Some of you may or may not know that I have been after a Montegrappa Marostica for quite some time now. Actually, Ive only been collecting for about 4 years and been after it the whole time...
When I first stared collecting, the thought of getting one was a pipe dream because of price. I fist started collecting vintage pens, varying from $10-$40... Although I still enjoy this aspect of collecting and I love having Christmas in the mail a few times a month, I taste in pens has changed and with that, so do the prices.
I am now more in a financial spot of my life where I could actually "afford" (I use this term loosely) this pen. Back when I fist started collecting, I saw it on Ebay once or twice, and one or two on line dealers had it. But now, nada... I have found that in the pen world, someone is willing to give up what you are looking for... Of course for the right price. But, for some reason, I have had no luck with this one. I know its was a limited Edition, but I believe they made 2000. I don't know of the 2000, how many of them were the silver FP though.
So, I guess I have a couple questions...
Have ever decided that there is a pen out there that will elude you forever and thrown in the towel? If so what was it?
Am I just being impatient?
And lastly... If anyone does own this pen... Is it worth me still looking? My biggest fear would be that after the hours and hours of searching, I would hate to be let down... In other words. Is it worth the wait?
Bry
Full Version: Should I throw in the towel for My Grail search?
I've never heard of this pen, so I can't comment on it, but have you tried posting on the green board (pentrace.net) with a wanted ad?
QUOTE(Deirdre @ May 26 2008, 01:25 AM) [snapback]622196[/snapback]
I've never heard of this pen, so I can't comment on it, but have you tried posting on the green board (pentrace.net) with a wanted ad?
No, I haven't... But I will try it...
Well, first off, have you exhausted all the usual channels before falling into despair?
I saw that you posted a WTB on the marketplace here, but another idea is to add it to your signature like some people do. This way, every time anyone reads any of your posts, they will be made aware that you're looking for this pen. It is a useful tool; if I were serious about this, I'd go ahead and do that.
Have you also posted a WTB on the other pen boards/ lists?
Have you contacted Fred Rosenthal at the Bromfield Pen Shop in Boston? I vaguely remember maybe seeing this pen there -- might have been over a year ago though. I am 90% sure that I saw it somewhere in Boston in person around that time. It stuck in my mind because of the engraved silver, as I like engraved silver pens. I also remember thinking "Wow, there's a Montegrappa that I actually like".
You may also try the shop Mayr & Fessler in Vienna; they have several older Montegrappa LEs, but I don't remember whether this one. Phone them +43 1 5122888 , they've got people there who speak English. Just a warning though: if they have it, it will be scandalously overpriced.
Have you contacted Pensinasia to check whether Tay has it? It sounds like the kind of pen he just might.
Have you contacted Airlines International and asked them to track one down for you? From speaking to them a few times and understanding how they work, I am sure that if anyone can do it, they can. Pretty fascinating actually.
I think that part of "hunting" a collector's item, is the fact that it may be elusive and difficult to get your hands on. I would say, don't give up and enjoy the research. But definitely go through all of the points above before you decide that this pen is unavailable.
Good luck!
QM2
I saw that you posted a WTB on the marketplace here, but another idea is to add it to your signature like some people do. This way, every time anyone reads any of your posts, they will be made aware that you're looking for this pen. It is a useful tool; if I were serious about this, I'd go ahead and do that.
Have you also posted a WTB on the other pen boards/ lists?
Have you contacted Fred Rosenthal at the Bromfield Pen Shop in Boston? I vaguely remember maybe seeing this pen there -- might have been over a year ago though. I am 90% sure that I saw it somewhere in Boston in person around that time. It stuck in my mind because of the engraved silver, as I like engraved silver pens. I also remember thinking "Wow, there's a Montegrappa that I actually like".
You may also try the shop Mayr & Fessler in Vienna; they have several older Montegrappa LEs, but I don't remember whether this one. Phone them +43 1 5122888 , they've got people there who speak English. Just a warning though: if they have it, it will be scandalously overpriced.
Have you contacted Pensinasia to check whether Tay has it? It sounds like the kind of pen he just might.
Have you contacted Airlines International and asked them to track one down for you? From speaking to them a few times and understanding how they work, I am sure that if anyone can do it, they can. Pretty fascinating actually.
