How does a complaint about a Montblanc StarWalker ballpoint proceed, which papers are needed and how long does it take?

On direct shipping to Montblanc, a photocopy of the correctly filled-in warranty sheet suffices; the large original packaging need not be sent along, but a secure protective packaging is compulsory. Shipping should take place as a DHL parcel, which is by default insured up to 500 euros; higher insurance is possible. Alternatively, the specialist retailer can take over the process against reimbursement of costs; and actually, boutiques and specialist retailers use special white plastic tubes for protection of the writing instrument. Processing generally takes more than three weeks; through factory holidays between Christmas and New Year, the return can be delayed until mid-January.


Why do old pen mechanisms dry up after a short time, and where can feeds be procured or repaired?

A too-fast drying mostly goes back to insufficient ink flow, whose cause typically lies in the feed or in a wrong nib position. Classical repair businesses generally work on nibs and mechanisms, not on feeds themselves. Feeds and nibs are, among others, made by the firm Bock, which is a suitable contact for corresponding enquiries.


From what period does the Montblanc PIX No. 16 push pencil come, and how is it to be classified?

According to the book Collectible Stars, the Montblanc PIX No. 16 was made between 1960 and 1970. It is an everyday model that is comparatively simple to find and has no pronounced rarity status.


What is to be made of a Montblanc Royal Black Diamond set with brilliants at a Christie's auction?

Even when achieving twice the estimate price, such a piece still counts as a bargain, although taste varies strongly; some collectors feel the fully brilliant-set fountain pen to be overloaded. The stones are throughout real brilliants in Top Wesselton quality with 56-facet cut and were set by hand into the solid-gold housing. The final price of around 20,000 USD stands in clear disproportion to the pure material and workmanship value and is in collector circles felt to be surprisingly low.


Which small, silver-coloured Montblanc ballpoints up to maximum 11.5 cm length are available for around 350 euros?

The Montblanc Solitaire Sterling HaWAM in Mozart size with the ID number 18178 is available via Scription for around 362 euros plus shipping and thus largely fits the requirements. Individual Mozart ballpoints from the Jungle Eyes collection are also still available but lie price-wise slightly above the limit. The requested Nikolai I in Platinum version is in this combination of size and price practically not to be obtained.


Which beautiful Slimline fountain pen under 200 euros is suitable for the loop of a notebook?

A suitable option is the vintage Montblanc Slimline fountain pen from the 1970s to 1980s, which is significantly under 200 euros and in format fits well in a notebook loop. Compared to this, modern writing instruments like the Montblanc Mozart are priced higher, while the Kaweco Sport series is frequently felt to be too thick.


Can a short waiting time between consecutive posts be set up in the forum to avoid double postings?

The forum is based on a combination of Joomla and Fireboard, so only functions can be used that this software already brings. An own programming of individual features is therefore not possible; a switch of the forum software would moreover endanger the valuable stock of old posts. Suggestions like a minimum pause between postings are collected and can in future be presented to a programmer responsible for the community.


How is the limited Montegrappa Bicentenario Giuseppe Verdi collection to be assessed?

The series is dedicated to Verdi for the 200th birthday and accordingly limited to 1813 examples, divided into 350 fountain pens, 650 rollers and 813 ballpoints. The cap bears a laser engraving of the Verdi portrait and his signature; the fountain pen is equipped with a rhodium-plated 18-carat gold nib; shop prices are at 675 euros for the fountain pen, 475 euros for the roller and 400 euros for the ballpoint. The design is perceived as elegant and stylish; laser engravings remain a matter of taste but are particularly well suited for reproducing faces and signatures.


How can it be judged whether a Montblanc fountain pen offered on eBay is genuine?

The piece shown looks largely genuine in the pictures; however, several indications speak against a reputable sale: hints of a Vietnamese lacquer presentation box, the separated spelling Mont Blanc instead of Montblanc and deliberately unsharp photos are typical warning signs. There is also the danger that a pen other than the one depicted is shipped. From bidding it is therefore to be advised against.


Did the Montblanc No. 94 also exist in solid white gold, and what does the unusual hallmark 580 instead of the usual 585 mean?

