MB 12, 14 or 22

[Flere-Imsaho]

I do not have the Collectable Stars book, so I cannot check this in the book.

 

I'm wondering what the difference is between the MB 12, 14 and 22.

Especially in size?

 

My friend had a black slip cap MB, which looked like one of these pens.

It was MB144 size, piston filler, slip cap, blue looking glass.

 

I'm trying to figure out which number it was, and then hunt down a replacement.

 

Is the blue looking glass colour distinctive for the 22?

 

Thanks,

/:) Hans.

[Michael R.]

1... means Meisterstück; 2.. means regular series and 3.. means even more affordable model :-)

 

 

...2 is the smaller size while ...4 is the medium size (...6 is larger size ...8 is almost oversize and ...9 oversize). This works for almost all MB pens. sometimes the last digit was also not only the size of the pen but also the size of the nib (actual size of nib NOT nib width). On three digit numbered MBs the number in the middle indicates the type of the model (e.g. there is 129, 139 and 149 = all are Meistestück pens, all are oversize but they are different model = made at a different period of time).

 

The models you talk about are newer models from the 50's or 60's (???).

 

They only used two digit numbers back than...

 

They had the affordable models 31 (steal nib), 32 and 34 (all loked the same but 32 and 34 are differently sized), the regular models 22 and 24 (those models had semi hooded nibs which are identical to the nibs used on the earlier 252 and 254 pens!) and the Meisterstück pens 12 and 14 which look similar to the 22 and 24 but have a different cap band. Also the 3X and 2X have blue ink windows while the 1X have yellow ones. There are also gold plated and solid gold plated versions of the 1X series.

 

All of those pens make great writers with semi or even true flex nibs. Broads and Oblique nibs most often have a true stub character.

 

I'd prefare the X4 models of those mentioned pens; be careful with 34 pens the hood/gripping section are badly designed and almost all of them have a crack!

 

Getting started with those pens you should get a black 24 (there are grey, dark green and burgundy ones as well) - on ebay they turn up with an imprinted company logo on the cap which means you get them cheaper.

 

Anything from 25 (steal nib 32) - 250 (e.g. 1X Meisterstück with golden cap) Euros is possiblepossible on. ~ 40-50 Euros is a good investment for a 24.

 

Cheers

 

Michael

Edited January 13, 2007 by Michael R.

[Flere-Imsaho]

The models you talk about are newer models from the 50's or 60's (???).

First of all thanks. That is a lot of information I can use.

And yes, I am looking into the 50's and 60's.

From this description I suppose it is the 22 I'm looking for.

The smaller size, definitely a blue ink window, flat top and bottom

with white star, piston filler, semi hooded wing nib with the triangle

cover and the simple cap band (so not the mitre cap band).

This helps me in my quest. Thanks.

Hans.

[Michael R.]

Must be the 22 then... (or 24 ?) which perfectly fits your description. The 32 looks different and has a screw cap.

 

I can give you the exact measurements if you are interested (or compare to the modern 144).

 

Just be careful when choosing a 22 or 24 as it needs two rings; one silver ring above the ink view window and one golden ring below. If you put them together the wrong way the silver ring will get stuck forever in the barrel and may never be removed (if possible at all with with great risk of damagin the barrel).

 

 

Cheers

 

Michael

[Flere-Imsaho]

Yes, please give me the capped measurements. Length and barrel diameter just below the cap. That would help.

 

Good you mention the two rings. When you say below the ink view window, is that with the nib pointing upward?

 

Ciao,

Hans.

[MYU]

12, 22, 32, 72, 82 series

Capped length is 5 1/16"

Cap opening inner diameter is 7/16"

 

14, 24, 34, 74, 84 series

Capped length is 5 5/16"

Cap opening inner diameter is 1/2"

 

NOTE: these measurements are not 100% accurate, but close enough.

 

Regarding the rings, there is one wider decorative gold 'band' that goes on the lower ink window cover rim (adjoining the barrel) and the other is a thinner silver ring that sits between the nib section and the ink window that acts as a clutch ring for the cap.

 

If the decorative ring/band is missing, the pen is fine--it will just look incomplete to a MB expert/collector. If the clutch ring is missing, the cap will fit loosely (and probably fall off rather easily). I have one pen with the clutch ring missing (I obtained it being naive about this factor) and Montblanc has not at all responded to my inquiries about it. It's an important part of the pen, so don't buy one without it. Always make sure both rings are present. ALSO, there is the odd chance of someone replacing the clutching ring with the wrong size (meaning a 14 size ring instead of 12), which will make it difficult to fit the cap properly. It should be noticeable in photos.

