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The Ideal 149?

Inkling13

By Inkling13
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Inkling13 Vintage

Inkling13

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http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss171/DKbRS/Pens/MB149Dating.jpgI was wondering when the most ideal 149's were manufactured? It seems from what I've gathered that new nibs are quite soulless and nail-like. But the brass threads on the filler seem more robust. Also, it seems that ebonite is desired over plastic?

Just wondering, as I'm contemplating dipping my toes into the MB pond with a used 149.

Edited by Inkling13
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Blueberry567 NOS (New Old Stock)

Blueberry567

Posted
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I don't know if the parts are interchangeable between generations, but if they are you could build your perfect 149 albeit it would be fairly expensive.

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Mulrich Collectors Item

Mulrich

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I don't know if the parts are interchangeable between generations, but if they are you could build your perfect 149 albeit it would be fairly expensive.

 

 

I think the nibs are fairly interchangeable and I see older 149 nibs for sale somewhat regularly. I wouldn't say a Frankepen 149 would be cheap but it might not be too expensive.

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meiers Donor Pen

meiers

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In my humble opinion and experience limited to 149s manufacturered in the last 20 years, all working 149s are ideal.

 

What matters, I think, is the performance of the nib. Each one of my 149s is a stellar writer and I have developed a real liking to them. I hope to experience 149s made in the 1950s and 60s some time in the not too distant future.

Edited by meiers
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zaddick Donor Pen

zaddick

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I have 149s from all eras, nibs, and feeds. My personal opinion is the early to mid 1960s pens are the best fit for me. Here are the reasons:

 

1. Softer, springer nibs, especially in the EF size.

2. More weight balance towards nib, as the press-fit piston housings weigh much less than the brass, so less weight away from the nib.

3. Large ink capacity vs modern 149. Only slightly.

4. Ebonite feed

5. Better plating that on the 1980s 149s I have had (may well be a sample size related observation)

6. The possibility to find 3B nib width (pretty rare, but not impossible) or an EF with a bit of an architect grind effect.

7. Prefer the style of (hand?) engraving on the cap bands.

8. Prefer the clip style

9. Prefer the screw off derby as it makes it easier to fiddle with the clip.

10. One piece body lessens chances for leaking around threads.

 

Dislike the fact the piston is much harder to remove without cracking the barrel so servicing is more difficult.

Edited by zaddick

If you want less blah, blah, blah and more pictures, follow me on Instagram!

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meiers Donor Pen

meiers

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Thank you. I appreciate your sharing this first-hand experience with earlier models.

 

I love the look of the silver rings on the early fifties models.

However, worries about celluloid shrinking and the fragility of the material might keep me up at night. Are such worries justified?

Edited by meiers
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eidola Mint

eidola

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Thank you. I appreciate your sharing this first-hand experience with earlier models.

 

I love the look of the silver rings on the early fifties models.

However, worries about celluloid shrinking and the fragility of the material might keep me up at night. Are such worries justified?

 

Precisely your reasons. The nibs are still good, but I don't have to worry about shrinkage. I've had issues with *every* celluloid MB of this vintage.

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niksch Donor Pen

niksch

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Thank you. I appreciate your sharing this first-hand experience with earlier models.

 

I love the look of the silver rings on the early fifties models.

However, worries about celluloid shrinking and the fragility of the material might keep me up at night. Are such worries justified?

 

Matt,

 

I've got or have had a few celluloid 149s, and material shrinking or fragileness weren't really issues for me.

Hard times don't last, but hard people do.

 

Thank a Veteran.

 

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niksch Donor Pen

niksch

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I have 149s from all eras, nibs, and feeds. My personal opinion is the early to mid 1960s pens are the best fit for me. Here are the reasons:

 

1. Softer, springer nibs, especially in the EF size.

2. More weight balance towards nib, as the press-fit piston housings weigh much less than the brass, so less weight away from the nib.

3. Large ink capacity vs modern 149. Only slightly.

4. Ebonite feed

5. Better plating that on the 1980s 149s I have had (may well be a sample size related observation)

6. The possibility to find 3B nib width (pretty rare, but not impossible) or an EF with a bit of an architect grind effect.

7. Prefer the style of (hand?) engraving on the cap bands.

8. Prefer the clip style

9. Prefer the screw off derby as it makes it easier to fiddle with the clip.

10. One piece body lessens chances for leaking around threads.

 

Dislike the fact the piston is much harder to remove without cracking the barrel so servicing is more difficult.

 

I agree, mostly, and especially with #6. WRT #10, Maybe it's my preference for use of early '60s 149, but I've experienced more leaks at the threads on one-piece body 149s than on the more modern versions, and the sections on the '60s bodies are harder to repair.

Hard times don't last, but hard people do.

 

Thank a Veteran.

 

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