The brand started with humble beginnings in 1761 when the craftsman Kaspar Faber started making the first Bleyweissstift pencils in a small workshop near Ansbach in Germany. In 1840 Lothar von Faber lent his name to the pencils and set standard lengths, diameters and grades of lead hardness that are still in use today. The lead pencils were transformed into a high quality product and became the first branded writing implements in the world. In 1849 Faber were the first German pencil manufacturer to venture across the Atlantic as branches were founded in New York, London and Paris.
In 1898 heir baroness Ottilie von Faber married Count Alexander zu Castell-Rüdenhausen and the company took on the name Faber-Castell. Count Alexander gave the company a more modern and unmistakeable image, by creating the jousting knights logo and developing the legendary green Castell 9000 pencil in 1905. This pencil, with its distinctive form, continues to enjoy international success today.
In 1928 Count Roland von Faber-Castell took over management of the company. He acquired a controlling interest in the company Lapis-Johann-Faber S.A. In Brazil, which is now the world’s biggest lead and coloured pencil factory. By establishing the international branches and sales divisions, Faber-Castell developed into the world’s leading manufacturer of wooden lead and coloured pencils.
In 1978 Count Anton W. Von Faber-Castell became the eighth generation to take over the management of the family company. He placed an increased emphasis on new products (including Cosmetic pencils) and expanded the company’s international activities with the aim of positioning Faber-Castell as a global brand. Faber-Castell now celebrate their 250th anniversary in 2011, and are proud to be still upholding their core values of competence, tradition, quality, innovation and creativity today.
The Pen of the Year 2011 uses Russian jade, or nephrite. The emerald-coloured stones are delicately mottled; their deep green exhibits some unusually appealing shadings. Numerous processing steps are required before a piece of jade can be inserted into the Pen of the Year. From the first slice of the raw stone to the final polish, the craftsman must recognize its unique nuances and bring out jade’s natural gleam. Only very experienced jewellers can achieve that. Only a genuine artist can master the cuts typical of jade. Piece by piece, he chisels an ornament from the stone. Platinum-plated surrounds grip the individual pieces of jade perfectly and turn the pen into a very special piece of jewellery. The elaborate faceting of the stone on the end of the cap is the crowning glory of the Pen of the Year. The 18-carat bicolour gold nib is available in line widths F, M, and B, each one ‘run in’ by hand. Each individually numbered pen comes in an exclusive wooden case. The green lid, polished repeatedly to a high gloss, perfectly reflects the colour of the jade. The accompanying certificate bears the personal signature of Count Anton Wolfgang von Faber-Castell, attesting to the limited edition of this jubilee issue.
