Lee Kuan Yew’s Montblanc fountain pen fetches S$461,500 at Singapore auction
SINGAPORE, Aug 17 — A silver Montblanc fountain pen once owned by Singapore’s founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew sold for S$461,500 (RM1.45 million) at auction yesterday, after attracting 111 bids from around the world, according to The Straits Times.
The pen, engraved “SM Lee Kuan Yew”, was offered in an online auction by Singapore auction house Hotlotz from Aug 4 and exceeded its pre-sale estimate of S$30,000 to S$50,000 (RM94,500 to RM157,500) by nearly 10 times when bidding closed.
The sterling silver Montblanc Meisterstück No. 146, featuring gold-tone highlights and an 18K gold nib, dates to Lee’s years as senior minister from 1990 to 2004, following his 31-year tenure as prime minister.
The pen was previously sold for S$52,000 (RM163,800) at Sotheby’s “The Lee Kuan Yew Family Collection” auction in July 2003.
According to the report, that auction raised S$2.04 million (RM6.43 million) for charity. A black Waterman fountain pen used by Lee to sign the 1957 Singapore Constitutional Agreement in London sold for S$350,000 (RM1.10 million) to an anonymous businessman. The agreement laid the groundwork for Singapore’s self-government.
Hotlotz’s latest sale, titled “Interiors & Collectibles – August, Fine Art Focus”, also saw local artworks set new auction records.
Chua Mia Tee’s Singapore Chinatown, Temple Street (1976) sold for a record S$107,900 (RM339,900) after attracting 58 bids, surpassing the late artist’s previous auction record of S$97,600 (RM307,400) set in January 2023 for Prosperity (2023).
Chua died on July 10 at the age of 94.
Meanwhile, a stoneware vase by master potter and Cultural Medallion recipient Iskandar Jalil sold for S$12,350 (RM38,900) after drawing 25 bids.
Iskandar was conferred the Distinguished Service Order during the National Day Awards on Aug 9, The Straits Times reported.
