Eternal Obsession For Burgundy (Life Of Montblanc 144 And More)

[jhsd1124013561]

Abstract:

This article discusses the following issue:

1. The Montblanc Meisterstück Classique 14X series products in burgundy color since 1980's

2. The Montblanc Meisterstück 144 generations

3. The origin and successor of Montblanc Meisterstück 144

The Montblanc Meisterstück 14X Burgundy Family:

Allow me to start with 2 pictures shown below, from the left:

1. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 1 in burgundy

2. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 2 in burgundy

3. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 3 in burgundy

4. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 4 in black

5. Montblanc 145 Chopin in burgundy

6. Montblanc 146 old style in black (just as a comparison)

7. Montblanc 146 in burgundy (146R Bordeaux)

Figure 1. The Montblanc Meisterstück 14X Burgundy Family

Figure 2. The Montblanc Meisterstück 14X Burgundy Family

 

Now, I will discuss the Montblanc Classique 144 generation:

Montblanc 144 Classique generation 1 characters:

1. Monotone color 14k gold nib (figure 6) Please notice that the distance between the imprint and the shoulder of the nib is further compared to the 2nd (figure 14) and 3rd (figure 22) generation

2. Ebonite feed (figure 7)

3. Plastic section thresd equipped with old style Montblanc converter (figure 8)

4. Cap clip reads 'GERMANY' (figure 5)

5. Black section for both Black and Burgundy Montblanc Classique 144

Figure 3. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 1 in burgundy (Cap on)

Figure 4. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 1 in burgundy (Cap off)

Figure 5. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 1 in burgundy (Cap)

Figure 6. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 1 in burgundy (Nib Detail)

Figure 7. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 1 in burgundy (Feed Detail)

Figure 8. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 1 in burgundy (Section Thread&Converter)

Figure 9. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 1 in burgundy (Cap off)

Figure 10. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 1 in burgundy (Cap off)

Montblanc 144 Classique generation 2 characters:

1. Monotone color 14k gold nib (figure 14) Please notice that the distance between the imprint and the shoulder of the nib is shorter compared to the 1st generation (figure 6)

2. Old Style Plastic feed (figure 15) -> 2nd and 3rd generation use the same old style plastic feed

3. Plastic section thresd equipped with old style Montblanc converter (figure 16)

4. Cap clip reads 'GERMANY' (figure 13)

5. Black section for both Black and Burgundy Montblanc Classique 144

Figure 11. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 2 in burgundy (Cap on)

Figure 12. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 2 in burgundy (Cap off)

Figure 13. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 2 in burgundy (Cap)

Figure 14. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 2 in burgundy (Nib Detail)

Figure 15. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 2 in burgundy (Feed Detail)

Figure 16. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 2 in burgundy (Section Thread&Converter)

Figure 17. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 2 in burgundy (Cap off)

Figure 18. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 2 in burgundy (Cap off)

Montblanc 144 Classique generation 3 characters:

1. Monotone color 14k gold nib (figure 22) Please notice that the distance between the imprint and the shoulder of the nib is shorter compared to the 1st generation (figure 6)

2. Old Style Plastic feed (figure 23) -> 2nd and 3rd generation use the same old style plastic feed

3. Brass section thresd equipped with old style Montblanc converter (figure 24)

4. Cap clip reads 'W-GERMANY' (figure 21)

5. Black section for Black Montblanc Classique 144 and Bugundy section for Bugundy Montblanc Classique 144

Figure 19. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 3 in burgundy (Cap on)

Figure 20. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 3 in burgundy (Cap off)

Figure 21. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 3 in burgundy (Cap)

Figure 22. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 3 in burgundy (Nib Detail)

Figure 23. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 3 in burgundy (Feed Detail)

Figure 24. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 3 in burgundy (Section Thread&Converter)

Figure 25. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 3 in burgundy (Cap off)

Figure 26. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 3 in burgundy (Cap off)

Montblanc 144 Classique generation 4 characters (discontiuned around 2004):

1. Bicolor 14k gold nib (figure 31)

2. New Style Plastic feed (figure 32) -> Same with Montblanc 145

3. Brass section thresd equipped with new style Montblanc converter (figure 33)

4. Cap clip engraved with serial number (figure 30)

5. Black section for Black Montblanc Classique 144 and Bugundy section for Bugundy Montblanc Classique 144

Figure 27. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 4 in burgundy (Cap on)

