Difference's Of Solid Ebonite, Split And Plastic Nibs For The 149

[slair76116]

Hi all I'm very new to the game, and was wondering if anyone can shed some light on to the different nibs available for the 149.

 

I'm doing research to buy one 149

 

Which of them is more desirable and why? basically any information you might know.

 

Thanks.

[sherbie]

Look at the dating montblanc 149 thread thats pinned

 

Find the latest pdf doc in that thread - All you will need, and much more

[Barry Gabay]

Hello slair,

 

Welcome. The 14C nibs & 18C nibs on 149s from 1952 until ca. 1985 tend to be softer & more responsive than 14K from 1985-92 or 18K models from 1992 onward. Some rare few three-tone and two-tone 14C nibs are actually flexible, not like a 1900-1920s Waterman or a 1920s Wahl, but somewhat flexible nonetheless. The most recent three-tone 18K nibs from about 1995 are quite nice too. They are rigid, with shorter tines to overall length ratio, as are the earlier two-tone 18K nibs. However, they write wonderfully. In all honesty, you can not go wrong with any well maintained 149. Since most people have not studied calligraphy and do not use a flourish in their handwriting, there isn't really a need for semi-flexibility in general writing. Enjoy your hunt and your first 149.

 

Enjoy the weekend.

Best wishes,

Barry

Edited June 9, 2018 by Barry Gabay

[zaddick]

OP - you wrote nibs, but seem to be talking about the feeds behind the nib. Many people prefer the older ebonite feeds. Some of this is tradition, some snobbish, and some actual benefit.

 

I prefer the older ebonite feeds because they are period correct and I like the way they look. They also have the advantage on being able to be better set against the nib (sometimes called heat setting) to improve ink flow. That is the practical advantage in my opinion.

 

The modern plastic feed, when properly adjusted and cleaned, does just fine for 99% of users.

Edited June 9, 2018 by zaddick

[Barry Gabay]

People love the solid ebonite & split ebonite feeds because ebonite is said to be the most effective material for conducting ink. The plastic feeds are, however, perfectly functional. I did not own a 149 with a plastic feed until the mid-1990s, but was immediately impressed by their performance. In fact, plastic feeds are easier to remove, as no special tool is required, so they may be preferred by people who like adjusting or changing nibs. Though the plastic feeds are excellent, I suppose I prefer the ebonite ones because they are on my favorite generation (mid-1970s to very early 1980s) of 149s. Not all plastic feeds fit all recent (since 1991-92) 149s, but in my experience, all ebonite feeds fit all 149s from 1952 - ca.1990.

[niksch]

People love the solid ebonite & split ebonite feeds because ebonite is said to be the most effective material for conducting ink. The plastic feeds are, however, perfectly functional. I did not own a 149 with a plastic feed until the mid-1990s, but was immediately impressed by their performance. In fact, plastic feeds are easier to remove, as no special tool is required, so they may be preferred by people who like adjusting or changing nibs. Though the plastic feeds are excellent, I suppose I prefer the ebonite ones because they are on my favorite generation (mid-1970s to very early 1980s) of 149s. Not all plastic feeds fit all recent (since 1991-92) 149s, but in my experience, all ebonite feeds fit all 149s from 1952 - ca.1990.

 

Alternatively, my favorite era of pens is the 1960s to early 1970s versions of the 149.

[Barry Gabay]

Eric,

 

They are all excellent writers. At the moment, I have a real interest in those made since mid-1990s because they are so different from the older ones you & I & others so cherish. In fact, I just bought back one from around 2010 which I sold to a very nice guy last year.

 

How are your precious and brilliant celluloid 149s and early 60s to early 70s models doing these days?

 

Best wishes,

Barry

Edited June 10, 2018 by Barry Gabay