Snagged A Bargain Yesterday

[sherbie]

Folks, I had a good day yesterday - no pen finds, but did turn up this MB Florence 2/3 pen case (160 x 50 x 25 mm) in matte black from 1990s, for a pittance - $15 to be precise. Its in used condition, with some minor scuff marks, but with a little bit of elbow grease, it will smarten up very nicely.

To be honest, because it was offered up so cheaply, I did have to look at it closely as I thought it could be a fake - but within a few minutes of handling this item, the quality shines through - very sturdy, rigid, faultless leather work (what else would you expect from our Italian friends?), and a really nice "popping" sound when you remove the lid quickly.

As you can see, the case will hold a MB 149 and a 146 easily, and will hold 2 MB 149 as well, but there is no divider inside - so to secure the the pens, you have to place the clips in the recess and slide the lid over to secure. It works well, but not sure I'd secure any really special pens with fancy clips this way.

Enjoy your weekend

cheers, Paul

[Mister Mont Blanc]

Wow what a wonderful steal!! Thank you for the pics too. I love that case and have always wanted one. One of the few hard cases still out there. Every ad I've seen though does not show a picture of the inside of the case. Are there any dividers?

[sherbie]

I'm afraid not, and that is why a lot of people prefer the single Florence case. You could, I guess, put a bit of rolled up fabric ( soft cloth or something) in the case to stop the 2 pens banging against each other, if you don't want to use the clips to secure the pens.

[orfew]

Very nice. Congrats on the great deal.

[sd10521]

Indeed that was a lucky find.

 

Congratulations to you and your pens.

[Art]

Very nice find.

[stevesurf]

A wonderful design; I love how there is an indent for the clip end; enjoy it!

[Chrissy]

I have 2 like this in the mock croc. version. I added a leather divider inside myself.

[mallymal1]

Nice find, Paul.

[nycevan]

great deal and nice case!

[Nek]

Nice case and great find!

[Paul Raposo]

Wow, Paul, excellent find

 

I have to ask--from a boot sale, or antique shop, yard sale perhaps?

[meiers]

Nice!!!

[sherbie]

Hi Paul,

 

it was from a newly opened antique shop in Houston. I,ve been living in the USA now 8 months, and in my dreams I had thought the streets would be lined with vintage pens, but it seems they are very hard to find. When they do show up in antique shops, they price up even no-name battered old dogs at 50$ plus.

 

I guess most old pens end up on ebay, as they are so easy to send out?

 

Hey ho......I know if I keep looking, i,ll find a good 'un at a smart price sooner or later!

 

Cheers, paul

[Paul Raposo]

it was from a newly opened antique shop in Houston. I,ve been living in the USA now 8 months, and in my dreams I had thought the streets would be lined with vintage pens, but it seems they are very hard to find. When they do show up in antique shops, they price up even no-name battered old dogs at 50$ plus.

 

I guess most old pens end up on ebay, as they are so easy to send out?

 

Excellent find, sherbie and glad you walked in and grabbed it before anyone else

 

I know how you feel about the lack of pens in the wild. I was at a small antique shop that opened near me and the owner had a Sheaffer cartridge pen with steel nib from the 1980s selling for $35.

 

Sadly, many pens also end up in the trash, as the gold nibs have been pulled and sold for scrap.

[mrchan]

That is a magnificent price! Lucky you. Enjoy it