Figure 28. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 4 in burgundy (Cap off)

Figure 29. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 4 in burgundy (Cap)

Figure 30. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 4 in burgundy (Cap)

Figure 31. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 4 in burgundy (Nib Detail)

Figure 32. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 4 in burgundy (Feed Detail)

Figure 33. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 4 in burgundy (Section Thread&Converter)

Figure 34. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 4 in burgundy (Cap off)

Figure 35. Montblanc 144 Classique generation 4 in burgundy (Cap off)

Montblanc 145 Chopin characters (started around 2004):

1. Bicolor 14k gold nib (figure 40), nib size is significantly smaller than Montblanc 144 Classique Series

2. New Style Plastic feed (figure 41) -> Same with Montblanc 144 4th generation

3. Brass section thresd equipped with new style Montblanc converter (figure 42)

4. Cap clip engraved with serial number and 'GERMANY' (figure 38&39)

5. Black section for Black Montblanc Classique 144 and Bugundy section for Bugundy Montblanc Classique 144

Figure 36. Montblanc 145 Chopin in burgundy (Cap on)

Figure 37. Montblanc 145 Chopin in burgundy (Cap off)

Figure 38. Montblanc 145 Chopin in burgundy (Cap)

Figure 39. Montblanc 145 Chopin in burgundy (Cap)

Figure 40. Montblanc 145 Chopin in burgundy (Nib Detail)

Figure 41. Montblanc 145 Chopin in burgundy (Feed Detail)

Figure 42. Montblanc 145 Chopin in burgundy (Section Thread&Converter)

Figure 43. Montblanc 145 Chopin in burgundy (Cap off)

Figure 44. Montblanc 145 Chopin in burgundy (Cap off)

Montblanc 146R Bordeaux characters:

The 146R Bordeaux model is bascially the modern Montblanc 146 in Burgundy color.

1. Bicolor 14k gold nib (figure 50)

2. Plastic feed (figure 51)

3. Cap clip engraved with serial number and 'GERMANY' (figure 47&48)

Figure 45. Montblanc 146R Bordeaux (Cap on)

Figure 46. Montblanc 146R Bordeaux (Cap)

Figure 47. Montblanc 146R Bordeaux (Cap)

Figure 48. Montblanc 146R Bordeaux (Cap)

Figure 49. Montblanc 146R Bordeaux (Cap)

Figure 50. Montblanc 146R Bordeaux (Nib Detail)

Figure 51. Montblanc 146R Bordeaux (Feed Detail)

Figure 52. Montblanc 146R Bordeaux (Nib Detail)

Figure 53. Montblanc 146R Bordeaux (Section Detail)

Figure 54. Montblanc 146R Bordeaux (Cap off)

 

Montblanc 144G From the 50's

Since the beginning the of Montblanc's 3 digits fountain pen system, XX4 stands for the standard size (nib size). For example, size wise, 149>146>144>142, here 144 is the standard size.

In 1948, 144 model was first introduced to the Meisterstück family, the predecessor is the 134 model.

The 144 model has the following character:

1. The pen is made from celluloid

2. Breath Hole on Cap (figure 59)

3. Blind Cap Imprint Indicates Pen Model and Nib Size (figure 60&61)

4. Bi-color 14C nib (figure62) The imprint distance from the should is closer to the Montblanc Classique 1st Generation's desgin

5. Ebonite feed (figure 63)

6. Telescopic piston filler

Figure 55. Montblanc 144G From 50's (Box)

Figure 56. Montblanc 144G From 50's (Box Open)

Figure 57. Montblanc 144G From 50's (Cap)

Figure 58. Montblanc 144G From 50's (Cap)

Figure 59. Montblanc 144G From 50's (Cap Breath Hole)

Figure 60. Montblanc 144G From 50's (Blind Cap 'EF')

Figure 61. Montblanc 144G From 50's (Blind Cap '144G')

Figure 62. Montblanc 144G From 50's (Nib Detail)

Figure 63. Montblanc 144G From 50's (Feed Detail)

Figure 64. Montblanc 144G From 50's (Section Detail)

Montblanc 234 1/2 From the 40's

In 1934, the company changed its name to Montblanc-Simplo GmbH, the famous Montblanc 3 digits was adopted.

