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Monteverde 2020 LA Pen Show Burgundy Special Edition Ink Bottle - 30ml
SKU: 47737 · In Stock
Monteverde 2020 LA Pen Show Burgundy Special Edition Ink Bottle - 30ml
This ink is a special?edition release by Monteverde, created for the 2020 LA Pen Show, labeled “LA Burgundy”. It comes in Monteverde’s standard 30?ml glass bottle format, but with a distinct color and branding tied to the pen show event. For instance, PenSavings markets it as “2020 LA Pen Show, Special Edition, Fountain Pen Ink Bottle by Monteverde — 30ml Glass Bottle”.
Monteverde highlights that this series uses their “latest leading European ink treatment formula (ITF)”, which improves ink flow quality, extends cap?off time, and lubricates/protects pen feed systems.
Thus, this ink sits both in the “collectible / special?edition” category and as a usable fountain?pen ink with Monteverde’s performance claims.
Appearance & Color Character
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The color is burgundy, evoking a wine?red, deep reddish?brown tone. As a special edition, it likely has slight variations compared to standard burgundy inks (e.g., shading, undertones).
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On a user forum (Reddit), someone who purchased this exact “LA Pen Show Burgundy” version described:
“I thought at first it might work like piano mahogany by sailor. It does, but lacks the sheen. Winner in my books for #teamshadeoversheen.”
This suggests that while it offers nice shading (i.e., variation from light to dark) it may not offer a metallic sheen or heavy gloss — more subtle and shaded than flashy. -
Because special?edition inks often lean toward richer, collector?friendly tones, you can expect the color to show nuance (lighter in thin strokes, deeper in heavier strokes) especially on fountain?pen?friendly paper.
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The inclusion of ITF means this ink is engineered for improved flow, longer cap?off tolerance, and better feed system lubrication. That should translate to smoother writing and better behavior in varied nibs or writing conditions. (Monteverde claim)
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Being a standard dye?based ink (not noted as pigment or permanent) it’s likely to behave like many Monteverde inks: good flow, decent shading, moderate dry times, but dependent on paper/nib.
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Because of the shading characteristic (as noted by users), it will likely look best in broader or semi?flex nibs, or on premium paper that shows shading clearly. In fine/dry nibs or on absorbent paper, the nuance might be lost.
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As a special?edition, some users may use it sparingly (for journaling, signatures, special writing) rather than heavy everyday use — though the 30?ml size makes it totally usable.
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Volume: 30?ml glass bottle — standard size for Monteverde special editions.
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Bottle: Glass, likely with screw cap, compatible with standard fountain?pen converters or piston fills.
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Safety / Pen Compatibility: Marketed as “Safe for all fountain pens” in the listing.
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Special Edition Identification: The 2020 LA Pen Show branding makes it collectible. The listing mentions “low stock – 6 items left” in one retailer’s description.
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Ink Type: While the listing doesn’t explicitly call it “dye” vs “pigment”, given Monteverde’s standard line and the lack of “documental/permanent” naming, it’s safe to assume it is a typical dye?based fountain?pen ink with ITF.
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Distributor/Retail Info: PenSavings lists it in the Special Edition category.
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Collectible Value: As a show?edition ink tied to the LA Pen Show 2020, it carries appeal for collectors or enthusiasts who like ink rarities.
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Aesthetic Depth: The burgundy tone, combined with the user?observed shading (but not heavy sheen), makes it suited to expressive writing, journaling, or when you want something different from standard blues/blacks.
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Performance Backing: With Monteverde’s ITF claims, you can expect the ink to perform decently (flow, cap?off time, feed compatibility) — though real results depend on pen/paper.
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Usable Volume: A 30?ml bottle provides a meaningful volume for regular use, not just a collector’s sample.
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Subtlety & Elegance: Based on user comments, it seems more in the “shade over sheen” camp — which many pen people prefer for writing (versus flashy shimmer that may harm legibility or performance).
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Limited Availability: Because it’s a special edition, obtaining it may be harder, and price may increase over time or in resale markets.
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Color Expectations vs Reality: As one user pointed out, although it looked like “piano mahogany” in a dip pen art scenario, it lacks the sheen. So if you were expecting a heavy metallic or glossy effect, you might be disappointed.
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Performance in Fine / Dry Pens: Because shading shows best in wetter nibs or heavier strokes, users with very fine/dry nibs may not see the full effect.
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Monteverde Ink Quality Concerns: In broader context, Monteverde (especially bottled inks) has had community reports of problems like mold, foul smells or spoilage in older or certain batches. For example:
“More than 7 bottles of Monteverde inks have gone bad with very foul smell.”
While there is no guarantee this affects every bottle, it’s a consideration. -
Not Permanent / Document?Safe: This ink is not labeled as “documental” or “permanent,” so if you need archival or waterproof ink, you would need a different line.
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Shading vs Sheen Trade?off: Since user comments emphasize shading and lack of sheen, if your preference is for bold sheen/metallic, you may find this subtle.
