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So here is my story of what I did with both my 146 and 149 75th anniversary fountain pens both with rose gold trim and MOP and limited to 1924 pieces. When I first bought them, they arrived with Med nibs and I used them for only short time before I opted for an EF nib size exchange. The service was excellent and both pens arrived back in less than 8 weeks. I started to use both of them and just could not get used to the way the tiny nib end would drag on the writing surface. I was completely bummed because I new at that point that I had made a terrible mistake in sending for an exchange. So I had no choice but to send them back for another fitting of a M nib. Luckily, one of the nibs was ok so they just charged me a small service fee, but the other had been nicked so I had to pay the full fee again for that one. I am very happy to have them back and now fully understand why most people prefer the med nib as opposed to something narrower. It just writes ever so smoothly on the surface. Lesson learned and pricey one if I may add. Enjoy the week!!

So, I have seen images of disassembled 149s which show the section unscrewed from the barrel at the point between the threads and the ink window. I have also seen many people wondering whether or not they will lose the ebonite feeds on their 149s if they send their pens to Montblanc for service. The reply to this is usually that they will indeed lose the ebonite feed, as the current feeder cases are incompatible with the old feeds. This has led me to wonder whether or not an old section can be placed onto a modern barrel, thus being able to retain the old feed. As an aside, how do modern Montblanc plastic feeds compare to the old ebonite feeds?

a custom 149 demonstrator with rhodium trims and 75 year anniversary nib. look here http://i.imgur.com/R1klz7Z.jpg

so i have been on the fence with picking up an old celluloid 149... i have many from the 70s, 80s... talking to a noted dealer at a recent show, it was made clear to me that many of the examples of this pen out there are basically a synthesized build-up of old 149 parts. in other words, dealers amass old pens, take the best parts and "build" a mint condition example. accordingly, the price of the pen reflects its newfound "mint" condition. i want to believe there is a secret romance inherent in the history of a vintage pen - e.g. all the people that owned it, how it was used, and how it survived for nearly 70s intact... a collection of parts seems more like, a collection of parts. so does this practice bother any one? is it actually fulfilling a service - more useable pens in the world? would paying a premium for such a pen bother the cognoscenti among us? would love to hear your thoughts as i continue to rationalize this purchase. and apologies if this topic has been covered previously.

As indicated in the recent POA topic, Montblanc is releasing donation pen in wood made from the only tree left standing in a forest in Tohoku after the 2011 Fukushima earthquake. Price is going to be about $4400 (520K Yen) with 20% going to support the relief efforts. You can find more details here. Here's a shot of the pen that's circulating with the various news stories, this one taken from Japan Today: There's no indication as to whether the pen is a 149 or 146 size, but I generally like the design that (at least to me) takes a lot from the Aubrac, which is not surprising since it's the only other recent MB pen that I know is made of wood. (and yes, I remembered the Humbolt) I'm not sure if the star is a regular resin star or an MOP star. One interesting quote from the article is: This seems pretty weird, since i) I never heard about production issues with the wood used in the Aubrac and ii) Japanese pen makers have been making fountain pens for years in wood. (Pilot makes wonderful pens out of Japanese maple). You'd think that MB might have asked Pilot or Sailor for a few tips... PS: Mods - I wasn't sure if this should be posted in the MB forum or the Japan forum; feel free to move if necessary...

Hey everyone! So, in the past month or so that I've been active on the forum, I've really fallen in love with you all. I've been thinking of a way to show it and, as the title suggests, I think I came up with a great one. From now until September 30th, if you grab one of the "Ultimate Pen Polish" kits, you will get an entry to win a BRAND NEW Montblanc LeGrand Fountain pen. http://i.imgur.com/ZJQCtE5.jpg As always, you will get the FPN discount of ~20% off, as well as free domestic shipping, at-cost international shipping, and a free micro-fiber polishing cloth! And, of course, you will still be getting the same kit as before: enough for ~50 uses! http://i.imgur.com/qQNPbsF.jpg Since it's obvious that there is a 99.99% chance I will be losing a great deal of money with this contest, you might be wondering why I am doing it. Two reasons: First, I want to show you all that I am here for the "long haul" and that I truly consider myself part of the community. I've loved our jibs and PMs back and forth, etc. Second, I want to get the "Ultimate Pen Polish" in the hands of more people. Everyone who has used it so far loves it, and I know that the more people use it, the more people will talk about it to others! To get your hand in the cookie jar, use the following link. If you are international, make sure to select it from the dropdown under the arrow: >>> ***CLICK HERE TO GRAB A KIT AND ENTER TO WIN A MONTBLANC LEGRAND (146)*** <<< Let me know if you have any questions! ps. Obviously Montblanc, the company, has nothing to do at all with this promotion!