A white-gold variant of the No. 94 (around 1965) counts as very rare and is not documented in the relevant Montblanc book either. The hallmark 580 instead of 585 is in the jewellery area unusual but occurs on some historical gold alloys. That corresponds to a gold content of about 13.6 carat instead of the usual 14 carat (585). Such pieces count as rarities that even experienced collectors have so far not encountered.


How does one recognise on an old Montblanc No. 22 with a delicately engraved nib inscription and a piston insert inside whether an original or a counterfeit is present?

A delicately engraved nib inscription on a Montblanc No. 22 is no indication of a counterfeit but corresponds to the original version. If in the ink chamber instead of a piston mechanism a component with Montblanc imprint is located, it is a so-called piston converter. This converter can be removed and replaced with normal ink cartridges; the fountain pen is thus suitable for both filling types. Both pieces described thus count as real Montblanc pens.


Is a StarWalker Resin Black with a hollow clip inside without Pix embossing a counterfeit, or did that also exist on the original?

A StarWalker Resin Black with a hollow clip inside without the typical Pix embossing is most likely a counterfeit. Further indications are an unusually designed nib, an unscrewable star, striking rings on the grip section as well as a poor script quality on the clip. A direct comparison with a guaranteed genuine piece brings in such cases quick clarity. Buyers should note that even large auction houses often do not sufficiently control the sale of counterfeit branded goods and in case of dispute mostly only refer to the sellers.


How can a Montblanc ballpoint acquired via eBay and the matching case be checked for authenticity?

For an authenticity check it is necessary to post well-resolved pictures in the forum, since only thus an assessment is possible. Hints on correct uploading and on picture size can be found in corresponding forum posts that are linked in the forum helps. Indications like a matching Parker refill already point on a ballpoint to a counterfeit. Before a final evaluation, clear photos of pen and case should in any case be available.


What can one do if the cap of a Montblanc Rollerball 163 Solitaire sits clearly too loosely on the pen?

If the cap of a new Solitaire rollerball sits too loosely, that is a typical case for Montblanc service. If the purchase is less than two years ago and the warranty card is available, the worn-out inner cap is exchanged free of charge. Outside the warranty, the so-called service flat rate 1 applies, which for a high-quality writing instrument is nevertheless worthwhile. The simplest is to bring the pen for this to a Montblanc boutique.


What does the designation "Pix" on the middle ring of a Montblanc Meisterstück ballpoint stand for?

"Pix" is a protected model designation of Montblanc and no indication whatever of a counterfeit. The inscription is found on many Meisterstück ballpoints on the middle cap ring; on newer models partly also on the inside of the clip. For model determination (164, 161 etc.), the respective dimensions are helpful, which are listed in the forum sections on Montblanc models.


How can the authenticity of a Montblanc writing instrument be assessed based on unsharp eBay photos?

A reliable authenticity check based on unsharp photos is hardly possible. On the available pictures the pen looks basically genuine, but additional risk factors like a low seller rating (e.g. 90 percent) and a present engraving are to be heeded. Before the purchase, sharp detail shots should better be requested. Ultimately the decision lies with the buyer, who must weigh the risk.


To whom can one report brand piracy of writing instruments and lighters, and does a slightly altered spelling of the brand name suffice to be legally non-attackable?

Brand counterfeits can be reported directly via the contact forms of the manufacturers like Montblanc or S.T. Dupont. Alongside, associations like the Aktionskreis gegen Produkt- und Markenpiraterie (markenpiraterie-apm.de) or the international Alliance for Gray Market and Counterfeit Abatement (AGMA) exist, which however mostly only act for member firms. A slightly deviating spelling (e.g. "Dupon" instead of "Dupont") legally does not protect: with high confusion danger in the same product group, trademark protection still applies; a counterfeit remains a counterfeit. Even semantically similar designations like "Volkswogen" have been judicially objected to.


Is a plainly designed Parker Duofold with a sober cap end and narrow clip ring a counterfeit or a particular original model?

