Hello all. I have been granted permission (from my wife) to buy a grail pen from my list. I would like to have the Humboldt, or either the Michel Perchin Russian Eagle or Metropolitan.

I already have a Michel Perchin MP5 and several Montblancs. Does anyone have any experience with the Humboldt? It is a beautiful pen and am seriously thinking about adding it to my collection.

Any pictures would be greatly appreciated.

Bran

4810 or 888? Even though I don't have one, but in my opinion, the 4810 is much more beautiful. However, you have to be worried about the wood. Its not a super glossy wooden pen that going to weather everything, but its wood, wood, if you know what I mean. Other than wear issues, I believe it would be a beautiful addition, especially with the sextant on the nib. I know m0ca owns one, but he's strictly a collector. The MB is markedly different that the MP, because of the filling system. The MP uses a converter system, which might not be ideal. The MB, on the other hand, uses a piston filler, but has no filler window, which may be annoying.

Best of Luck! (get the MB!)

I am considering the 4810. I have thought of the wood issue myself. The lack of a filler window would be annoying, but it is a piston. I think I would enjoy the MB more. I have never had a problem with the MB fountains I have. They have always been very consistent. I have had flow issues with my MP (it has been back to FPH twice now), but they do enamel like no one else.

Thanks for your two cents worth.

Bran

Have you seen it in person? I think if you did, it would really seal the deal .

I have seen it in person. I think that is why I want it so badly. It really is an amazing pen. They still had one last time I was at the MB shop in Charlotte, NC. I may be traveling that way towards the end on next week. I may have to come home with one if they still have it in stock (or I may order from FPH and save some $).

Bran

I have the MB Alexander von Humboldt 4810. It is really an amazing pen. Unfortunately, I didn't use it since I am a pen collector. Therefore, I can not tell you any experiences about the writting of the pen. But I have friends of mine that they wrote with it and they told me that the feeling was perfect. Thus I will suggest to you to buy it.

The Humboldt is a very nice pen. Quite unique in the series because of the wood trim. My uncle uses one and the wood looks good next to the silver trim and is also quite resistant. My uncle has coated it with some oil, which brought out the grain and made it a bit shinier. Forget about posting the cap as it is heavy and does not fit securely on the knob. I for one have two issues with the design. First, the silver panels do not align from cap to barrel because they are of different size (width). I got over this one. Secondly, there is IMO a huge step between barrel and section. That I couldn't get over. Not very comfortable for writing more than a few sentences at a time.

A lovely pen, but one which I saw today in the boutique did not quite appeal to me. I id see the limited Charlie chaplain pen and a few other special pieces.

I would be concerned with the wood of the pen and long term stability. Maybe look for a skeleton instead.

K