Mont Blanc Fountain Pen... suggestions please.

[calibre1]

Hi,

I am in the market for a MB fountain pen. I have been using Parkers and Waterman fountain pens so far and would like to try out MB.

Few (newbie) questions that i have and I would appreciate your replies:

1) Any reason why MB is superior to say Waterman in terms of writing experience? or are they similar?

2) What would be the "entry level" MB fountain pen and what would you guys suggest?

3) What would the expected price range be for the different models?

Cheers and many thanks for your replies

[Bisquitlips]

1) Any reason why MB is superior to say Waterman in terms of writing experience? or are they similar?

No they are not superior, but are more widely recognized and I just like their design better than most. The are very good, but not better than Waterman or Pelikan, Parker or others high end writing instruments. There are many very nice pen makers out there.

2) What would be the "entry level" MB fountain pen and what would you guys suggest?

I would suggest the 144. It is a classic MB design and it was the first one that I purchase some 20 + years ago.

3) What would the expected price range be for the different models?

Expect to pay about $250.00 new or appx $140.00 pre loved for the 144. $250.00 for the 146 and from $350.00 - $500.00 for the 149. You can eBay them for price comparisons.

[calibre1]

Thank you Richard for you input.

I agree they are very pretty pens those MB....

What collection does 144 , 146 or 149 belongs to. I gather there are a few types of collection such as Boheme or Starwalker?

I just want to have some basic knowledge before approaching the store to try out some of the pens.

Thanks!

[Lol-x]

I would say if you are going to get a Montblanc, and I think you should because they are great, it's best not to tippy toe in. Dive right in and get a 146 or preferably a 149. These are the real pens that penlovers tend to migrate towards after buying all the more affordable models.

Before you buy go to the Montblanc shop and try out the different nib sizes and varieties. That way you will be more satisfied when you buy your pen. I personally like the triple broad oblique (BBBO).

Sometimes paying more from the start can work out a whole lot cheaper at the end of the day

[calibre1]

Thanks Stevo,

I will surely give'em all a try before I purchase it. I was looking for something more "fine nibed" as all my Watermans are medium nib.

Ah found out that 149 belongs to the MEISTERSTÜCK collection via the MB website.

Is there such thing as a regular maintainance interval for Mb pens like timepieces do? I assume not since they don't have moving parts...

Cheers!

[D O C]

I'm in agreement with Rick and Stevo.

MBs are excellent pens to own and write with. If you are going to get a fp then you MUST get a 149. That is the MB signature fp. I have a MB 149, myself.

Now I wouldn't just relegate to just a fp. I love the rollerball pens b/c they are easy on the hand (I sign many, many labs/charts a day) not requiring a whole lot of pressure to mark. I recommend a F or M point. Over the years I have used a 162 (thats the big Legrand) and a 163 (probably the most popular and used of the RB pens). The 162 has a screw top lid and the 163 has a pull top lid.

Recently, I have come to love the ballpoints. I used to think that the ballpoints were worthless. Too much like a Bic, so to speak. But I have found that I can write faster and they require less steps to use. And have come to use them as my "every day" pen. Just a twist to engage the ballpoint, write, twist to disengage and back in the pocket. Bam, I'm done. The best point for a ballpoint is the B (BOLD). It feels like a rollerball when writing.

Using a fp or a rollerball require unscrewing the lid and laying it flat or upright, writing, then replacing the lid. This takes little longer. Now, this is ok if I'm going out and I'm going to sign a receipt or a say I'm writing a letter or a short note and have some leisure time. Definately for enjoyment of writing and my ballpoints are my workhorses.

Have fun learning about the MB pens!

[Lion]

My suggestion is to visit a few pen stores to see what is out there and to test a few pens and brands. There is nothing wrong in visiting a MontBlanc store as I really like their fountain pens and own many..... Ask to see many different fountain pens and see what type of nib appeals to you. Inquire whether the fountain pen takes a cartridge or converter fill or accommodates both types of filling methods(there are other methods). My first fountain pen was a A. F. Chopin MontBlanc FP with an extra fine nib and cost $475.00USD. I love it but am currently using a different MontBlanc FP. You might want to look into using a ball point pen or a rollerball but the experience and feel from writing with a fountain pen can not be matched.....Happy Hunting!!!

[blackmsport]

MB pens are like Rolex.... you cannot fault them

and 149 is like a Submariner

and their resale values are excellent

[calibre1]

Thank you all for your replies! Those inputs are really helpful. I will seek out a 149 and see how it feels like. Wow...comparing a 149 to a Submariner.....never thought of that.

Cheers guys and thanks!!

[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by calibre1

Thank you Richard for you input.

I agree they are very pretty pens those MB....

What collection does 144 , 146 or 149 belongs to. I gather there are a few types of collection such as Boheme or Starwalker?

I just want to have some basic knowledge before approaching the store to try out some of the pens.