Such plain Duofold models are no counterfeits but correspond to the 1987-introduced Duofold of the first new generation. The restrained design with sober cap end, thin clip ring and uncontoured nib embossing is characteristic and often led to authenticity doubts. Parker corrected these weaknesses between about 1994/1995 with a model revision. Via the date code embossed on the pen, the exact year of production in this period can be determined.


Is a ballpoint offered as "Bohème rouge" on whose ring "Rouge et Noir" stands a counterfeit?

It is not a counterfeit but the matching ballpoint for the line "Rouge et Noir". This variant was produced only for a short time and counts as a sought-after collector's piece but is price-wise so far only slightly above the standard version. Visually and functionally, the ballpoint fits well a Bohème fountain pen. Anyone preferring the actual Bohème rouge can in the collector environment attempt an exchange against a normal Bohème plus surcharge.


Can refill blocks for the Montblanc notebooks from the Meisterstück Collection be bought back, and are there replacement erasers for Montblanc pencils?

For the Montblanc notebook cases from the Meisterstück Collection, replacement blocks are very well separately available; a complete purchase of the case is not necessary. The blocks are available where the case was bought too, as well as in most Montblanc sales points; the price lies in the single-digit euro range (around 3.50 euros per block). Likewise matching replacement erasers for the Montblanc pencils are available and can simply be exchanged. In the shop, these spare parts are often not openly displayed; targeted enquiry at the sales counter, however, leads to the goal.


How does one fill an old Montblanc No. 34 piston filler with ink if the rear rotary piston can hardly be moved any more?

The Montblanc No. 34 is a classical piston filler, no suction filler with pipette like the old Safety models. The rear rotary piston must be movable for a complete filling process over several rotations. If it can only be moved barely, mostly the piston mechanism is dried up, and the pen should first be soaked for a longer time before further turning. Caution is in order, because the spindle of the piston mechanism can consist of plastic and easily breaks off with force application.


How reliably can an older Montblanc fountain pen with overlay and the matching pencil be checked for authenticity based on auction photos?

With old Montblanc fountain pens with overlay, caution is in order, because Montblanc at the time bought the overlays from third-party providers (often from Pforzheim) and many jewellers also made unauthorised overlays. Based on auction photos, it cannot therefore be reliably said whether an overlay officially comes from Montblanc. Added to this is that with pens depicted closed, the nib cannot be judged, which further complicates an authenticity confirmation. On the accompanying pencil, the visible details mostly look unproblematic.


Is a significantly smaller and front-heavy Montblanc rollerball with "W-Germany" embossing and "Meistersück" inscription an original?

A reliable judgement is only possible based on sharp photos; a textual description is mostly not enough for the experts. A smaller size and a slight imbalance need not be an authenticity problem, since Montblanc has built differently dimensioned models. Striking spelling errors in the engraving (like "Meistersück" instead of "Meisterstück"), however, would be a clear counterfeit feature and should be precisely checked. A check at a Montblanc specialist retailer is usually free of charge and quickly possible.


How can an old Montblanc push pencil of 585 gold with the engraving "M-W-E" be identified and dated?

Based on a pure description, a 585 gold pencil by Montblanc can hardly be identified, because several models exist in 585 gold. For a sensible estimate, clear photos should be posted. An engraving like "M-W-E" is mostly an individual initials or company engraving and no model marking. A dating to the 1950s or 1960s appears plausible but should be verified picture-based.


Are the pattern and the price of a Montblanc Solitaire Stainless Steel 2 ballpoint offered on eBay plausible, and were there two different versions of this model?

The offered ballpoint looks basically like an original; the demanded price, however, lies strikingly high. With private purchases without warranty, the price should lie noticeably below the shop price; therefore patience and comparison with further offers is recommended. Visual differences to the Solitaire Platinum-Plated Facet rest mostly not on two different versions of the Stainless Steel 2 but on different lighting conditions and picture qualities. On the polished, shiny steel, the matt engraving acts differently depending on background and can feign different patterns.


Is a writing instrument offered as Montblanc Writers Edition Alexandre Dumas without the original signature still genuine, and which price is realistic for the Limited Edition?