I think that part of "hunting" a collector's item, is the fact that it may be elusive and difficult to get your hands on. I would say, don't give up and enjoy the research. But definitely go through all of the points above before you decide that this pen is unavailable.
Good luck!
QM2
QUOTE(QM2 @ May 26 2008, 02:00 AM) [snapback]622209[/snapback]
Well, first off, have you exhausted all the usual channels before falling into despair? It feels like it, but I am sure I haven't...
I saw that you posted a WTB on the marketplace here, but another idea is to add it to your signature like some people do. This way, every time anyone reads any of your posts, they will be made aware that you're looking for this pen. It is a useful tool; if I were serious about this, I'd go ahead and do that. This is a great idea, thanks...
Have you also posted a WTB on the other pen boards/ lists? I have posted here and Pentrace. Are there others?
Have you contacted Fred Rosenthal at the Bromfield Pen Shop in Boston? I vaguely remember maybe seeing this pen there -- might have been over a year ago though. I am 90% sure that I saw it somewhere in Boston in person around that time. It stuck in my mind because of the engraved silver, as I like engraved silver pens. I also remember thinking "Wow, there's a Montegrappa that I actually like".
You may also try the shop Mayr & Fessler in Vienna; they have several older Montegrappa LEs, but I don't remember whether this one. Phone them +43 1 5122888 , they've got people there who speak English. Just a warning though: if they have it, it will be scandalously overpriced. I have not heard of them or Bromfeild... I will give them a call
Have you contacted Pensinasia to check whether Tay has it? It sounds like the kind of pen he just might. I did contact Tay... He does not have one available.
Have you contacted Airlines International and asked them to track one down for you? From speaking to them a few times and understanding how they work, I am sure that if anyone can do it, they can. Pretty fascinating actually. They cannot track one down either, but I am on their "list" of items wanted...
I think that part of "hunting" a collector's item, is the fact that it may be elusive and difficult to get your hands on. I would say, don't give up and enjoy the research. But definitely go through all of the points above before you decide that this pen is unavailable.
Good luck!
QM2
I saw that you posted a WTB on the marketplace here, but another idea is to add it to your signature like some people do. This way, every time anyone reads any of your posts, they will be made aware that you're looking for this pen. It is a useful tool; if I were serious about this, I'd go ahead and do that. This is a great idea, thanks...
Have you also posted a WTB on the other pen boards/ lists? I have posted here and Pentrace. Are there others?
Have you contacted Fred Rosenthal at the Bromfield Pen Shop in Boston? I vaguely remember maybe seeing this pen there -- might have been over a year ago though. I am 90% sure that I saw it somewhere in Boston in person around that time. It stuck in my mind because of the engraved silver, as I like engraved silver pens. I also remember thinking "Wow, there's a Montegrappa that I actually like".
You may also try the shop Mayr & Fessler in Vienna; they have several older Montegrappa LEs, but I don't remember whether this one. Phone them +43 1 5122888 , they've got people there who speak English. Just a warning though: if they have it, it will be scandalously overpriced. I have not heard of them or Bromfeild... I will give them a call
Have you contacted Pensinasia to check whether Tay has it? It sounds like the kind of pen he just might. I did contact Tay... He does not have one available.
Have you contacted Airlines International and asked them to track one down for you? From speaking to them a few times and understanding how they work, I am sure that if anyone can do it, they can. Pretty fascinating actually. They cannot track one down either, but I am on their "list" of items wanted...
I think that part of "hunting" a collector's item, is the fact that it may be elusive and difficult to get your hands on. I would say, don't give up and enjoy the research. But definitely go through all of the points above before you decide that this pen is unavailable.
Good luck!
QM2
Thank you very much for your help...
Bry
QUOTE(GeeTee @ May 26 2008, 08:22 AM) [snapback]622239[/snapback]
This is the original (LE) Marostica:
The Harmony is a much later, regular edition pen, that in my opinion at least, has little to do with the original.
QM2
I guess a question is how badly you want the pen. I spent ten years looking for a Duofold Mandarin LE. It took that long to find a price I could afford, a pen in good condition, and a seller who was patient enough to allow me to pay for the pen over a couple of months (yes, even though I could "afford" it). I do not present myself as a paragon of virtue, but, dammit!, I wanted that pen and I love it now that I have it in hand. So, how badly do you want the pen?
Frank makes a good point. How badly do you want the pen?
