Help identifying and dating Meisterstuck

[fdabao]

I have been using this Meisterstuck for two decades. Inherited from my dad; I have no way of asking or finding about its origins and purchase. I just started to get curious about it, along with fountain pens in general... Some basic research tells me that it's likely a 90s 146 but I do want to confirm if that's correct...

Identifying markings/features: there is a serial number (not shown) on the clip ring; "MONTBLANC MEISTERSTUCK" on the cap ring; nib is dual metal, with 4810 and 14k/585 gold indicator. The grooves of the feed run parallel to the pen. On the barrel it says "MONTBLANC" and in much smaller type, "GERMANY".

(Apologies for the poor quality of photos, they are limited by my mobile phone.)

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Franco

 

[EDIT: it's not clear, but this is a piston filler with window]

Edited July 22, 2022 by fdabao
added info

[lionelc]

mb 144

[fdabao]

Thanks! What features identify it as a 144?

[Rowbo]

Hi fdabo (Franco), welcome to FPN.

 

The filling mechanism is known as a 'cartridge converter' or CC, for short. It replaces cartridges and can be refilled from bottled ink, unlike cartridges (unless you have a syringe) - but you know that. It either screws or pushes into the nib section dependent on the age and model. Yes, it functions as a piston, but it would not be known as a piston filler. The 146 and 149 have the 'true' piston mechanism where the entire barrel holds the ink and the piston is operated by turning the end of the barrel. Also, the 'ink window' is a transparent part of the barrel of these pens - the term does not apply to the CC. So, your pen is neither a LeGrand 146 nor a 149.

 

In the modern Meisterstück fountain pen range this leaves the Mozart (114), the original Classique (144), the Chopin (145) which took over the Classique name after the original was discontinued, and the Traveller (147).

 

The features that instantly make your pen recognisable as a 144 is the bottom ring on the cap being right on the rim (unlike all but the 114) and the gold ring next to the nib. The 114, as well as being a tiny pen, also has these but looks different in the nib area.

 

Enjoy your journey into the world of fountain pens, but be warned, it can be addictive and expensive.

[fdabao]

Oh, that's great to know! Thanks for the breakdown. Funny how I've been using it for years without knowing the right terminology for the parts, and even the actual make/model. It just works, and writes well, so I never bothered looking further until now.

I am lucky to have inherited an MB 144, then, instead of having to buy one!

 

Franco