Despite initial doubts, the writing instrument fits the original version of the Writers Edition Alexandre Dumas, comparable to the reference photos on relevant collector sites. For value determination, a look at completed eBay auctions is recommended; there the prices usually fluctuate between around 280 and 460 euros; a realistic market value lies at about 310 to 320 euros. The edition of the Edition Alexandre Dumas is in total 16,000 pieces, of which 11,000 as individual pieces and 5,000 as a set. These figures are documented in the common overviews of the Writers Editions.


How does one deal with the fact that a Montblanc Meisterstück 146 Le Grand auctioned on eBay is documented only by unsharp photos, and how does one recognise authenticity?

Even with unsharp auction photos, decisive authenticity features can be recognised, especially the transitions between the cap rings. On originals the spaces are cleanly worked; on counterfeits typical "notches" are found there. A dealer's stamp in the service document, e.g. of Montblanc Deutschland GmbH in Hamburg, gives additional security. Anyone wanting as a beginner to be entirely sure is, on the first purchase, however better off in a Montblanc boutique.


Is an inherited gold-coloured Montblanc Noblesse pencil with thread guilloche pattern genuine, and in what period was it made?

The Noblesse pencil described is an original from the period end of the 1970s to 1980s. A peculiarity of this line is that the Montblanc logo in this phase was not executed in white but in black, which makes the pencil also interesting for collectors. However, the model was produced in larger numbers and is therefore regularly to be found on the second-hand market. The collector value remains correspondingly within limits.


Is an older Montblanc Meisterstück ballpoint without "Pix" inscription on the middle ring a counterfeit, and what does a slight red shimmer mean?

Older Meisterstück ballpoints were partly made with, partly without the Pix inscription on the middle ring; the absence is therefore no indication of a counterfeit. The Pix inscription was added in the course of the model history and is on newer writing instruments often to be found on the inside of the clip. A slight reddish shimmer on black Montblanc pens is even a reliable authenticity feature and arises through a very high concentration of the black dye in the plastic. Many counterfeits do not show this property.


Is it normal that in the ink chamber of a Montblanc piston converter a small spring runs along loose?

The spring inside the piston converter is series-fitted in all newer Montblanc converters and no production defect. It ensures that the ink, due to the small inner diameter, does not get stuck at one point but is constantly mixed during movement. Background is the capillarity of ink and inner converter wall. An exchange of the converter is therefore not necessary.


Is a supposed Montblanc Greta Garbo ballpoint stemming from a household clearance genuine?

The writing instrument found in the household clearance is, according to assessment in the forum, a counterfeit. Own research on the internet showed indeed similar models but no exact equivalent, which is already a warning sign. Detail pictures were due to the 150-KB restriction of the forum hard to post, which made a more detailed assessment more difficult.


Is a Montblanc Solitaire Vermeil offered on eBay with correct hallmark genuine, and does the model belong to the size 144 or 146?

The Solitaire Vermeil offered is an original; the hallmark confirms that cap and reservoir are made of vermeil. With the size question, caution is in order, since the Solitaire Vermeil as a small 144 Classique model is widespread. A clear distinction feature is the grip section: with the 144 Classique Vermeil it is typically gilded, which is not familiar to every provider. A dealer statement "surely a 146" should therefore be checked based on the dimensions and the design of the grip section.


Are on a ballpoint offered as Montblanc Meisterstück 164 with engraved serial number and unusual box oddities to be expected?

On the writing instrument itself, no obvious authenticity defects are recognisable; the rings and the engraved serial number look consistent. Striking, however, is the high retail price, which lies for the model significantly above the usual level. The unusual packaging is also explicable: such boxes are frequently used by airlines like Lufthansa as gift packaging and are no original Montblanc cases. That is, however, uncritical if the ballpoint is intended for writing and not as a collector's piece.


How does one recognise a particularly well-made counterfeit of the Montblanc Annual Edition on eBay?

Even visually successful counterfeits of the Annual Edition can be exposed by several details. A clear indication is the packaging with black star and further typical fake features. Additionally, the Annual Edition never existed as a rollerball, so every corresponding auction is necessarily counterfeit. Even the depicted swords and the missing year deliver further hints; only the housing itself comes visually close to the original.


What can one do when eBay sellers use copyright-protected photos from fountainpen.de as supposed original pictures of their auction?