I wanted a Parker '51'. I got lucky and found the exact one I wanted the first time I went to the shop.
I've wanted a Montblanc Meisterstuck from almost the very DAY I knew what a fountain pen was (I'd seen it in a magazine and I thought: ONE DAY I will have that pen!). That was nearly 20 years ago. Today, I have one in my collection. It took about a year and a half of serious searching, comparing and price-checking before I could land the catch, though.
My Parker Duofold, another pride of my collection, I've been after for nearly six months. So many disappointments, I went here, nothing, there, nothing, online, nothing. I finally managed to jump on one and pin it down long enough to the proverbial handcuffs on it so that Dr. Isaacson wouldn't snatch it up and run off with it like he does with almost every other good pen on eBay that isn't welded down!
Save up a nest-egg for the pen that you want. Put aside some money each week (or whenever feasable) and keep searching. That's what I do. That way, when I finally *find* the pen, I have the money to pay for it. In the case of my Duofold, I had nearly $400 saved up.
I wanted a Parker '51'. I got lucky and found the exact one I wanted the first time I went to the shop.
I've wanted a Montblanc Meisterstuck from almost the very DAY I knew what a fountain pen was (I'd seen it in a magazine and I thought: ONE DAY I will have that pen!). That was nearly 20 years ago. Today, I have one in my collection. It took about a year and a half of serious searching, comparing and price-checking before I could land the catch, though.
My Parker Duofold, another pride of my collection, I've been after for nearly six months. So many disappointments, I went here, nothing, there, nothing, online, nothing. I finally managed to jump on one and pin it down long enough to the proverbial handcuffs on it so that Dr. Isaacson wouldn't snatch it up and run off with it like he does with almost every other good pen on eBay that isn't welded down!
Save up a nest-egg for the pen that you want. Put aside some money each week (or whenever feasable) and keep searching. That's what I do. That way, when I finally *find* the pen, I have the money to pay for it. In the case of my Duofold, I had nearly $400 saved up.
QUOTE(Shangas @ May 26 2008, 09:09 AM) [snapback]622248[/snapback]
I've wanted a Montblanc Meisterstuck from almost the very DAY I knew what a fountain pen was (I'd seen it in a magazine and I thought: ONE DAY I will have that pen!). That was nearly 20 years ago.
wait... how old are you again? if you saw the advert in your crib and it stuck in your mind that much, I am impressed : )
Hey QM2, I'll be 21 in July. I first saw the advert when I was very very young, like perhaps...five years old? It was sometime in my very early single-digit years. Ever since I saw it, I KNEW I would have to have it.
QUOTE(Shangas @ May 26 2008, 04:33 AM) [snapback]622271[/snapback]
Hey QM2, I'll be 21 in July. I first saw the advert when I was very very young, like perhaps...five years old? It was sometime in my very early single-digit years. Ever since I saw it, I KNEW I would have to have it.
Hey, that pretty similar here! Maybe not as young, but still in the single digits. I think it was pens in a shop window that did it for me though... Mont Blanc must be working hard on a young child brainwashing/loyalty program.
PRAG
Part of the enjoyment of getting the pen you really want is the 'journey' of finding, buying & getting it as you want it to be.
I have now realised most of my pen goals and some of them have been far short of what I expected them to be. I have now switched on to getting pens I already have but in precious metals.
NEVER throw in the towel for your search you never know what is lurking in the next ad you read.
Ian.
I have now realised most of my pen goals and some of them have been far short of what I expected them to be. I have now switched on to getting pens I already have but in precious metals.
NEVER throw in the towel for your search you never know what is lurking in the next ad you read.
Ian.
Thanks for everyones advise...
I think throwing a proverbial fit did the trick... I think I have a line on one... Its going to cost me, but I it will be worth it...
I think throwing a proverbial fit did the trick... I think I have a line on one... Its going to cost me, but I it will be worth it...
QUOTE(Pen Nut @ May 26 2008, 08:37 AM) [snapback]622316[/snapback]
Part of the enjoyment of getting the pen you really want is the 'journey' of finding, buying & getting it as you want it to be.
I have now realised most of my pen goals and some of them have been far short of what I expected them to be. I have now switched on to getting pens I already have but in precious metals.
NEVER throw in the towel for your search you never know what is lurking in the next ad you read.
