JLS1 Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 Against common sense, my better nature (and pocketbook), I'm considering bidding on the MB Voltaire FP in this eBay auction. With that said, I know the maxim "If it looks too good to be true, it usually is" applies particularly well to eBay auctions. As I'm more familiar with vintage MBs, can anyone who knows the WEs tell me whether this pen looks authentic and/or how I might decide whether it's just a scam? Thanks in advance for any help/advice/commentary/constructive criticism/slaps-to-the-side-of-the-head! Link to post Share on other sites
Montecristo Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 Although I don't own this WE, it looks authentic. You can find many good pictures on this forum of the 'real thing' to compare. My concern is a seller in Albania (although with a reasonable positive feedback). Have you approached the seller with any questions (such as whether the pen will fill with water to check piston mechanism)? My main concern would be condition of the pen and piston mechanism. This type of fountain pen with a piston filler is not easily faked. If however it is a cartridge filler, then it is a 100% fake..... I would also want to see a picture of the serial number. It seems like a low price and I would personally take the gamble (and make sure that I pay with Paypal). Maybe ask the seller for a writing sample (dipping the pen)? Good luck! Link to post Share on other sites
watch_art Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 Looks real to me - I think the price is low b/c of scratched ends. Or maybe that's why there's not more bidding on it? http://www.penturners.org/forum/signaturepics/sigpic14481_1.gif http://mob984.photobucket.com/albums/ae327/VintagePen/vanness.jpg?t=1321916122 Link to post Share on other sites
jar Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 It's an auction with at least on bidder that placed a proxy. No idea what it will sell at. If you bid I'd suggest using a snipe service to avoid a bidding war. My Website Link to post Share on other sites
JLS1 Posted June 6, 2014 Author Share Posted June 6, 2014 Although I don't own this WE, it looks authentic. You can find many good pictures on this forum of the 'real thing' to compare. My concern is a seller in Albania (although with a reasonable positive feedback). Have you approached the seller with any questions (such as whether the pen will fill with water to check piston mechanism)? My main concern would be condition of the pen and piston mechanism. This type of fountain pen with a piston filler is not easily faked. If however it is a cartridge filler, then it is a 100% fake..... I would also want to see a picture of the serial number. It seems like a low price and I would personally take the gamble (and make sure that I pay with Paypal). Maybe ask the seller for a writing sample (dipping the pen)? Good luck! Thanks - I have to ask whether the seller would ship to Canada so I'll include this in my question. Looks real to me - I think the price is low b/c of scratched ends. Or maybe that's why there's not more bidding on it? Hmm...I can see tarnishing on the clip & the vermeil around the star but I didn't see scratched ends. Where did you see this? It's an auction with at least on bidder that placed a proxy. No idea what it will sell at. If you bid I'd suggest using a snipe service to avoid a bidding war. Thanks - I'm still on the fence about whether to jump in or not. BTW, how do you know about the proxy bidder? Link to post Share on other sites
rubyeyespenlover Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 Albania is not the best place to buy but...who knows...... 69 th D a n i t r i o F e l l o w s h i p p e r - Montblanc WE Lover - NAMIKI addicted http://www.pennamagazine.com Link to post Share on other sites
jar Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 Thanks - I'm still on the fence about whether to jump in or not. BTW, how do you know about the proxy bidder? If you look at bids and click on show automatic bids you and see the proxy bidders. My Website Link to post Share on other sites
watch_art Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 are these supposed to be there? I don't know this pen. Maybe they're supposed to be there? http://www.penturners.org/forum/signaturepics/sigpic14481_1.gif http://mob984.photobucket.com/albums/ae327/VintagePen/vanness.jpg?t=1321916122 Link to post Share on other sites
torstar Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 spider senses say... flee now quickly Link to post Share on other sites
KJY Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 are these supposed to be there? I don't know this pen. Maybe they're supposed to be there? Looks like the reflection of light and the photographer to me. It is identical. My preferred supplier (no affiliation just a very happy customer):Appelboom Link to post Share on other sites
watch_art Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 oh. http://www.penturners.org/forum/signaturepics/sigpic14481_1.gif http://mob984.photobucket.com/albums/ae327/VintagePen/vanness.jpg?t=1321916122 Link to post Share on other sites
JLS1 Posted June 6, 2014 Author Share Posted June 6, 2014 spider senses say... flee now quickly Yeah, that's what I wish I had done from Amazing Spider Man 2... Still the Sumgai temptation is very strong... If you look at bids and click on show automatic bids you and see the proxy bidders. Thanks! Looks like the reflection of light and the photographer to me. It is identical. That's what I thought too... Link to post Share on other sites
HermetiC Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 Albania and Ebay... mmmm... i would pass. And, If that store was reliable, it does not seem very smart to put it here ... someone who is now reading this will bid. Link to post Share on other sites
torstar Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 sometimes i like to play with this kind of thing go for it if you can afford to get less than you think you should cheering for you Link to post Share on other sites
JLS1 Posted June 6, 2014 Author Share Posted June 6, 2014 Albania and Ebay... mmmm... i would pass. And, If that store was reliable, it does not seem very smart to put it here ... someone who is now reading this will bid. Yeah, that occurred to me too but OTOH anybody who's looking for a Voltaire on eBay would find this auction anyway. sometimes i like to play with this kind of thing go for it if you can afford to get less than you think you should cheering for you Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites
zaddick Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 I was already watching this pen. It seems legit to me. I am also worried about Albania, but I took a chance on another pen from a different seller anyway. Pen is supposedly still shipping though so i cannot report success. If you buy with PayPal you can always dispute the charge if there are issues. And this person seems to have a return policy and took reasonably good pictures. I'd say to try for it. Right now it is at a great price. I have not bid on it yet as I have a few other auctions going that will end sooner. If I win one of those I would not consider bidding on this pen. If you bid good luck! If you want less blah, blah, blah and more pictures, follow me on Instagram! Link to post Share on other sites
Chrissy Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 I spotted this listing and had many concerns about the GP loss on the top of the clip. That will not come clean easily. I'm not sure about the marks that you mention, but it's worth asking the seller about them as they may not be on the pen. I agree that Albania might not be the best place on Earth to buy a pen from, but it's an authentic pen. One would need to question why does it have these condition issues. Also no box & papers??..... I would bid conservatively Link to post Share on other sites
kaisede Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 Against common sense, my better nature (and pocketbook), I'm considering bidding on the MB Voltaire FP in this eBay auction. With that said, I know the maxim "If it looks too good to be true, it usually is" applies particularly well to eBay auctions. As I'm more familiar with vintage MBs, can anyone who knows the WEs tell me whether this pen looks authentic and/or how I might decide whether it's just a scam? Thanks in advance for any help/advice/commentary/constructive criticism/slaps-to-the-side-of-the-head! Pen looks real, i have one myself and the little details checks out. The montblanc engraving on the cap is accurate. Link to post Share on other sites
torstar Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 AlbaniaAlbaniayou border on the.... Adriatic!! Link to post Share on other sites
zaddick Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 AlbaniaAlbaniayou border on the.... Adriatic!!you have to sing it "A - dri - atic" I wonder how many out here have Cheers to thank for their primary source of knowledge of Albania? If you want less blah, blah, blah and more pictures, follow me on Instagram! Link to post Share on other sites
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