Which Is This Sterling Silver Montblanc?

[jar]

This looks like a long haul dispute. The seller has escalated the case and now PayPal is asking me to provide documentation from someone qualified (individual or otherwise) who should provide in writing that this is a fake MontBlanc. Can I have some help on this please? How do I go about it?

 

Now if the guy was so convinced it was original, he would simply refund me my money and sell it to someone else. The very fact that he is desperate to hold on to my money says otherwise.

 

Sunnerd- I will name the seller after it is all over.

 

Where are you located?

 

Is there a Montblanc Boutique or Authorized Dealer nearby? Would a note from your mother work?

 

If you have the pen in hand try a few simple checks.

 

See if a magnet will stick to either the nib or the body/cap?

[shrieku]

Where are you located?

 

Is there a Montblanc Boutique or Authorized Dealer nearby?

 

In Birmingham, UK and yes there is a Boutique here. I am unsure if they will give a written confirmation that the pen is an imitation.

 

Would a note from your mother work?

 

Yep. It does not specify who it should not be. It could even be anyone from the FPN who are morre experts than some guys I have seen in pen shops ans boutiques.

 

Here is what PayPal says

 

In order to continue with the investigation of your complaint, we must request documentation to support your claim that the item is not authentic. Please obtain a document from an unbiased, third-party, such as a dealer, appraiser, or another individual or organization that is qualified in the area of the item in question (other than yourself), which clearly identifies the item as not authentic. If possible, the document should include a serial number and description of the item, and must be on letterhead that includes the name, address, and phone number of the individual, business, or organization so that PayPal may contact them if

necessary.

[Brookzy]

Where are you located?

 

Is there a Montblanc Boutique or Authorized Dealer nearby?

 

In Birmingham, UK and yes there is a Boutique here. I am unsure if they will give a written confirmation that the pen is an imitation.

 

 

Finally, someone who visits MB Birmingham! I seem to be the only one!

 

Can you remember who you were served by?

 

A woman called Shari is who normally is there when I am, yesterday I sent a pen off for a nib exchange through her, she should sort you out with written paperwork.

[hari317]

This pen is a Fake. Why it is a fake:

• 
   
  
• Wrong STOD hallmark on cap
  
• Wrong feeder, original feeder is different.
  
• Pathetic engraving pattern.
  
• Wrong nib, poor quality nib.
  

 

You can maybe request MB themselves to call this a fake.

[Bo Bo Olson]

I have a beautiful fake Dupont...that I'd thought was...and hoped against...wonderful 18 K magnetic nib.

 

Had they spent $3.00 more on the nib, it would be a great pen.

Great Workmanship...Jar told me the bad news.

 

It was a hope it's real...buy of the lifetime...but I only paid $35 for it....a display pen...sits on my inkwell sets so I don't have to 'waste' a real pen on 'sit around' work. :roflmho:

 

Box and everything looked real...no misspelled instruction book like yours.

[Maxpens]

Well, do a google search on the serial number EN1323328 As you mentioned it has appeared on another ebay sale from ebay phillipines on Oct 2010. So, highly likely there is another pen with this same serial number, only conclusion is that either or both of these pens is/are fake.

 

In general, these serials with multiple 2, 3, 8's are a warning sign because Chinese likes these numerals as good luck and the fake makers usually also make fakes with these serial numbers.

 

 

EN means march 2006, this is possible, but at the end it is a copy of a Solitaire MB pen.

 

kind regards

 

Max

[mlr8]

Sorry to break it to you, but I am pretty certain this is a (very good) fake.

 

On a quick look here's why:

 

1) 'In Struments'? :roflmho:

2) The Montblanc emblem is wrong on the pen, the points of the star are not rounded enough. You will notice this more when compared to the real logo.

3) The converter is push in, the official one screws in.

4) The Montblanc type on the box has bled during printing, a quick tell tale sign from me looking at eBay listings. The real boxes have much more defined letters.

