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Modern Montegrappa Regular Edition Pens


jar

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You are killing me, but I love it :) These are the pens that I think of when I say Montegrappa - not those ugly LE editions. These are beautiful, and I want every one if then. A girl can dream, right?

 

Beauty is in the eye ...

 

There are many Montegrappa Limited Edition pens that I find absolutely beautiful, but others may disagree.

 

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Thanks, Jar.

 

A couple of questions -- Is the greek key a common Italian motif (Omas has it, too)? Do they also have piston fillers?

 

 

Somewhat OT (I'll edit it out if needed) --

It's my own personal taste, of course (no flaming), but I much prefer the restraint of the 300 series (or the reminiscence) to the "beefiness" of their current offerings (e.g., the 1930 extra or the Miya).

A fool and his money are soon parted: Montegrappa 300, Waterman Expert II, Omas Ogiva Autunno, Omas 555/S, Omas 557/S, Omas Ogiva Scarlet, Waterman Patrician Agate, Montblanc 144 (lost :(), Omas Ogiva Arco Brown (flex), Omas 360 Arco Brown, Delta Sevivon (stub), Montblanc 146 (1950s), Omas 360 Grey (stub), Omas 360 Wild (stub), Swan M2

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Thanks, Jar.

 

A couple of questions -- Is the greek key a common Italian motif (Omas has it, too)? Do they also have piston fillers?

 

 

Somewhat OT (I'll edit it out if needed) --

It's my own personal taste, of course (no flaming), but I much prefer the restraint of the 300 series (or the reminiscence) to the "beefiness" of their current offerings (e.g., the 1930 extra or the Miya).

 

The Greek Key is a common motif pretty much worldwide, and of course, Rome and Greece share many common motifs.

 

If you like slim pens, then consider the modern NeroUno, Parola and in particular, the Memoria lines. Unfortunately I don't have any of those yet and so they will not get covered at least in this iteration.

Edited by jar

 

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It's my own personal taste, of course (no flaming), but I much prefer the restraint of the 300 series (or the reminiscence) to the "beefiness" of their current offerings (e.g., the 1930 extra or the Miya).

 

In contrast I prefere the larger Extra 1930 and some of the giant vintage pens made under the Elmo and/or Montegrappa brands. To each their own! :)

 

You'll probably like the Montegrappa Memoria Collection, it looks to be based on the 300/400 series.

Edited by raging.dragon
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As mentioned above, the round non-silver body family of pens includes the Classica, Miya and Extra.

 

The Miya and Extra seem to have very similar celluloid bodies (different colors) but since the section and nib are slightly smaller on the Miya the overal body length and the slope where the body and section meet are different.

 

But here are the boring details:

 

http://www.fototime.com/8E080DD8D38230F/standard.jpg

 

The Miya is also available as the Miya Argento which has an all Sterling silver cap that is considerably heavier weighing in around 37g.

 

The Extra was introduced in 1999 and was first offered in Midnight Blue and Parchment.

 

Unlike the celluloid or resin section of the Classica, the Extra featured an all Sterling silver section that was wider and sported a much larger nib.

 

http://www.fototime.com/88B02D05BE6161A/medium800.jpg

 

It also had an imprint on the body that was copied from the pens of the 30s.

 

http://www.fototime.com/3EE8B0DC9D5E174/medium800.jpg

 

http://www.fototime.com/DC27B027D183960/medium800.jpg

 

http://www.fototime.com/E428BFE975C6CFE/medium800.jpg

 

One other change was the introduction of the incised Greek key design on the cap band.

 

http://www.fototime.com/2C0793EBEE814A6/medium800.jpg

 

In 2005 the Extra 1930 was introduced and the biggest change (other than the colors of the celluloid) were that the imprint on the barrel was dropped and a new larger wood box with a bottle of ink added.

 

http://www.fototime.com/E6D11F8DB3AD6F8/medium800.jpg

 

The Extra and the Extra 1930 are the same size and weight and both seem to be a captive converter filling system.

 

http://www.fototime.com/1684E735994F8D2/medium800.jpg

 

 

 

 

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Thanks, Jar.

The photos you posted of the 300 series remind me of the Parola, although the Parola does not have the classic nib.

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Thanks, Jar.

The photos you posted of the 300 series remind me of the Parola, although the Parola does not have the classic nib.

 

Great. Since I don't have a Parola, how about you adding a post about that one.

 

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I am pleased to report having acquired myself a fountain and roller-ball Montegrappa Miya today. They are perfect for my grip, my writing style and the weight balances beautifully in the hand. I LOVE the design as it understated yet classic, (it the bluey grey marbled colour as depicted above. I have to wait for the fountain pen to come in but am happy roller-balling pro tem! The new acquisitions join the Visconti Divina Proportione which, as stated in my first post (introducing myself as a newbie), is taking some getting used to. I love its looks but it doesn't suit me as well as these two beautiful new additions.

 

Jar, your history lesson is fascinating and a wonderful read. Many thanks for the effort that has clearly been necessary to provide the information.

