Montblanc Meisterstuck Le Petit Prince & The Aviator

[auds]

The Classique Duoe looks nice, but will probably hold out till FPD to purchase the Solitaire, plus they might release something interesting like the Holiday Collection from last year. Well plenty of time to save up, and Adim is quite right, the resin version is just eh?, did they ran out of ideas for the resin version?, or did they read from some feedback that some users wanted something plain as they found they fox etching a bit extravagant?

 

 

I feel like MB could have done a blind engraving again but using the plane graphic that they used on the notebook (https://www.montblanc.com/en-shop/collection/refills/leather-refills/119544-notebook-146-le-petit-prince-aviator-lined.html). If they had done that I would have ordered the pen immediately, but alas...

Edited April 3, 2019 by auds

[adim]

Looks nice, but as with last year's editions, I can't get past the yellow star. Especially when spending four figures on a pen.

 

Unfortunately the term "gimmick" comes to mind when describing so many of MB's recent releases.

I have to say that on the contrary, that, for me at least, is a very good design detail. When the whole theme of the collection is the mix between childhood and adulthood, that poorly drawn, crooked star reminds me perfectly of a child's drawing. Thus, it brings the playful into the overall image of a plain (read "sober" or "dull", as you prefer) pen.

 

On the other hand, what I would call a gimmick is the fluffy notebook, as a symbol of the sheep (lamb) 😁

 

https://www.montblanc.com/en-shop/collection/refills/leather-refills/119545-notebook-146-le-petit-prince-shearling-lined.html

Edited April 3, 2019 by adim

[thygreyt]

I have to say that on the contrary, that, for me at least, is a very good design detail. When the whole theme of the collection is the mix between childhood and adulthood, that poorly drawn, crooked star reminds me perfectly of a child's drawing. Thus, it brings the playful into the overall image of a plain (read "sober" or "dull", as you prefer) pen.

 

On the other hand, what I would call a gimmick is the fluffy notebook, as a symbol of the sheep (lamb)

 

https://www.montblanc.com/en-shop/collection/refills/leather-refills/119545-notebook-146-le-petit-prince-shearling-lined.html

 

I agree!! The star is by far the most alluring detail on the Petit Prince pens (for me)

[geodesigner]

I have to say that on the contrary, that, for me at least, is a very good design detail. When the whole theme of the collection is the mix between childhood and adulthood, that poorly drawn, crooked star reminds me perfectly of a child's drawing. Thus, it brings the playful into the overall image of a plain (read "sober" or "dull", as you prefer) pen.

 

On the other hand, what I would call a gimmick is the fluffy notebook, as a symbol of the sheep (lamb)

 

https://www.montblanc.com/en-shop/collection/refills/leather-refills/119545-notebook-146-le-petit-prince-shearling-lined.html

 

 

 

I agree!! The star is by far the most alluring detail on the Petit Prince pens (for me)

 

My opinion as well. I love the star. But then again, I'm a huge fan of St.Éx, so I'm definitely biased.

 

 

I'm seriously bummed that the resin version doesn't have any engravings on the cap. I would love a brown Legrand, but I wished for more detail (and some consistency).

 

 

Now trying to decipher why would they do away with the fun and playful engravings on the cap, having the Little Prince text in mind, and judging from the phrase engraved on the finial: maybe the serious and sombre overall look of the pen represents adulthood and the loss of childish imagination, creativity and playfulness, which is converted into "serious adult" concerns and activities. The author says on chapter one that when he realizes he is talking to an adult who lost touch of their "childish" capabilities of abstraction,

 

"Then I would never talk to that person about boa constrictors, or primeval forests, or stars. I would bring myself down to his level. I would talk to him about bridge, and golf, and politics, and neckties. And the grown-up would be greatly pleased to have met such a sensible man."

 

 

Also in the next chapter:

 

"If you were to say to the grown-ups: 'I saw a beautiful house made of rosy brick, with geraniums in the windows and doves on the roof,' they would not be able to get any idea of that house at all. You would have to say to them: 'I saw a house that cost $20,000.' Then they would exclaim: 'Oh, what a pretty house that is!'"

 

This is of course pure speculation It's also likely that they just wanted to offer something easier and less expensive to manufacture!

 

I loved the Solitaire Doué and I'm in the process of 1) justifying the expense and 2) coming to terms with my dislike of metal bodied pens. Let's see which one I ultimately get...

 

 

All grown-ups were once children--although few of them remember it

Edited April 3, 2019 by geodesigner

[thygreyt]

The brown leGrand does have the text surrounding white star...