Thanks!

It belongs to the meisterstuck collection.

[2careless]

As others have suggested, it would be better off going for the 149 or 146 (also called le Grand), whichever is more comfortable to write with.
As for regular maintenance, I don't think one would be too worried as long as you flush the pen regularly and don't leave old ink dry out inside the pen. There are moving parts within the pen - the piston seal and I think they need to be serviced every 15-20 years or when there is a leak.

[Porsche]

Great thread, I'm also a newbie in the FP area and am trying to learn fast.

Just a general question about used values of 149's. I have trawled Ebay and find a HUGE price difference between them. I know there are many factors, age, condition, paperwork/box etc, but some pens look to be similar and yet one goes for $300 and the other for $800! Just trying to make sense of it

Are there fake MB149 (like Rolex's)?
Are some vintages more collectable (eg. 60's v 70's v 80's) etc?
Do nibs wear out? Expensive to replace?

PS. I have saved a couple of the Ebay results if you'd like me to post links

[blackmsport]

Originally Posted by Porsche

Just a general question about used values of 149's. I have trawled Ebay and find a HUGE price difference between them. I know there are many factors, age, condition, paperwork/box etc, but some pens look to be similar and yet one goes for $300 and the other for $800! Just trying to make sense of it

beware MB on ebay.... lots of fake one... I spoke to a FP shop in Melbourne the other day he said some fake one are so good he could not tell the difference visually and have to use jewelry scale to check exact weight

go to Fountain Pen network forum and check out second hand MB... lots of great sale

I would stay away from ebay

[Quicksilver]

I would also reiterate what others have said. Go for a Le Grande Meisterstuck 149. It is the definitive MB - the others are entry level models that are likely to leave you feeling unsatisfied.

[calibre1]

Originally Posted by blackmsport

beware MB on ebay.... lots of fake one... I spoke to a FP shop in Melbourne the other day he said some fake one are so good he could not tell the difference visually and have to use jewelry scale to check exact weight

go to Fountain Pen network forum and check out second hand MB... lots of great sale

I would stay away from ebay

Thanks for the heads up Blackmsport. The FPN is a good site to learn something new about pens. Really cool site.

[calibre1]

Originally Posted by 2careless

As others have suggested, it would be better off going for the 149 or 146 (also called le Grand), whichever is more comfortable to write with.
As for regular maintenance, I don't think one would be too worried as long as you flush the pen regularly and don't leave old ink dry out inside the pen. There are moving parts within the pen - the piston seal and I think they need to be serviced every 15-20 years or when there is a leak.

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

I would also reiterate what others have said. Go for a Le Grande Meisterstuck 149. It is the definitive MB - the others are entry level models that are likely to leave you feeling unsatisfied.

Thanks guys! I will try them out when I get to the Mall especially the Le Grande Meisterstuck 149.

[2careless]

Originally Posted by Porsche

Great thread, I'm also a newbie in the FP area and am trying to learn fast.

Just a general question about used values of 149's. I have trawled Ebay and find a HUGE price difference between them. I know there are many factors, age, condition, paperwork/box etc, but some pens look to be similar and yet one goes for $300 and the other for $800! Just trying to make sense of it

Are there fake MB149 (like Rolex's)?
Are some vintages more collectable (eg. 60's v 70's v 80's) etc?
Do nibs wear out? Expensive to replace?

PS. I have saved a couple of the Ebay results if you'd like me to post links

149 is like the Sub. Over the years there have been many subtle changes. The pen is still called 149, but different era commands various values.

In general terms, the most valuable 149 is the 1950s Celluloid 149, 14c flexible nib with a flat feed. Tell tale sign of a celluloid 149 is the 2 silver cap band next to the middle gold band. Also, if the engraving has Masterpiece, it's rarer than the Meisterstuck version. Best is to have the ink window still striped and without schrinkage (celluloid does schrink). Excellent examples of this can fetch like US1.5k-1.8k.

Next is the 1960's 18C nib (3tone) with resin body. The nib is semi flexible and I personally think these nibs are very underrated. Good examples can fetch $500-600.

Next is the 1980's 14C nib and also the later 1990s 18K nibs They are like $300-400+.

Modern 149s are with 18K 3-tone nibs. Most of the nibs are not flexible and it will be difficult to get good line variations. They should still be around $300-400 range.

As for fake - I have not seen a fake 149 that is piston filled.

Nibs - the better the condition of the nib, the better value the pen is. They don't usually wear out, but if it's really scratchy, it's better to take the pen to a nibmeister for some magic. Unfortunately in Australia there is no such nibmeister...

