Mont Blanc Serial Numbers.

[Pen Nut]

Do the serial numbers on Mont Blanc pens, fountain or otherwise, relate to the model & specification of the instrument ?

 

Had a couple of Rolex watches and the numbers on these watches relate to year of manufacture,model and spec and just wondered if M.B did the same.

 

Oh and if so where do you get the reference sheet from.

 

As I understand it the 149 model relates to : 1=meisterstuck 4= piston filling system 9= nib size

 

Just learning but this forum is a mine of information.

 

Do like being among likeminded lunatics !!!

[RSVP]

There is a distinction between the Montblanc serial number and the model number. The serial number is allocated randomly on Meisterstuck/Boheme/Starwalker/Limited pieces following from a date in the early 90s. It is apparently possible to find the production date by contacting Montblanc, although there are easier methods by looking at features of the pen such as the ink window and feed.

 

The numbering system dates back may years, and originally indicated finish, range and size. Product evolution has now made this system largely redundant and except for the "149" rarely are the numbers mentioned due to cultural connotations.

[Pen Nut]

Thanks for that and maybe I did not make the question clear enough.

 

Its the serial number that is normally found on the top of the cap clip that has puzzled me. . .

 

Recently I sent a 162 rollerbal pen in to The Pen Shop to have a name engraved on it an when I collected it I was informed that the serial number related to a fountain pen not the rollerball to which it was fitted.

 

M.B. must have a database I presume.

 

Regards,

 

Ian.

[Kalessin]

Considering that the serial number is engraved only on the clip, which is easily removed and swapped to other pens, and the cap is just as easily removed and swapped, the serial number seems to be more about consumer confidence than unique identification of a pen (of which the important part is really the nib on FP's).

 

MB may have a database, but it will only identify when a particular clip was manufactured. Most people here identify the model based on nib style, trim style, trim details (for example, is the word "Pix" cast into the back of the clip), ink window style on fountain pens, refill type, pen shape, etc.

 

They started with the serial numbers in 1991 or 1992, so there are many thousands of MB's out there that don't have them.

[greencobra]

Here is the text of a post I made in another topic regarding MB serial numbers. The beginning can be confusing because I was asking if there were a specific number of digits in a serial number. This led me to ask MB more questions regarding the serial # issue.

 

"I have more information on MB's I'll share just in case anyone is interested. I talked to a nationaly known pen shop as well as Montblanc again this morning regarding my serial numbers and other issues regarding my recent trade for a couple of older Le Grand's. Both were on the same page.

 

Serial #'s don't have a specified number of digits. Older models will most likly have fewer digits than current production. Some of the #'s started with GE or GER on the first pens to be produced with serial #'s in 1991. There is no database at Montblanc of serial #'s except for limited editions. Serial #'s are now being reissued or reused, so the same # might be found on 2 different pens made years apart. The logo "PIX" was introduced on the underside of the clip in 1997. And lastly, Montblanc does not confiscate counterfeit pens. They said that is not company policy. At the Boutique they will hand them back over and if you send it to the factory service center, they will send back your pens and a letter stating either way if your pen is genuine or fake.

 

The person I talked to in Bethlehem, PA was super. If she didn't know the answer, she went and got it. The "PIX" logo was in question here with mine. And hey, she even got out her own pen and counted digits! (7 in case anyone's interested )

 

So after all this, I'm pretty much convinced my pens are genuine after a brief scare. I intend to send them off to get the letter and put to rest the doubt.

 

Thanks to all who helped. I did get a MB education."