5) The printed gold emblem on the box is not orientated correctly. This will almost always be the case on the pen cap and MB leather goods, but when printed, the logo is always orientated correctly.

 

Edit: found more:

 

6) The plastic backing of the nib is wrong, it does not cover up the gold tines enough as with a real Montblanc. This piece of material is also completely misaligned.

7) The engraving on the lower cap is too deeply engraved and in too large a font. The 'S' in Meisterstuck is also too 'square' and not the correct typeface.

 

I'm sure others will chime in with more info. And if I am proved incorrect, I apologise, but this is my honest view.

 

Brookzy

 

I have 3 similar real MB pen (FP,RB & BP), Broookzy’s findings are right, I would like to add one extra - ALL 3 PENS HAS “METAL2” ENGRAVED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CLIP RING.

 

On the clip ring, SERIAL NUMBER is engraved on the left side, followed by GERMANY. METAL2 is engraved on the right side. Here is the photo

 

[Brookzy]

Sorry to break it to you, but I am pretty certain this is a (very good) fake.

 

On a quick look here's why:

 

1) 'In Struments'? :roflmho:

2) The Montblanc emblem is wrong on the pen, the points of the star are not rounded enough. You will notice this more when compared to the real logo.

3) The converter is push in, the official one screws in.

4) The Montblanc type on the box has bled during printing, a quick tell tale sign from me looking at eBay listings. The real boxes have much more defined letters.

5) The printed gold emblem on the box is not orientated correctly. This will almost always be the case on the pen cap and MB leather goods, but when printed, the logo is always orientated correctly.

 

Edit: found more:

 

6) The plastic backing of the nib is wrong, it does not cover up the gold tines enough as with a real Montblanc. This piece of material is also completely misaligned.

7) The engraving on the lower cap is too deeply engraved and in too large a font. The 'S' in Meisterstuck is also too 'square' and not the correct typeface.

 

I'm sure others will chime in with more info. And if I am proved incorrect, I apologise, but this is my honest view.

 

Brookzy

 

I have 3 similar real MB pen (FP,RB & BP), Broookzy’s findings are right, I would like to add one extra - ALL 3 PENS HAS “METAL2” ENGRAVED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CLIP RING.

 

On the clip ring, SERIAL NUMBER is engraved on the left side, followed by GERMANY. METAL2 is engraved on the right side. Here is the photo

 

 

Very interesting. I wonder what the Metal 2 means, I wonder if there is a Metal 1? .

[Maxpens]

METAL 2 is the color of the gold plating, there is also a METAL 3 color available.

 

kind regards

 

Max

[shrieku]

Thank you all for chipping in to help. Hari and Maxpens- all very valid observations and reconfirmed by "expert" today which I will shortly write about in another post.

 

If you have the pen in hand try a few simple checks.See if a magnet will stick to either the nib or the body/cap?

 

I tried it and interestingly the pen did not stick to it. So I know it is not iron or steel. I wonder what it is then. So my luck is slightly better than Bo Bo Olson's :roflmho:

 

 

Can you remember who you were served by?A woman called Shari is who normally is there when I am, yesterday I sent a pen off for a nib exchange through her, she should sort you out with written paperwork.

 

Brookzy, the first time around I was served by Ricky- nice guy but not very knowledgable. Shari is the manager and expert there I think, I spoke to her over the phone before and today she had a look at my pen. I will say more in the next post

[shrieku]

I took my "Solitaire" lookalike to the Birmingham boutique today and Sahri pretty much said exactly what has been discussed here. Armed with knowledge from here, I actually managed to draw her attention to a few differences myself.

 

Shari is an extremely helpful and pleasant woman. But you should have seen the way she rolled her eyes up at the mention of eBay and fake. I cannot fault her on that- she sells Montblanc and the boutique is within the damn Selfridges.

 

These were the following that we confirmed was different from the original

 

# The pen I have is shorter and stockier. It also felt significantly heavier althogh she did not have a weighing machine.

