The Coveted Sailor Year of the Rabbit Fountain Pen and Its Rising Collectible Value

Introduction to the Year of the Rabbit Fountain Pen

Fountain pens have seen a resurgence in recent years as people look for alternatives to disposable ballpoint pens. Vintage and limited edition pens, in particular, have become highly coveted items among pen enthusiasts. One such pen is the Year of the Rabbit fountain pen.

The Year of the Rabbit fountain pen was issued in 2011 to celebrate the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Rabbit. It was produced by one of the big three fountain pen manufacturers in Japan - Sailor. Sailor pens are known for their high quality nibs and innovative designs. The Year of the Rabbit pen captures the spirit of the rabbit zodiac sign with its charming rabbit-themed aesthetic.

Background on the Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal sign - rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. The rabbit is the fourth sign in this cycle. According to the Chinese zodiac, those born in rabbit years (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011) are said to be kind, gracious, and gentle, as well as vigilant, witty and quick-minded.

Each zodiac year is associated with one of five elemental signs - wood, fire, earth, metal and water. 2011 was the year of the metal rabbit. The metal element represents determination, focus, strength and persistence. And so the year of the metal rabbit was anticipated to bring courage, wits and success to those born under it.

The Partnership Between Sailor and the Japanese National Federation of Pen Clubs

The Year of the Rabbit fountain pen was one in a series of Sailor's annual Chinese Zodiac pens created in collaboration with the Japanese National Federation of Pen Clubs. Since 2003, the two organizations have partnered to issue special edition pens to celebrate each Chinese zodiac year.

Sailor was founded in 1911 and has specialized in fountain pen manufacturing ever since. The company is known for its high-quality nibs, innovative filling systems, and creative designs that appeal to pen collectors and enthusiasts. Teaming up with the Japanese National Federation of Pen Clubs allowed Sailor to showcase its craftsmanship through unique, limited edition pens that honored the Chinese zodiac tradition.

Design and Specifications

True to the year it celebrated, the Year of the Rabbit pen featured a gorgeous rabbit motif in sterling silver plating over a black resin barrel. The cap top was decorated with a playful rabbit figure, while the clip showed two rabbit silhouettes facing each other. The pen's bands also incorporated the rabbit icon and zodiac year date. Tiny clear diamonds were set as the rabbit's eyes to add sparkle and luxury to the design.

The Year of the Rabbit pen had a medium 14k gold nib available in extra fine, fine, medium and broad widths. It had a strong reputation for being an exceptionally smooth writer right out of the box. As a cartridge-converter filling system pen, it could be used with Sailor ink cartridges or a converter to allow bottled fountain pen ink.

This special edition pen came packaged in a beautiful black lacquered wooden box with a traditional hot stamp of a rabbit carved out to reveal the wood grain underneath. The shifting patterns resembled a rabbit's fur coat. A decorative paper sleeve wrapped around the box featured brush paint art of a moonlit black rabbit. The package was completed with a matching rabbit motif card providing the pen specifications.

Limited Edition

As a limited edition, the Year of the Rabbit pen was only produced for one year in 2011. Total production quantities are unknown, but some sources estimate around 1,500 fountain pens were made. The limited availability made the Year of the Rabbit pen highly coveted among Sailor fans and Chinese zodiac collectors.

Year of the Rabbit Pen Reviews

The Sailor Year of the Rabbit fountain pen received glowing reviews from various pen enthusiasts and collectors who managed to acquire it. Here are some of the common feedback highlights:

Appearance and Packaging

Reviewers widely agreed this was an extremely attractive pen, with the sterling silver rabbit motifs adding charm and luxury. The packaging also received rave reviews, with the wooden box and decorative sleeve being cited as gorgeous and thoughtful to honor the Year of the Rabbit theme.

Nib Performance

As expected from Sailor, the 14k gold nib delivered exceptional writing performance right out of the box. Smooth ink flow, consistent lines, and just the right amount of feedback made this a great daily writing pen. The nib design also garnered praise for its unique wing shape.

