The tortoiseshell pattern initially came from the actual shell of a hawkbill turtle, which has been used as musical instruments from the time of ancient Rome. French artisan Andre Charles Boulle them in creating decadently designed cabinets for French King Louis XIV using a method called marquetry, which used wood or metal to back think layers of the material. 

Through the years the practice of using actual shells became illegal, and the rise of resin and acrylic democratized the tortoiseshell pattern. The pattern is often used in frames of glasses, jewelry, and fountain pens. 

The pattern is featured on the Pelikan M800 Tortoiseshell Brown, which we have for sale. It is pre-owned and comes with an 18C gold nib (EF). We’re offering only the pen, no box or papers. 

Length capped: 14.15 cm. 
Length uncapped: 12.75 cm.