 

# Box and cover are wrong as is the Service Manual

 

# Nib is a poor fake and also is "14k" whereas the original has 18k

 

# The feed was shaped differently- it looked more conical/ tapering to the nib end in the original

 

# The black section was much smoother and glossier in the original

 

# The cap fitted onto the pen much more snugly in the original. Mine is very loose

 

# The engraving typeface was different. She particularly picked up on the "u" in Meisterstuck.

 

# The hallmark is different. there is also what looked like a ® mark as part of the hallmark which is absent in the fake.

 

# The pix® on the fake looks humongous and crude compared to the original

 

# The clip ring does have the serial number, Germany and Metal2 in the original

 

# Shari also noted that the 3 rings on the cap were quite different.

 

# The snowcap was shaped significantly differently.

 

# The converter was a screw-in one and had gold trimmings, it was also much thicker. The print on it is also all very different.

 

This is all I can recall at present. While she intially said she cannot get involved in any dispute, after I requested "sweetly", she agreed to do so as she wanted to put an end to this seller's rotten deals. I readily agreedf to provide her with all details that I could get my hands on. For starters, I gave her a printout of the eBay listing. I also agreed to provide her the real name and if possible the address. She emailed customer service and promised me I wojuld get what I asked for in a day or two which I can then send off to PayPal. So waiting anxiously till then.

 

I took a few photos of the original for comparison which did not come out well due to the lighting. I will post them later.

[pavoni]

Hi Shrieku,

 

Thank you for your honesty, sharing your story as you have. Whilst, as has been said before, many of us have fallen victim at one time or other and to varying degree in our pen-dealings, at least you have been brave enough to allow us all to learn from your particular experience. Thank you.

 

Pavoni.

Edited May 31, 2011 by pavoni

[Brookzy]

I took my "Solitaire" lookalike to the Birmingham boutique today and Sahri pretty much said exactly what has been discussed here. Armed with knowledge from here, I actually managed to draw her attention to a few differences myself.

 

Shari is an extremely helpful and pleasant woman. But you should have seen the way she rolled her eyes up at the mention of eBay and fake. I cannot fault her on that- she sells Montblanc and the boutique is within the damn Selfridges.

 

These were the following that we confirmed was different from the original

 

# The pen I have is shorter and stockier. It also felt significantly heavier althogh she did not have a weighing machine.

 

# Box and cover are wrong as is the Service Manual

 

# Nib is a poor fake and also is "14k" whereas the original has 18k

 

# The feed was shaped differently- it looked more conical/ tapering to the nib end in the original

 

# The black section was much smoother and glossier in the original

 

# The cap fitted onto the pen much more snugly in the original. Mine is very loose

 

# The engraving typeface was different. She particularly picked up on the "u" in Meisterstuck.

 

# The hallmark is different. there is also what looked like a ® mark as part of the hallmark which is absent in the fake.

 

# The pix® on the fake looks humongous and crude compared to the original

 

# The clip ring does have the serial number, Germany and Metal2 in the original

 

# Shari also noted that the 3 rings on the cap were quite different.

 

# The snowcap was shaped significantly differently.

 

# The converter was a screw-in one and had gold trimmings, it was also much thicker. The print on it is also all very different.

 

This is all I can recall at present. While she intially said she cannot get involved in any dispute, after I requested "sweetly", she agreed to do so as she wanted to put an end to this seller's rotten deals. I readily agreedf to provide her with all details that I could get my hands on. For starters, I gave her a printout of the eBay listing. I also agreed to provide her the real name and if possible the address. She emailed customer service and promised me I wojuld get what I asked for in a day or two which I can then send off to PayPal. So waiting anxiously till then.

 

I took a few photos of the original for comparison which did not come out well due to the lighting. I will post them later.

 

That's great that you got to compare to the genuine article. Shari is very friendly and knowledgeable and happy to help. I always wonder if any of the MB staff are on these forums? I remember when I praised the service of another company (completely unrelated to pens) on a forum and the next time I visited I was thanked for the comments! :roflmho:

[shrieku]

Thanks Pavoni for your kind words

 

Posting some images of the original.