We grew up writing with fountain pens in my generation, even in far West Texas. I wrote exclusively with Sheaffers, including a PFM Snorkel, until I was given a Parker 75 when I graduated from high school. I knew nothing of European or Asian pens, and even though fountain pen addiction had already claimed me as a victim, it was in a state of American innocence that I traveled to Memphis, Tennessee in 1967 to begin college at a small school called Southwestern-at-Memphis. One Saturday, I was walking around downtown Memphis when I passed by a tobacconist's shop. There in the front window was the biggest, most beautiful fountain pen I had ever seen, a Montblanc 149, with a card that said "The Diplomat." I knew nothing of its iconic nature, its prestige, or even its origin. All I knew was that I had to have it. And so I ended up paying the full list price of seventy-five dollars for my first Montblanc. It has stayed with me all these years. Once, in the '80s, an aging hippie type called me a "yuppie" for carrying it. He refused to accept my explanation that I had owned the pen for years, and that it had no meaning for me as a status symbol. The pen retains its place of honor in my varied collection, still writing as smoothly as ever--and every time I see a pen that strikes me as particularly unusual or beautiful, I remember that autumn day in Memphis and smile.

Hellos fellow owners of 149, I am an owner of a new 149, and was wondering for those who carry their pens with them everywhere in their pockets, do you have a carrying case for your 149 to prevent resin scratch or do you just carry it case-less in the shirt pocket? Are fountain pen fans big on preventing blemishes or is it more like scratches gives them character type of philosophy? And if you use cases what brand and type? Thanks in advance.