[Porsche]

Hi Kai

wow, thanks for the detailed breakdown. All the pieces (and prices, he he) are falling into place now. BTW, you didn't mention the 70's? Are they not worth mentioning?
I held something back... I didn't mention I have an incoming (vintage) 149, I was a little shy and fearful in saying so, in case I made a bad error of judgement and was laughed off TRF. It was a rash decision on a stressful day, and I was about to change my mind when bang, it was too late!!! It should arrive by the end of the week, so I hope I haven't made a (relatively inexpensive) blunder. I'll post pics and (crossed fingers) everyone here will say "nice pen" Seems to be a very reputable seller, and pen appears to be a one-owner, never used sample!

Too bad Oz doesn't have a nibmeister... have you thought of steppping up to the plate? How great would that be... to have TRFmaster/Nibmeister on the one forum!!!

[Lion]

John, I'm sure the MB 149 you bought will be fine and you will get a lot of use and pleasure out of it!!!

[2careless]

Congrats John! Look forward to seeing you new acquisition!
The 1970s 149 didn't change much. I would recommend you to read the Barry Gabay article on 149. http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/fo...now-available/
It's a must read for 149 fans.

As for nibmeister, no thanks. I prefer to keep my hands relatively clean.

[blackmsport]

your FP collection should include
MB 149
Pelikan M800
Visconti Van Gogh or Opera Master
GvF Classic Platinium
Caran D'ache
Waterman exception

[calibre1]

Thanks 2careless....that a lot of info there. Thanks alot. Really learn a lot about MB here

[Andad]

Hi C1,

The MB 149 is the benchmark IMO - but there are others.

[Porsche]

Beautiful Nakata Eddie... absolutely stunning

BTW, that looks suspiciously like the prize won here on TRF by some lucky devil...???

[Andad]

Wonder who?

[calibre1]

Thanks for the pics Eddie. Nice Nakata and MB. .....not to mention the classic Sub on Nato.

Considering getting myself a sub to accompany my Explorer II one of these days....oh wait, this is a pen subforum...sorry!

[D O C]

Originally Posted by Porsche

Great thread, I'm also a newbie in the FP area and am trying to learn fast.

Just a general question about used values of 149's. I have trawled Ebay and find a HUGE price difference between them. I know there are many factors, age, condition, paperwork/box etc, but some pens look to be similar and yet one goes for $300 and the other for $800! Just trying to make sense of it

Are there fake MB149 (like Rolex's)?
Are some vintages more collectable (eg. 60's v 70's v 80's) etc?
Do nibs wear out? Expensive to replace?

PS. I have saved a couple of the Ebay results if you'd like me to post links

If you know what your looking for on ebay you kind find some decent deals. Some of the best little jewels you can find if a rarely used MB pen that belonged to someone that recently passed or someone liquidating an estate or someone downscaling or retiring.

Be careful about overseas sellers. I've seen some fakes on ebay out of asian countries. But that doesn't necessarily mean their all scammers. One of the best online seller is Tay of Pensinasia. He's a reputable seller and will do you right.

The newer MB pens will have all of the following. A serial number will be on the round part of the gold clip, these were introduced in '91. You will also find a "PIX" logo on the underside of the clip, this was introduced in 1997. You can't go wrong if you have these two identifying items on the pen. A knowledgeable seller will have pictures available of these important authentic identifiers. People that don't know what they have won't concentrate on these things and also generally won't have good pictures. But don't discount those auction items, sometimes those are gold mines you can get a pretty deal on. Honestly its kind of fun to hunt for a good pen and a good deal and a good seller on ebay, as there are literally thousands of pen for auction at any one time.


One collectible that I keep my eye out for is the 139. It is the forerunner to the 149 and was a very large MB pen with a flat top and cylindrical cap. Wonderful, beautiful pen. Do a search and check it out. The modern day "Hemingway" MB pen from the writers series was designed after this pen. It is my true grail pen. But I'd settle for a Hemingway if I can get it for a decent price.

[Porsche]

Thanks for the details Doc, and the heads-up abut the 139. I have also been offered a lovely 146 which is sounding very nice.

BTW, my 1970's 149 arrived by courier about 1 hour ago! I'll take some pics tonight, but I just realised something... I HAVE NO INK!

D'oh, shows you just how much of a newbie I am... I never even thought of getting ink!!!

Any ideas anyone? I just read the instructions, and it says DO NOT USE INDIAN INK!!! Damn, cause I have some of that in the cupboard....

[2careless]

Originally Posted by D O C

One collectible that I keep my eye out for is the 139. It is the forerunner to the 149 and was a very large MB pen with a flat top and cylindrical cap. Wonderful, beautiful pen. Do a search and check it out. The modern day "Hemingway" MB pen from the writers series was designed after this pen. It is my true grail pen. But I'd settle for a Hemingway if I can get it for a decent price.

Concur! The 139 is simply one beautiful pen. Nowadays I use mine for like 4 days a week. My other pens are getting jealous

[erwin]

If you like a smaller fountain pen, go for the 144 but if you're comfy with a bigger and thicker fountain pen, then 149 would be it! Either one will definitely satisfy your taste!