 

Oh, and now I see it listed on appelboom

 

https://appelboom.com/montblanc-meisterstuck-le-petit-prince-aviator-le-grand-pt-146-fountain-pen-119660/

Edited April 4, 2019 by Reed_thoughts

[Cyrille81]

Just bought mine yesterday. These are the photos I took of the fountain pen Solitaire Doué LeGrand.

 

And with a little writing sample with the medium nib and Encre du Desert because my reseller hasn't yet received the ink and the notebook:

Edited April 4, 2019 by Cyrille

[dubhe]

Thank you for these photos, it looks better the more I see it. I like the leather cap as I usually hold the cap as I write, this could be a good thing.

[geodesigner]

Thank you very much for the detailed pictures Cyrille! Definitely considering the Doué

[1nkulus]

The detailed pics are lovely, great effort.

[BillH]

Great pictures, thanks so much! Sure thing for me. The leather cap and the pattern on the barrel are a fantastic combination to my eye. My next addition for sure.

[dubhe]

Could anyone post a photo of this pen alongside other similar sized Special Editions?

[AndyLogan]

 

 

 

My opinion as well. I love the star. But then again, I'm a huge fan of St.Éx, so I'm definitely biased.

 

 

I'm seriously bummed that the resin version doesn't have any engravings on the cap. I would love a brown Legrand, but I wished for more detail (and some consistency).

 

 

Now trying to decipher why would they do away with the fun and playful engravings on the cap, having the Little Prince text in mind, and judging from the phrase engraved on the finial: maybe the serious and sombre overall look of the pen represents adulthood and the loss of childish imagination, creativity and playfulness, which is converted into "serious adult" concerns and activities. The author says on chapter one that when he realizes he is talking to an adult who lost touch of their "childish" capabilities of abstraction,

 

"Then I would never talk to that person about boa constrictors, or primeval forests, or stars. I would bring myself down to his level. I would talk to him about bridge, and golf, and politics, and neckties. And the grown-up would be greatly pleased to have met such a sensible man."

 

 

Also in the next chapter:

 

"If you were to say to the grown-ups: 'I saw a beautiful house made of rosy brick, with geraniums in the windows and doves on the roof,' they would not be able to get any idea of that house at all. You would have to say to them: 'I saw a house that cost $20,000.' Then they would exclaim: 'Oh, what a pretty house that is!'"

 

This is of course pure speculation It's also likely that they just wanted to offer something easier and less expensive to manufacture!

 

I loved the Solitaire Doué and I'm in the process of 1) justifying the expense and 2) coming to terms with my dislike of metal bodied pens. Let's see which one I ultimately get...

 

 

All grown-ups were once children--although few of them remember it

 

@Geodesigner, ahhh, yeah that does make a lot more sense. I dislike metal sections, but I love the Solitaire's Doue's design, if I ever decide purchase this pen I might not even ink it up, will just treat it was a work of art on its own (wth an OB or OBB nib).

[AndyLogan]

 

 

I feel like MB could have done a blind engraving again but using the plane graphic that they used on the notebook (https://www.montblanc.com/en-shop/collection/refills/leather-refills/119544-notebook-146-le-petit-prince-aviator-lined.html). If they had done that I would have ordered the pen immediately, but alas...

 

Auds, it would definitely be a sellout, alas the people at Montblanc have their own views on this series.

[penmaxwell919]

 

Just bought mine yesterday. These are the photos I took of the fountain pen Solitaire Doué LeGrand.

 

And with a little writing sample with the medium nib and Encre du Desert because my reseller hasn't yet received the ink and the notebook:

 

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to take such high quality photos. It is highly appreciated.

 

Btw, what's the weight of the pen?

[Cyrille81]

The weight is 64.6g with the cap and 46.2g without.

[penmaxwell919]

The weight is 64.6g with the cap and 46.2g without.

 

Thank you

[adim]

A little bump to this thread. Interestingly enough, I could only find real pictures of the Solitaire edition (the best set being here, thanks to Cyrille). But I couldn't find details on the resin version. For example, does anyone know whether the piston turning knob is metallic, like last year's edition? Are there any real life pictures of the resin version? Anywhere I look, I only find the official pictures by Montblanc.

[Michael R.]

Yes, it is :-)

[thygreyt]

Its the exact same as the blue version, but this time is brown.. and the nib is different too

[adim]

Yes, it is :-)

Thanks, I was almost sure it is.

 

Its the exact same as the blue version, but this time is brown.. and the nib is different too

...and sadly no engravings on the cap...