 

First off the 2 side by side- the one to your right is the imitation.

 

http://s1.postimage.org/t3ebncfof/20110531_021.jpg

 

The nib and feeder

 

http://s1.postimage.org/t37kjcf2y/20110531_001.jpg

 

http://s1.postimage.org/49yfej0jw/20110531_002.jpg

 

The snowcap

 

http://s1.postimage.org/4a19xuj7a/20110531_006.jpg

 

The Section

 

http://s1.postimage.org/m01zslmcm/20110531_013.jpg

 

The Hallmark

 

http://s1.postimage.org/wmv7g1c3x/20110531_011.jpg

 

The Engravings

 

http://s1.postimage.org/wmx4wlwtj/20110531_007.jpg

 

http://s1.postimage.org/m04pdb3jr/20110531_012.jpg

 

http://s1.postimage.org/igk0b0e5g/20110531_020.jpg

 

And finally The converter

 

http://s1.postimage.org/4a3aphsvc/20110531_014.jpg

[Joane]

Shrieku, I'm sorry for the trouble you've endured. Your experience is a real eye-opener. I've learned a lot from your post, and from the wonderful expertise offered here. Thank you for posting this. I'm glad you're persisting in getting this straightened out and wish you success in getting satisfaction in the end.

[shrieku]

@Joane- thanks. I only wish this would stop at least a few people from falling for these shady sellers and deals.

 

I got the required written proof of the pen being a fake. Everyone in the MB Boutique in Birrmingham have been extremely helpful and gone out of their way to help me. Shari and Ricky in particular have promptly responded to every call or email of mine and obliged my requests, even when it was their day off. I am very grateful to them

 

I have duly submitted the proof to paypal along with some(!) more documentation. Now it is waiting time before I hear their verdict.

Edited June 3, 2011 by shrieku

[hari317]

I am sure paypal will rule in your favour. Good Luck! The next time you can ask here before buying, we promise not to snipe up the good deal

[shrieku]

I am sure paypal will rule in your favour. Good Luck! The next time you can ask here before buying, we promise not to snipe up the good deal

 

Oh I am sure I can trust you guys here. But I think I won't be buying any more new Mbs on eBay- certainly not new ones. I am ok with vintage Mbs on eBay but not new ones. In any case there is the classified section here which is any day more reliable.

 

And yes, PayPal has now asked me to send them a signed declaration that I have discarded/destroyed the pen before they can refund me my money. Of course I am only too happy to comply with the request and put at least one of those out of circulation.

[jar]

I am sure paypal will rule in your favour. Good Luck! The next time you can ask here before buying, we promise not to snipe up the good deal

 

Oh I am sure I can trust you guys here. But I think I won't be buying any more new Mbs on eBay- certainly not new ones. I am ok with vintage Mbs on eBay but not new ones. In any case there is the classified section here which is any day more reliable.

 

And yes, PayPal has now asked me to send them a signed declaration that I have discarded/destroyed the pen before they can refund me my money. Of course I am only too happy to comply with the request and put at least one of those out of circulation.

 

Just a personal experience to show that stuff like this can happen to any of us.

 

In this post I describe my experience just recently with an eBay sale, an ST Dupont lighter not a Montblanc pen, but similar items.

 

But in my case, as soon as I emailed the seller they immediately responded that they would certainly refund my money and then pulled all the listings (about seven) that involved lighter sales from the alleged estate sale.

[hari317]

Oh I am sure I can trust you guys here. But I think I won't be buying any more new Mbs on eBay- certainly not new ones. I am ok with vintage Mbs on eBay but not new ones. In any case there is the classified section here which is any day more reliable.

 

And yes, PayPal has now asked me to send them a signed declaration that I have discarded/destroyed the pen before they can refund me my money. Of course I am only too happy to comply with the request and put at least one of those out of circulation.

 

I suggest research before buying any pen online or across the counter. Most of the pens sold on FPN are well described, but I see the odd misdescribed MB here too esp. with respect to vintage and period correct parts.