George S. Patton Jr., West Point graduate, athlete and military strategist, was one the most controversial heroes of WWII. Remembered as much for his often profane “blood and guts” speeches and his trademark ivory handled revolvers as for his contribution to cavalry and tank warfare, he recognized that war was a brutal business requiring strong leadership. “When I want my men to remember something important, to really make it stick, I give it to them double dirty...You can't run an army without profanity; and it has to be eloquent profanity”.

A consummate combat professional, he was however seen as a liability off the battlefield. He was wounded while serving as a tank brigade commander in France during WWI and later went on to command a corps in North Africa and the 7th Army in Sicily. He lost his command when he slapped a malingering soldier, an incident which also held up his promotion to major general until 1944. That year he took over as commander of the 3rd Army and played a decisive part in the Battle of the Bulge, relieving Bastogne in December having swept through Brittany and Northern France from Normandy. Crossing the Rhine he stormed on to Czechoslovakia via southern Germany. In 1945 he was removed as military governor of Bavaria over his attitude to the de-nazification efforts there. He died in 1945, ironically not from a bullet, but from injuries received in an automobile accident in Germany.

General George Smith Patton, Jr., 1885-1945.

Like Patton, Krone writing instruments tend to make a characteristically uncompromising and bold statement; their pens have always instigated discussion and sometimes even controversy. With this approach, Krone has captured the attention of pen collectors worldwide, and expanded the market to those who not only appreciate aesthetics, but who also want an emotional bond with the history embodied in these limited editions. As the Krone literature states: “pen collecting is not exclusively for pen collectors anymore”.

Since the first issue of the Lincoln pen which contained a replica of Abraham Lincoln’s DNA, Krone has continued to produce significant commemorative issues honoring historical personalities and events. Collectors from diverse backgrounds are now acquiring writing instruments with a direct connection to their own particular passion or endeavor, something which is totally unique in the pen manufacturing world. As a result Krone Limited Edition pens have attracted an entirely new and unexpected audience of fountain pen collectors. Pens with an historical artifact embedded inside are a great conduit for those who seek a connection between themselves and the notable people or events of the past - a connection that is real and tangible. Today a Shakespearean scholar, a Charles Lindbergh aviation enthusiast, an Apollo 11 expert, a fan of Babe Ruth or a student of American History can own a very small but significant relic from history.

Krone pens have basically reinvented writing instruments as historical relics in their own right. The current General George S. Patton Limited Edition continues this tradition with an artifact dedicated to the purpose of exemplifying the character and personality of a unique military leader, and a place and moment in modern history.

This pen in hand is immediately significant. Weighing in at three ounces with cap, this tips the scale towards the heavy weights with a 5 1/2” length with the cap at a 3/4” girth. Many other pens have been created in this scale, so it is not totally unprecedented. At first glance it appears as an officially issued military device, however with the heavily worked Damascus steel and heavy sterling silver overlay and trim, this pen convincingly portrays the courage for which this great military hero is known.

The deeply textured spiral patterned Damascus steel barrel has a strong feel and bold design. The texture of the pen in the hand is slightly coarse as you might expect, however this is something which will not concern the avid Americana or military historian who will use it. The smooth sterling overlay extends to the section so this helps to make a more comfortable grip. The Damascus steel material comprises the majority of the weight, however even with the additional weight of the sterling overlay, the balance shift is towards the nib and section which helps considerably in making it a practical writing instrument. Frankly, posting the cap throws the weight too far back, but I would hesitate to post onto the raw Damascus steel anyway.

The barrel is wrapped with a curve shaped overlay of sterling silver with a deeply engraved map of General Patton’s 3rd Army dash to the Battle of the Bulge. The outer edge of the detailed overlay has a sterling silver beaded border in relief, and the opposite side has a sterling tank, also raised in relief. The cap is a dark olive green with a subtle hint of metallic luster, with 4 sterling stars, lofted, and in perfect alignment on the cap.

All in all, the pen captures the very moment in history when the gutsy General’s strategy and skill as a military tactician led to one of his finest hours.

You are certainly aware of this pen in your pocket -. the weight is a constant reminder. There is no danger of leaving it carelessly on a table! The clip features an enameled crest representing the 7th Army shoulder patch which General Patton proudly wore during the campaign in Sicily. Encased below this emblem is a fragment of the actual patch, an honorable relic and a piece of American history that defines the greatness of General George S. Patton. The top of the cap has a large raised Krone emblem in sterling silver.

I can easily see this pen on the desk of a professor of American history or on a military officer’s desk at West Point. Apart from the admirers of General Patton who will purchase this pen, I’m sure it will also prove a popular recognition award for individuals who display similar outstanding achievement and service.

The deluxe packaging comprises a black satin lined rosewood box with green leather top depicting the General’s four stars. This image adds significantly to the appearance and presentation. The nib is a traditional Krone Limited Edition two-tone 18K available in fine, medium and broad. The filling mechanism is a piston filler, revealed under the Damascus steel blind cap.

In all, only 288 standard fountain pens and 28 roller ball pens are available worldwide, with a further limit of 18 yellow gold fountain pen being produced.

Pen photography: © Terry Clark 2003