Such auctions are a clear warning sign: if the pictures come from fountainpen.de, they do not show the article actually offered, and potential buyers do not know what they receive. Bidders should in such cases keep their distance. Sellers can be asked via "Question to seller" for correction but often react only late or not at all. A report to eBay for stopping the auction is possible but needs a lead time of several working days, which is why running auctions can often not be stopped in time.


Which typical features expose Montblanc counterfeits on eBay, and does a purely gold nib automatically make a Meisterstück 146 suspicious?

Designs that Montblanc has never made as well as a wrongly positioned or missing cap ring or a missing ink-view window are clear counterfeit features. A completely gold nib alone is by contrast no indication of a counterfeit; there are quite genuine 146s with a pure gold nib. Very well to be recognised are fakes frequently by the nib engraving: counterfeit nibs typically bear the inscription "Iridium Point". Striking is additionally the concentration of counterfeit StarWalker models with some sellers.


How does one clean the cap of a Montblanc Le Grand when ink has accidentally run into it, and does water harm the cap?

The cap can without hesitation be rinsed with clear water; damage by the water is not to be expected. Afterwards one lets it dry in the air or dries the inside with a rolled-up paper tissue. Condensation or ink residues are normal in every cap; older models even had a small ventilation hole for this. Even with changes between cold and warmth, condensation occasionally forms, which is technically unproblematic.


Is a connection of this forum to the Tapatalk app for iOS and Android devices possible or planned?

A Tapatalk connection is technically basically possible via a plug-in but fails due to costs and effort: the forum is operated as a non-commercial hobby and already causes annual middle three-digit euro amounts. Plug-ins are additionally for security reasons generally used restrainedly. With an anyway planned update of the forum software in the coming months, it should be checked whether a Tapatalk integration is sensibly implementable. The connection is, however, not assured.


Can a green Montblanc Meisterstück from the 1930s be dated, and where does one get spare parts for a missing little star on the cap top?

Green Meisterstücks of celluloid stem from the 1930s and are rare, because coloured models were at that time less in demand and the green celluloid was less durable. Presumably it is a model 20 or 25; the exact model number stands usually on the back of the cap and can be determined from there. A small hole on the cap is structurally a ventilation hole and no defect. For spare parts and repairs of old Meisterstücks, Horst Schrage (max@maxpens.de) is a tried-and-tested point of contact.


Is a ballpoint offered on eBay as Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire 925 Silver with the note "replica" for around 55 euros genuine?

The star looks incomplete, and especially the colouring of the rings deviates from the known Solitaire Silver Thread version, which makes the ballpoint suspicious. The seller's own note of a "replica" does not make the matter clearer, since corresponding replicas in this form are not known. Hallmark "925", drop on the clip and "Germany" can also be present on good replicas and alone are no proof of an original. In sum, a purchase is not recommended; a final decision, however, must be made by the buyer.


Have on the early Montblanc Writers Editions like Hemingway, Agatha Christie and Oscar Wilde counterfeits already turned up?

On the early Writers Editions Hemingway, Agatha Christie and Oscar Wilde, no counterfeits are so far known. A complete certainty does not however exist with brand counterfeits. If fakes do turn up at some point, they can so far reliably be identified based on the nib. It is on these editions the most reliable authenticity feature.


How does eBay deal with the massively occurring Chinese Montblanc counterfeits, and how effective are reports to manufacturers and platform?

On eBay, numerous counterfeits turn up daily, from professionally made to poor plagiarisms, often from ever-new seller accounts from abroad. Reports to Montblanc lead, according to collector experience, to about 70 percent of the fake auctions being ended prematurely or after the end of the auction. eBay itself shows itself rather restrained in combating, since already the listing of the auctions brings fees. Striking is additionally that counterfeits, e.g. on the StarWalker Rubber, are getting significantly better in quality, which complicates recognition; Meisterstück counterfeits, however, are mostly obviously poorly executed.


When does the CAS collectors' get-together take place in Dortmund, and what is discussed at the meeting?

