Montblanc 147 Traveller, Is It Worth Getting?

[Pennenut]

Hi,

Do any of the members here own or have previous experience using the Montblanc 147 Traveller? Are there any issues that arise when using this pen that one needs to be aware? Any difficulties with hard starts or poor ink flow? How do you clean this pen? Is the build sturdy? Can you use other ink cartridges besides Montblanc?

 

To all who take the time to reply, Thank you!

[CS388]

I like the 147.

 

If I didn't use it for a while, I'd have to flick it, to get the ink going (ie hold it tight and flick my arm) and it would work immediately, after that. Never had flow issues. I used internatonal standard cartridges - although the first 147 I bought (second-hand) came with boxes of MB carts, so I used them a lot, too.

 

I had it for two years and never cleaned it out, didn't need to.

I'm not always that fussy about ink colours and was happy to let one bleed into the next.

 

I liked it so much, that I soon bought another one to replace it.

 

Enjoy

[DilettanteG]

I have a 147 black with gold trim from the nineties and it has been a sturdy little workhorse for me. It feels just like my 146 from the same era, which I've also had an excellent experience with.

 

I clean the 147 by running the nib assembly under a tap until it runs clear. I rest the nib on a paper towel to dry out and the capillary action pulls out the ink quite nicely.

 

The only issue I have (and it's by design) is you can't use a cartridge converter with it as it won't fit in the brass holder that contains the cartridge being used, one spare and the nib assembly.

 

Make sure if you pick one up you get the leather carry case. It holds the pen plus six extra cartridges very neatly. Just toss it in your bag and you're good for even the most marathon of writing sessions.

[mge01park]

I've had one in black one from the 90's. It's had some start-up issues here and there. I had servicing last year and it's running well now. I found some other non MontBlanc cartridges not fitting perfectly and leaking somewhat. if you have a choice I would go with the 146 LeGrand size as is the 147. Mine came in a really nice unique leather case with cartridges banded in to carry with you. if I found one in the Bordeaux color I might buy it.

[Toll]

I have one in burgundy. I bought it new at least five years ago. I travel a lot and it is one of my go to pens. I have never had an issue with the pen; strong ink flow, smooth nib, writes without fail. Great, dependable pen. I have only used MB Blue cartridges in the pen.

[dadbar]

I have a 147 that I received as a gift back in the 1990's. It's a very nice, smooth writer- never a hard start. If you like that style of pen and want cartridges, it's a good bet. I also use mine with a small syringe style converter when I want to load the pen with small amounts of ink for a one-off business meeting that requires some fancy signing.

 

The case that came with the pen is nice in theory but it takes up a lot of space for what it is, I prefer carrying it in a single leather sleeve, backed up with a box of cartridges if I have to travel with the pen.

 

My biggest issue with this pen is that it's a bit dowdy for my taste and looks like an old man grandpa pen. I much prefer using my Noblesse pens or the similar Alfred Dunhill Gemline pens.....they are slimmer and more my preference.

 

If I'm in the mood to use a fat boy pen I will usually go for my Sheaffer Balance Oversize, unless I'm traveling by plane and want to take cartridges.

 

The 147 is very easy to clean with a large ear syringe bulb, trimmed to fit the end of the barrel.

[jchch1950]

MB.147 no problem to start or to clean.Good pen for travels.

[DilettanteG]

 

The 147 is very easy to clean with a large ear syringe bulb, trimmed to fit the end of the barrel.

 

Smart!

 

My 147 is inked up, so I can't show you a picture of its innards, but here are some pictures of the case:

 

 

 

[omarcenaro]

Love my 147, it looks great and is a perfect size. Its the only fountain pen i take when I travel because it's so easy to just drop a cartridge in and got to town. When I have to fly back I pull the cartridge out. No leaks and no problems. The leather carrying case is a great case for the pen and extra cartridges.

Edited February 20, 2020 by Ozzy1

[CS388]

 

The case that came with the pen is nice in theory but it takes up a lot of space for what it is, I prefer carrying it in a single leather sleeve, backed up with a box of cartridges if I have to travel with the pen.

 

 

Yes. Same here. I carry the pen clipped in my inside pocket.

 

I like the case. it's a nice, well thought-out package, but it's too bulky for my everyday needs.

The last 147 I sold was in good used condition - but its case was mint. Never used it!

 

I say again: a great pen. Every Meisterstuck lover should have one!

Enjoy.

 

[PAKMAN]

Now I wish I had a 147!

[meiers]

I have been thinking of getting one.

[DilettanteG]

I wonder how many versions were made? I know there's a black with gold trim, a black with platinum trim, and a burgundy (Bordeaux?).

[silverlifter]

To run counter to the crowd... I had one for a long time but sold it eventually. I resented the fact that it couldn't use a converter and I abhor using cartridges.

 

The pen itself worked marvellously: like all of my pens, I rarely cleaned it, if a cartridge dried out, I would just stick a new one in and keep writing. The nib was great, a wet medium: no hard starts or skipping.

[Cyrille81]

I wanted one for long time to use it when travelling to not have worried with ink, etc. and really like the pouch sold with the pen. I never bought it due to the price I found little bit too expensive for a cartridge pen and at the end of the year a user of a French fountain pen forum sold his one never inked to a great price so I didn't miss this great opportunity and really like it, inked it with Petrol blue cartridge but not yet write a lot with it as not travelled until.

[BillH]

I have a black F and a burgundy M and I love them both. They are my traveling pens. Usually use my favorite ink "flavor of the month" via syringe.

 

"My biggest issue with this pen is that it's a bit dowdy for my taste and looks like an old man grandpa pen."

 

I'm an old grandpa and these pens are 100% Montblanc, so, PERFECT!

[meiers]

Bill, now I have another reason for acquiring one.

[gmax]

My 147 has a great fine nib, and perfect, rich ink flow. The case is a nice extra, though pricey.

 

For cleaning, I snipped the back end off an international long cartridge, and I blow water through it to clean the feed thoroughly.

 

A lovely fuss-free pen

[BillH]

Bill, now I have another reason for acquiring one.

 

An EXCELLENT reason. We could start a "Grandpa Pens" thread

 

My 147 has a great fine nib, and perfect, rich ink flow. The case is a nice extra, though pricey.

 

For cleaning, I snipped the back end off an international long cartridge, and I blow water through it to clean the feed thoroughly.

 

A lovely fuss-free pen

 

I have used that method too, with a little red squeeze bulb. Works great!

Edited February 22, 2020 by BillH

[admmarcos]

Hi, I got mine in a EF nib, and it is amazing! I love it.