Please Help Me Evaluate This 149

[penwala]

https://imgur.com/a/RiWdVix

 

 

I just got this - brand new without papers or box.

Is there a way to tell what type of nib I have without dipping it in ink?

[kandarp]

Looks like a medium from this angle

[zaddick]

Medium as the tipping looks rounded like an oval.

[niksch]

I agree with FPC and Z that you have a modern medium nib. Maybe a bit larger than a medium, but without a writing sample, it's hard to tell.

[Barry Gabay]

That is a lovely fountain pen. I agree that the nib tip appears to be a medium per fpc's Zadack's, & niksch's explanations. I think the key is Z's observation of a rounded nib tip. For years, all of the modern B or wider 149 nibs I've seen have been flatter at the tip like a traditional stub nib.

[niksch]

For years, all of the modern B or wider 149 nibs I've seen have been flatter at the tip like a traditional stub nib.

I've not been tracking the B or B+ nibs as long as you Barry. But I agree. the nibs shapes seem to be changing.

[Chrissy]

Medium as the tipping looks rounded like an oval.

 

Yes this. B and BB nibs don't seem to have tipping that looks so rounded.

[niksch]

 

Yes this. B and BB nibs don't seem to have tipping that looks so rounded.

 

Very good observation.

[Chrissy]

I've not been tracking the B or B+ nibs as long as you Barry. But I agree. the nibs shapes seem to be changing.

 

I only have one BB nib on my only 149 pen. It's quite flat and stubbish, but because I didn't buy the pen new and just happened to fluke it on an ebay purchase, I've never been 100% sure how they look when brand new. Mine doesn't look particularly worn so hopefully it isn't.

[zaddick]

I hope these can help. I recall seeing them a long while ago on the MB website wher ei took a screen capture.

 

[CS388]

Thanks, Zaddick.

 

Yeah, I recall seeing something like this, a few years ago.

The first three pictures look very similar, but I realise it's just a guide.

I always associate that circle/oval shape with M nibs? My understanding was that the F and EF have more of the 'circle' ground away, to more of a point? I have a couple of MB F nibs at present, and they certainly seem to be lacking the rounded end seen in the pictures - although they are from an earlier period.

 

I won't insult the board with a phone snap!

 

Thanks.

[Tom Kellie]

The first three pictures look very similar, but I realise it's just a guide.

I always associate that circle/oval shape with M nibs? My understanding was that the F and EF have more of the 'circle' ground away, to more of a point? I have a couple of MB F nibs at present, and they certainly seem to be lacking the rounded end seen in the pictures - although they are from an earlier period.

 

 

~ CS388:

 

The format wich is presently used to illustrate nib face differences is less convenient for comparison.

It's displayed if one clicks the question mark beside “Choose Nib Width”.

Useful, but no side-by-side comparison.

Tom K.

[niksch]

 

I only have one BB nib on my only 149 pen. It's quite flat and stubbish, but because I didn't buy the pen new and just happened to fluke it on an ebay purchase, I've never been 100% sure how they look when brand new. Mine doesn't look particularly worn so hopefully it isn't.

 

I've found that 'older' 149s with B, BB, OB or OBB nibs are usually stubbish. I doubt your nib is worn, and appears as fabricated by a MB nib specialist. A good one-off auction for you!