Comfort and Balance

With its moderate girth and length, most users found the pen comfortable to hold and use. The weight was described as substantial but well-balanced. One handed use was very comfortable. Posting the cap (placing it on the end) made the pen slightly back weighted but still usable.

Quality and Value

Given the sterling silver accents, 14k gold nib, beautiful finishes, and appealing packaging, reviewers felt this pen was worth its originally listed price of around $225 USD. As a limited edition Sailor pen celebrating a popular Chinese zodiac year, it was considered a great value purchase for collectors.

Availability and Pricing Today

Since its limited production in 2011, the Sailor Year of the Rabbit fountain pen has become highly sought after by collectors, especially as Chinese zodiac pens are so popular. As such, it can be difficult to find new old stock of this pen still available.

Most available pens today are pre-owned or open box items being resold by individuals collectors and vendors. Prices vary considerably based on condition, included accessories, and availability. Based on current market listings, pre-owned examples tend to range from $300 to as high as $600+.

New old stock Year of the Rabbit pens still in original packaging tend to command premium pricing upwards of $1000 to even $2000 in some cases from sellers who know the pen's rarity. However, prices can fluctuate depending on how motivated the seller is.

As with any secondary market collectible, buyers need to carefully inspect photos, ask questions, and understand the item's condition and completeness when making purchasing decisions. Incomplete or damaged items will be worth less than intact pens in like new condition.

Investment Potential

The Sailor Year of the Rabbit fountain pen has appreciated considerably in value since its release over a decade ago. And many believe it still has strong investment potential moving forward.

As a limited edition Sailor pen marking the popular Year of the Rabbit, it has all the hallmarks of a collectible with rising value over time. Mint condition pens kept in the original packaging will likely always command a premium. And as more of these pens disappear into private collections, prices are expected to continue climbing.

That said, owners need to be wary of fakes on the secondary collectors market. As values have increased, counterfeiters are reproducing pen components and packaging to sell knockoffs. Buyers should stick to reputable vendors or ask for extensive photo documentation when buying from individuals.

For Sailor and Chinese zodiac pen collectors, the Year of the Rabbit model remains a worthy find. It's truly a special pen honoring a culturally significant year and likely to become more valuable as a collectible over time.

Current and Upcoming Zodiac Releases

Sailor has continued releasing limited edition Chinese Zodiac pens annually. Most recently in 2022 they issued the Year of the Tiger pen. And they are anticipated to release a Year of the Rabbit pen again in 2023 to mark the next occurrence of this zodiac year.

Other popular fountain pen brands like Parker, Cross, Montegrappa, OMAS, Visconti, and more have also issued special pens for the zodiac years. So collectors have many options when seeking out zodiac pens. However, Sailor's series remains among the most prestigious.

Those who missed the 2011 Year of the Rabbit release will have another chance in 2023 when rabbit year comes around again. However, the upcoming version is sure to sell out quickly to those eager to collect the set.

A Distinguished Rabbit-Themed Pen

The Sailor Year of the Rabbit fountain pen beautifully combined sterling silver luxury, expert nib craftsmanship, and Chinese zodiac intrigue. For collectors, it remains one of the most charming pens honoring the rabbit and still carries substantial value on the secondary market. With its future collectibility all but guaranteed, this smart and graceful rabbit will always hold an honored place in pen collecting history.

FAQs

What was special about the pen issued for 2011, the Year of the Rabbit?

The Sailor Year of the Rabbit pen featured sterling silver rabbit motifs on the barrel, cap and clip. It had a 14k gold nib and beautiful packaging with a lacquered wooden box and decorative paper sleeve.

What nib options were available for this pen?

The pen came with a 14k gold nib in extra fine, fine, medium and broad widths. All nibs offered smooth writing performance.

How many Year of the Rabbit pens were produced?

The production quantity is unknown, but estimated to be around 1,500 pens total.

How can I buy the Sailor Year of the Rabbit pen today?

As a limited edition, it can be hard to find new old stock. Most available pens today are pre-owned resales from collectors and vendors. Prices range from $300 to over $1000.

Are there fakes and knockoffs to watch out for?

Yes, as values have risen some counterfeits have appeared. Buy from reputable sellers and inspect photos carefully.