soir had the idea of using the familiar yellow smiley face to tag the day’s good-news stories, so that readers could navigate around bad news. The practice caught on, and fifty years later, Smiley® has become an icon and a global representation for positivity.

To celebrate five decades of positive vibes, Montegrappa releases a special one-off anniversary edition of their Signature Zero pen, using the signature colours and art by artist André Saraiva. Bright yellow graffiti script reads “Take the Time to Smile”, which is the English translation of “Prenez le temps de sourire” – the original banner that greeted readers in 1972.

The Smiley pen is limited to only 365 pieces per model, each limited edition writing instrument represents a happy day in Smiley’s 50th anniversary year.

• Spraypaint anniversary icon
• Limited edition number 
• Satinbrush finishing
• Handenameled graffiti slogan
• Bevelled ‘Ruzzolino’ clip
• “Smiley® & André” laser engraving

Italy's first pen producer, Montegrappa, began manufacturing pens in 1912 in its factory in Bassano del Grappa in Italy. Utilizing natural celluloid and precious metals, Montegrappa combines traditional methods, such as die-casting, with more recent innovations like low-relief engraving, to form their precious art objects. Whether Montegrappa uses colors reminiscent of the master painters or ornamentation suggestive of Baroque palaces, the Italian heritage and romance is infused into each product.