Mont Blanc Meisterstuck Classic Ballpoint Pen 164

September 12, 2011

Hello group -

Had several questions regarding a Meisterstuck rollerball 164 I found about 10 years ago. I had it authenticated yesterday by a Montblanc boutique representative and he brought up a few points about the age and history of the pen. It has been literally sitting in a box of pens since the time I had found it, and didn't really think to pull it out and start using it. Upon relocating it, I started admiring the simple elegance the pen has, which prompted all of this research.

The representative mentioned that this pen would be the Mont Blanc Meisterstuck 164, or also known as the Mont Blanc Classique Rollerball. When trying to determine if it was a replica I was a bit confused as to why the pen would have a serial number on the clip, with W-Germany along side of the serial number. The Federal Republic of Germany was an existence only to 1990, when East Germany dissolved itself at that time - as I understand all of this. Please correct me if I am wrong. Now, if Mont Blanc only started using serial numbers in 1991, my big question to the representative is why would the pen indicate W-Germany on the clip, alongside of a serial number. At that time reunification had already taken place. It seems as if the pen was having a chronological identity crisis to me, or it was a fake.

The gentleman at the Mont Blanc boutique went on to say that the 164, after taking a loupe to it - as it turns out is an authentic Mont Blanc made right during that special moment of transition for the republic, and could be considered a unique piece in its own right. I asked him if I should consider replacing the clip since it shows very slight signs of wear. He mentioned that the pen would in fact be sent to Germany and they would keep the old clip indicating W-Germany and replace it with a new clip that just says "Germany" with a new serial. In parting he mentioned that there are collectors that he has been contacted by that are always looking for these unique pieces and in this case, a transitionary piece with a bit of history attached to it since it was literally at the gates of the factory being released during the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe.

So here are my questions:

I know that many of you might be experts in this area, as I am a complete noob - but can anyone concur with the representatives opinion on the pen?

He told me that the wear is minimal and that it would be personal preference to update the clip, in other words, if it bothers me enough I could change it. To me it seems as if I would be erasing that bit of interesting history the pen has.

Should I consider the pen to be an exceptional find, or is it a rather common one? I have not taken any photos of the pen but would be glad to post if anyone would like to see it, but it looks to be like a standard Meisterstuck Classique 164, with the exception of the clip information. As it appears to me, I have had some diffculty finding information about this particular pen with both a serial and W-Germany engraved in the clip. Again, some of you - or all of you may have a pen similar to mine - so any information is very much appreciated.

Thank you -

Edited September 12, 2011 by painfullybrilliant

September 13, 2011

It is not a roller ball. It is a ballpoint to me. Strange shape of the numbers, maybe the clip ring it is from another fake pen.

September 13, 2011

It is definitely a ballpoint (I have two just like it). Both of mine have the newer-style engraving on the clips (smaller text Germany and serial number). If the botique person said it's authentic, then I bet it is. I imagine they are trained to spot fakes. In that case, it looks like you lucked into a nice piece of history. Definitely keep the clip! If you really like the pen and are worried about damage or cosmetics, you could always save this one and get another one. More modern ones at decent prices can be found pretty readily, including a couple I saw on the marketplace.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

September 13, 2011

It is definitely a ballpoint (I have two just like it). Both of mine have the newer-style engraving on the clips (smaller text Germany and serial number). If the botique person said it's authentic, then I bet it is. I imagine they are trained to spot fakes. In that case, it looks like you lucked into a nice piece of history. Definitely keep the clip! If you really like the pen and are worried about damage or cosmetics, you could always save this one and get another one. More modern ones at decent prices can be found pretty readily, including a couple I saw on the marketplace.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

Thanks Russ,

Yes the pen and all parts are definitely authentic - according to the Scottsdale MB Boutique Rep. He took it apart in front of me and took a bit of time with examining it. And you're right with it being a ballpoint. Not sure why I posted roller ball. A bit new to the pen world here. I will definitely hang on to it and consider another one to keep this one safe. Thanks for the msg.