Is it real or is it Memorex?

[TheEers]

Hello everyone, a newbie here. The old-timers will understand the title. Anyway, I came across this fountain pen in a box of items at yard sale. I've done much research and now I need your feedback. The photos will be no good. I will try to describe as wells as possible. It says Germany on the clip ring. It says Meisterstuck - Montblanc on middle ring. No model number. It has 4810, 14K, Montblanc and aa logo on the nib. The bottom of the nib is solid.

 

 

 

 

one, a newbie here. The old-timers will

[PAKMAN]

Nice find! Congrats! Looks to me to be a Montblanc 144.

[omarcenaro]

Looks like an authentic 144 with nice 14k nib. It’s an early 1st generation 144 because of the feed and plastic section fitting. Also has authentic corrosion on the nib section gold ring but not bad. You can send into Montblanc for a new gold ring. I just did it and cost only service level 1 of $69 dollars, part was free.

 

The converter you got is the no longer made push in style. The new treaded converter can be used but won’t thread into the plastic section 144 but will push in. However, the 144’s with the metal fitting have threads for the new converter.

Make sure the tip of the converter is not cracked 

 

Enjoy your great find.

[CS388]

Yup, looks good - I'd say that's a genuine early nib and feed, which is enough to seal the deal for me.

 

Congratulations, it's not Memorex.

 

Enjoy.

[Rowbo]

36 minutes ago, CS388 said:

Congratulations, it's not Memorex

Copy that.

[FredRydr]

Dale Bebee has the gold section rings: https://pentooling.com/partsmontblanc.html

 

You can read his instructions to decide if you want to install it yourself and buy one.

[zaddick]

The slogan was "Is it live or is it Memorex?"

[TheEers]

Yeah, I realized that after I had posted. Memorex(y) is going downhill.

[zaddick]

6 hours ago, TheEers said:

Yeah, I realized that after I had posted. Memorex(y) is going downhill.

It's ok. They are in the dustbin of history and exist now in the backs of closets and landfills.

 

They still has some great commercials. For anyone interested, here is a useful article: https://www.npr.org/2019/09/03/749019831/the-voice-that-shattered-glass

 

Now, back to the topic...

 

 

[JCC123]

Ok, now the real question everyone is dying to ask, how much did you pay for it? And please don't say $3 because people here will be dying of envy. 🤢

[TheEers]

I'm a sucker for tool chests and paid $65 based on the overall photo. Had no idea what might be in it. Got it home and saw nine $1 Vegas tokens and the Cross set. I was excited. Then I saw the Montblanc and started the research. And with help from you folks on the forum (especially PAKMAN, who told me how to post) I found out it was real and a model 144. Omarcenaro has suggested I send it to Montblanc to get a nib section gold ring replaced. The big center ring is very worn and I would like to replace it. I'm sure Montblanc will look at pump(?) and make suggestions. Would anyone care to ballpark those costs? Is it OK toi ask value of the pen as it is and if it's worth it to get a tuneup? Do members use Montblanc or do they use independent repairpersons?

 

 

[CS388]

Nice chest. Is that a mirror on the inside of the lid?

Some great finds in there, too.

The value of the 144 varies, but it is certainly more than you paid for the chest - possibly double.

 

Lots of members DIY repair their pens. There are also specialists on the forum who do work on them (check out the Repair Q&A sub-forum). And, as you mentioned, you can send it back to Montblanc - prices used to be fixed for service repairs, but recent posts suggest that may be changing, so you'd need to get a quote.

 

If you're thinking of doing it up to sell it, you'd probably be better off selling it as it is?

The service costs will probably outweigh any extra profit.

 

Great find. Congratulations.

[TheEers]

Thanks to all who responded. I think I'm going to sell the pen. Now I just have to determine how much to ask.

One other question, how are you getting those great close-up photos?

Again, thanks everyone.