montblanc - meisterstuck

[scimps]

Hi pen lovers

This recently ended up in my hands.... I am intrigued to know if anyone can tell me about its desirability or value please... Its in very good - like new - condition

Many thanks

[gontomt]

It may be a 146 "LeGrand" or a 145. I am not familiar with the gold "collar" at the nib-end of the body (my 146 does not have that), but it otherwise looks identical.

If it's real, this is not an inexpensive pen - check out the retail prices on line. You would have to request a price quote, as Montblanc ADs are not allowed to post discounted prices online. Montblanc's web site will give you retail prices.

[68camaro]

Looks like a 145, the 146 is a bit wider around middle. Very nice pen...enjoy.

[Frosty]

It is actually a 144. the classic 144 was the only one I know about that had a gold collar next to the nib. It usually corrodes.

[scimps]

Thanks frosty
I've been online checking... I thought 144 too

The collar isn't eroded - its just ink that wiped off

Is it worth the same (£150) irrespective of age?

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by scimps

Thanks frosty
I've been online checking... I thought 144 too

The collar isn't eroded - its just ink that wiped off

Is it worth the same (£150) irrespective of age?

Good, that means it probably has not been used much. Peoples hands and ink had an affect on the ring. On the band on the clip, does it say West Germany or just Germany and does it have a serial number? It does not matter what the serial number is. These three things help to get and idea on the period the pen was made. I do not think PIX was used in the period this fountain pen was made.

[scimps]

Yep it has a serial number and just Germany!

PIX??? What's this?

Thanks for taking the time frosty

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by scimps

Yep it has a serial number and just Germany!

PIX??? What's this?

Thanks for taking the time frosty

There, are no exact times when these things happened. The best I can give you is approximations

Prior to the unification of the former East and West Germany in 1990, the clips had West Germany on them. Around that time and after, the clips had Germany on them.

Serial numbers started around ’91. PIX started being put under the clip in the later 90’s. At a later date, PIX started being put on the band on the bottom of the cap.

[scimps]

Thanks

Ill have to check again to see PIX
But on the Germany marking - late nineties onwards I suppose

Hope I do find PIX... If its supposed to be there

You've been a huge help

Finally
Any idea of value mate???

[Kimpearsonusa]

I'm looking at a MB 149 that has West Germany on the top band but it has a serial number also. Is it possible as I understand the West was dropped a year or two before serial numbers were added?


Is it a fake?

Thanks.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by Kimpearsonusa

I'm looking at a MB 149 that has West Germany on the top band but it has a serial number also. Is it possible as I understand the West was dropped a year or two before serial numbers were added?


Is it a fake?

Thanks.

Hi,

They started with West Germany on the band and after Unification they went to Germany. It was after that that the serial numbers were added. It certainly would give me pause. The 149 has a lot of replicas out there. I would pass. PM answered.

[Kimpearsonusa]

Hey Larry,

You are right it is a 144. I have one and use it regularly. No corrosion on the gold ring but I do wipe it off every so often. Now that I have the Solitaire Doue they are the same size and same nib's, I think I will sell the 144 and get a 149.

My 144 has just Germany (no West) it does have a serial number but no PIX under the clip. Gusessing this makes it a mid 1990 vintage. Any idea what it is worth to sell or trade on a nice larger pen?

It is the second from the right in this picture.

Kim

[scimps]

Thanks Kim

[Bisquitlips]

That is a most desirable MB 144 FP!

None better from a business perspective!

Congratulations!

[Vron]

Bisquitlips,

Can you elaborate on why/how it's best from business perspective.

I have a soltaire 144 in sterling silver and really love the buttery smooth fine nib on it. It's just that the pen feels really skinny in hands. It's like an off-n-on love affair. May be it's a personal preference but would like to hear more :-).
I'm currently craving to get a sterling 146 just because of its size.

[Bisquitlips]

Businessmen carry this in their pocket as a statement of success as well as other MBs of course, but this is the one I see the most and usually they are the BPs.

It is a good pen. The 144 is less expensive than the 146 for 149 of course, but still conveys the "success" that a lot of businessmen recognize. And in my estimation to be seen writing with a fountain pen is a degree above as a sign of refinement. But that is just me.

The 146 is my favorite size and the 149 is a close second (I own several 149s as well of the 146s). I only own one 144 and yours exhibits the most common brassing of the section ring / front band which is a well known characteristic.

You can see how to remedy that here: http://www.pentooling.com/montblanc.html. Scroll down and you will see a replacement ring available and the instructions on how to replace it.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

I only own one 144 and yours exhibits the most common brassing of the section ring / front band which is a well known characteristic.

You can see how to remedy that here: http://www.pentooling.com/montblanc.html. Scroll down and you will see a replacement ring available and the instructions on how to replace it.

Thanks for sharing, Richard. That site is going to cost me a few bucks. They also have a lot of burgundy MB pens, which are my favorite.

I wish I had known how easy it was to replace the band. I would have done it myself instead of taking it to the MB Boutique.

[Bisquitlips]

Yes! Exactly.

Replace the band yourself. It is super easy.

I wish you well!

Richard

[Vron]

Thanks for responding Richard,

I think i see your point that this is possibly a very versatile MB fountainpen with CC and it's slim size.