The origin of this pen is still a mystery to me. My mum found a MB box amongst her old clothes, and gave it to me. She doesn’t recall exactly where she got it, but assumed that it was some of the things left behind by my grandmother after she passed away. Nobody’s sure where it came from, but regardless it performs very well and I’m glad my mum decided to throw out some old clothes! Note: When there are 2 rating, the top is for my satisfaction, while the lower is for how much it could do, for that particular category. For example, I might be extremely satisfied with a stiff nib (5/5) but the lower rating would be (1/5) since it couldn’t flex at all. The ratings are not included in the final score. Initial Impressions Box and Instructions (7/10) The box is a plastic clamshell type, and opens and closes with a firm snap. The lining is quite light, with a flexible fabric covering a plastic piece to keep the pen in place. It does not feel very solid, and although it hasn’t broke yet, it does not feel very high quality. I am assuming the pen and packaging was near mint, since there was no sign of regular usage. I loved how thick the instruction booklet was. Unsurprisingly, quite a lot of the content was irrelevant, although fun to read. There were separate instructions for the piston filling pens, as well as the C/C pens that they also offered. Aesthetics (18/20) The pen is extremely authoritative due to its impressive girth. I would usually be quite disappointed by a shiny black and gold colour scheme, but considering that MB kind of created that stereotype, you can’t really fault the pen. It’s a classic design that looks timeless, especially with the knowledge that this is the real thing and not an “homage” or “inspired by-“ pen. The nib is 18K and two-toned, which dates this to the early 90s. As it’s a #9 nib, the size is definitely appropriate for the rest of the pen. Detailing on the nib is nothing too gaudy, and contains the signature “4810” surrounded by subtle patterns. Towards the end of the grip “section” there is an ink window. I appreciate how the black is broken up by lengthwise lines of transparent material that shows the ink level clearly, yet does not distract or subtract away from the main feature, which is the shiny plastic of the pen. All of the plating is top-notch, and the white star is an unmistakable touch. Initial Feel (10/10) The pen screamed of high quality the first time I lay my hands on it. The plastic was impeccably polished, and the whole thing fit perfectly into my hands. I knew that writing with this would never cause a cramp, or be of any discomfort. Holding and writing with the pen was a dream. The threads, which I thought would be annoying, couldn’t detract from the fact that the entire pen was so comfortable to grip and use. It’s size alone would have done that, but moreover the balance was just perfect unposted. Posted (when it actually posts) the balance was just as great, but made the pen comically oversized. Filling (9/10) This pen is a piston filler. The operation is smooth and the pen can hold a lot of ink which has proven useful for longer writing sessions. An ink window helps the user judge the level of ink inside the pen and is subtly concealed by its striped nature. Performance Smoothness (3/10) Satisfaction (6/10) Rating The pen is by no means scratchy, but more tooth was encountered that one would expect. I suspect this may have to do with the fact that it sat unused, in a drawer, for at least 10 years, but even after servicing it couldn’t really compare with a lot of other pens which had a much smoother nib. This was disappointing, since it seemed as if the general consensus was that MBs are one of the best pens available, irrespective of their price. I brought it in to get a diagnosis due to its initial flow issues, and assumed that the technician would do something about the nib. Alas, that didn’t happen, and I had to cautiously make a few figure-eights on a 1000-grit abrasive paper which was the finest grade I could find. The nib was much smoother after, but still with a lot of feedback. Flexibility (4/5) Satisfaction (3/5) Rating Whilst the nib wasn’t “soft”, per se, it can do a decent bit of line variation. The nib is stiff, but can spread a little to make a wider line. The flow keeps up (although it isn’t THAT demanding) and it performs well when adding a little flourish to my regular handwriting. Flow (8/10) Satisfaction (8/10) Rating The nib and feed on the 149 is wet and has a healthy flow. Initially, the pen skipped and could barely start due to the fact that the old feed had to be replaced, since it was apparently broken or blocked. After this, the pen works flawlessly and can keep up with fast writing for long periods of time. General reliability (19/20) Apart from the old age issues, this pen is amongst the best for daily use. Its capacity is huge, and the pen will empty this without issue. This was among the pens I chose to bring into exams with me, and it accounted for my sanity at the end of a 2-and-a-half hour history writing exam with essay style questions. When I got home, I realised that I had barely made a dent in the ink reservoir even after writing over 10 pages. Construction and Ergonomics Fit (9/10) The pen’s components fit together flawlessly. The nib and feed are perfectly aligned, as is the piston knob that closes definitely and opens when needed. The cap, when closed, has a little bit of wiggle room, although it hasn’t unscrewed on its own for me yet. Overall, a very well made pen, which of course is expected from something that costs this much, Clip (9/10) The clip works well. It supports the pen’s own weight, but isn’t over-stiff. From far away, the design seems classic, and frankly, boring. But up close, you can see the ridges on the side, as well as the subtle curvature of the clip. These small design features are what gives the clip substance and complements the pen, as opposed to detracting from the rest of the design. Posting (2/10) This pen does not post very well. The cap goes on, but falls off at the slightest provocation. Not to mention, I was scolded by a clerk (oops) when I brought it in to replace the old, broken feed, who said that their “precious resin” would be scratched. Miscellaneous (Extra thoughts) Value for money (5/10) Although this is a great pen since I got it for free, I would not be too impressed with it given the retail price. I can think of another hundred ways to spend the money, and still end up with more satisfaction than I have had with this one pen. For a second-hand price of about $400, this pen is a great addition to any collection and would be worth the price. Innovation (5/5) It’s hard to comment on a 90-year old design, but seeing as it’s still being made to this day, something was done right. The piston filler feels almost like an “innovation” amongst all these proprietary C/C designs nowadays. Image and Advertising (5/5) This is probably the most recognised pen around. I knew of it even before I got into fountain pens at all. Montblanc’s marketing department did a spectacular job, and it’s the most commented-upon pen when people do see me using it. Buying experience (4/5) Although I didn’t buy this, I went to the boutique in order to get it looked at. The staff was very professional and helpful, and didn’t try to sell me anything once I told them my purpose. They knew exactly what was wrong with the pen after filling and trying it, and I only needed to wait a short amount of time for the technician to replace the parts at a reasonable cost. Total (117/150)=78% The 149 is an iconic pen which, despite my cynicism about the brand, performed well above expectations. The story behind this pen is one that makes me feel very lucky, and I have no regrets trying it out. Naturally, I would have been more cynical if I paid the full retail price for it, but I never expected to be this impressed by a brand I thought had become a commercialised business (to be fair, it has, but at least it can still make a decent pen). I am fully satisfied with the pen’s performance and design, even if the nib isn’t as flawless as I’d have liked it to. Despite its issues, of which I’m nit-picking, the entire experience is extremely pleasant, not in the least due to how I came around to acquiring the pen in the first place.

