Lee Kuan Yew's Montblanc pen sells for S$461,500 at auction after 111 bids

A sterling silver Montblanc fountain pen once owned by Singapore's founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew fetched a remarkable S$461,500 (US$361,350) at a recent auction. The pen, engraved with "SM Lee Kuan Yew," attracted 111 bids, far surpassing its pre-sale estimate of S$30,000 to S$50,000.

The Montblanc Meisterstuck No. 146, featuring gold-tone highlights and an 18K gold nib, was part of Hotlotz's Interiors & Collectibles - August, Fine Art Focus auction. The final price includes the buyer's premium, with the hammer price reaching S$355,000.

This particular pen dates to Mr. Lee's tenure as Senior Minister and had previously been sold at a charity auction in July 2003 for S$52,000. The auction also highlighted Singaporean art, setting a new record for artist Chua Mia Tee. His 1976 painting "Singapore Chinatown, Temple Street" sold for S$107,900, exceeding its previous record.

Other notable items included a stoneware pottery vase by master ceramicist Dr. Iskandar Jalil, which sold for S$12,350, more than double its highest pre-sale estimate.