Sailor 1911 Vs. Montblanc Meisterstuck 146

[JMP]

I recently bought a Montblanc 146 and subsequently sold my Sailor 1911 here on the forum. I had several members ask for size comparisons between the two. I thought it would be educational to post some comparison shots of the two pens for future reference. The pens are very close, but as you can see the 1911 is a little shorter both capped and posted. My estimate is about a 1/4" difference in length. They have different weight distribution, with the 1911 balanced closer to the nib and the 146 carrying more weight toward the middle, most likely due to the presence of the piston mechanism in the 146 and the brass section (to accomodate the cartridge/converter) in the 1911. Plastics are different between the two: the 146 feels a little harder and has a translucent reddish glow when held to the light, while the 1911 feels like a softer and denser material (but still quite nice). The 1911 nib runs about one size fine, while the MB nib runs one size big. So, the Sailor medium was about equal in line width to the MB extra fine. With regard to the clips, the MB clip is attached to the cap by way of a metal ring, whereas the Sailor clip is punched through the cap. They are both excellent pens. I think the extra $300 you spend on the 146 goes toward the piston filler, nicer plastic (a.k.a. "precious resin") and the Montblanc name.

[niksch]

They do look pretty similar, don't they? I've had both, but I prefer the piston filler on the 146.

 

I recently bought a Montblanc 146 and subsequently sold my Sailor 1911 here on the forum. I had several members ask for size comparisons between the two. I thought it would be educational to post some comparison shots of the two pens for future reference. The pens are very close, but as you can see the 1911 is a little shorter both capped and posted. My estimate is about a 1/4" difference in length. They have different weight distribution, with the 1911 balanced closer to the nib and the 146 carrying more weight toward the middle, most likely due to the presence of the piston mechanism in the 146 and the brass section (to accomodate the cartridge/converter) in the 1911. Plastics are different between the two: the 146 feels a little harder and has a translucent reddish glow when held to the light, while the 1911 feels like a softer and denser material (but still quite nice). The 1911 nib runs about one size fine, while the MB nib runs one size big. So, the Sailor medium was about equal in line width to the MB extra fine. With regard to the clips, the MB clip is attached to the cap by way of a metal ring, whereas the Sailor clip is punched through the cap. They are both excellent pens. I think the extra $300 you spend on the 146 goes toward the piston filler, nicer plastic (a.k.a. "precious resin") and the Montblanc name.

[JMP]

They do look pretty similar, don't they? I've had both, but I prefer the piston filler on the 146.

 

 

As do I. The snowcap is a nice touch, too.

 

 

[georges zaslavsky]

the 146 over a sailor 1911 any day

[Surnia]

Sailor produces the Realo model for the 1911 and the Pro Gear, which includes a tiny ink window, but a Piston filler mechanism... I think runs about $330?