{"q": "How can I tell whether a Montblanc writing instrument is genuine, especially when buying online (e.g. on eBay)?", "a": "A reliable assessment can never be made on a single feature alone — it always comes from several indicators considered together. Top-tier counterfeits from Dubai and the Far East now imitate serial numbers, the Pix logo under the clip and even the warm glow of the precious resin, so practically every individual feature can be faked. The more details that line up, the more confident the verdict; for expensive pieces it is wise to have the instrument authenticated in a Montblanc boutique or by a reputable specialist dealer before purchase.\n\nThe nib is the most important and most difficult feature to fake. Genuine gold nibs are stamped with 4810 (the height of Mont Blanc in metres), the gold-fineness mark 585 (14 K) or 750 (18 K), often a 14C or 18C, and a small Pix logo or MB. As soon as a nib is engraved with \"Iridium Point Germany\", \"IPG\", \"Iridium Tip\" or a bare \"Made in Germany\", it is almost certainly a fake — Montblanc does not use these markings. A real gold nib also has noticeable spring; an uncompromisingly hard, rigid tip points to a gold-plated steel nib. The slit on a genuine nib runs perfectly straight and centred, with both tines aligned exactly.\n\nSince roughly 1997 a small Pix logo has been on the inside of the clip. It is small, machine-stamped neatly and centred. Pre-war and older models do not carry it — its absence is therefore not a proof of forgery. High-end fakes now imitate the Pix as well, but a sloppy Pix is a clear warning sign.\n\nThe serial number on the lower clip ring (cone ring) was introduced in 1991. Early numbers consist of two letters followed by seven digits in block lettering; later numbers use an OCR-style font. The engraving is uniform in depth, neatly centred and machine-precise. Blurred, crooked or unevenly deep characters are suspicious. Original pieces from before 1991 do not have a serial number — its absence does not necessarily mean it is a fake.\n\nThe white star in the cap top is six-pointed with softly rounded tips, sits centred in the black precious-resin top and is inlaid seamlessly. Visible glue lines, an offset border, a printed or stick-on star, asymmetry, or a black instead of white star are clear forgery markers. The orientation of the star relative to the clip can be checked too — on the original it is clean.\n\nThe three cap rings are trade-mark protected: a writing instrument with only one or two rings is not an original Meisterstück. The middle ring carries a clean engraving of MONTBLANC, often supplemented with MEISTERSTÜCK and PIX. The lettering is exactly centred and uniformly deep.\n\nThe material is precious resin, a high-grade plexiglass derivative. Shining a strong torch through cap or barrel reveals a deep wine-red to ruby glow — the precious-resin test. If the barrel stays pitch black or shows a bluish tint, the material is most likely ordinary plastic. However, the resin of some other manufacturers also glows red, so this test alone is not conclusive. Painted or lacquered surfaces do not occur on Montblanc writing instruments; visible paint or distinct colour layers are an unambiguous sign of forgery. The Mozart range made of lacquered metal is an exception — the wall would have been too thin for precious resin.\n\nFinish should be flawless: threads run smoothly, the cap screws on with a defined stop in roughly 1.5 to 2 turns, the inner cap sits firmly and seals the nib, and converter threads run without play. Visible burrs, rough edges, ill-fitting parts, a wobbly clip or sloppily set fittings indicate a copy.\n\nDimensions and weight of the 149 Meisterstück for reference: capped about 147 mm, barrel diameter around 14.9 mm, total weight about 29 to 32 grams (cap c. 12 g, body c. 20 g). The 146 measures about 142 mm and weighs around 25 g. Significant deviations — especially noticeably lower weight from plastic substitution — are a warning sign.\n\nOn the Starwalker, a black plastic cap on the barrel end is a classic forgery marker — on the original this end piece is metal. The nib type must also match the model: a Starwalker fitted with a classic Meisterstück nib is a cheap mash-up. Rollerballs should not have an ink window; a rollerball with a window is obviously assembled wrongly.\n\nPackaging and papers complete the picture. The original box is heavy, with an embossed star, often containing a leather pouch. A service guide bearing the serial number, a warranty card and a certificate of authenticity are included. The print is high-quality, free of typos and poor image resolution. A cheap-looking cardboard box with thin print or spelling errors is suspicious. Missing papers alone do not make a piece a fake — vintage pieces in particular often change hands without the original box.