The CAS collectors' get-together in Dortmund took place on 3 December 2005 from 12:00 in the Franziskaner; the originally planned second date on 4 December was cancelled for lack of replies. Attending were eight collectors; the atmosphere was described as informal and informative. As the next meeting, February 2006 was already envisaged, at which everyone should bring duplicate, incomplete or defective writing instruments in order to make them functional again together. Possible dates would be the weekends 4/5 or 11/12 February 2006; the lighting conditions in the restaurant should still be improved for this.


How can one ascertain to which Montblanc series a ballpoint belongs that was given as a gift but shows indications of a counterfeit?

A ballpoint that resembles a Copernicus model is most likely a counterfeit, since the Copernicus exists exclusively as a fountain pen, and only in the variants 4810 and 888. On counterfeit nibs, the inscription "4810" or with very bad fakes only "Iridium Point" is frequently found, while packagings of counterfeits often stem from other models like the Bohème. Original Copernicus pens cost new around 1,700 euros; counterfeit versions are sold for 20 to 50 euros online and for 2 to 4 euros in China. For reliable clarification, the comparison with original photos on the Montblanc website or at fountainpen.de as well as the visit to a Montblanc boutique is recommended.


How can an inherited Montblanc Noblesse pen and the matching ballpoint be more precisely dated and classified?

A reliable model assignment and dating of the Noblesse line is hardly possible without a photo, since in the course of time several variants in different versions existed. A gold-coloured, ribbed case with Noblesse imprint on the ballpoint and a 585 gold nib on the fountain pen speaks for an older Noblesse version; the pen itself often bears no inscription. For reliable identification, photos of all inscriptions, nibs and trim should be posted in the forum, in case of doubt linked via external picture hosters. Only then can year of manufacture and value be seriously assessed.


Where does one find Montblanc dealers abroad (Poland, Russia, Czech Republic) with online presence, and is an online purchase from authorised dealers at all possible?

Authorised Montblanc dealers may generally not openly offer new goods via the internet, since they would otherwise no longer be supplied by Montblanc. Some dealers do carry Montblanc in their range but do not publicly show the products on their website; on individual enquiry, however, offers can be obtained by mail. Anyone who finds open online offers is dealing either with fakes or with goods from unauthorised sources. With older pieces no longer in the current programme, the requirements are less strict; in addition, many German online dealers ship on request also abroad.


Which Montblanc model is a ballpoint acquired in 1991 with metal housing?

The ballpoint described is the Montblanc "Leonardo". This model was offered in the 1970s in various metal housings. Even if the acquisition only took place in 1991, the pen thereby classifies itself structurally and stylistically into this older model range.


From what time does the Montblanc advertising with the octagonal Safety stem, and is this also available in the original (e.g. coloured)?

The octagonal Safety shown on the advertising is a very rare model and stems from the period 1924 to 1929. The advertisement itself was printed in the "Zeitschrift für Papier- und Schreibwarenhändler" of 1926; the copy is available at the Austrian National Library. Whether the advertising is elsewhere preserved in the original and in colour does not emerge from the thread. From a collector's view, similar octagonal Safetys had in recent years market prices around 100 to 120 euros.


How does the Montblanc Skeleton "Romantic Heart" look, in what edition did it appear and how high is the price?

The Montblanc Skeleton "Romantic Heart" was made in an edition of 14 pieces on the basis of the LeGrand and specially issued for the US market for Valentine's Day. The price is around 72,000 euros. Pictures and further information can be found in relevant international collector forums like the Fountain Pen Network.


Why does the regular VAT rate apply to Montblanc writing instruments and limited collector editions and not the reduced art rate?

Which products are subject to the reduced VAT rate is conclusively regulated in Annex 2 of the VAT law; writing instruments are not listed there, so they are generally taxed at the regular rate. Limited editions too are tax-wise classified as writing instruments and not as artworks. From the tax-law view, such pieces can however in a professional context count as "work tools" and thus be deducted via income tax, e.g. via multi-year AfA depreciations. Thus a part of the higher VAT can in the individual case be compensated again, provided the tax office recognises the professional use.


Is a fountain pen offered as "Rouge et Noir" with three rings on the grip section and a non-retractable nib actually this edition or another model?

