New to Pens

[mck22]

I am new to the pen talk and am just now researching them to see what I may be interested in. I did some google searches on "what comes with a Mont Blanc pen" but nothing comes up. So first questions is how do you tell the real from the fake? I feel I can spot a fake Rolex now from being on here for a few years, but pens....no clue. Do they come with paperwork? I saw that the MB have a serial number on them, is that what I look for? I have found a few on CL and we all know how you can get hosed on that site, so just wanted to get some info. Thanks for any help!

[SUBversive]

Same as buying a watch used or from a grey dealer...you buy the seller.

[Lion]

As SUBversive has stated, do your homework and buy from reputable sources...it's too easy to fake the pens and surely a serial number can be copied/made up as well!!!

[Frosty]

MB's will not have serial numbers if they were made before a certain period in time . Some will have W Germany or Germany. If you already have one, look at all the engraving on both pens under high magnification. Real MB engraving pretty much looks the same.

Look through the MB parts for sale on EBay. That way you can familiarize yourself with what real MB internals look like. If it is a ballpoint, if the mechanism is not silky smooth, it is not MB.

MB, like Rolex, does replace older parts if they are defective. So, you might see a Pix on a pen without a serial number. I have one and MB replaced the parts

Lastly, if you have any doubt, an MB Boutique will authenticate, but, will not confiscate a knock-off.

[rolio]

Mont Blanc, Pelikan, Waterman, etc. When buying, just be cautious.