Just picked up MB 146

[sunburst]

In my quest of upgrading my MB144 to larger MB I’ve taken an advice from Leo the “Lion”
(Why would I do that? Why? Why? ) and decided to go for both 146 and 149.

As a first step I’ve just picked up neo-vintage MB146.

The origin marking is “W. Germany” indicating that the pen is made prior to 1990.

The pen came with period correct black leatherette hinged box, guarantee booklet and warranty card.

It also came with almost full bottle of Mont Blanc ink with origin marking of “W. Germany”
(I will not use the ink since it’s at least 17 years old but I’ll keep it as penaphernalia.

The box is slightly rough on outside and does not align perfectly when closed but the pen is in amazing condition.

The body has few minor brushings and small scratches that can be felt with finger nail but otherwise mint.

The nib is also in mint condition and it appears to be unused as I did not see any sign of wear or inking at all.
There is no reference to nib width but I beleive it's “Fine” width.

Just as with any FP I did the initial step of cleaning the pen by filling the pen with cold water and repeated the
process several times but no trace of ink whatsoever. I’ve left the water in the chamber overnight to loosen
dried up ink but again did not see any trace of ink.

I’ll ink the pen once the chamber is dry and do the follow-up (I can’t wait to ink the pen).

[JBat]

Wow, Joji, congrats! That's a real beauty!

[AWS]

Congratulations, nice addition.

[2careless]

Congrats Joji! Well done!
What does the inscription on the nib say?
It looks like much older than 1990. More like 60's or early 70's, from the look of the box.

[Lion]

Joji, what a great score...I know you can't wait to ink it and I wonder if there is someway to figure out what size nib it is? So for an encore you are going to buy a MontBlanc 149???

[sunburst]

Originally Posted by 2careless

Congrats Joji! Well done!
What does the inscription on the nib say?
It looks like much older than 1990. More like 60's or early 70's, from the look of the box.

Kai, nib has the following inscription

4810
"Montblanc logo"
14K
MONTBLANC
585

What do you think ?
I have been told by the original owner that it was received as corporate gift in the late 80's.
I work for the same company and indeed Montblanc FP was given as gift to some
employee during the 80's.

[Bisquitlips]

One of the best out there! No doubt.

I love my Traveler which is the same size, but cartridge only.

Congrats!

[2careless]

My understanding is that they used single tone nibs from 60s to late 70s, and from 80s they started with 2tone nibs.
Also, they marked 14C instead of 14K until late 60s so I believe your pen is around 70s.

Check also the piston screw - is it brass or plastic? brass are newer.
The feed - please show a pic.

[sunburst]

Originally Posted by 2careless

My understanding is that they used single tone nibs from 60s to late 70s, and from 80s they started with 2tone nibs.
Also, they marked 14C instead of 14K until late 60s so I believe your pen is around 70s.

Check also the piston screw - is it brass or plastic? brass are newer.
The feed - please show a pic.

Kai, piston screw is black plastic.

[Shangas]

That pen is made of gold, plastic and Win.

Makes me want to crack out my 145 and write with it.

[2careless]

I'm inclined now to say it's 60s
You got a real vintage pen mate, probably older than me
ebonite feed, black piston screws are signs of 60s.

[sunburst]

Originally Posted by 2careless

I'm inclined now to say it's 60s
You got a real vintage pen mate, probably older than me
ebonite feed, black piston screws are signs of 60s.

Kai. thanks for the info.
If you are correct my 144 (W. Germany origin) could also be from 70's (maybe 60's ?)

The nib (single tone) on 144 has

4810
"Montblanc logo"
14K
MONTBLANC
585

[shandy]

Joji All I can say is

Actually, wow as well! , What an abosulte stunner! You guys with your vintage MB's! Man there is an itch to scratch!

Thank goodness I just picked up my Milgauss, it is a perfect reminder of restraint for a little while!

Well done Joji, that really is a winner

[2careless]

Originally Posted by sunburst

Kai. thanks for the info.
If you are correct my 144 (W. Germany origin) could also be from 70's (maybe 60's ?)

