Henry Simpole Special · Sterling Silver

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 Special - Sterling Silver - To celebrate his life (July 1952 - June 2020), we have obtained 20 original Snake cap overlays from the executors of Henry's Estate. and with his sister's blessing made this very special pen. These original snake caps made from Sterling Silver have real emeralds jewels inset for the eyes, and each cap has the full London Assay Office hallmarks along with Henry’s personal initials (HCS), ensuring its quality and authenticity. The high-density black polished barrels have a facsimile of his signature, and the edition number and the words "Henry Simpole Special", "Made in England".  

Limited Edition of only 20 pens (15 in Sterling Silver and 5 in Vermeil) the sterling silver version are numbered 01/20 to 15/20

Design and Craftsmanship
Henry designed his original Snake pen in 2000 and it launched his career as one of the world's leading pen overlay makers. It had a three-dimensional snake with real emeralds for eyes. Henry spent a year perfecting his design, and wrote on the brochure;-

" I realise most limited edition fountain pens are kept in mint condition - never filled or used to write a single word. My snake pen has been made as a working writing instrument and I hope some will be enjoyed and used on a daily basis for their handling and beauty"

 
History of the Snake Pen (from Henry’s original Snake pen brochure)
Snake pens are beautiful, much coveted and extremely hard to find – which is why they are considered by some to be nothing short of a Holy Grail for pen collectors. In the early 1900’s fountain pens were made in hard rubber invariably black, but designers wanted to create more than a uniform black writing instrument. The largest producers of fountain pens of the time realised this and commissioned New Jersey jeweller George W Heath to make precious overlays that fitted over the black base pens and he designed the original Snake pen. Parker & Waterman both sold Snake themed pens, and today pen collectors the world over dream of finding an original 1900’s Heath Snake pen.
All the allure of the originals have been captured by Henry with this exquisite cap. With its blend of fine craftsmanship, history, and exclusivity, The Henry Simpole Special is more than just a writing instrument – it is a tribute to one of the world's greatest pen designers.
 
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.