For the first digit, 1 stands for Meisterstücks (Masterpiece), 2 stands for Middle Range and 3 stands for economy range.

For the second digit, 0 stands for safety filler, 2 stands for button filler and 3 stands for piston filler.

For the third digit, it stands for the nib size.

Here, 234 1/2 stands for Middle Range, piston filler and 4 1/2 nib size pen. Since it was during wartime, gold was not allow for pen production and alloy was used for nib material.

This 234 1/2 model has the following character:

1. The pen is made from celluloid

2. Breath Hole on Cap (figure 69)

3. Cap Imprint 'MONTBLANC' (figure 68)

4. Blind Cap Imprint Indicates Pen Model and Nib Size (figure 70&71)

5. Alloy nib (figure 74)

6. Ebonite feed (figure 75)

7. Telescopic piston filler (figure 72&73)

8. Blind Cap can be taken off (figure 77)

Figure 65. Montblaanc 234 1/2 (Box)

Figure 66. Montblaanc 234 1/2 (Box Open)

Figure 67. Montblaanc 234 1/2 (Cap)

Figure 68. Montblaanc 234 1/2 (Cap Engraving)

Figure 69. Montblaanc 234 1/2 (Cap Clip)

Figure 70. Montblaanc 234 1/2 (Blind Cap 'EF')

Figure 71. Montblaanc 234 1/2 (Blind Cap '234 1/2')

Figure 72. Montblaanc 234 1/2 (Telescopic Piston Filler 'D.R.R')

Figure 73. Montblaanc 234 1/2 (Telescopic Piston Filler '652405')

Figure 74. Montblaanc 234 1/2 (Nib Detail)

Figure 75. Montblaanc 234 1/2 (Feed Detail)

Figure 76. Montblaanc 234 1/2 (Section Detail)

Figure 77. Montblaanc 234 1/2 (Blind Cap Off)

Figure 78. Montblaanc 234 1/2 (Blind Cap)

Figure 79. Montblaanc 234 1/2 (Cap On)

Figure 80. Montblaanc 234 1/2 (Cap Off)

In the end, please enjoy the Montblanc Classique 144 Line with 145 Chopin:

 

Edited June 15, 2018 by jhsd1124013561

[SpecTP]

very nice review. I always did have a soft spot for the burgundy, though I am not a fan of the 144. I prefer the 146 or 149. I may have to look twice at the new JFK burgundy release

Edited June 15, 2018 by SpecTP

[zaddick]

What a great resource. Thank you for investing the time and care to post it here.

[Tom Kellie]

~ jhsd1124013561:

 

What an excellent article. The carefully prepared text and images are impressive.

Thank you so much for the time and careful research which yielded this tremendous comprehensive resource.

Last week a friend and I were discussing the Bordeaux 114 (Mozart) fountain pens, so this article's timing is ideal.

With Appreciation,

Tom K.

[jhsd1124013561]

very nice review. I always did have a soft spot for the burgundy, though I am not a fan of the 144. I prefer the 146 or 149. I may have to look twice at the new JFK burgundy release

 

Thank you so much SpecTP, the 146R BORDEAUX should be a good choice, compared to the JFK burgundy, the 146R kept the section ink window, which has been an important design element since the 1930's.

 

The 146R still come up sometimes, I got mine from a reputable dealer 2 years ago, the cost is relatively high, though.

 

What a great resource. Thank you for investing the time and care to post it here.

Thank you for the compliment, Zaddick!

 

~ jhsd1124013561:

 

What an excellent article. The carefully prepared text and images are impressive.

Thank you so much for the time and careful research which yielded this tremendous comprehensive resource.

Last week a friend and I were discussing the Bordeaux 114 (Mozart) fountain pens, so this article's timing is ideal.

With Appreciation,

Tom K.

Thanks so for compliment, Tom! My original idea is to find all the Bordeaux pens since 1980's, including the Montblanc Generation and the Bordeaux 114, unfortunately the size of the 114 is a little bit too compact for me also the price is a little bit pricy

 

In the end, I went for the 144 series.

[Tom Kellie]

Thanks so for compliment, Tom! My original idea is to find all the Bordeaux pens since 1980's, including the Montblanc Generation and the Bordeaux 114, unfortunately the size of the 114 is a little bit too compact for me also the price is a little bit pricy

In the end, I went for the 144 series.

