Serial Numbers

[slt]

Do fountain pens generally have serial numbers on them? If so, where are they usually located? Somebody mentioned (perhaps erroneously, perhaps correcty) that a pen that lacks a serial number could be a fake. Just so I don't start to develop paranoid tendencies vis-a-vis pens, can someone offer some guidance? For example, I just purchased a Pelikan M800. Should a SN be visible somewhere on the pen?

 

Sheldon L. Tarakan

Long Island, NY

[RSVP]

The standard Pelikan Souverans do not carry serial numbers, like most pens. Montblancs from about 1990 onwards should (except the Generation, Noblesse Oblige and Scenium ranges) as do Cartier and many other LE / high end examples.

 

Hope this helps

 

J

 

[Guest Denis Richard]

If we are speaking only of modern pens, Limited Editions might usually carry a serial number. As James pointed out, some brands like MB, add serials to many of their lines.

 

On the vintage side, some Sheaffer nibs have serial numbers. I'm sure there are many more examples.

 

In conclusion, the vast majority of fountain pens do not have serial numbers, hence not having one is not a sign that it is a fake. On the other hand, if that model is supposed to have one, and does not... it's a fake. But a phony serial can be added to a fake pen too.

 

Denis.

[Filot Palcon]

Most pens have no serial number

[jar]

Today many, many fake pens have serial numbers.

 

The serial number offers little assurance a pen is not a fake.

[KBeezie]

Today many, many fake pens have serial numbers.

 

The serial number offers little assurance a pen is not a fake.

and the poor fakes use the same number over and over again and as such tend to be easy to find in a search.