Ian.
I have now realised most of my pen goals and some of them have been far short of what I expected them to be. I have now switched on to getting pens I already have but in precious metals.
NEVER throw in the towel for your search you never know what is lurking in the next ad you read.
Ian.
Totally agree. The hunt is THE best part. Don't get me wrong, I love using (and, um, fixing) fountain pens, but the hunt is something we humans are perfectly tuned for, all of our abilities and talents resonate while on the quest.
NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER.... EVER EVER... GIVE UP...
(I think Winston Churchill said that)
(P.S. I just watched "Martian Child" last night)
Bah, I feel so left out. I wish I had a "Grail" pen to search for. 
QUOTE
WTB: Montegrappa Marostica...
please email me at montegrappa.marostica@gmail.com
please email me at montegrappa.marostica@gmail.com
Hahahahaha That's awesome, you obviously mean business!
QUOTE(johnee @ May 26 2008, 03:36 PM) [snapback]622446[/snapback]
The hunt is THE best part. Don't get me wrong, I love using (and, um, fixing) fountain pens, but the hunt is something we humans are perfectly tuned for, all of our abilities and talents resonate while on the quest.
To be honest, I am more of a gatherer. Plucking the ripe juicy fountain pens off the vine and into my basket. Come to me little one, into my pen-case you go...
QUOTE(QM2 @ May 26 2008, 01:48 PM) [snapback]622553[/snapback]
To be honest, I am more of a gatherer. Plucking the ripe juicy fountain pens off the vine and into my basket. Come to me little one, into my pen-case you go...
haha, i see if you were locked in a room with two buttons, and pushing button 1 dispensed various fountain pens, and button 2 dispensed food, you would starve to death.....
QUOTE(johnee @ May 26 2008, 05:58 PM) [snapback]622564[/snapback]
QUOTE(QM2 @ May 26 2008, 01:48 PM) [snapback]622553[/snapback]
To be honest, I am more of a gatherer. Plucking the ripe juicy fountain pens off the vine and into my basket. Come to me little one, into my pen-case you go...
haha, i see if you were locked in a room with two buttons, and pushing button 1 dispensed various fountain pens, and button 2 dispensed food, you would starve to death.....
I'm afraid so : ( My order of priorities goes something like: art supplies, fountain pens, coffee, books, clothing, cat food, my food. That's my secret to staying sleek! I call it the "FPN Diet".
QUOTE
NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER.... EVER EVER... GIVE UP...
(I think Winston Churchill said that)
(I think Winston Churchill said that)
QUOTE
We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.
- Winston Churchill, June, 1940.
Keep on struggling, Bryant, you'll get there eventually!!
"Never give up, never surrender." -- Galaxy Quest
Oh, now THAT'S a classic! 
To quote a line from "The Gathering Storm":
"Remember our motto! KBO! KEEP BUGGERING ON!"
- Albert Finney as Sir Winston Churchill.
Keep trying, Bryant, you'll get there eventually.
"Remember our motto! KBO! KEEP BUGGERING ON!"
- Albert Finney as Sir Winston Churchill.
Keep trying, Bryant, you'll get there eventually.
Hang in there and don't quit!
I have put a request in with the Australian Montegrappa distributor for you.
They were familiar with the pen, but be warned that if it's around, it will be expensive.
I have seen a lot of old stock around in the stores here - sometimes you have good luck and someone may still have one. (Because of the silly mark-up on pens here in AU, stock tends to languish.)
They were familiar with the pen, but be warned that if it's around, it will be expensive.
I have seen a lot of old stock around in the stores here - sometimes you have good luck and someone may still have one. (Because of the silly mark-up on pens here in AU, stock tends to languish.)
Dear Bryant,
Don't give up just yet! Although I have not been looking as long as you, of course, but recently I became resigned to either not having my "Grail" pens at all or to pay very dearly for them. Lo and behold, this morning there it was on the Green Board and even more amazingly, I got there first!
Don't give up just yet! Although I have not been looking as long as you, of course, but recently I became resigned to either not having my "Grail" pens at all or to pay very dearly for them. Lo and behold, this morning there it was on the Green Board and even more amazingly, I got there first!
Update: No Marostica pens left in AU - sold out! 
