Fake Montblanc?

[JCG]

Hello,

I have recently purchased 2 Montblanc rollerball pens. I’ve been searching the internet for days trying to find help, tips, advice on how to spot a fake but most questions are regarding fountain pens not rollerball so I have no clue what to do. So this was my last resort, other than sending the pens off and paying for an official montblanc authentication. But as the pens weren’t exactly cheap I don’t really want to incur more expense. Only one of the 2 pens have actually arrived and I had my doubts immediately regarding its authenticity so I’m already fearing the one that’s out for delivery will also be doubtful. I’ve tried to follow advice I’ve read on various sites and my pen has got a serial number. But under the clip it says ‘made in Germany metal’ I don’t know if that right? And the actual box said ‘made in China’ on the bottom. The pen is a bonheur weekend blue and white so I can’t even do the light test that people have mentioned when the black resin has a red wine glow to it. Thanks for taking the time to read this. Any help would be amazing. 

[zaddick]

Do a google search on the serial number. no  hits on one hot on a previous sale ad is a good sign. You could try writing to MB customer service to run a search on the serial number. 

 

Thinks look about right to me, but I don't own this pen. Rollers and ballpoints are easier to fake. Does it compare favorably to on-line photos, especially from other owners? Often things like the size and shape of the MB logo are a bit off. 

 

I can't say for sure this pen is genuine or fake, but at least it is not one of the really bad fakes that never was a real pen so you are not starting off with that problem.

[JCG]

Thanks Zaddick.

I’ll try that and see what comes up.

I did email MB customer service yesterday actually I’m just waiting to hear back. 
thanks so much. 

[omarcenaro]

Can you upload pictures of the entire pen. Also show us the refill.
 

Does Montblanc have their gift box made in China? My 149 that I got 2 years ago does not have anything on the box bottom but the outer box sleeve says made in Germany. My other boxes I have handy say printed in Germany. My old clam shell box from 1991 says on the box bottom made in Holland. Show us some pictures of the box you got.

 

On the other hand, the fake MB box (with service guide) I have says made in China on the box bottom and the outer sleeve does not say printed in Germany.

More pictures and info would help.

 

[drgriz]

8 minutes ago, omarcenaro said:

Can you upload pictures of the entire pen. Also show us the refill.
 

Does Montblanc have their gift box made in China? My 149 that I got 2 years ago does not have anything on the box bottom but the outer box sleeve says made in Germany. My other boxes I have handy say printed in Germany. My old clam shell box from 1991 says on the box bottom made in Holland. Show us some pictures of the box you got.

 

On the other hand, the fake MB box (with service guide) I have says made in China on the box bottom and the outer sleeve does not say printed in Germany.

More pictures and info would help.

 

Off topic for the OP.  Montblanc has started using boxes and service guides made in China.  The attached photos are from the box and service guide for a pen sent that MBNA sent me.

[omarcenaro]

2 minutes ago, drgriz said:

Off topic for the OP.  Montblanc has started using boxes and service guides made in China.  The attached photos are from the box and service guide for a pen sent that MBNA sent me.

That is great information to know. Thank you for sharing this knowledge.

[omarcenaro]

I searched for fakes of this pen and found they do make them.

https://www.montblancpascher.com/produit/acheter-de-faux-montblanc-bonheur-week-end-rollerball/

 

https://www.replicamontblanc.cn/product/montblanc-bonheur-weekend-rollerball/

 

Hopefully you bought from a reputable or an authorized seller.

[JCG]

Hello,

Thank you for your input. Here are some pics. Also, the other pen I purchased came today and that to has the same box with made in China written on it and made in Germany metal on the under clip. So I’ve got a really heavy and sinking feeling in my heart. I know both pens were cheaper than some places, but for me they were still very expensive. I just wanted a nice 40th Birthday gift. I asked the sellers if they were 100% genius’s I’ve been let down by dishonest people before. They obviously assured me they were... but then, they would wouldn’t they. I feel so stupid and foolish. Anyway, I really appreciate everyone’s feedback. Here are some pictures of the Bonheur Weekend and the starwalker ceramics. Thanks. 

[JCG]

[JCG]

[omarcenaro]

They do look nice. 

 

Were these New or used? I ask because on your last image/movie I think I see scratches on the inside of the clip, that would not be MB quality.

 

Why are you suspicious? Was it the price you bought them for. These pens New from an authorized dealers go for $400 and up. If you go these NEW for much less then that then I would be suspicious as well. Especially if “used” and they came with brand new sleeves and boxes.

 

As they say “if it’s too good to be true.....”

That being said, if they are not real,  hopefully you did not pay too much for them. The good is that they look very nice and they use a real MB rollerball refill so they will write like a Montblanc.

[JCG]

Hey,

The bonheur was sold as used and the starwalker was bought as a brand new authentic pen. Supposedly! 
They were £230 GBP and £650 GBP. So I think that’s expensive if they are indeed fake. To send them off to montblanc for an authenticity check would cost £50 GBP each pen. So just deciding if it’s worth the extra cost to find out for sure. 
Really disappointed. 
Thank you for the comments and advice. I really appreciate it. 
 

