149 : a 1980's or new one?

[Rique]

I´ve decided to take the plunge and get myself a 149, so I can check what all the fuss is about. In the part of the universe where I live, though, MBs don´t grow on trees. My options now have been reduced to just two pens: a 1980´s model (W.Germany vintage) and a new one. The 1980s is about 10% cheaper. Nibs are the same.

Is there anything particularly good about the 1980s? Which one should I get?

[penparadise]

I´ve decided to take the plunge and get myself a 149, so I can check what all the fuss is about. In the part of the universe where I live, though, MBs don´t grow on trees. My options now have been reduced to just two pens: a 1980´s model (W.Germany vintage) and a new one. The 1980s is about 10% cheaper. Nibs are the same.

Is there anything particularly good about the 1980s? Which one should I get?

Between theese two take the brand new one with warranty and nib exchange option. Vintage 149s are the celluloide ones from the 50th but in th 80th Montblanc used "cheap" platics for the 149s which I can't recommend.

[Rique]

Well, the 'new' one is not actually new. Made a few years ago, but second-hand as well. A new one around here costs well over 1,000 usd, which I think is too much.

Anyway, is the 1980s plastic different from the new one? Arern´t they the same sort of thing?

[vettebandit]

Well, the 'new' one is not actually new. Made a few years ago, but second-hand as well. A new one around here costs well over 1,000 usd, which I think is too much.

Anyway, is the 1980s plastic different from the new one? Arern´t they the same sort of thing?

 

I believe what is meant is that some of the internal components were made out of plastic in the 80s where as now they are made of brass I believe. At one point I knew which individual parts where different, but not anymore. I would go with the newer model myself.

 

Good luck!

[georges zaslavsky]

Well, the 'new' one is not actually new. Made a few years ago, but second-hand as well. A new one around here costs well over 1,000 usd, which I think is too much.

Anyway, is the 1980s plastic different from the new one? Arern´t they the same sort of thing?

 

I believe what is meant is that some of the internal components were made out of plastic in the 80s where as now they are made of brass I believe. At one point I knew which individual parts where different, but not anymore. I would go with the newer model myself.

 

Good luck!

before 1985-1986, 149s had the older resin and plastic threaded piston filling system. It changed in 1986 when brass threaded piston system was implemented in the new so called resin body of the 149. The new resin is more prone to cracks even if more shiny than the old one.

[hari317]

Read barry Gabay's article, it is pinned at the top of this forum. Personally I would prefer the 80's model for its Ebonite feeder. You ca find a used 149 on the fpn marketplace for 350-450USD.

[Barry Gabay]

1980s model will have a 14K nib, considered superior by many to 18K nibs. However, MB nibs are so good that there isn't so much difference in performance. The design, however, is better in an 80s model. You will have a 14K nib with narrower and longer tines (relative to the overall nib size) than in a current model. This will allow greater flexibility. Also, in a very early 1980s model, you will have 14C nib, last of the truly great and flexible 149 nibs. The feed on a 1980s 149 will be the split ebonite feed. Ebonite is considered by many to be the best conductor of ink available, superior to the plastic now used by many mfgrs, including MB since 1990. You will also find on a 1980s model, a plastic piston housing which accounts for lighter weight. I must add just one more personal observation. The current 149 models are quiet nice. I have owned two and like them very much. However, I prefer the lighter weight and 14K nibs, but this is merely a personal preference. Additionally, I like old stuff: my house, my shoes, my wife (just kidding), myself, and of course, fountain pens. Some folks love new products which are accompanied by warranties. This makes good sense and is a reliable way to shop for a 149. With either model, you will be very pleased. Good luck with your purchase. Please let us know which you choose.

[niksch]

Well, the 'new' one is not actually new. Made a few years ago, but second-hand as well. A new one around here costs well over 1,000 usd, which I think is too much.

Anyway, is the 1980s plastic different from the new one? Arern´t they the same sort of thing?

 

$1000 is too much to spend for any 149 produced after 1960. Look for good 149s here in FPN's marketplace.

 

Eric

[raulfragoso]

Well, the 'new' one is not actually new. Made a few years ago, but second-hand as well. A new one around here costs well over 1,000 usd, which I think is too much.

Anyway, is the 1980s plastic different from the new one? Arern´t they the same sort of thing?

 

$1000 is too much to spend for any 149 produced after 1960. Look for good 149s here in FPN's marketplace.

 

Eric

 

I think the OP is based in Brazil, just like me, and import taxes here really make imported goods very expensive. It's in the order of 60% over the goods' value AND over the shipping/insurance charges.

 

As an example, I recently bought a MB 149 ca. 1995 (brand new though, never inked and with that nice dark blue, big leather box with a bottle of ink), shipped from the US for about $470 (shipping included), and since I was charged by the customs to pay the import taxes, I ended up paying around $750 for the pen. However this is still much cheaper than buying from Montblanc boutiques here.

[Wael El-Dasher]

I say buy online from FPN or ebay and have the value noted on the customs form agreed prior to shipping.

 

cheers

 

Wael

[Rique]

Thanks everyone for the replies!

The 80s pen I mentioned has a brass filler, so it must be late 80s - which means 'precious resin', whatever that is.

I´ll let you know when I´ve taken the plunge...

 

I think the OP is based in Brazil, just like me, and import taxes here really make imported goods very expensive. It's in the order of 60% over the goods' value AND over the shipping/insurance charges.

As an example, I recently bought a MB 149 ca. 1995 (brand new though, never inked and with that nice dark blue, big leather box with a bottle of ink), shipped from the US for about $470 (shipping included), and since I was charged by the customs to pay the import taxes, I ended up paying around $750 for the pen. However this is still much cheaper than buying from Montblanc boutiques here.

 

Yes, he´s right, I´m based in Brazil. Last time I went to a MB boutique in Sao Paulo, the price for a MB149 was around 1,400 usd... Fountain pen prices here are insane - you should expect to pay at least twice the US list price; more likely three times the price. Buying from abroad is not much cheaper, because import duties start at 60% and go all the way up to 300%.

And you Americans complain about paying a measly 600 usd for a new pen...

[niksch]

And you Americans complain about paying a measly 600 usd for a new pen...

 

 

We Americans complain about a lot of things, actually.