Hello:

I have aquired a MB 146, in pristine condition, with a M/F nib. She writes very smooth and well and I have no complaints at all. However, the nib is only one colour, gold. This newer pens all have a two tone nib. I was wondering when the company switched over to the new nibs and how can I date mine?

regards

Farooq

HI Farooq,

Congratulations on your MB146. The single tone nib was produced in the 1980s. Another way to try to date it is the ink view window. I bet that yours is a clear light gray colour one. The more modern ones are transparent white with black stripes (if i can call them stripes). I am pretty sure that your pen was produced sometime in the 1980s.

Nikolaos

I cannot improve on the guidance Nikolaos gave you. You have a "vintage" pen. I can only comment that I like the single tone nibs a lot. To me, they seem to have more flex and character than the newer two tone nibs. In my mind if you have an older 146 in good condition you have a real treasure. I hope you continue to enjoy the pen.

Dear Nikolaos and Frank:

thank you for your replys. Yes, the ink window is clear and not at all like the newer ones with the stripes.

I also like the more vintage look, similar to a Sheaffer Balance in some respects, and a lot more interesting than all the newer ones that every one parades in my office. That was one of the reasons initially I stayed away from MBs because every one had one. (I maintain exclusivity with my Pelikan m1000, a true monster that destroys all the those 149s!!!).

regards

Farooq