Favourite Vintage Montblanc?

[Redbarchettayyz]

After reading about how much more "soul" vintage Montblancs have compared to their modern counterparts, I set out to pick up at least one at a good price and see what all the fuss was about. I ended up with a 60s Montblanc 24, and WOW! all it needed was a tiny bit of pure silicone grease on the piston and a good cleaning and you'd swear this pen was brand new! And the gold "wing nib" writes like a dream - it puts my two smoothest nibs, a gold Sailor and a steel Pelikan to shame, and has just a bit more expressivity. Filled with Diamine Raw Sienna, which offers some nice shading in this pen, this is probably one of my favourite pens I've ever written with. Plus, although it is a bit different than "traditional" Montblancs, I think the flat ends and semi-hooded nib look very slick.

 

So, on that note, what are some of your favourite vintage Montblancs? I feel like this is a dangerous collection about to start

[Andrew H]

I'm actually looking into getting a 22 or a 24. I agree that the form factor of the wing-nib+semihooded section+slim profile is elegant. What size is your nib and have you tried flexing it?

[Redbarchettayyz]

I'm actually looking into getting a 22 or a 24. I agree that the form factor of the wing-nib+semihooded section+slim profile is elegant. What size is your nib and have you tried flexing it?

 

Unfortunately I cant find where the nib size marking is (if there is one), but It runs a tiny bit narrower than the steel "M" nib on my Pelikan m205. I would say then that it is probably an "M", as I've read that nib widths have gotten a little wider over the years. I just tried flexing since you mentioned it, and it does offer a bit of very handsome line variation, and the feed had absolutely no problem keeping up with it, but I have very little experience with flex.

[CS388]

My 1950s 144 would be my answer to the question.

 

It's a small pen, so I thought I wouldn't like it, or use it much. But it's one of the best nibs I've written with. It's soft with flex and a luscious flow, which keeps up with fast writing, yet behaves itself while slow or stopped. Add the telescopic filling system - and it's my clear choice. Fantastic pens.

 

Used to own a 1950s 254 with a big fat wing nib in BB. Also displayed similar characteristics, as above (a bit firmer but still butter smooth) and was a joy to use.

In my limited experience, I've thoroughly enjoyed the vintage Montblanc nibs.

 

Enjoy!

[jar]

I fear I have no vintage MBs, the oldest I have are from the 50s.

[Redbarchettayyz]

My 1950s 144 would be my answer to the question.

 

It's a small pen, so I thought I wouldn't like it, or use it much. But it's one of the best nibs I've written with. It's soft with flex and a luscious flow, which keeps up with fast writing, yet behaves itself while slow or stopped. Add the telescopic filling system - and it's my clear choice. Fantastic pens.

 

Used to own a 1950s 254 with a big fat wing nib in BB. Also displayed similar characteristics, as above (a bit firmer but still butter smooth) and was a joy to use.

In my limited experience, I've thoroughly enjoyed the vintage Montblanc nibs.

 

Enjoy!

 

Very cool! Thank you!

 

 

I fear I have no vintage MBs, the oldest I have are from the 50s.

 

Judging by your tag "A Vintage Pen has to be older than me." I'm not even going to hazard a guess :roflmho: :roflmho:

[CS388]

I fear I have no vintage MBs, the oldest I have are from the 50s.

 

Excellent!

 

I like your defiition of vintage, Jar. (And your avatar picture).

 

If I use the same criteria, mine are just about older than me.

 

But are in far better condition.

And are probably more loved and looked after.

 

Enjoy!

[karmakoda]

I fear I have no vintage MBs, the oldest I have are from the 50s.

Heh, heh, my son's friends talk about ancient records (LPs) they dug up from the 70s! Old guys like Jimi and Chicago. Time doth fly.

Interestingly, I was going to mention my '50s 144G, like CS388, a sweet nib, piston works perfectly, beautiful amber ink window and ivory snowcap. The rare 139G remains a Grail goal, and easily has my vote for favorite Vintage Montblanc.

144 with 234 1/2

http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz218/Valaccar/P1020158.jpg

 

Thank You to the owner of this gorgeous 139 LG

http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz218/Valaccar/MBMasterpiecec.jpg

[Redbarchettayyz]

Now those are some fantastic pens karmakoda .The 144G being mentioned twice is definitely piquing my interest.

[johnkim424]

Montblanc 139 long window, 139 short window and 136. Take your pick.

Edited July 17, 2012 by johnkim424

[Redbarchettayyz]

That long window is AMAZING! Those are works of art, johnkim424.

[sunnerd]

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2669/5844180814_44fedded82_z.jpg

20110618-101214 by 2careless, on Flickr

 

234 1/2 PL, #25 Coral red, #30 Black, 139 short ink window, 138, 136 long ink window, 134, 132, 246 green marbled, 244 green marbled.

 

Will need to do another family shot some time soon, there has been some additions in the past 6 months.

[Redbarchettayyz]

That is a great collection, sunnerd! that #25 Coral Red really stands out. I'd love to see the new additions to the family .

 

I'm apologizing in advance for my nonexistent photography skills, but here is a quick shot of my 24. I figured since everyone else has pics :embarrassed_smile:

 

I'll try to get a better one up tomorrow

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8027/7587695818_4e5d9065dd.jpg

[georges zaslavsky]

the 149 from the 60's-70's-early 80's and the 146 from 70's-80's, here are mine

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/georges2/P3040092.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/georges2/P3040093.jpg

Edited July 17, 2012 by georges zaslavsky

[hari317]

I fear I have no vintage MBs, the oldest I have are from the 50s.

 

Unfortunately, it is the same here.

[Andrew H]

That is a great collection, sunnerd! that #25 Coral Red really stands out. I'd love to see the new additions to the family .

 

I'm apologizing in advance for my nonexistent photography skills, but here is a quick shot of my 24. I figured since everyone else has pics :embarrassed_smile:

 

I'll try to get a better one up tomorrow

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8027/7587695818_4e5d9065dd.jpg

Can you post one of the feed from the side and a close up of the nib? Thanks!

[Redbarchettayyz]

the 149 from the 60's-70's-early 80's and the 146 from 70's-80's, here are mine

 

Thanks Georges, I've heard a lot about the vintage 149s, that is definitely something I'd like to add.

 

Can you post one of the feed from the side and a close up of the nib? Thanks!

 

I'll get some up later today by the time I get home, as I don't know if I'll be around my office computer very much today. I looked closer, and the nib actually seems to be an Oblique, so that's neat. I've never had one.This is also my first (semi)hooded pen, and the feed is definitely different than the style I'm used to, but it performs at 110%. I'll post the pics later today.

[CS388]

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2669/5844180814_44fedded82_z.jpg

20110618-101214 by 2careless, on Flickr

 

234 1/2 PL, #25 Coral red, #30 Black, 139 short ink window, 138, 136 long ink window, 134, 132, 246 green marbled, 244 green marbled.

 

Will need to do another family shot some time soon, there has been some additions in the past 6 months.

 

Wow. 132, 134,136, 138, 139. That's the full set! (and the rest)

 

What a collection! Hat's off to you.

 

Enjoy!

[specialk0449]

Montblanc 139 long window, 139 short window and 136. Take your pick.

 

The 139 is my favorite fountain pen. I am fortunate enough to own two. As Johnkim said the 136 is hard to beat also.

Edited July 17, 2012 by specialk0449

[specialk0449]

Montblanc 139 long window, 139 short window and 136. Take your pick.

Johnkim,

 

Beautiful pens. I am looking for a 138 and a 139 long window example.