I just won a MB #254 Fine nib with original box from Germany on eBay while I have not received it yet I am curious. Is it safe to use the modern MB inks in the vintage MB fountain pens? Does the piston filling system work the same way? Should I just keep it in my collection and not use it?

Thanks,

Todd

Modern MB ink will be fine for it... I would say use it, but I use all my pens...

Thanks, does the piston filler work the same way as the modern style MB's?

Does anyone have one on the forum that they use to write?

Todd

Congratulations on a very nice purchase. The box makes it especially nice.
I won't address the 'user' vs 'collector' issue beyond agreeing with Bryant: I use all my pens.
Assuming the cork on the piston seals, then the piston filler works just the same as a modern MB.
The 25x series is my favorite. The 254 is a wonderful size, which I equate with the Parker 51.
BUT you get that great wing nib to look at while you write.
gary

Thanks Gary,

Here is a pic of it.


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I say ink it, use it, love it!

Beautiful pen. Congratulations.

Regards,
Vintner

Amen.

Hi Todd,

Are you sure that you have a #254?

The pen looks like having a screw on cap and all #25x should have slip on caps. What number is on the cap ring or on the blind cap?

Axel

The 254 has a winged nib. The cap on the photo looking like it is from a 25x but the pen doesn't. It seems to have a threaded section while the 25x series pens have a slip on cap like Axel mentioned. The nib is certainly not a 254 or 252, 256 nib. It looks more like a 342 or something like that. Something doesn't seem right in the photo. A frankenpen perhaps ?

nikolaos

Well Nikolaos,

A #25x can have a nib like the one on the pic - it depends on the production year. The so called "wing nib" was on the later #25x, the open nib on the earlier #25x models.

Axel

Thank you Axel,

I have never heard of that before....I guess you live you learn!

Nikolaos

I agree... I don't think that is a 254... This is the 254 I have. Montblanc 254 This is the third Ive owned, and they have all looked like this...


Nice pen though! And it looks to be in great condition!

Nice pics and nice web site, Bryant - I got lost for a while

Axel

Thank you very much Axel, Im having a lot fun doing it.

Bryant

You have a 264, a variant of the 25x line:
http://jim.griffiths.home.comcast.net/~jim...fiths/mb264.htm
Wing nib or not, the box makes this a very nice catch. The pen itself is a rather unassuming little number... But seriously, it's a good example of MB quality in a mid-level pen.
gary

The eBay item number was 320302386807. It says that it was manufactured in 1956. Should I contact the owner as I thought I was bidding on a correct #254. Did I pay to much for this pen?

Thanks,

Todd

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What would it hurt to contact the seller, explain his error and ask for an adjustment.
I haven't followed prices on these in a while. I have seen some sellers puff 264 sales as being rarer than the 254. The box is a price raiser as well.
The absence of a wing nib was a give away that this wasn't a 25x. I'd have said typo until I saw the listing said 264 several times.
gary

I do not see 264 in the listing anywhere. I see it being listed as a #254 in title and description. Am I missing something?

Todd

Todd,
Now I'm doing it: the listing did say 254. and nowhere did it say 264.
My apologies,
gary

Thanks Gary,

I am going to wait until I receive the pen and then examine it a little more carefull with a loop to see if I can distinguish the number mark before contacting the seller. I do not want to have to send it back.

Todd

Much to my dismay the pen arrived today and I used a jewelers loop to check the number and low and behold this is a #264. What is the relative value as compared to a #254? It is a nice pen and I would like to keep it but do not want to over pay. Is the #254 a more expensive pen?

Your thoughts are appreciated any and all as I am still learning as I go.

Thanks,

Todd

Hi todd, guess most forumers won't commit themselves to the discussion about 'value/ worth' of a pen once the sale is done.

Well, i think it all depends on the your perception on the pen. It's true that the traditional masterpieces have got their production lines numbered as to identify the various level of sales value, so called. The luxurious 13x and 14x are the pricey ones to start with. 24x are less costly then the 14x and so forth. In short, 1xx - luxurious line, 2xx - medium range, and 3xx - the economy line.

In terms of the difference between 264 and 254, they are differentiated mainly by their year of production. And as correctly pointed out by other forumers, most of the 254s had wing nibs (Flugelfeder) mounted on. But this was only available in 1958 onwards. I think both are equally 'valuable' in a sense since they are both vintages.

Finally, if the pen is indeed a good writer and it suits your daily needs, take joy writing with it. Cheers and God bless