Does Mont Blanc Keep All Serial Numbers In Database?

[ryukenden]

I would like to find out whethe Mont Blanc keep all serial numbers in database.

 

E.g can they check whether a serial number is from a genuine pen in Hamburg?

 

Many thanks

[jmnav]

No they don't.

 

Unluckily I can't offer you references, but it seems they just don't have "proper" serial numbers but just "production codes" (which can repeat over time), so there's no database to track alike to, say, a vintage Swiss wristwatch.

 

What they can do anyway, is check against their specs and tell you if your pen is genuine or not.

[Chrissy]

They used to be able to say what type of pen was issued against a particular serial number. Whether they can still do that now or not, I don't know.

[admmarcos]

Well, about the writers edition I have (Dickens), I sent the data (the form inside the certificate booklet) by e-mail, and they replied to me to confirm the receivement. All I have is this. Regards,

[EclecticCollector]

I know they do use the serial number to track your pen when it's sent in for service, but beyond that I've been told by sales staff that they don't maintain any sort of global database.

[BrandonA]

I think it depends what you mean by global database.

 

Each pen has a unique id. They will not have a database stating who brought each pen.

 

I'm pretty sure though they gave the ability to record details of stolen pens, should you report it to them.

 

The serial numbers will not be "random". This means they will have a way of automatically generating them. I would be surprised if they can't take a serial number run it through their algorithm and then determine the model of the pen. This in some ways is similar to a phone number, in so much that the start of it is your area code (0121 for Birmingham).

[Vlad Soare]

When I asked the local boutique to send my newly bought pen back to Hamburg for a nib exchange, I also offered to give them the warranty booklet, to prove to Montblanc that the pen was still eligible for a free nib exchange (that is, within six weeks from the date of purchase). They said it wasn't necessary, because the serial number will tell Montblanc all they'll need to know. They took just the pen, and three weeks later it came back with a new nib.

So, I guess some records do exist.

[ophis]

I think it depends what you mean by global database.

 

Each pen has a unique id. They will not have a database stating who brought each pen.

 

I'm pretty sure though they gave the ability to record details of stolen pens, should you report it to them.

 

The serial numbers will not be "random". This means they will have a way of automatically generating them. I would be surprised if they can't take a serial number run it through their algorithm and then determine the model of the pen. This in some ways is similar to a phone number, in so much that the start of it is your area code (0121 for Birmingham).

 

Hi, may I ask where is the serial number on Fitzgerald? I recently get one, but cannot find where is the serial number, just the limit number xxxxx/18500.

[meiers]

That is the serial number.

[zaddick]

That is the serial number.

It's the limitation number.

 

I sold my Fitz so I am not sure where the serial number was, if there was one. Try looking on the clip and any metal parts.

[BillH]

Just below the clip ring on the left side of the clip, very small and unpainted so it is very hard to see... my old eyes needed a loupe to find it.

[meiers]

It's the limitation number.

 

Yes. Thanks.

[adair]

Is it true that the IW666858 serial number means a fake? I have recently purchased a ballpoint classique with that number and it does indeed feel "off"--the tolerances not as solid, a slight upward "warping" when seen horizontally from the side--and yet "kosher" i other ways, including engraving on the band and the general smoothness of the resin. 

[CeruleanToAzure]

I'm sorry to say... But IW666etc are definetely well known replicas.

[Uncial]

Montblanc does keep a database and for some pens there are now two numbers associated to each pen; one on a credit card thing in the box and one on the pen. Sometimes the card is written by hand on a white card with the number and name of the nib tester. Not common, but a couple of recent pens have included this curious addition.

MB also now charge for authenticity requests and will issue papers in this respect. In the past I've emailed and got a response, eventually, but I guess they must be inundated now so have decided this is tge way to go.

[sansenri]

On 3/28/2022 at 3:49 PM, adair said:

Is it true that the IW666858 serial number means a fake? I have recently purchased a ballpoint classique with that number and it does indeed feel "off"--the tolerances not as solid, a slight upward "warping" when seen horizontally from the side--and yet "kosher" i other ways, including engraving on the band and the general smoothness of the resin. 

 

The problem with fake replicas is that original codes are copied often from original pens which appear on the web, fakes are obviously made in more than one copy. So what happens is that when there is more than one pen with the same unique code, all of them are fakes except one...

That is why if you find the code repeatedly it is more and more likely to be a fake (people usually report fake codes on the web).

It's good practice not to share your code anywhere on the web...