Montblanc 144 genuinity

[Naqq]

Hi everyone, so I ended up purchasing the Montblanc 144 edition on ebay. The pen looks very genuine, writes smoothly (I get a similar feeling to Montblanc 220 when I write with it) and is surprisingly lightweight. I tried putting a magnet near the nib to find out if it reacts but it did not do anything (as golden nibs should). I also used a direct light and the body is slightly translucent (it glows red). But there’s no PIX sign under the clip. 

 

And I am still not very experienced to state whether the pen is a fake or not. I’m posting some of the pictures and would be very happy if you helped me. Please note that the pen is very small (only 13 cm) and it is very hard to focus on the details. Also, the pen does not have any serial number, only word „Germany“ engraved on the top ring (I read that MBs from ’80s did not have any serial numbers). 

 

Thank you! 

 

 

[Karmachanic]

What rating did the seller have on Ebay?

[txomsy]

Looks very nice.

[bsenn]

I have added "genuinity" to my vocabulary.  Thanks!

[Naqq]

1 hour ago, Karmachanic said:

What rating did the seller have on Ebay?

100%, but I don't think that the seller is very active on ebay. 

[meiers]

The imprints or the lettering is very crisp and clean on all my Montblancs. Here is my 144R

[Naqq]

3 minutes ago, meiers said:

The imprints or the lettering is very crisp and clean on all my Montblancs. Here is my 144R

Thank you for the pictures! 

 

The bottom lettering (Montblanc Mesiterstück) is clear and I would say precise on mine too. However, the "Germany" word on the top ring isn't that crisp. 

[meiers]

Verifying the authenticity of a MB is often difficult when we are just looking a pictures.

The Meisterstuck 144 has been extensively faked. The letters and numbers are clearly defined and very crisp on authentic MBs. The inscription on the clip ring looks a little worrisome to me. It could be that the metal is scratched or damaged.

Possible next steps:

Google the serial number.

Verify that the nib is made of gold.

 

 

[meiers]

Here the clip ring of my mechanical pencil:

[Naqq]

11 minutes ago, meiers said:

Verifying the authenticity of a MB is often difficult when we are just looking a pictures.

The Meisterstuck 144 has been extensively faked. The letters and numbers are clearly defined and very crisp on authentic MBs. The inscription on the clip ring looks a little worrisome to me. It could be that the metal is scratched or damaged.

Possible next steps:

Google the serial number.

Verify that the nib is made of gold.

Unfortunately, there's no serial number on the pen. I understood that MBs started having serial numbers from 90s. I believe that the nib is gold though. I used a magnet and the nib wasn't responsive at all. 

 

I’ve also watched a video on YT reviewing MB 144 pen and in 3:17, the Germany lettering seem to be similar to mine. But it worries me as well, as it is not that clear.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsB6QEDhzbY

 

 

[BlueJ]

Please show us the converter too.

[Naqq]

10 minutes ago, BlueJ said:

Please show us the converter too.

Here it is. 

[BlueJ]

This converter looks convincing, though I don't have one to compare. The reason I ask is that counterfeit converters are usually rather obvious, and forgers seldom bother fitting genuine converters to counterfeit pens; perhaps it would cut into the profit margin too much. I hope someone else can give an expert opinion about the "genuinity" of this one.

[Uncial]

Looks fine to me. Clip ring may be a replacement but I wouldn't worry about it.

[Jordan N]

I have 2 MB Classique in platinum, one from 2013 and the second one from 2020. Some minor details are different. If I didn't purchase them from authorized shops, I would think one of them is fake. Relax and enjoy your pen. 

[fireant]

On 1/26/2022 at 9:25 AM, Naqq said:

Unfortunately, there's no serial number on the pen. I understood that MBs started having serial numbers from 90s. 

 

 

I bought mine for the Base eXhange in Vogelweh Germany. I was stationed in Germany from 88-93 and there aren't any serial numbers on the clip band.  My feed looks different though.

 

 

[Naqq]

8 minutes ago, fireant said:

 

I bought mine for the Base eXhange in Vogelweh Germany. I was stationed in Germany from 88-93 and there aren't any serial numbers on the clip band.  My feed looks different though.

 

The guy in the video says the MB 144 has 3 different feeds. May I ask how does your "Germany" lettering look like?  

[fireant]

12 minutes ago, Naqq said:

The guy in the video says the MB 144 has 3 different feeds. May I ask how does your "Germany" lettering look like?  

 

ETA just watched the video. Per it mine is a a 1st gen clip and the part that screws into the barrel is 1st gen, as is the nib. But the feed is second gen so I am assuming it's a transistional one (if that is such a thing). Its weird because I'd always assumed it saying Germany meant I bought it after October 1990 but looks like it might have been old stock at the BX.

 

The picture isn't great-sorry.

[meiers]

This is interesting (copied and pasted from their website:

"How can I verify if my Montblanc product is authentic?

In order to have your product authenticated please bring it to one of our boutiques or authorized retailers. We offer an evaluation of originality for all our products. This service is exclusively carried out at our headquarters service centre.

Your writing instrument will be carefully inspected by our specialist. In case your product is a genuine Montblanc we will issue the ” Certificate of Authenticity” as proof of authenticity. The Authenticity evaluation is a chargeable service and requires up to five working days upon receipt in our headquarters service centre (excluding shipping"

I have never used their authentication service.

 

Not being an expert and only having photos to go on, I can't decide whether your pen is authentic or not.

[Paul-in-SF]

Details like whether there is a serial number, or "PIX" or (in piston fillers) the shape and color of the ink window, will change over time. With Montblanc pens it's better to focus on quality of craftsmanship, fit and finish. The engraving pattern of the letters in Meisterstuck on the cap band is a pretty good clue, and yours looks genuine. For what it's worth, I have a 146 from about 1980 that I am certain is genuine, and its "Germany" engraving on the clip band looks identical to yours. 

 

On 1/26/2022 at 7:25 AM, Karmachanic said:

What rating did the seller have on Ebay?

 

I don't find this rating system very persuasive either way. Many dishonest sellers seem to know how to game the system, honest sellers can make mistakes, and honest sellers can also be plagued by fake complaints that bring their percentage down.