[Wolverine1]

Just return both pens to the seller, and then go to an authorized Mont Blanc dealer, or a Mont Blanc boutique, and buy the pens you wanted. Or, look up some of our fellow members of this Forum, who are purveyors of authentic , used Mont Blanc pens.

[Uncial]

It can be very hard to tell with non fountain pen varieties as the fakes can be surprisingly good. I don't see anything that indicates a fake. Google the serial numbers to be sure. Was this an ebay purchase or from somewhere else? If you were comfortable about naming the seller I'm fairly sure folk here could say if they were trustworthy if they are known or someone has bought from them before.

[JCG]

Hi. 
They were indeed both eBay purchases. Have I made a huge mistake and been terribly naive? Should I request returns? 
I hope it’s ok to give the sellers... I’m so new to all this. I’ve never been on a forum like this before. I only wanted a nice (genuine) pen as a 40th Birthday gift at a price I could afford. I really appreciate everyone’s advice  comments. Thank you all. 
jshah2007 was one of the sellers and b-999897 was the other. 

Thanks again. 
 

[JCG]

9 hours ago, Wolverine1 said:

Just return both pens to the seller, and then go to an authorized Mont Blanc dealer, or a Mont Blanc boutique, and buy the pens you wanted. Or, look up some of our fellow members of this Forum, who are purveyors of authentic , used Mont Blanc pens.

Thank you. I feel really foolish... I’ve never joined a forum before, but I desperately needed some advise and I really appreciate it. 

[Kenlowe]

43 minutes ago, JCG said:

Thank you. I feel really foolish... I’ve never joined a forum before, but I desperately needed some advise and I really appreciate it. 

 

Hi JCG

 

You have no reason to feel foolish, it was an easy mistake to make.

 

About a year ago I looked at all the MBs for sale on ebay on a given day, more than 75% were fakes but descibed by the seller as Mont Blancs or Montblancs. they all had a story such as 'i have inherited this pen from my grandfather, I know nothing about this pen'.

 

Around a month ago I was browsing through ebay and there were a number of Montblancs for sale in colours that were not original. i challenged the seller, who denied all knowledge of fakery. I told ebay but they allowed the sale to go ahead. The pens were sold at around £200, they were Starwalkers.

 

Fake MBs are easily available all over the Far East, especially Singapore which has shopping malls with hundreds of fake Rolex watches, MB pens and watches and many other brands for less than 10% of the price of the genuine article.

 

Best wishes

 

 

[CS388]

1 hour ago, JCG said:

Thank you. I feel really foolish... I’ve never joined a forum before, but I desperately needed some advise and I really appreciate it. 

 

Don't  go feeling foolish, until you establish if they are actually fakes, or genuine.

If they are genuine, you could end up feeling very satisfied with yourself.

 

I can't really help in this debate, I'm only familiar with fountain pens and have never seen these models before, so it's difficult to comment on authenticity, or otherwise. From your pictures, they do seem to be well made and good quality - which is a good sign. But, not enough in itself.

 

Have you Googled the serial number to see if they come up with repeated hits? (fake serial numbers are often used multiple times.)

 

I don't know where you are, but the only guaranteed test is to take them to a Montblanc dealer and ask about them. If they have to send them away for authentication, there would be a charge - but many experienced dealers would be able to tell you straight away.

 

If the serial numbers are unique, that'd be a good sign, if not, then you have a good starting point for dialogue with the seller. Keep that communication channel open, until you have resolved this.

 

Good luck.

[Uncial]

As said above, there is no indication these are fakes so no need to fret. Googling the serial numbers reveals nothing, which is a good sign. If you still feel uneasy take them to a local MB boutique. They will be able to tell you straight away. 

You could also take them to a local, good pen store; perferably one that has a wide range of pens including MB's. Make sure you speak to someone who knows what they are talking about. Some of the more unusual models might throw off even an experienced shop owner. I had a store owner declare a POA as a fake because he'd never seen it before. It's 100% genuine.

[JCG]

3 hours ago, CS388 said:

 

Don't  go feeling foolish, until you establish if they are actually fakes, or genuine.

If they are genuine, you could end up feeling very satisfied with yourself.

 

I can't really help in this debate, I'm only familiar with fountain pens and have never seen these models before, so it's difficult to comment on authenticity, or otherwise. From your pictures, they do seem to be well made and good quality - which is a good sign. But, not enough in itself.

 

Have you Googled the serial number to see if they come up with repeated hits? (fake serial numbers are often used multiple times.)

 

I don't know where you are, but the only guaranteed test is to take them to a Montblanc dealer and ask about them. If they have to send them away for authentication, there would be a charge - but many experienced dealers would be able to tell you straight away.

 

If the serial numbers are unique, that'd be a good sign, if not, then you have a good starting point for dialogue with the seller. Keep that communication channel open, until you have resolved this.

 

Good luck.

Great advise. Much appreciated. Thank you.