Mb Boheme Or Heritage 1912

[Martini1R]

Most of the reviews are positive for the 1912 over the Boheme. I would suggest an alternative answer: neither.

I purchased a 1912 pen based on enthusiastic reviews and internet pictures. It was in the box at the authorized dealer so I bought it sight unseen. I was shocked when I opened the box to see such a tiny unimpressive pen. Fortunately, I was able to return it for a full refund. This reaction is the opposite of my usual reaction which is that the MB pen is more impressive in real life. This is clearly a ladies or childs pen. It could only be made into a small/medium size pen by posting the cap, but that is impossible because of a safety pin in the cap that prevents it. That fact alone is a non-starter. If a pen can't be capped it does not belong to me. Its small size explains the reduced ink capacity. Can someone explain to me what a retractible nib is for anyway? Apparently, if you clean the pen incorrectly (or at all) the mechanism will rust. It would be cool if a 149 nib came out of the barrel so that the observer of this unnecessary action would be suitably impressed (like the rarer large size Boheme). But, out comes this little flat tin-coloured thing that looks like it was stamped out of a Campbell's soup can. If I spend $1000 on a pen the revealing of the pen nib should send people running for cover! The barrel styling is "tuyau d'egout noir" which means it could be replicated by anyone with a hack saw and some sandpaper after a trip to Home Depot.

Each to their own, but this pen is very small and its design is plain. If a buyer is interested in purchasing one, I would advise going to a retailer to see one first.

 

 

I just went to a MB boutique, doing just the same thing, checked out the 1912's. I did that before reading your post and I could see why you seem disappointed buying this pen and not checked it out first. The boutique displayed the pen with the cap off. So my first look at this pen was like, "it's medium size pen. Not too small." The nib is a little smaller than the 146 but given it's a "travel size" pen, it is expected. I went on and played with the pen and then putted the cap on. Then it suddenly struck me that how compact this pen is when capped. I did not feel like I have to write posted with this pen. I write mostly unposted with my 146. Judging from the build quality I would say the 1912 is not considered as too overpriced but I would not buy it at full retail. Then the funny moment came when I also tried the limited edition. That pen is just huge. I like big pens. The 149 is not big for me. But this pen feels like I am writing with a giant marker, and a heavy one too. I could not help but laugh as I was holding it in my hand, pretending to write with it. And the price tag... it is just too much for a 'collectible'. I think $1500-1800 is about the highest I would consider for a fountain pen.

 

It is very extreme that MB makes the 1912 to be either huge, or very compact. Is there something in between that I missed? Just to be fair, I also own a few Kaweco Sport and a small version of the Sailor pro gear. So I do not find the 1912 to be small.

[meiers]

I did see a 1912 at a MB boutique and walked away with one. It's been my daily writer since.

Edited September 29, 2015 by meiers

[oregano]

I finally settled on the Heritage 1912. I purchased it on May 20th at MB Boutique in Chicago. It was sent to Germany since I wanted the XF nib.

 

It arrived today and I could not be happier. The pen is stunning with the MOP star. The nib is like none of my other pens. It is closer to what I expect for an XF and a pleasure to use. Having it retract is unique and adds to the design. I was a little surprised by the size. Smaller than I expected but that was before the nib was shown. It has been a real joy to use and I am thrilled with my decision.

 

But I do feel the Boheme may be in my future.

 

Thanks for all the comments and recommendations.

 

DBQMary, could you post a photo of how the Ef Heritage 1912 writes? I'm curious as to how different it is from a fine, which is the only one they had to try in the store. I've been disappointed before with 'fines' and EFs from different brands; I am trying to decide if there is enough of a difference between the two to choose one over the other.

[FOUR X FOUR]

I'd trade my Bohéme in a heart beat for a 1912

[Behike54]

Speaking of the 1912, did they address the inner centering ring so that is no longer scratches the barrel of the pen?

[SE1980]

Speaking of the 1912, did they address the inner centering ring so that is no longer scratches the barrel of the pen?

Some said yes but some others said no, so I'm not sure if the latest batches addressed it.

[meiers]

Speaking of the 1912, did they address the inner centering ring so that is no longer scratches the barrel of the pen?

I believe the heritage 1912 is out of production and the manufacturer has moved on to other projects.

[Pravda]

I believe the heritage 1912 is out of production and the manufacturer has moved on to other projects.

+1

[amcityink]

I own both... I love the boheme for its size, nib, cartridge and posting screw on... I just bought the boheme and so far love the nib... But because the cap doesn't post, makes it a desk pen.