Caran D'ache Goldbar Ball Pen With Etui Ca849.999

Caran d'Ache are welll known as a quality Swiss pen manufacturer and this design (the '849') is a timeless classic which has been around for at least 40 years - I have some dating from the 1970s which are still in good working order.With this model, I suppose Caran are trying to marry the concept of all that gold bullion stashed in Swiss bank accounts with their iconic 849 model. The pen has the usual hexagonal body which apparently is made from aluminium, to which a matte gold finish has been applied. The pen also has a gold plated clip and push button. Unlike regular 849's, this pen comes supplied in an unusual gold coloured metal case, where the middle of the case has a moulded bulge to hold the pen, but the outer parts are quite thin, so overall the case is fairly slim. However the bulge in the middle means that the case won't sit flush on a flat surface.The pen is fitted with a blue ink "Goliath" refill which is supposed to write for 600 A4 pages. Replacements are pricey at £6 but a penny a page doesn't sound so bad. The refill is about the same size as a Parker but the back end is different. It might not be immediately obvious, but to replace the refill, you unscrew the push button (in an anticlockwise direction).Anyway to conclude this is a quality product which is built to last. The matte gold finish is attractive and also has a non-slip feel to it. If you're into looks then the coloured Metal-X variants of this pen are even nicer to look at (and they are cheaper!). Why 4 stars and not 5? Well the matt finish is fine, but it is only 3 microns deep - and it just doesn't look quite as golden as it could and should.

Marvelous classy pen.This is the Gold version.It also came in the metal case which is super as a gift.

I wanted these as replacements so I knew what to expect.Great value purchase.

I bought this for my grandpa as he loves gold pens. We were both slightly disappointed as It looks very childish and not very shiny as it suggests in the picture. The box will not stand up straight either :(I expected better quality, but works well as a pen.

The pen was received in good condition