My wife gifted to me a great book on the history of calligraphy, Claude Mediavilla’s Calligraphie – Du signe calligraphié à la peinture abstract. Really a splendid journey through the styles of characters and writing in history, fulfilled with magnificent examples, and a solid manual on how to produce an elegant lettering. It is, without doubts, the best book I ever saw on this matter, worthy any single penny it costs. I am now learning Carolingian, and I made some practice with two 149, fitted with BB and OB nibs (Toffe brown and Parker red inks respectively), a F nib 146 with MB black, a EF Hemingway with Racing Green, and a Dumas with a customised medium italic nib (Mike Masuyama's), filled with Irish Green. The most difficult aspect of Carolingian is, in my opinion, maintaining a very light, almost imperceptible inclination of the characters to the right. The italic nib really helps at producing crispy letters.

I've recently got a virtually new 149 medium nib off ebay, but the nib frequently skips. I can write with it fine, but as I say it skips and I get a lot of feedback, and if I wanted that I could have made do with a Jinhao 159. I wouldn't mind swapping the nob for a broad, but does anyone have any tips about how to make it write smoother as it is? Thanks

My mum's just found a 149 lying around in one of her drawers. It looks like it has never been inked, and is in overall mint condition. Except, I've noticed that the nib tipping on the underside seems almost nonexistent. Compared to other nibs, this seems very strange. Is this normal, or could it possibly be a damage to the nib? Compared to other nibs

So I am new to this forum and I am debating on whether to purchase a vintage 149 or a 149 75th 1924. I understand the vintage ones were better made compared to the modern ones so I guess does this hold true for the 75th one as well? Is it just a decked out 149 in a modern and not as durable body like the vintage ones produced way back when. Just looking for honest opinions. What would you buy? Thanks so much for shedding light on my question.

Hi, I'm looking for a 149 on eBay, ideally with a medium nib or higher. I've heard elsewhere that as they're handground montblanc nibs can vary in size. Here are some photos of one where I'm not sure of it's size. I'd really appreciate people's opinions:

I am planning to buy a Montblanc Meisterstuck 90 Years fountain pen. Should I buy 149, Classique, or LeGrand? Thanks in advance, William S. Park

Hi, I am looking got get a big FP with a very big springy nib for every day use from general writing to signature use. I prefer brand new, even though there are great deals to be had in the used pen market because I feel the used market is risky. Also, I like the idea I was the only person who used the pen. I've reconciled with the idea of carrying a $1000 pen outside of my house. Thus, I am considering getting either a regular 149 or the 90th anniversary 149. I know most of the positive reasons to get a 149. What are reasons NOT to get the MB 149? I'll start the list: * The 149 resin is not durable to be carried outside of the house and would easily shatter when dropped

Good afternoon everyone. Thought I would post some pics I took of my 149 (first few are underexposed for silhouetting purposes). She's almost a year old now =) http://maia.site90.net/temp/photos/montblanc/_DSC8702_1024.jpg http://maia.site90.net/temp/photos/montblanc/_DSC8703_1024.jpg http://maia.site90.net/temp/photos/montblanc/_DSC8734_1024.jpg http://maia.site90.net/temp/photos/montblanc/_DSC8741_1024.jpg http://maia.site90.net/temp/photos/montblanc/_DSC8747_1024.jpg http://maia.site90.net/temp/photos/montblanc/_DSC8771_1024.jpg http://maia.site90.net/temp/photos/montblanc/_DSC8778_1024.jpg Regards, maia

I have a Mont Blanc 159, from the early 90's and the nib is ever so slightly misaligned which is leading so some feed issues. It's unlikely that it will require a new nib or anything, can anybody suggest a ball park figure for the cost of a service? Any help on the matter would be greatly appreciated

Here's a glimpse of how hand crafted nibs of the same "tip" size can be so different from one another... Top to bottom: 149 BBB←, 146 BBB←, 144 BBB─ Close up 149 BBB, My least favorite 146 BBB, So far so good 144 BBB, The overkill It definitely wasn't easy finding three BBB in different models, but it was a fun trip. In essence, it's not the actually nib size that matters, but rather the size of the writing tip that does the talking-- or writing, whichever expression you prefer. Questions and comments are welcome! Bob

