Montblanc 344 Celluloid Early Model

[Marijan]

I got this 344 MB. It is early celluloid model, with wrong steel nib that has to be replaced. Piston is in perfect working condition.

 

 

When I was cleaning 342 (later version) few days ago, I had no problem removing (unscrewing) the nib out of the section. Few ultrasound baths and it went out.

 

Does early, celluloid models MB 344 have friction fit nib/fed or is it the same as on the later model 342?

On the parts list, posted once here, there are both models (only later ones) and both seems to have screwed nib.

 

Early model 344 has no nib removing tool slots on the nib section as seen on the photo.

 

 

Another thing is the piston mechanism. What type of mechanism the early 344 have? I was confused about the fill cap. On 342 the cap is going back when moving in "fill" position, on 344 it stays in place (look photograph). Both work perfectly. I couldn't find reference yet, just a mentioning of something like "direct mechanism"!?

 

 

One more thing. I am reluctant to put the cap with it`s colored engraving in the ultrasound. I have a feeling that color can simply pop out after few baths? Is my fear justified or is it safe perhaps, to do that ?

 

Thank you on advance.

 

Best regards!

Marijan Radaljac

[Maxpens]

Hi Marijan,

 

these pens are different because of the different production year. Everything looks fine with your pens and is matching to the age / year of production. I woud say we speak about 20 years difference.

 

kind regards

 

Max

[Marijan]

Hi Marijan,

 

these pens are different because of the different production year. Everything looks fine with your pens and is matching to the age / year of production. I woud say we speak about 20 years difference.

 

kind regards

 

Max

 

Hi Max,

 

sorry for confusion, I just forgot to post the photo of the nib itself. 342 does have original MB steel nib, as it should be, but 344 has steel nib signed "Iridstar-Cromepen" not Montblanc 344.

That is why I ask about the nib feed removal. I would like to get either steel or 14k MB 344 nib to replace this one. Steel would probably be the more correct one to the period?

 

What production year do you think this 344 is?

 

Thank you for taking time to answer.

 

Best regards!

Marijan Radljac

 

[psychobabble]

Hi Marijan,

 

I have a 3-44G, probably one that is later compared to yours. It has the flat feed with the grooves like yours, but it also has the nib removing tool slots like the 342 in your picture. I have two 342 pens and they have the same slots as well.

 

My cap has the gold ring at the edge of the cap instead of having the black resin at the end like yours, so it must be a later version.

 

The piston fill cap does not telescope out when in the fill position.

 

Hope this helps.

[Marijan]

Hi Stephen,

 

thank you, everything is most helpful when trying to learn about something "chameleon like", as these MB`s can be .

 

So far, I found out that there is few things on this pen that can be used as a quite safe indicator when determining is it an earliest, early , later or the latest model. First listed are usually found in early models. Grip section which can be curved or flat, ink window, yellowish / orange or blue, cap ring inside, away from the edge or one sitting on the edge, engraved MB logo on the cap or without it, engraved/color filed or usual "in one piece" star on the clip cap, ski slope flat ebonite nib or the later one like on that 342... Screwed feed friction fit nib is probably there too. Piston difference like on these to (344 and 342).

 

And all combinations of these of course

 

Nothing of this data I found all around really helped to get sure how my nib is secured in that nib section (but it was fun and educative). I guess it is friction.

It is sitting in the water that is covering the beginning of the nib section. Third day now. Few ultrasound baths. It is not moving, but again, I am doing this gently. If it doesn't go in few more days I will send it to the specialist for nib replacement. I have no temp. controlled heat gun, so I will not attempt any invasive methods.

 

Which BM`s used to have this kind of piston mechanism? 13x series?

 

Thanks Stephen.

 

Best regards!

Marijan Radaljac