Advice Needed Re Antique Store 146 Find

[Basset]

The other day I spotted in an antique store an MB 146 with white clamshell box and papers. The fine nib is a little dirty, but seems in fair shape. Piston operated smoothly. No chips or cracks. Listed price was $200. I'm interested if the pen is a reliable writer. I know there were some periods where MBs were prone to leaking.

 

I was going to ask to try to fill it with water, but the owner was out; someone was just standing in.

 

Any advice on how to proceed? Any way to tell the year of mfr?

[niksch]

What's the nib look like--bi-color or mono-color? 14C, 14K or 18K?

What's the feed? split ebonite or plastic?

Were the threads on the piston (under the turning knob brass or resin?

 

$200 with the box is pretty reasonable...even if you have to send it to someone for maintenance.

 

The other day I spotted in an antique store an MB 146 with white clamshell box and papers. The fine nib is a little dirty, but seems in fair shape. Piston operated smoothly. No chips or cracks. Listed price was $200. I'm interested if the pen is a reliable writer. I know there were some periods where MBs were prone to leaking.

 

I was going to ask to try to fill it with water, but the owner was out; someone was just standing in.

 

Any advice on how to proceed? Any way to tell the year of mfr?

[Ghost Plane]

What size nib? If it's OB, OBB, or OBBB, I want it if you don't!

[Basset]

The nib was monocolor. I did not have much time to examine, but I think the nib was fine. I didn't think to check the piston threads . . . good point. With any luck, I will be able to grab a pic or two. Not sure I could tell the feed make, but will give it a try, and look at the nib with a loupe to determine 14k or 18k.

 

Good ideas.

[penstoreuk]

Hi,

A monocolour nib ! - sounds like a 1980's version and $200 is about it's value.....

[niksch]

Hi,

A monocolour nib ! - sounds like a 1980's version and $200 is about it's value.....

 

 

Could be more since it has a box, and probably the "papers". It would probably need serviced, though, so the buyer should factor in that cost as well.

[Basset]

Here are the pix. More info in response to what you've seen would be helpful. The pen did fill with water, and the piston mechanism wasn't too tight or slippy. I looked at the nib with a loupe and did not see any chips or weird wear in the iridium, and no apparent problems with the tines.

 

Note: I neglected to take a shot of the piston knob unscrewed, but can add here that there was no brass visible.

 

Here's the box and part of the papers. I don't know if the code at the bottom of the papers reflect anything.

 

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p297/julioathompson/DSC00196.jpg

 

Nib says 14C on it. Monochrome. Fine or medium point. This photo makes it look like the tines are bent, but they are not. It's an optical illusion. A photo below shows the nib from the side.

 

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p297/julioathompson/DSC00197.jpg

 

 

Here's a pic of the feed.

 

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p297/julioathompson/DSC00198.jpg

 

Side view of nib.

 

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p297/julioathompson/DSC00199.jpg

 

 

More shots of the papers.

 

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p297/julioathompson/DSC00202.jpg

 

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p297/julioathompson/DSC00201.jpg

 

 

Assuming no major damage, what would servicing run, and by whom?

Edited July 20, 2010 by Basset

[meiers]

Approach NIKSH. He has an excellent reputation.

If you are not afraid of spending about $80 US, approach your Montblanc Service Center. They will give you stellar service, as well.

 

Matt

[Kalessin]

This pen may not need servicing at all! If you can fill it with water without any leaking, then you can probably fill it with ink. If it holds ink and if the nib writes smoothly, then you're all set! If it has problems, MB can fix this pen for about US$80.

 

The nib is slightly discolored, but that may be easily cleaned off with something as mild as a dampened soft cotton cloth with a drop of dish soap. The feed is the period-correct split feed.

 

The box and paper are identical to the one that came with my 149, bought in 1979. I'l guess that the numbers at the bottom of the paper are possibly code for the part number of the slip of paper, and a date code for the revision of the text.

[trojan_four]

Wow.....I love these "finds"! Let us know how you go!

[CS388]

I like it.

 

I've got a similar 146 and it never lets me down.

 

From your pictures and description,and assuming that is in good working condition, I'd say that $200 is a good deal.

 

What is engraved on the clip ring? (Mine says W.GERMANY)

 

Cheers, CS

[NABodie]

I hope you bought it!

[niksch]

I agree that it is a late 70s 146. very nice find especially for $200.

 

 

[Basset]

Thanks for all the information. I just picked it up. Price appreciably less than sticker.

 

I'm doing a test fill with home-made Tanzanite (Waterman Purple + Blue).

 

Filled just fine. Fine nib with nice flex that offers nice line variation.

 

Can add pix of writing sample, if folks interested.

Edited July 21, 2010 by Basset

[CS388]

Thanks for all the information. I just picked it up. Price appreciably less than sticker.

 

I'm doing a test fill with home-made Tanzanite (Waterman Purple + Blue).

 

Filled just fine. Fine nib with nice flex that offers nice line variation.

 

Can add pix of writing sample, if folks interested.

 

Well done. Congratulations. Sounds excellent!

 

Yes, Id like to see a sample, please.

 

What, if anything, is engraved on the clip-ring?

 

I used a jewellers cloth to clean my nib, which had a similar tarnish to your's. Came up trumps.

[Basset]

Cap ring: Montblanc Meistertuck No. 146.

 

Writing sample from cell phone, but sufficient to show line variation with downward pressure. (I know enough not to spring nibs, so these are fair downstrokes).

 

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p297/julioathompson/MBwritingsample.jpg