Looking For Advice On A Gift Idea. Please Help.

[sting_rae]

I already posted in the Montblanc forum, but I want to ask this question here as well because I figure this section probably gets more traffic.

 

I'm hoping to purchase a pre-owned Montblanc fountain pen for my mother as a Christmas gift. I've been doing some light research since yesterday, but this is a topic I know very little about. It should be noted that she also isn't a collector by any means, and I think also isn't particularly knowledgable about pens. But I noticed her admiring someone else's Montblanc a few weeks ago, and I think it would make a neat gift. Because of that, she's not likely to be nit-picky about smaller details, and an overall nice feel is what's most important.

I'd like to stay under $200 if possible. Based on preliminary research, it seems like a pre-owned 144 might be my best bet. I'm reluctant to buy one from eBay because I know I would have a difficult time spotting a fake (as would she, but obviously I want to get her the real thing anyway). I found a 1998 144 online for $189, which seems like my most promising lead at the moment. I'd love to hear any thoughts or suggestions on this. Thank you!

Note: I realize that many people might be likely to suggest other, more economical brands. I fully understand and am aware of the reasoning. I am looking for a Montblanc specifically though, as that's the brand I overheard her talking about/admiring.

[Abner C. Kemp]

Why don't you post the link or some pictures of the pen(s) you are considering so members can chime in as to condition and authenticity. Sounds like a great gift idea, I know I would be excited!!

[sting_rae]

Why don't you post the link or some pictures of the pen(s) you are considering so members can chime in as to condition and authenticity. Sounds like a great gift idea, I know I would be excited!!

 

Sure. Thank you! These are the ones that have caught my eye. I've mostly been looking at the 144 and 146, but I'm not sure if there are some others I should be searching for that are likely to be in my price range.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Montblanc-Fountain-Pen-144-Classique-Meisterstuck-black-gold-plated-trim-/391332774378?hash=item5b1d4041ea:g:uuIAAOSwwE5WXXZy

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MontBlanc-Fountain-Pen-Meisterstuck-146-Leather-Case-/231770194430?hash=item35f69481fe:g:KwMAAOSwcBhWXRqw

http://penboard.de/shop/details/110439