QUOTE(QM2 @ May 26 2008, 12:48 PM) [snapback]622553[/snapback]
QUOTE
WTB: Montegrappa Marostica...
please email me at montegrappa.marostica@gmail.com
please email me at montegrappa.marostica@gmail.com
Hahahahaha That's awesome, you obviously mean business!
I do! And I have already gotten a few emails...
Thanks everyone so far!QUOTE(Shangas @ May 26 2008, 04:27 PM) [snapback]622750[/snapback]
QUOTE
NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER.... EVER EVER... GIVE UP...
(I think Winston Churchill said that)
(I think Winston Churchill said that)
QUOTE
We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.
- Winston Churchill, June, 1940.
Keep on struggling, Bryant, you'll get there eventually!!
QUOTE(Shangas @ May 26 2008, 09:23 PM) [snapback]623020[/snapback]
To quote a line from "The Gathering Storm":
"Remember our motto! KBO! KEEP BUGGERING ON!"
- Albert Finney as Sir Winston Churchill.
Keep trying, Bryant, you'll get there eventually.
"Remember our motto! KBO! KEEP BUGGERING ON!"
- Albert Finney as Sir Winston Churchill.
Keep trying, Bryant, you'll get there eventually.
QUOTE(DeaconKC @ May 26 2008, 09:38 PM) [snapback]623037[/snapback]
Hang in there and don't quit!
QUOTE(Amberviv @ May 26 2008, 11:44 PM) [snapback]623115[/snapback]
Dear Bryant,
Don't give up just yet! Although I have not been looking as long as you, of course, but recently I became resigned to either not having my "Grail" pens at all or to pay very dearly for them. Lo and behold, this morning there it was on the Green Board and even more amazingly, I got there first!
Don't give up just yet! Although I have not been looking as long as you, of course, but recently I became resigned to either not having my "Grail" pens at all or to pay very dearly for them. Lo and behold, this morning there it was on the Green Board and even more amazingly, I got there first!
QUOTE(Phthalo @ May 26 2008, 11:53 PM) [snapback]623119[/snapback]
Update: No Marostica pens left in AU - sold out!
WOW Thanks everyone!
I really appreciate everyones help! I have received one promising offer, with what I hope is a few more... It really is amazing how great this community is!
QUOTE(Amberviv @ May 26 2008, 11:44 PM) [snapback]623115[/snapback]
Dear Bryant,
Don't give up just yet! Although I have not been looking as long as you, of course, but recently I became resigned to either not having my "Grail" pens at all or to pay very dearly for them. Lo and behold, this morning there it was on the Green Board and even more amazingly, I got there first!
Don't give up just yet! Although I have not been looking as long as you, of course, but recently I became resigned to either not having my "Grail" pens at all or to pay very dearly for them. Lo and behold, this morning there it was on the Green Board and even more amazingly, I got there first!
What was it?
QUOTE(Phthalo @ May 26 2008, 11:53 PM) [snapback]623119[/snapback]
Update: No Marostica pens left in AU - sold out!
Well thank you for trying! That was very thoughtfully...
Bry
QUOTE(johnee @ May 26 2008, 12:58 PM) [snapback]622564[/snapback]
QUOTE(QM2 @ May 26 2008, 01:48 PM) [snapback]622553[/snapback]
To be honest, I am more of a gatherer. Plucking the ripe juicy fountain pens off the vine and into my basket. Come to me little one, into my pen-case you go...
haha, i see if you were locked in a room with two buttons, and pushing button 1 dispensed various fountain pens, and button 2 dispensed food, you would starve to death.....
HA!!
I got the Visconti Aida LE this morning. Not quite as exalted a pen as your "Grail" was but special for me because of the combination of celluloid & operá
Good luck! I am sure your baby is just around the corner somewhere, waiting for you to pick it up
Good luck! I am sure your baby is just around the corner somewhere, waiting for you to pick it up
QUOTE(Amberviv @ May 27 2008, 01:14 AM) [snapback]623148[/snapback]
I got the Visconti Aida LE this morning. Not quite as exalted a pen as your "Grail" was but special for me because of the combination of celluloid & operá
Good luck! I am sure your baby is just around the corner somewhere, waiting for you to pick it up
Good luck! I am sure your baby is just around the corner somewhere, waiting for you to pick it up
I think your pen is very "Grail Worthy", I have drooled over this pen numerous times...
Thanks!
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