As the Italian Lira fades into history and the Euro becomes the standard of
currency, Delta honors Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of France and King of Italy as the person responsible for today's single, European currency. Delta is
proud to present a collection of spectacular limited edition writing instruments honoring a brilliant historical figure. The Lira was originally called the
Libbra. It was the Roman measurement of standard weight (325 grams or approximately 1 pound). Although Charlemagne transformed this into an abstract
currency, it was Napoleon who envisioned a single currency for Europe. On May 6, 1807, Napoleon wrote to the King of Naples, "Brother, when you issue coins,
I would like you to adopt the same valuations as in French money. In this way, there will be uniformity all over Europe which will be a great advantage for
trade." The first Lira was coined in the Milan Mint in 1808.
Napoleon's efforts to create a common European currency died with him on the
battlefield. The Lira became Italy's national currency after unification in 1860. The Lira's recent demise marks the true unification of Europe and the
realization of Napoleon's dream.
The Napoleon is limited to 808 fountain pens and 808 roller/ballpens in sterling silver. Each pen is
handmade from special resins, in either blue or burgundy colors, and are covered with hand carved precious metal sleeves portraying the most important events
of Napoleon's life. The fountain pens in this very special collection, feature the first piston filling system in Delta's history. Now serious pen
enthusiasts can write a little world history of their own.