 

Long live Montegrappa!

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We're getting down to the end of what I can contribute on this subject, the last family of pens introduced, the thick cylindrical pens with a threaded end for posting. This family was represented by the recently discontinued pure cylindrical Espressione and Espressione Duetto (Sterling silver cap) and the new Espressione that adds an octagonal cap band and scalloped crown similar to what is seen on the newer pens based on the Nerouno look and feel.

 

I can only address the older Espressione I fear but the new one should have a similar personality.

 

As mentioned, the Espressione is a pure cylindrical flat top pen in the tradition of the 400 and 300 series, but considerably wider.

 

http://www.fototime.com/9814E223B3F3F99/medium800.jpg

It's a big pen, very much in the Montblanc 149 over sized range but with a slightly smaller nib ...

 

http://www.fototime.com/ECB9B62F64709FE/medium800.jpg

 

http://www.fototime.com/427401BF7C5C9B2/medium800.jpg

The older Espressiones have the 18K fully plated gold nib with the Greek Key design but the newer Espressione has a steel nib.

 

http://www.fototime.com/EA3F272A165F3DD/large.jpg

 

So here are the different families all together and a table that may help.

 

http://www.fototime.com/20644916864468E/large.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/887A4D06947BB08/large.jpg

 

I hope those more knowledgeable than I will carry on to describe those pens I have missed and to point out any errors or omissions in this thread.

 

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Excellent work on some great pens, jar!

 

:thumbup:

 

 

Had a few Monte's about a 1.5 years ago, but now none....your report makes me think about getting one again....

 

The one I enjoyed the most and regret selling was the turtle brown Extra 1930 with a super stub nib by the nibmeister Mike M.....wonderful pen to write with.....

 

Only data I wish you added in your chart is barrel diameter...always like to know how chunky a pen is.....and I like chunky!..... :)

 

Keep up the great work!

 

Mark

FP Addict & Pretty Nice Guy

 

 

 

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Excellent work on some great pens, jar!

 

:thumbup:

 

 

Had a few Monte's about a 1.5 years ago, but now none....your report makes me think about getting one again....

 

The one I enjoyed the most and regret selling was the turtle brown Extra 1930 with a super stub nib by the nibmeister Mike M.....wonderful pen to write with.....

 

Only data I wish you added in your chart is barrel diameter...always like to know how chunky a pen is.....and I like chunky!..... :)

 

Keep up the great work!

 

Mark

 

I thought about adding a column for body diameter and one for the section, but decided against that for two reasons.

 

First, except in the case of pure cylindrical pens like the Espressione it's just plain tough to get accurate measurements.

 

Second, there are just so many factors that go into ergonomics even when you exclude the user as a factor, things like slope, texture and curvature, materials, warmth, how slippery the surface is ...

 

Instead, I tried to include pictures (when I remembered to take ones) of the Montegrappa along side a more familiar pen; the 300 with Targa, Symphony with an MB 146, Espressione with an MB 149. My idea was that a picture would provide more information than just raw numbers.

 

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Once again thank you, Jar, for your time and effort you’ve put in this very informative thread. This is a very useful reference for anyone interested in learning a little bit more about Montegrappa pens (a.k.a. ‘me’ :)).

I have one question; am I right to assume that one cannot use a cartridge in an Extra 1930 that you mentioned as having a ‘captive converter’ system?

Regards,

Halid

 

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Once again thank you, Jar, for your time and effort you've put in this very informative thread. This is a very useful reference for anyone interested in learning a little bit more about Montegrappa pens (a.k.a. 'me' :)).

I have one question; am I right to assume that one cannot use a cartridge in an Extra 1930 that you mentioned as having a 'captive converter' system?

 

Correct. The Extra and Extra 1930 fill from the bottle. basically a piston filler.

 

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I was lucky enough recently to catch a small Eleganza that was for sale here and so I thought I'd add a few pictures that may help folk identify the large and small versions of the Eleganza/Privilege/Privilege Deco.

 

First the large and small Eleganza side by side:

 

http://www.fototime.com/E5E8BC774C3A69A/medium800.jpg

The Large Eleganza is the plain finish while the small one sports the Greek Key Guilloché.

 

http://www.fototime.com/0B9649ED102DE23/medium800.jpg

The nib is a small example of the Greek Key design, this time a Fine nib that runs towards the Extra-Fine end of the range.

 

http://www.fototime.com/2AA08AC52ED3F19/medium800.jpg

Remember that the Privilege and Eleganza used the Greek Key while the Privilege Deco only used an Art Deco Guilloché.

 

http://www.fototime.com/089F668C179B46B/medium800.jpg

 

http://www.fototime.com/842C8205A85AFF4/large.jpg

 

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I noticed that I forgot that I said I would also cover the Emblema, the most recent successor to the Symphony, so here is an introduction to that pen.

 

http://www.fototime.com/C81E215163DC155/large.jpg

 

As you can see, overall the Emblem is very close to the Symphony in size and weight, the biggest difference being the change to a simple small cap band and dropping the logo and replacing it with Montegrappa, Made in Italy and the guild stamp on a recessed band that is part of the section.

