Presidential Oath Set

Presidential Oath Set

We’ve been honoured to create a new design of a presidential oath. The ceremonial set consists of plates, a ceremonial calligraphic inscription and a brass metal pen. The design of the case has a representative and statesmanlike character, yet it is minimalistic and timeless. Metal plates are created of duralumin and brass metals. Although the bar to surpass previous promises was low, we competed mainly with ourselves. We tried to process the Oath with the highest possible emphasis on detail and quality of execution. It was a great honour for us, and we especially thank Mr. Tikovský and Mr. Dvořáček for the trust they placed in us.

Specification

The top side of the case features a milled relief of the calligraphic inscription Slib (Oath). The milled letters in vectors are based on a my cursive handwriting style used for the calligraphy of the Oath itself. The inscription is inclined so that its vertical strokes align perpendicularly with the plates. The calligraphic composition emphasizes the first sentence, written in blue color to symbolize hope. Instead of traditional ink and atopero I used flat calligraphy markers. The Oath was written on cotton paper, known for its fine ribbed texture, excellent lightfastness, and compatibility with both the markers and the materials used, such as duralumin and brass.

Karel Matějka designed and modelled the case. Their duralumin part was milled using a computer-controlled milling machine. Subsequently, the case were processed by hand and underwent a chemical surface treatment. Grinding, polishing, and final assembly were not without manual labour.

The elegant pen with a special thread is made entirely of brass. It was made by hand according to the design of Karel and was turned by his grandfather Vojtěch Matějka at the age of 86 in Běšiny in Šumava. A total of two original pieces were created, which differ in the length of the tip. The pen is fitted with a cartridge with archival ink which guarantees the quality of the signature even after many decades.