Frank Kafka was a master of body horror and of penning disturbing, mind-boggling tales appreciated only by avant-garde groups during his life, and only widely recognized after his death. His most famous work, “The Metamorphosis,” was about a man who woke up transformed into vermin, and it delved into themes of isolation and dehumanization that remain relevant to this day. 

“The Metamorphosis” inspired the Montblanc Writers Edition Frank Kafka fountain pen, which was released in 2004. Similar to a bug’s shiny shell, the pen features very dark red — almost black — semi-translucent resin used to create a body that starts cornered, then turns cylindrical as a nod to Gregor’s transformation. The red represents Gregor’s injuries, while engraved on the 18-karat, rhodium-plated gold nib is his vermin form. Trims are made from sterling silver. 

We have for sale a sealed, brand-new Montblanc Writers Edition Frank Kafka (2004) with an M nib. It comes complete with its box, papers, and other inclusions. 

Length capped: 14.9 cm.