Henry Simpole Myrtle · Vermeil

A tribute to Henry Simpole - Henry was one of the most famous and admired British designers of overlay pens. As a silversmith he had a global reputation and in 2004 he started his association with Conway Stewart by designing the Centenary Pen.

The Henry Simpole Myrtle - Vermeil - To celebrate his life (July 1952 - June 2020), we have obtained a small number of Henry's original Myrtle overlays from the executors of his Estate, and with his sister's blessing made this very special pen. For the Vermeil edition the Sterling Silver overlay is plated in gold and set over deep burgundy polished barrels. Each overlay carries the full London Assay Office hallmarks along with Henry's personal initials (HCS), ensuring its quality and authenticity.

A strictly limited edition - only a handful of Henry's original Myrtle overlays survive, and no more can ever be made.

The Myrtle Pen
Henry designed his original Snake pen in 2000 and it launched his career as one of the world's leading pen overlay makers. Its success inspired a small family of limited edition overlay designs of his own: the Snake, the Jasmine, the William Morris, the Tendril - and the Myrtle, its flowing foliage traced and pierced by hand in filigree that wraps both the cap and the barrel of the pen.

Design and Craftsmanship
Henry made his overlays using the ancient ‘lost-wax’ method of casting, first devised by the Egyptians more than 6000 years ago. Each pattern starts life as a flat sheet of precious metal onto which Henry traced the design by hand, before painstakingly piercing out the void parts to leave the filigree intact - many hours of intricate work. Every overlay is then ‘chased’ and polished by hand before being mounted on the pen.

Customisation Options
Each pen is fitted with an 18ct gold Conway Stewart nib, available in Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, or Broad. Special nib options are offered, with choices for an italic, stub, or oblique grind, allowing you to tailor your writing experience.

Each pen is housed in a Conway Stewart black leatherette presentation box which also serves as a showcase pen stand for your desk.