The nib (single tone) on 144 has

4810
"Montblanc logo"
14K
MONTBLANC
585

Not sure on 144's. They are not heavily "studied"... Sorry.

[daveathall]

Many congratulations Joji, that pen looks beautiful, this certainly is a slippery slope, I have found myself lusting and looking at vintage.

Enjoy your beautiful pen for many years to come and in the very best of health.

[Sweramic]

Very nice pen Joji! Congrats! Use it in good health

[Sweramic]

Very nice pen Joji! Congrats! Use it in good health

[sunburst]

Thanks to everyone for many great compliments.
I'm very surprised to learn that this pen is older than I've initially thought
(and thanks to Kai for valuable info).
It's in amazing condition for pen that has been around for possibly 40+ years.
I'll ink the pen in a few days for follow-up.

[Lion]

Originally Posted by sunburst

Thanks to everyone for many great compliments.
I'm very surprised to learn that this pen is older than I've initially thought
(and thanks to Kai for valuable info).
It's in amazing condition for pen that has been around for possibly 40+ years.
I'll ink the pen in a few days for follow-up.

Have fun and enjoy.....happy writing!!!

[sunburst]

Originally Posted by Lion

So for an encore you are going to buy a MontBlanc 149???

Leo, I have small hand and 146 is comfortable size.
I 've tried 149 but it's quite large and pushing it but I like the presence of it.

I'm thinking about

144 for note taking
146 for general daily use
149 for signature etc.

I would like to look for W. Germany origin 149.

[Lion]

Joji, I would have to agree with you as I'm short and have small hands. Even though everyone is in awe(their grail) of the MontBlanc 149 I would prefer pens which are smaller. I love my Chopin and Solitare Doue Signum and they are the right size for me!!!

[JBat]

Does anyone know how the 146 compares in size to the Chopin?

[sunburst]

John,

I do not have MB Chopin dimension but here's dimensional
info of MB146.

Length : 140mm
OD : 13.2mm

[JBat]

Cool, thanks Joji.

[Skullring]

Looks Great Joji. What a great find. Congratulations.

[gelshocker]

Many Congratulations! Please let us know how it writes! Cheers,

[JimC]

Congratulations, Joji! That is a great score. A very complete package for a nice vintage pen.

I had the chance to try a 146 for a few days, to see how the MB pens write, as well as to check out a fine leaning to EF nib. I must say I was very impressed with the way the pen "fit" (the 146 was very comfortable for me) as well as the way the nib performed. It was amazing... A juicy, yet fine smooth line.

Unfortunately, I had to send it back to it's owner in Colorado, but really appreciated that opportunity. Hopefully I will cross paths with one soon...

Enjoy your "new" pen!

[icnbne]

congrats! a fine collection you got there

[WatchForLife]

Originally Posted by JBat

Does anyone know how the 146 compares in size to the Chopin?

I think 144 = Chopin, 146 = LeGrand.

[sunburst]

After a thorough cleaning and drying I’ve inked the pen.

MB146 is very comfortable in my hand and nice thing is that the size is very similar to Pelikan
M800 (W. Germany origin, neo-vintage that I’ve picked just a few weeks ago) which has become
my favorite daily pen.
I like the idea of having FPs that has similar feelings in my hand.

I’ve inked the MB146 with Aurora – Blue (my favorite ink)
The nib lays wet (perhaps little too wet?) line that appears to be FINE width on Moleskine.
Overall the 14K nib is smooth but just tad scratchy.
I’ve noticed that from time to time there is problem with slash stroke (down-stroke from top right to left bottom).

* hard starting
* ink flow stopping
* skipping

I’ve looked at the nib under the loupe and the tines seemed to be misaligned.

This FP is worth keeping and I’ll not attempt to do anything by myself instead I’ll look for nibmeister to bring the
pen to it true capability – it will be well worth it.

Unfortunately John Mottisahw is currently accepting customization work only and I’m considering the service by
Mike Masuyama (Mike It Work).

Does anyone one have recommendation?