Wondering whether this needs re-tipping? (80's MB 149, F nib)

[GoldenLane]

Hi,

First post; new here and quite new to fountain pens, so please forgive me if this is a silly newbie question.

This pen skips a lot and it's a fight to write with it. I'm pretty sure the feed's okay. I'll be looking to have the (F) nib tuned, but I'm wondering whether there's enough tipping on the nib to be able to do what might be required? The amount of tipping seems really flat when I compare the amount my 146 has (146 is a M but I'm not sure that should make a difference?).

Is this an issue?

Thanks 🙂

[KAC]

I assume this is a used pen. If so, perhaps start with a thorough flush and soak. Follow that with a free-flowing ink like Waterman. If it's new, take it back to wherever you bought it and have the seller address the issue.

[osnofian]

That looks like it has plenty of tipping material. Also looks a bit that someone was a bit too keen on the polishing, as it seems to have a tiny bit of baby bottom on the first picture. A good flush and ink selection should solve it, otherwise, just send it somewhere for adjustment, or better still, take it to a pen show and get it adjusted there. 

[GoldenLane]

9 hours ago, KAC said:

I assume this is a used pen. If so, perhaps start with a thorough flush and soak. Follow that with a free-flowing ink like Waterman. If it's new, take it back to wherever you bought it and have the seller address the issue.

Thank you,

Yes, it's used, it's from the 80's. The pen was cheap so I don't expect the seller to do this.

How do I do a thorough flush and soak? I have flushed it through several times, once with lukewarm water and a couple of drops of dish soap, and then slightly colder water flushes. 

By soak, I resume you mean let the (ink-free) pen soak completely (ie lay it down) in a tray of tap water for a few hours/overnight?

I didn't know Watermans was free-flowing, I've been using MB inks in it so far. 

Thanks again 🙂

[GoldenLane]

1 hour ago, osnofian said:

That looks like it has plenty of tipping material. Also looks a bit that someone was a bit too keen on the polishing, as it seems to have a tiny bit of baby bottom on the first picture. A good flush and ink selection should solve it, otherwise, just send it somewhere for adjustment, or better still, take it to a pen show and get it adjusted there. 

Thank you, yes, Pen Show (next month) is the plan. I just wanted to be prepared beforehand so I can have it running as best as I can get it before I have a nib tune.

I did take it into MB, who will of course be happy to see to it, but I don't fancy parting with it for so long (three months for service). Also, their pricing is pretty opaque for older pens and I don't want to be without the pen for the month it'll take them to quote for any works required. I'm far too impatient to use MB!

 

[Fawate]

There is another subject that you may take into consideration. Your pen is now a "vintage model", with the often praised ebonite feed. Montblanc may take care of your pen, but normally their policy is to replace whatever part is necessary to keep the pen running. Montblanc made some changes to the 149 pen. If I am not mistaken, it made a significant change in the thread and barrel of the pen beginning in 2013. So, they may simply change everything, including your feed. It is something that you must be aware of. 

[GoldenLane]

On 9/18/2023 at 4:22 PM, Fawate said:

There is another subject that you may take into consideration. Your pen is now a "vintage model", with the often praised ebonite feed. Montblanc may take care of your pen, but normally their policy is to replace whatever part is necessary to keep the pen running. Montblanc made some changes to the 149 pen. If I am not mistaken, it made a significant change in the thread and barrel of the pen beginning in 2013. So, they may simply change everything, including your feed. It is something that you must be aware of. 

Thank you, yes, it has a split-ebonite feed. I did speak to MB about a service, stating I'd want period-correct parts, and they said that was possible but it would be a month or so before I'd get a quote in that case, and I'd likely be without the pen for three months.

[eerestis]

I wonder where you are located. I just sent a similar MB with the split ebonite feed to be serviced at Appelboom in the Netherlands. A. Hiller did a stellar job adjusting the nib with reasonable cost (rates found at Appelboom) and a turnaround time of approximately one month. In the states, there are even more options for nibmeisters.

[GoldenLane]

9 hours ago, eerestis said:

I wonder where you are located. I just sent a similar MB with the split ebonite feed to be serviced at Appelboom in the Netherlands. A. Hiller did a stellar job adjusting the nib with reasonable cost (rates found at Appelboom) and a turnaround time of approximately one month. In the states, there are even more options for nibmeisters.

Thank you,
I'm in London, UK. I have found a great nib-meister I'll be meeting soon to do some magic - will report once it's done!

[CS388]

Congratulations, great pen.

 

Re overnight soaks: stand the pen in a glass of water, nib down. Water should come to above the section, so the nib and feed are completely submerged. Don't lie the pen down, as you don't want water getting into the top end, behind the piston. Could take more than one session.

 

Pleased you've found a good nib technician - but continue with the soaks/flushing first. It can take many days to remove stubborn old ink.

If the pen had been used, then allowed to lie for years, dried up ink in the feed channels could take a lot of shifting - and can cause the symptoms you describe.

 

A quicker solution (for more experienced users) is to remove the nib and feed and give them a good physical clean to shift any crud - but your nib technician will probably do this, anyway.

 

Good luck

[GoldenLane]

On 9/22/2023 at 11:47 AM, CS388 said:

Congratulations, great pen.

 

Re overnight soaks: stand the pen in a glass of water, nib down. Water should come to above the section, so the nib and feed are completely submerged. Don't lie the pen down, as you don't want water getting into the top end, behind the piston. Could take more than one session.

 

Pleased you've found a good nib technician - but continue with the soaks/flushing first. It can take many days to remove stubborn old ink.

If the pen had been used, then allowed to lie for years, dried up ink in the feed channels could take a lot of shifting - and can cause the symptoms you describe.

 

A quicker solution (for more experienced users) is to remove the nib and feed and give them a good physical clean to shift any crud - but your nib technician will probably do this, anyway.

 

Good luck

Thank you - I'd just laid it down overnight, so I'll try it the way you have suggested.
Much appreciated!