Vintage Montblanc Service Recommendations

[greenbeans]

Hello, I have a 1948 Montblanc 146. It needs a basic service where the cork needs replacing and a basic clean.

Any recommendations for a reputable vendor? Preferably UK based, but not essential. It's a very sentimental pen to me, so I'm happy to pay more for good service. (Prefer not to use Montblanc directly due to bad experience). Thanks!

[stric75]

Try the following: maxpens.de, mspens.de, interpens.de. They are all in Germany, don’t come cheap though. 

[Seney724]

9 hours ago, stric75 said:

Try the following: maxpens.de, mspens.de, interpens.de. They are all in Germany, don’t come cheap though. 

These are good recommendations.

 

I am very interested by your mention that your 146 is from 1948.

 

Most sources say that production of the 146 began in 1949 but I am unaware of any source which has proof positive that this is correct.

Do you have something like a dated sales receipt or warranty card that bears the 1948 date?  If so, it would be great to document it because it would help improve the accuracy of our knowledge about the actual date that these pens were first produced by Montblanc.

 

Thanks for whatever you can provide to us.

[Beechwood]

I think that you might be in the UK.

 

The good advice above shows dedicated MB people but as the work is simple you might want to make enquiries with Pensplus

 

https://pensplus.co.uk/pages/repairs-and-service?gad_campaignid=11558156599&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzYLABhD4ARIsALySuCSKzdiToz9UXXbJQcikSwk8OUd9M-XcyIfNuXEt3R6adDndyJYzm7waAgFjEALw_wcB

[greenbeans]

1 hour ago, Beechwood said:

I think that you might be in the UK.

 

The good advice above shows dedicated MB people but as the work is simple you might want to make enquiries with Pensplus

 

https://pensplus.co.uk/pages/repairs-and-service?gad_campaignid=11558156599&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzYLABhD4ARIsALySuCSKzdiToz9UXXbJQcikSwk8OUd9M-XcyIfNuXEt3R6adDndyJYzm7waAgFjEALw_wcB

 

Thanks a lot! This would save the risk of pen being lost due to international shipping etc. Have you used them before?

[greenbeans]

8 hours ago, Seney724 said:

These are good recommendations.

 

I am very interested by your mention that your 146 is from 1948.

 

Most sources say that production of the 146 began in 1949 but I am unaware of any source which has proof positive that this is correct.

Do you have something like a dated sales receipt or warranty card that bears the 1948 date?  If so, it would be great to document it because it would help improve the accuracy of our knowledge about the actual date that these pens were first produced by Montblanc.

 

Thanks for whatever you can provide to us.

 

Yes, this is also a point I wondered when I carried out my research on here. So unfortunately, I don't have the original sales receipt. The story with this pen was that the original owner was Stefan Wallrafen the Author of the Montblanc Collectible Stars books, it was sourced directly through an intermediary. I could get back in touch and report back if there is any further info. Looking back at our chat, I was told it was a 1948 first issue pen. Will see if I can dig a bit deeper. 

[Seney724]

6 minutes ago, greenbeans said:

 

Yes, this is also a point I wondered when I carried out my research on here. So unfortunately, I don't have the original sales receipt. The story with this pen was that the original owner was Stefan Wallrafen the Author of the Montblanc Collectible Stars books, it was sourced directly through an intermediary. I could get back in touch and report back if there is any further info. Looking back at our chat, I was told it was a 1948 first issue pen. Will see if I can dig a bit deeper. 

Very interesting!

For sure, Stefan is a noted authority on Montblanc pens.  He would know as well as would anyone.

Also, Stefan is a very highly regarded vintage Montblanc repair & restoration expert.  Why not have him take a look at your pen?

[Beechwood]

5 hours ago, greenbeans said:

 

Thanks a lot! This would save the risk of pen being lost due to international shipping etc. Have you used them before?

 

They have a very good reputation, I have given their name to others and had good reports.

 

Speak to them first of all if at all possible.

[Michael R.]

I'm in Germany so I go with Horst-Max Schrage, Marco Schrage, Tom Westerich or Osman Sümer.

While I don't have any evidence at hand regarding year of release the very early 146 pens have a few unique features (some stayed a little longer than "first release only"):

 - cap top shaped differently (not as pointy)

 - hole in cap for clip

 - celluloid is layered differently (not made from solid rod but rolled from twisted celluloid sheets); spiral pattern can be seen when shining a bright light trough the barrel

 - different, bigger font of the 146 G imprint

 - most likely older style feed (flat feed possible)

 - 136 nibs possible; even flexible, non-gold nibs

 - gold plating on metal parts of lower quality; most look matte or dull

 - longer ink window (medium length not short length)

 

Those early 146 variations are fun!

 

Cheers

 

Michael

 

 

 

[Seney724]

7 hours ago, Michael R. said:

I'm in Germany so I go with Horst-Max Schrage, Marco Schrage, Tom Westerich or Osman Sümer.
 

 

 

 

All are first class, true masters!

Lucky you to have such terrific choices right at "home!"

[JordanD]

Are there any recommendations for vintage montblanc repair in Canada?  I’m in Toronto.  I have a 1950’s 146 whose cork needs replacement.  Thanks!  

[greenbeans]

On 4/18/2025 at 3:13 AM, Beechwood said:

 

They have a very good reputation, I have given their name to others and had good reports.

 

Speak to them first of all if at all possible.

Thanks a lot! Much appreciated

[Karmachanic]

Happy with the work UK member @eckiethump performed on a MB146 and 1950s Soennecken

[VacNut]

On 4/17/2025 at 10:31 PM, Michael R. said:

celluloid is layered differently (not made from solid rod but rolled from twisted celluloid sheets); spiral pattern can be seen when shining a bright light trough the barrel

Celluloid was expensive. I am not aware of many pen mfrs who used solid celluloid rods.  It is a waste of material to machine out the interior and a lot of work.  I think most pens went rolled and/or seamed into hollow tubes.

[Opooh]

Fountainbel is also a well known Montblanc restorer. You can find some of his work Here on this forum.

He can be contacted: francis.goossens2@skynet.be