Received my Jinhao 159 today along with a Goulet 2-tone Medium Nib. Gave the pen a good flush with the feed and everything before attaching on the Goulet Nib. It's a tad lighter than I expected, and the feel of the body doesn't feel quite like my X750s do (they feel like paint on brass/steel), but didn't feel plastic either, I think it's a lacquer of some sort on the barrel.I know inside it appears to be brass or such, just the lacquer or whatever it is caught me off guard in terms of what I expected to feel. Feels good in the hand, but I wouldn't write with the cap posted, and the screw cap is a nice touch, since most of the larger Jinhao pens I've had sometimes have rather stiff snap caps. (though I'd rather it stiff than too loose). http://static.karlblessing.com/pens/jinhao159/marble_full.jpg http://static.karlblessing.com/pens/jinhao159/marble_close.jpg http://static.karlblessing.com/pens/jinhao159/amethyst.jpg I have it inked with Diamine Syrah at the moment. http://static.karlblessing.com/pens/jinhao159/write.jpg

Hi all So I currently write with a superbly adjusted Raden Vanishing Point with a fine nib from Richard Binder. I am always looking at other pens and often drool over many of them. I would like your thoughts on this..... For my second purchase and indeed second fountain pen, do I go for the MB149 which I so like, or the new 1912 Heritage edition? The 149 appeals to me because of its size and indeed 'reputation' and even its Heritage is already established. The new 1912 appeals to me because of the twist mechanism and it does not half look good! lol. However, its means unscrewing the cap AND twisting to get the nib out which may become really 'painful' over time. Secondly, I am thinking of getting a Medium nib too in either of those, this is something I am still 'discussing' with myself at the moment. Your comments please.... Thanks, Rich.

This is just a bit of a rant, and probably not the correct forum, but I was watching an auction for a 149 on the bay. The pictures were kind of vague and after no bids the same person made 5 bids, another person came in and raised in by $1 UDS the that same person made another bit for $200 USD more!?!?!? This is also after checking the hidden bids. Does this kind of thing happen a lot?

Hi all, a question from someone who's relatively new to Mont Blanc pens... I've been looking at getting a new a pen for a very special event next year and I'm considered getting my first 146 or 149. Obviously the boutique prices are rather heavy, over here in the U.K. at least. Yet on eBay certain sellers with good feedback are selling what they purport to be authentic pens with significant discounts. My question is - as Montblanc has such a tight noose on prices, could it be possible that truly authentic MBs are available on such sites? Apologies in advance if this question seems naive, and my thanks for any responses, Badger

Hi all, I am new to the network and Mb. Just like to seek your opinion on this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/MONTBLANC-149-18K-GOLD-4810-GERMANY-FOUNTAIN-PEN-/121188100268?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&nma=true&si=P408WesOAqhvVNaLx2xAbxHSFIE%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc . Is it a real one? What made me thinking was the nib is two tone (?) instead of the "gold-platinum-gold" color I saw in shops. Sorry if this sounds too elementary. Thanks & Best Regards,

Hello and I hope this won't be too difficult a problem! I have an old 149, most probably from the 60's or 70's with plastic threads and grooved ebonite (face + shank) feed, and 14c nib (more flexi). The piston isn't operational! The upper part of the piston twists out completely with the piston screw off the pen with its cap, the screw twists freely in the cap round and round (not out), is this normal or should it be lodged inside? this model differs in the way that the grooves for the wrench tool for the piston are not lower on the barrel next to the gold ring as they are these days, The lower part of the piston, the plastic threaded part in the ring, is stiff in the barrel and I don't know how to remove that to start reconnecting the piston, I also don't know if this piston part is threaded internally or friction fitted into the barrel. I can see the piston seal near the bottom of the window it sometimes catches on slightly when I unscrew the piston but is stiff and then jumps? so I retwist a little and it comes out without catching. Is it broken or just disconnected, and would some of you identify the model era? and help me out? thank you all here are some pictures https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/84886075/2013-10-03%2014.20.05.jpg https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/84886075/2013-10-03%2014.15.30.jpg https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/84886075/2013-10-03%2014.12.10.jpg https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/84886075/2013-10-03%2013.24.40.jpg https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/84886075/2013-10-03%2013.28.56.jpg https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/84886075/2013-10-03%2014.13.23.jpg https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/84886075/2013-10-03%2014.14.59.jpg