This Pen of the Year for is inspired by the Vikings, a race both feared and admired for their ruthlessness, innovations and extraordinary feats of engineering that enabled them to dominate north, eastern and central Europe over 1,000 years ago. The platinum-plated barrel is inspired by their legendary longboats, and is inlaid with slivers of curly birch, a tree seen as having protective powers in mythology, and therefore revered by the Vikings. The wood has inclusions of sapwood that resemble tiny flames, giving it a unique warmth and colour. A glowing red carnelian stone is set into the cap, chosen because of its popularity with Viking women, who created jewellery and other decorations from rock crystals, of which carnelian was particularly coveted.

Hand-crafted 18k bicolour gold nib available in fine, medium, broad and extra broad. Limited to 500 pieces and individually numbered. Supplied in a stunning, brightly-polished black wooden box complete with brochure and certificate of authenticity.