 

Good luck with your purchase.

[MYU]

Strangely, I have seen 2 different types of 32 models: One with a screw cap and one with a push-on cap. I wonder if there was a transition on that model...

 

About the ink window color, I have seen them appear clear and with a bluish tint. I suppose that the blue tint is due to ink exposure over the years. Anyone agree or disagree?

 

The 12, 22, 72, 82 series all have ink windows with an ink window protector (outer faceted shell in amber color). The internal window is clear and the outer one has amber facets. If the slots between the ink window facets appear green or bluish, I imagine it's the inner window that has been stained by ink over the years. I took my 14 and 82 models, unscrewed the nibs to reveal the clear ink window section--they both appear blue but slightly different tints, which I'm guessing is due to different inks.

[Dillo]

Hi,

 

The 32 is a push cap while the 34 is a screw cap.

 

Dillon

[MYU]

The 32 is a push cap while the 34 is a screw cap.

Strange...

 

Oh, I see now. I guess there must've been some slight variations in the 32 then. I have the older "integrated nib" design 32 (not the wing nib triangular nib section cover), with a screw cap. Some time ago, I did see an older auction for a wing nib triangular nib section cover Meisterstuck with screw cap as well, perhaps a 34.

Edited January 14, 2007 by MYU

[Dillo]

Hi,

 

There's always something to learn!

 

I guess I was talking about the later variations.

 

Dillon

[Dan Carmell]

Not quite correct, Dillon--or at least not as definitive as you state it. I have a 32 and 34 and both are screw caps. I don't think the 3x series ever had slip caps, as the 2x and 1x series did, but I won't say this definitively, as I can't offer proof. And I try not to make any definitive statements for which I can't offer proof--always a good measure to follow!

 

Dan

[Dillo]

Hi,

 

Hmm, yes, there's always something to learn (For me).

 

Especially in the pen world.

 

Dillon

[MYU]

I have a 32 and 34 and both are screw caps. I don't think the 3x series ever had slip caps

Hi Dan,

 

I swear I actually saw a 32 on FleaBay with the triangular nib section and a push-on cap (not screw-on). Yes... here are two auctions: 190070060179, 230072527238

 

You can see the inner faceted outer smooth ink window cover, surrounded by the clutch ring and gold band. No screw threads.

 

All of the others that I could currently dig up had screw caps, even with the triangular nib section (that followed the earlier thinner, inlaid nib), like this: 170065169755.

 

~Gary

[Dan Carmell]

See? Never say never! For myself, I typically have handled a half dozen of most any model and seen a few dozen more--not a big enough sample to make firm statements, which is why I try to put some qualifiers in anything I say.

 

Now, the long-time collectors, who have handled hundreds of pens overs many years--those guys and gals can usually be trusted, but even they get surprised sometimes.

 

Thanks for pointing those auctions out to me, Gary. I did not know that the 32 came with a steel cap, and judging by the price paid for it (about 3x a normal 32 price, IMO), it must be uncommon.

 

Dan

[Nikolaos]

HI guys,

 

i think my question fits this topic! can someone please tell me what is the model of the pen in the picture? I won it on ebay and not even the seller know what it is

 

I paid 37 euros for it....i hope i didn't mess up

 

Any comments out there?

Thank you

[Flere-Imsaho]

Looks a lot like this one, but then with a gold filled/plated cap.

-Hans.

[Dan Carmell]

Nicolaus--

 

When you get it, please post a better photo, as it could be one of several models, AFAIK. Also, check to see whether it's a piston filler or a c/c pen. Looks nice, however, and the nib may be a real winner!

 

Whatever it is, I think you did quite well at 37 EU.

 

Dan

[MYU]

Yes, 37 Euro should be a good deal if the pen is in excellent condition. There were some interesting variations in that line of Montblanc pens. It might be a cousin to the 420 with gold filled cap (not sure if that's 220, 240, etc.). I've also seen a few variations without number identifications given. I have one that looks like a 420 with a lined steel cap, but no numbers--just "Montblanc" and "Germany". Nothing on the body (nib has 14/ct, 585 w/MB star circled).

 

I'm pretty sure it is not a Meisterstuck, as there is no triangular nib section cover. Is it a piston filler or cartridge filler? I've seen most of those with the very narrow ink window taking cartridges (or ink converter). Only once did I see a piston filler version.

 

Looks like you got a broad nib. My 420 has a beatifully flexible broad nib with just a hint of stubbing. I just wish the body wasn't so non-descript--that nib deserves better!

 

~Gary

Edited January 29, 2007 by MYU