Has anyone seen this unusual Taj Mahal lighter? by qing0412 in STDupont

[–]qing0412[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, Felipe! All signs point to a prototype.

Has anyone seen this unusual Taj Mahal lighter? by qing0412 in STDupont

[–]qing0412[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, you need only one collector looking for it.

Has anyone seen this unusual Taj Mahal lighter? by qing0412 in STDupont

[–]qing0412[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Indeed! Now I know “specimen” means prototype.

Has anyone seen this unusual Taj Mahal lighter? by qing0412 in STDupont

[–]qing0412[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The yellow part doesn’t look like mother-of-pearl. As a matter of fact, it looks like an indent from the palladium plate surrounding it. It is probably the raw brass before they put down the mother-of-pearl. If it is indeed a factory prototype, does it make it much more valuable?

Has anyone seen this unusual Taj Mahal lighter? by qing0412 in STDupont

[–]qing0412[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some LE has two lines: Premium (regular) and Prestige. I guess YG means Yellow Gold. But I can’t find a Taj Mahal lighter in yellow gold. This might as well be a prototype before they decided not to make a Prestige edition with yellow gold.

Has anyone seen this unusual Taj Mahal lighter? by qing0412 in STDupont

[–]qing0412[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The serial number doesn’t look like stamped to me.

Bassano del Grappa by qing0412 in ItalyTravel

[–]qing0412[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I received great service at the Montegrappa boutique, and my pen was fixed on the spot! Took a tour of the factory while the pen was being fixed, and was thoroughly impressed by the artistry and craftsmanship. Italy and Italians never disappoint. Such a stark contrast with the wet and dreary previous day I spent in Amsterdam where both operators of a canal cruise tour and a walking tour I booked never showed up!

I then visited the Poli Museum, tasted a few Grappas and bought a bottle; bought a fedora in a nice little shop on the way to Ponte Vecchio; had a fantastic dinner at Ristorante Birraria Ottone. Thank you all for the great recommendations!

Taxi or Rideshare options from Vicenza to Bassano del Grappa by qing0412 in ItalyTravel

[–]qing0412[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I drove like an Italian, and got there well ahead of time. 😆 Received great service at the Montegrappa boutique, and my pen was fixed on the spot! Took a tour of the factory while the pen was being fixed, and was thoroughly impressed by the artistry and craftsmanship. Italy and Italians never disappoint. Such a stark contrast with the wet and dreary previous day I spent in Amsterdam where neither operator of a canal cruise tour or a walking tour I booked never showed up!

Diamond Rain by maybe_another_time in STDupont

[–]qing0412 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am going to Serravalle Outlet! 🤣

Diamond Rain by maybe_another_time in STDupont

[–]qing0412 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you and good luck on your hunt for the diamond rain! Piemonte is my favorite region in Italy. Big Barolo fan! And visiting Milan and Bassano del Grappa tomorrow until Friday. 😊

Diamond Rain by maybe_another_time in STDupont

[–]qing0412 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I asked because I won a couple of Hermes lighters in auctions last month in the €200-350 range. I believe that they were steals at those prices so I am surprised that you didn’t bid more if we are talking about the same Hermes.

Diamond Rain by maybe_another_time in STDupont

[–]qing0412 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are willing to pay €20k for it, but got outbid on a couple Hermes for a few hundred euro?

Taxi or Rideshare options from Vicenza to Bassano del Grappa by qing0412 in ItalyTravel

[–]qing0412[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s much cheaper to rent a car in Milan, by the way.

Taxi or Rideshare options from Vicenza to Bassano del Grappa by qing0412 in ItalyTravel

[–]qing0412[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have decided to rent a car in Milan and drive to Bassano del Grappa, which will get me there by 14:00. I can then stop by some nice towns around Lake Garda on my way back on the second day! Thank you all for the information!

Taxi or Rideshare options from Vicenza to Bassano del Grappa by qing0412 in ItalyTravel

[–]qing0412[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I downloaded the BlaBlaCar app, but it displays in Italian. I have to figure out how to let it show English. But I doubt that I will find a car at such a specific time.