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Posted 14 March 2009 - 09:36 PM
The 60th Anniversary Re-issuance
of the Green Striated Meisterstuck 146
(a continuation of the old thread)
Photo courtesy of www.fountainpen.de, a wonderful resource!
If the photo does not appear, click here.
If the photo does not appear, click here.
Would you like to own a new version of this pen? This is not only for Montblanc enthusiasts, but all pen fans who love beautiful striated cellulose writing instruments. It just so happens that this pen wears the white snow-cap instead of the white dot or the arrow clip. These pens are quite rare and highly prized today. When found, the patina of the years adds to their charm, such as the white snow-cap having turned ivory.
This material was offered as fountain pens from 1949 through 1958 or 1959 in various models, including the 142, 144, 146, 642 and 644, and as a pencil in the 172 PIX (1952-1958) and the 115 (1958-1959). Source: Collectible Stars, Roesler/Wallafren. Click on the following link for more information and photo images: http://www.fountainpen.de/old-50-146-172-1...en-striated.htm
The Goal: Our goal is Montblanc re-issuing their green striated 146 with a target price of US$1,000, with a minimum of 100 pens as a start-up.
The Design: The design is a modern replica of Montblanc's own classic green striated 146, without resort to bling and gaudy ornament. The original nib was two-tone, the accoutrement was gold plate, and the section had curved sides. An ivory-colored snow-cap will cap it off beautifully. There might be some room for design attributes which would differentiate the initial run of pens, such as a "vintage-style" two-tone nib being matched by the gold Meisterstuck girdle flanked by two sterling silver cap bands (which was once done on the 149), a mother-of-pearl snow cap, etc., with an eye towards some "limited edition" attribute to enhance their desirability and long-term value. Otherwise, the design would be based on the current 146.
The Practical Considerations: The design of the pen will be within parameters determined by what is feasible and profitable for Montblanc. That means largely using parts and designs already in production. As a practical matter, the pens would be produced in sufficient number for all who want one in advance of manufacture (by getting on our list, for example). We know that Montblanc manufactures sections in the original curved shape and uses them on certain limited edition pens (e.g. Dostoevsky). The Dostoevsky isn't the only pen with that curved gripping section; the Proust, Poe, Voltaire, Dickens, Wolfe and Christie all have similar curved sections that are reflective of the vintage 146. So, making the curved section should be quite feasible without additional effort and expense. Montblanc also currently produces 146-size two-tone nibs.
We can be successful if we minimize design aspects that cause re-tooling expenses, and capitalize on those aspects that already exist, therefore maximizing our wants and desires and minimizing cost and effort to Montblanc.
Some have suggested custom 149 and 139 pens, but history has shown that Montblanc holds the 149 as "sacred," and will not do anything to change the current gold on black styling. Therefore, it does behoove us not to take on the issue of using a material never before used in their 149. It will be simpler to urge them to reissue a pen they've already made, and that's why we've picked the 146 for this effort. And while it has been commented (penparadise) that the 139 was produced in very limited number in the PL (silver/black celluloid), this model would not be a good choice for a first effort for re-issuance of a vintage Montblanc, especially in anything other than black. In two recent interviews with top Montblanc executives, that was ruled out. (Those interviews are in old posts here.) Let's keep a 139 effort for another day.
What we are doing: Fred and Eric have been collaborating, Eric on the technical and historical matters and various contacts in Europe, and Fred on the organization and Montblanc contacts in the USA. Fred has procured an original pen, and Eric is going to be researching, examining and photographing it. Additionally, we are looking at currently produced parts for various Montblanc pens to see what might already be manufactured (again, to keep costs down). Most importantly is our methodical approach to preparing our proposal to Montblanc, and developing the same interest in Europe as has grown in North America and Australia.
Meanwhile, Solomon has been performing the crucial role of maintaining the growing list of you, the buyers. His contact information is below.
We are also working on adding well-connected Europeans to this project, since it is quite possible that the greatest demand will come from there (not to mention that Montblanc happens to be in Hamburg!).
The most obvious issue is the source of the striated material. We wouldn't second guess an existing source for Montblanc, but we are doing the legwork anyway for the proposal, just to show feasibility. We'd probably have to go with an acrylic or similar material, and Eric has a couple of RFIs out there about possible places to locate the proposed material.
What you must do: If you want one of these glorious fountain pens (or if the pens are numbered (not decided) and you want a lower number rather than a higher number), get on the list by sending your email to Solomon (FPN ID: varmas) stating your interest and how many pens you want. The target price had not changed as of today, but we'll let you know as things develop, of course.
Email address: solomonvarma@hotmail.com
Please don't use PM to contact Solomon. And note that Solomon is in Singapore, so due to time differences, don't expect an immediate reply. Please be patient.
We won't even bother Montblanc without a commitment for a minimum of 100 fountain pens. When we reach 100 pens (and we are well on the way to that and beyond!), there will be a written lucrative pitch with an offer of 50% deposits. If Montblanc agrees to pursue it further, we will ask for deposits which will be placed in escrow to show good faith, but not paid to Montblanc until they can receive firm orders.
Feedback: This thread could become very cumbersome with all the ideas and suggestions, so Eric has volunteered to collect thoughts, recommendations, suggestions, etc., for this limited custom special edition 146. Send yours to Eric by PM to niksch or email at eric@niksch.us. Here is some of the feedback so far:
Nibs. There seems to be a demand for a full selection of nib sizes. Two folks pointed out that maybe a modern rendition of the vintage bi-color nib would be appropriate, i.e., a nib without the scrollwork and a wider gold edge. This may need to be pursued further.
Section. There seems to be consensus on the vintage gripping section. Ideally it would be of the same material as the rest of the pen--just like the original.
Ink window. The original striated 146 had an ink window by seeing the ink level through the striated celluloid. Photos soon. Montblanc would have to make their striated material similar to the vintage type. Otherwise, they would have to use the existing 146/149 type of ink window and have the striated material end at the ink window, which my not be a very attractive scheme.
Piston ring. We would like to see a rounded piston ring, but a flush ring is not a show stopper.
Cap. There were a couple recommendations about silver rings on either side of the center cap ring, but that was only done on the 139 and 149. Do we want a breather hole? The clip is a non-issue probably, but we could have a specially engraved edition or serial number on the clip ring.
Montblanc Star. There is consensus that the star needs to be ambered to reflect the aging of the celluloid star.
Edition numbers. We will revisit the possibility of edition numbers requests as the project develops with Montblanc.
This post has been edited by FredRydr: 14 March 2009 - 10:21 PM
Posted 17 March 2009 - 04:32 AM