 

http://www.fototime.com/686DF37E7912FD9/medium800.jpg

 

The celluloid is the same deep material as in the Symphony and balance feels the same. The cap takes two full turns and the pen is an International standard cartridge/converter system.

 

The pen is available in Fine, Medium, Broad and Stub nibs with XF and OB available on special order. This one has a luscious moderately wet stub nib.

 

http://www.fototime.com/333B41522BF11F3/medium800.jpg

 

http://www.fototime.com/C5D12A1D93A41FA/medium800.jpg

 

Like the Symphony, the cap screws on the body to post.

 

http://www.fototime.com/E4E272811FEF9D9/medium800.jpg

 

Here you can see the shading on Clairefontaine paper:

 

http://www.fototime.com/D29D43A22EE3CBA/medium800.jpg

 

If you have been considering the Symphony but wanted new, the Emblema should be high on your "Check it out" list.

 

http://www.fototime.com/90FC9FB15F1C7A2/medium800.jpg

 

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Jar asked me to do a short review on the new Espressione. This will be my first one, so I hope I don't disappoint :)

Oh, and I apologize for the quality of the pictures. They were taken with my iPhone. I would like to add more pictures, but the limit makes it difficult. I'm not sure how others add so many :doh:

 

I purchased this pen from La Couronne du Comte (no affil.) when they had the 15% discount weekend for FPN members, so I got it for what I think is a very good price. The colours to choose from were: Amazon Green, Cobalt Blue, Testa di Moro and Smoked Black. I chose Amazon Green. After having it in my hands, I realized that the pictures do not do it justice. I also think that Montegrappa has just earned itself another fan :lol: The resin that they use is absolutely gorgeous!

 

 

 

The colour was Amazon green. I could not help but add this little fishy :lol:

 

Unlike the discontinued version, the new Espressione has rhodium-plated trims instead of sterling silver. The new Espressione's section is made of metal. Basing on the pictures of the discontinued model, the new one seems to have a longer section (around 2.5cm). The new Espressione's cap band is octagonal engraved with the Greek fret. Unlike the discontinued version, the new one has another band near the top of the cap, engraved with the brand name.

 

The discontinued version has the 18k fully plated gold nib, while the new one has a stainless steel nib. The nib's design is very similar to the discontinued version's, with the exception of the vent hole. The discontinued model has a heart-shaped vent hole, while the new one has a circular one. I'm not familiar with nib sizes, but it's roughly the same size as an Aurora Style's, and is smaller than a 146's. I purchased a medium nib, and it ran narrower than I expected.

 

Capped, the pen is 13.5cm long. Uncapped, it's 12cm. Like the discontinued version, the new Espressione has threads at the bottom. Posted, the pen is 17cm long. As for the girth, it's as thick as a 146. I don't have anything to weigh the pen with, but it's feels heavier than the 146.

 

 

(From left to right: Duke Bamboo, Montegrappa Espressione, Montblanc 146, Monteverde Prima, Danitrio Cum Laude, ST Dupont Olympio/Orpheo, Lamy Vista)

 

The only thing I do not like with this pen, is how the section can not seem to keep itself screwed tightly. I find myself tightening it every once in a while. I have another pen with a long, metal section that does the same thing, so maybe the material itself is at fault. If you have suggestions to help keep it tight, let me know!

Edited by lovementos
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Great review, thank you very much. The length figures match pretty closely what I found with the earlier Espressione but it looks like the new might be slightly slimmer. The original Espressione was pretty much 149 width although the nib was slightly smaller. about 146 size.

 

Here is one of my Espressione next to one of my 149.

 

http://www.fototime.com/ECB9B62F64709FE/medium800.jpg

 

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outstanding work you're doing here!keep going it's fascinating!

A people can be great withouth a great pen but a people who love great pens is surely a great people too...

Pens owned actually: MB 146 EF;Pelikan M200 SE Clear Demonstrator 2012 B;Parker 17 EF;Parker 51 EF;Waterman Expert II M,Waterman Hemisphere M;Waterman Carene F and Stub;Pilot Justus 95 F.

 

Nearly owned: MB 149 B(Circa 2002);Conway Stewart Belliver LE bracket Brown IB.

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outstanding work you're doing here!keep going it's fascinating!

 

Wish I could but it will have to be others who fill in the gaps like the Parola, Nerouno and Memoria.

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

Here are a couple pictures of the Eleganza, Privilege and Privilege Deco that may help show the differences.

 

http://www.fototime.com/36C0889AA90DF35/medium800.jpg

 

http://www.fototime.com/0B8E285C26D4846/medium800.jpg

 

From top to bottom: an Eleganza with the Emerald Green resin in the plain Sterling silver finish; a Privilege with the Sapphire Blue resin and the Greek Key finish and the Privilege Deco that only came with the Art Deco finish and had the Moon Stone Grey resin.

 

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