Description and pictures do not fit the real "Rouge et Noir" but the "Bohème Rouge". The "Rouge et Noir" corresponds design-wise to the "Noir et Noir", has golden trim, a red stone in the clip, no ring on the grip section and a matching imprint ("Rouge-et-Noir") on the rear ring. The "Bohème Rouge" by contrast shows the typical three rings on the grip section. Of the "Bohème Rouge" there are two sizes: a small one with retractable nib and a medium one with piston converter, which represents a size and not a generation distinction.


Why does the office market Staples sell Montblanc refills, cartridges and ink bottles but no Montblanc writing instruments?

Staples carried years ago, at least in Hamburg, also Montblanc writing instruments, which were offered as a discounter under the RRP. Thereupon Montblanc stopped, according to reports in the Hamburger Abendblatt, the supply of writing instruments. Refills, cartridges and ink continue to be carried, because Montblanc itself maintains an own online refill shop and the distribution of consumables is less strongly regulated. Montblanc refills also fit some writing instruments of other manufacturers (e.g. David Oscarson or Caran d'Ache), while Montblanc ink cartridges are proprietary.


Did the Montblanc Special Edition Greta Garbo also exist as a rollerball with a black upper part, or is such a variant a counterfeit?

Of the Greta Garbo there officially existed three variants as fountain pen and ballpoint, however never a rollerball and no version with black upper part. A version offered as Greta Garbo rollerball with black upper part is therefore most likely a counterfeit. Even the detail of the pearl on the clip looks on such pieces often poorly attached, which confirms the suspicion. In case of doubt the writing instrument should be presented to a specialist retailer.


What is known about the break-in at the Montblanc boutique Hamburg and the associated stolen goods?

In November 2008, the Montblanc boutique in Hamburg was largely cleared out in a single night after a fashion show; the booty was a total value of around one million euros. With the arrest of the receivers of stolen goods in Hamburg, goods worth 400,000 euros could be secured; the rest remained missing. The perpetrators apparently tried to dispose of the stolen goods within Germany, including models like Bismarck, Francois, Mozart and Dietrich. Anyone offered one of these pieces should notify the police or Montblanc.


Did the Montblanc Carrera ballpoint also exist with a cap, or only with a click mechanism?

The Montblanc Carrera ballpoints were made exclusively with clip-lever mechanism; a variant with cap did not exist in this model range. Anyone seeking a classical Montblanc ballpoint with cap must therefore switch to other model ranges.


Is a Montblanc Ramses II fountain pen offered on eBay genuine, and how high lies the market price?

The auction photos show a real Montblanc Ramses II in original version. In near-new condition, the market price on eBay usually moves around 400 to 420 euros. To be noted is the nib width BB of the specifically depicted piece, which is primarily suitable for signatures and not for longer texts.


How do company engravings like an "MW" enclosed in a circle affect the collector value of a Montblanc Meisterstück from the 1950s?

The "MW" enclosed in a circle is a known, regularly turning-up company mark whose meaning is not finally clarified in the forum. Such company engravings usually reduce the collector value noticeably, which is why experienced collectors often leave corresponding pieces alone. An enhancement can arise only if matching packaging or advertising materials unambiguously assign the piece to a known firm, comparable to the documented Warner Brothers 146. Without such context, the pen remains mostly uninteresting for collectors.


How can on eBay auctions additional photos be embedded free of charge by using the gallery function of one's own website?

On eBay only the first photo is free of charge; further photos and larger picture displays are chargeable. These costs can be circumvented by storing photos on one's own server and embedding them in the auction. Via the gallery function in the user menu, for example with the zOOm Image Gallery, a new album can be created. For this, the item "Create / edit photo gallery" is selected, a gallery name and optionally a description entered, the publication option deactivated and "Create" clicked. Afterwards the photos can be uploaded, either as a ZIP archive with all pictures or as individual files whose number is fixed beforehand and then transferred to the server via "Browse" and "Upload". The photos stored this way can then be embedded in eBay auctions. Every author has 10 megabytes of free storage available; the maximum traffic is 250 megabytes per month, which is generally also sufficient for power sellers.