Montblanc 147 Traveller, Is It Worth Getting?

[Karmachanic]

.The only issue I have (and it's by design) is you can't use a cartridge converter with it as it won't fit in the brass holder that contains the cartridge being used, one spare and the nib assembly.

 

 

There's a hack for that : https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/308048-using-a-converter-with-montblanc-traveler-147/?hl=%2B147+%2Bconverter&do=findComment&comment=4251499

Edited February 23, 2020 by Karmachanic

[Uncial]

Consider the 100th anniversary pen which is also cartridge, although it will only carry one at a time. Lovely nib of different design and a simple mechanic thats a little out of the ordinary. They can still be found in boutiques but with searching and patience they can also be had elsewhere at a very reasonable price. Smaller than the traveller but a bit more interesting I think. One thing to note is that if you don't post do not buy it. It's designed to be posted.

[SpecTP]

Consider the 100th anniversary pen which is also cartridge, although it will only carry one at a time. Lovely nib of different design and a simple mechanic thats a little out of the ordinary. They can still be found in boutiques but with searching and patience they can also be had elsewhere at a very reasonable price. Smaller than the traveller but a bit more interesting I think. One thing to note is that if you don't post do not buy it. It's designed to be posted.

You actually have to post that Anniversary pen. It's too short otherwise.

[adair]

I was gifted one in the 1990's and for a long time resented the fact that it was cartridge only; however, I've outgrown my snobbery and have come to love it--it has a buttery-smooth fine nib and writes even more smoothly than my piston 146 (which is pretty smooth too). I'd say it is one of the top best pens I own, and I love the travel case. I really do use it for travel and leave the 146 at home. I use Montblanc Royal Blue cartridges, though Kaweco carts work too. I repeat: I love this pen! Too bad that it is discontinued.

 

At some point, Montblanc made the same travel case but for two pens (made in Italy, I think)--not seen often.

Edited March 24, 2021 by adair

[bunnspecial]

I had wanted one since hearing of it, and bought one last year off the classifieds here. Mine has a lovely BB nib.

 

The 146 is my favorite pen, and even though I'm not a big cartridge fan I do really like the 147 as a convenient cartridge alternative to the 146. The brass sled is an unusual arrangement, but makes the pen virtually indistinguishable from the 146 aside from the lack of an ink window.

 

I wonder if there have been two different versions of the pen, as I've seen reports of some only working reliably with MB cartridges. I've primarily used plain old Pelikan Royal Blue cartridges in mine, occasionally cleaned and refilled with a different ink of my choice. That, to me, is just as easy as working one of the slide type converters into it. I do keep a few MB cartridges around, but they're hard for me to swallow at $1 each.

[The Mustard]

I love my 147, it’s a really useful part of my pen collection and ideal when travelling (hoping to use it more in the next year!) when carrying an ink bottle is a pain. The carry case works really well and the cartridge system is smart (and adds a 7th spare cartridge) - not an every day pen for me but it’s versatility means that I actually probably use it more than any other individual pen because it has its own niche. Personally I have no problem with the size of the carry case, it’s bigger than a single pen case for sure, but hardly by much.. 

 

other than the lack of an ink window I’m not sure how I’d tell it apart from a 146 but I hate to admit that I haven’t spent much time trying. 

[mge01park]

I've had one in black one from the 90s with the case, original box, and all. It has had major flow, skipping, and start-up issues and has been serviced a few times through the years by MB where they claim to have replaced various parts (which I feel has a low level of credibility) and of course expensive. I have taken excellent care of the pen with cleaning after changing inks and have used new MB cartridges all to no avail. To use it, I'm actually dipping it in a bottle of Mystery Black today as I need to do some writing here. I have a few 146s which are flawless and if given the choice those are superior. 

[stric75]

When did Montblanc cease production of their 147s? 

[mge01park]

They’ve modified the finishes on them through the years. They’re sold out online on the MB site but they might still be available. 

 

 

 

 

[mge01park]

On 7/16/2022 at 12:53 PM, mge01park said:

I've had one in black one from the 90s with the case, original box, and all. It has had major flow, skipping, and start-up issues and has been serviced a few times through the years by MB where they claim to have replaced various parts (which I feel has a low level of credibility) and of course expensive. I have taken excellent care of the pen with cleaning after changing inks and have used new MB cartridges all to no avail. To use it, I'm actually dipping it in a bottle of Mystery Black today as I need to do some writing here. I have a few 146s which are flawless and if given the choice those are superior. 

I wanted to report an update here. Since it’s a cartridge filler I pulled the nib and feed fairly easily (there’s not much else to the pen) and cleaned it thoroughly and spaced some of the fins a little and started over again with a mystery black cartridge and I primed it a bit with bottled mystery black and it’s been going good for over one day now. Some of their cartridges have lousy flow it seems. I’m hoping it survives. 

[adair]

I hope this works for you, Mge01Park. My Traveler has proved an amazing pen, to the point that I use it over other MB's even when not traveling.

Good luck!

[mge01park]

Thanks and it’s working and performing day to day for me without having to do things. I’m going to experiment with other MB cartridge colors. 🙏👍✅😊