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Best Paper: Use fountain?pen?friendly paper (smooth/medium weight) to allow shading to show and to avoid bleed/feather.
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Nib Selection: Try a medium, broad or semi?flex nib (or a pen known for wetter flow) to maximize the color’s depth and shading.
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Use for Special Writing: Because it’s a special edition and a nice color, this ink can be reserved for special letters, journaling sessions, signature pens, or creative writing rather than pure daily scribble.
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Proper Storage: Store the bottle upright, tightly capped, away from heat and light — particularly as a collectible.
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Inspect Before Use: Given Monteverde’s community reports about spoilage, when you receive a bottle, inspect for unusual smell, film, or solid bits. If in doubt, flush a pen or use in a less precious pen.
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Swirl/Invert Before Filling: Even dye inks benefit from gentle mixing to ensure uniform color.
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Consider One Pen Dedicated: If you have a pen you like for special colors, use that for this ink and give it care to enjoy the full shade effect.
Product Information
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Name / Variant: Monteverde 2020 LA Pen Show Burgundy (Special Edition) — 30?ml
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Type / Edition: Special / Limited Edition released for the 2020 Los Angeles Pen Show (LA Pen Show)
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Bottle Volume: 30?ml (standard small?bottle size for Monteverde special inks)
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Bottle Material: Glass (typical for Monteverde 30?ml ink bottles)
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Ink Family / Technology: Uses Monteverde’s Ink Treatment Formula (ITF) — the same “European ink treatment” that the brand promotes for its bottles to improve flow, cap?off performance, and reduce feed clogging / corrosion.
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Safe for Fountain Pens: Marketed as “Safe For All Fountain Pen” in product descriptions.
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Release Retail Info: Pen Savings lists it as “2020 LA Pen Show, Special Edition, Fountain Pen Ink Bottle by Monteverde – 30?ml” with limited stock.
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Special Edition / Collectibility
Because this ink is tied to a pen show event, it has collectible appeal. It may be harder to find once stock is depleted, and being a “show ink” adds to its desirability among enthusiasts. -
Color & Visual Character
The “Burgundy” tone is intended to be a rich, wine?red hue. In user discussions, the color is praised for its shading properties but noted as lacking strong sheen or metallic highlights. For example, one user described:“I thought at first it might work like piano mahogany by Sailor. It does, but lacks the sheen.”
This suggests it leans toward “shade over sheen” — i.e., you’ll see subtle tonal variation in strokes rather than flashy shimmer. -
Performance Claims
The ITF technology is a central selling point: Monteverde states that their new “European ink treatment formula (ITF)” helps with flow, extends cap?off time, and protects the feed and ink delivery system from clogging or corrosion.
Because this is a special edition built on standard Monteverde ink tech, its performance should be similar to their regular inks (flow, lubrication, etc.), albeit with a unique color. -
Color Behavior in Practice
While images from dip pens or folded nibs show dramatic effects, many users mention that in “normal” nibs the shading is present but more subtle, and the ink can appear more muted than expected.
In forums, the burgundy special edition is often preferred because it shows nice shading without overly bright or garish tones. -
Quality / Stability Concerns (Monteverde Ink History)
Monteverde has a known history of ink bottles developing spoilage, mold, or foul odors over time. Several users on fountain pen forums warn that bottles should be inspected, especially if stored for long periods.
One particular report:“Open them up and look for a film … Monteverde has really bad issues with mold lately.”
Another:
“More than 7 bottles of Monteverde inks have gone bad with very foul smell.”
Therefore, when you receive a bottle, it’s good practice to check for odd smells, floating particles, or filmy coatings before filling a pen. -
Shade Over Sheen
The user quote above (“it does, but lacks the sheen”) along with general sentiment suggests this color is more about depth and shading rather than gloss or metallic luster. The people who collect show inks often appreciate that characteristic. -
Shake / Mix Before Filling
Because special edition inks may have pigment settling or density differences, gently swirl or invert the bottle prior to filling to ensure color consistency. -
Use with a Pen That Shows Shading
A pen with a wetter flow, medium or broader nib, or a bit of feedback (depending on preference) will better showcase the burgundy’s tonal variation. -
Paper Matters
Use fountain?pen friendly paper (smooth surface, moderate absorbency) to prevent feathering, allow shading to show, and ensure the color depth is preserved. -
Inspect the Bottle on Arrival
Given Monteverde’s past issues, before you pour into a pen, check for odd smells, foam, floating bits, or films. If anything seems off, contact the seller or use a diluted cleaning test before committing to your favorite pen. -
Use, Don’t Store Too Long
Because special?edition inks may not always be made in huge quantities, it’s tempting to store them. But letting ink sit unused for many years increases the risk of degradation. If you acquire one, try to use it or at least cap it tightly and store it well. -
Dedicate a Pen (Optional)
Many enthusiasts dedicate one pen (often a less precious or easy?to-clean one) for special inks, so that if there is any issue, it won’t threaten multiple pens through cross?contamination.
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