The award-winning design: Drehgriffel Nr. 1.
The Drehgriffel Nr. 1 is a distinctive writing instrument. Inspired by the design dating back to the 1920s, the hexagon-shaped barrel of the Drehgriffel Nr. 1 pen and the tapered tip which, along with the twist button, come in a contrasting colour to the barrel, makes for a striking statement. It is comfortable to hold and the design has won several awards. A homage to the art of writing.
[dreː][gríffel] The German word Drehgriffel is made up of two parts. Dreh translates as to twist or turn, which stems from the innovative turning mechanism, and Griffel based on the oldest writing utensil in the world (from the Greek grapheĩon = Writing instrument).
We, at LEUCHTTURM1917, were fascinated by the creation of a new writing instrument, and found inspiration by returning to the era in which our company was founded. The ‘Roaring Twenties’ brought forth ideas in art, architecture and literature which still have an impact on style, even today.
Even the lettering on the Drehgriffel Nr. 1 pen stems from an innovation that evolved from that period – ‘Sütterlin’ (a historical form of German handwriting). This standard lettering was developed by the Berlin graphic artists and teacher, Ludwig Sütterlin, for learning handwriting. It spread throughout Germany during the 1920s and replaced the older cursive scripts. It was banned in 1941. Nowadays, only a few people can master this handwriting script.
As with all LEUCHTTURM1917 products, the quality behind the Drehgriffel Nr. 1 pen plays a key role. The mechanism and refill, which make up this distinctive writing instrument, are made in Germany. Once the Drehgriffel Nr. 1 has been manufactured from precisely milled aluminium and brass, it is lacquered and sealed. It works on a spring-loaded turning mechanism. The fact that it is made with lightweight materials and consists of a hexagon-shaped barrel, means that the Drehgriffel Nr. 1 pen is very easy to hold and is ideal for all styles of writing. Available in seven colours and the four colours belonging to the Rising Colours special edition. The colours match all LEUCHTTURM1917 planners, notebooks and pen loops.
This quote comes from the Red Dot jury of 2020, who gave the ‘Drehgriffel’ the much coveted award. This statement not only confirms the view that this product is not just a commodity product but primarily a design object.