 

 

~ jhsd1124013561:

 

Your preference sounds very reasonable. The superb images above illustrate the wisdom of your choice.

I'm drawn to smaller pens, especially for detail work, or for use in situations where fountain pens might not usually appear.

Your excellent report with images has re-inspired my interest in the Bordeaux 114. It may be time to think about it again.

I appreciate your gift to all readers of the FPN Montblanc Forum, gathering together information and images to assist them in better understanding these pens.

Tom K.

[RSVP]

Also to consider:

 

 

114 R Doué

 

144 R Vermeil Doué

 

147 R

 

146 R Vermeil Doué

 

147 R Vermeil Doué

Edited June 15, 2018 by RSVP

[torstar]

Thank you!!

 

A great read this morning at the rat-race office desk.

[jhsd1124013561]

 

 

~ jhsd1124013561:

 

Your preference sounds very reasonable. The superb images above illustrate the wisdom of your choice.

I'm drawn to smaller pens, especially for detail work, or for use in situations where fountain pens might not usually appear.

Your excellent report with images has re-inspired my interest in the Bordeaux 114. It may be time to think about it again.

I appreciate your gift to all readers of the FPN Montblanc Forum, gathering together information and images to assist them in better understanding these pens.

Tom K.

Thank you so much for your kind word and compliment, Tom! I really appreciate it. I learned a lot from FPN and I would like to make my contribution to the community

 

 

Also to consider:

 

 

114 R Doué

 

144 R Vermeil Doué

 

147 R

 

146 R Vermeil Doué

 

147 R Vermeil Doué

Excellent advice, unfortunately, the Vermeil ones are a little bit too pricy

 

Thank you!!

 

A great read this morning at the rat-race office desk.

Thank you for the compliment I am glad that this article make your morning a little bit easier

[meiers]

What a treat! What a visual feast!!! You made my day. Thank you.

Edited June 15, 2018 by meiers

[jchch1950]

Thank you for the article. The MB 147R will be a great addition to your outstanding collection.

[jhsd1124013561]

What a treat! What a visual feast!!! You made my day. Thank you.

Thank you so much for your kind word and the compliment, Meiers. I am so glad that this article can help

 

Thank you for the article. The MB 147R will be a great addition to your outstanding collection.

Thanks so much! The 147R indeed will be a great addition, my wallet now is just a little bit shy

[torstar]

 

Thank you for the compliment I am glad that this article make your morning a little bit easier

 

The MB forum and all things MB makes life a bit more worth living, no matter the naysayers...

[titevm]

Makes me miss my 146R, sent it to Me Masuyama for a nib grind it has been stuck at customs for 2 months...

Anyway, wonderful source of information! Thanks for sharing

[jhsd1124013561]

 

The MB forum and all things MB makes life a bit more worth living, no matter the naysayers...

Indeed, my friend, indeed I will also add Pelikan and Omas XD

 

Makes me miss my 146R, sent it to Me Masuyama for a nib grind it has been stuck at customs for 2 months...

Anyway, wonderful source of information! Thanks for sharing

Thanks so much for the compliment I will continue to do my contribution to our community.

[AndyLogan]

Thank you jhsd1124013561 for this contribution, I hope it gets pinned for easy reference, these are the things that most of us (those of us unfamiliar with certain models) should be looking at before making a used fp purchase.

[jhsd1124013561]

Thank you jhsd1124013561 for this contribution, I hope it gets pinned for easy reference, these are the things that most of us (those of us unfamiliar with certain models) should be looking at before making a used fp purchase.

 

Thank you so much for the kind word, pal! I hope this article will be helpful for the readers

[jmccarty3]

I found a NOS 146R a couple of years ago. It has been a magnificent pen in every way. Prices for these pens reflect their rarity, but in my case, the pen was well worth it.

[jhsd1124013561]

I found a NOS 146R a couple of years ago. It has been a magnificent pen in every way. Prices for these pens reflect their rarity, but in my case, the pen was well worth it,

 

It truly is! The only improvment that I could think of is a half brass half plastic piston so that the weight can be better, in that way, the pen is perfect!

[RonE]

These are nice pens. I love my black W German 144. I is my expensive pen and very glad I bought it. Enjoy this amazing hobby.