The convenient cartridge-converter filling system makes this an excellent choice for those with an on-the-go lifestyle, while the simple elegance of the streamlined design clearly identifies this writing instrument as part of the Montegrappa heritage. Durability, style, and superb writing qualities all come together in a pen that also offers excellent value at the price.

With a roller-ball clip reminiscent of the OMAS clip and a high-finish gloss black barrel and cap this fountain pen easily competes with the big boys. This pen weighs in at almost 55 grams, twice the weight of many others. 

The crown on the top of the cap is exactly that, looking like it belongs to nobility, thus the name. The limited edition number expressed as # "---/888" is engraved on the cap crown on the opposite side from the pocket clip. Inside the crown is a black cone shape that creates an apex for the cap.

The Ducale Grande is not to be confused with the smaller Montegrappa Ducale, a much smaller pen with an injection molded feed and #6 size nib. 

Sporting the largest of the Montegrappa nibs, a #8 size, this pen writes with some softness typical of pens like the Namiki Yukari Royale, Pelikan M1000 and Montblanc 149. The hard rubber feed, the classic material of pens for more than 100 years, has considerable "capture", capable of holding ink overflow due to changes in barometric pressure and temperature. This material is hydrophilic, drawing water-based inks from the reservoir to the nib slit. 

The lightly tapered end cap of the barrel allows a snug fit for the cap to post, although there is little need to post the cap on this seriously big pen. The cap threads smoothly onto and off of the barrel giving the solid impression of long lasting quality.