\n\nOn eBay and similar platforms, the seller's profile matters at least as much as the writing instrument itself. Suspicious markers include profiles with less than 99 % positive feedback, pawnshops and estate-sale resellers without obvious pen expertise, sellers using only stock photos or blurry images, very generic or obviously copied descriptions, and shipping from Dubai, China, Hong Kong, Singapore or Turkey. Unusually round prices like 215, 240 or 350 euros are also typical fake-seller markers. A price clearly below market value (a 149 for under 350 euros, a 146 for under 250 euros in used condition) is a clear warning.\n\nThe complete-set trick is also popular: an original Montblanc is paired with fake cartridges, a fake converter, a fake box or fake pouch and the set is offered well above MSRP — the buyer focuses on the high price and the accessories and overlooks the fact that the actual pen is fake too. Conversely, originals are sometimes hidden in scruffy-looking sets to fly under the radar of standard searches.\n\nSafe sources are Montblanc boutiques and montblanc.com, large authorised dealers like Penboard.de, Drawe, Wilkening, Stilografica.it or Iguana Sell, and established collectors from the major forums (Penexchange.de, Fountainpennetwork.com) with long-standing reputations. Anyone buying via online auctions should additionally ask the seller for detailed photos of the inner cap, the nib from both sides, the underside of the clip and the cone ring — sellers offering an original supply these images without hesitation.\n\nRule of thumb: a single conspicuous feature can also deviate on a genuine piece, especially with vintage instruments; conversely, a single matching feature proves nothing because top-tier fakes mimic it. Only the combination of correct nib engraving, clean finishing, correct dimensions and weight, a credible seller, and honest pricing allows a reliable verdict. When in doubt, the paid authentication at a Montblanc boutique or with a specialised repair shop is worth it.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which refills fit old Montblanc ballpoints such as the No. 315?", "a": "The original refills came from Ballograf, since Montblanc cooperated with the Swedish manufacturer at the time; they are hard to obtain in Germany but available without trouble in Vienna or directly from Ballograf in Sweden. As a workable substitute, forum members recommend a standard DIN large-capacity refill (e.g. Schneider Express 225 or Schmidt) with the rear plastic spacer snipped off and the end filed smooth so the lever mechanism still works correctly. The Schmidt refills are mentioned as the best choice in terms of quality. Penboard.de also offers an adapter for old ballpoints. Worries that snipped refills might leak are dismissed by experienced collectors as unfounded, since the writing paste is sealed by an oil layer.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which storage boxes or collector cases are suitable for several high-end writing instruments?", "a": "What matters is a padded, velvet-like lining of the slots so that lacquer and fittings do not get scratched; bare wooden slots without padding are unsuitable. Montblanc offers a leather collector's case for 10 writing instruments (item 35819, MSRP 320 euros), and Gutberlet has portfolios for up to 100 pieces. Italian makers such as Visconti, Montegrappa and OMAS used to offer wooden cases with glass lids, but these are now hard to find; offers from the United States are often poor in quality and unattractive due to shipping costs. For retrofitting home-built wooden cases, self-adhesive velvet film (e.g. d-c-fix) is mentioned, with the caveat that plasticisers in PVC films can damage writing instruments over time — it is worth asking the manufacturer about that.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What ink properties (viscosity, surface tension) do the standard inks from Lamy, Pelikan and Montblanc show?", "a": "Measurements show that all three royal-blue inks have very similar viscosities of about 1.01–1.03 mm²/s — only some 10 percent above water, with no real difference between them. There is, however, a clear difference in surface tension: Montblanc is around 49 mN/m, Pelikan around 57 mN/m and Lamy around 69 mN/m, so Montblanc shows the easiest start-up behaviour. A further drop in surface tension would lead to uncontrolled ink flow. Viscosity is determined with a capillary viscometer at a temperature held constant to 0.01 °C; surface tension is measured by the Wilhelmy method using a platinum ring or plate and a high-precision balance. Personal experiments with other inks can be useful, since the nib's behaviour and the ink interact strongly.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Where can one source high-quality letter paper and visiting cards on laid paper with steel-engraved or lacquer printing?", "a": "For steel engraving in Germany, Hannovera in Hanover and a workshop in Basel are recommended as good and comparatively reasonably priced suppliers; about 100 cards with first and last name cost roughly 150–200 euros. On real laid paper, steel engraving is considered the stylistically appropriate print; lacquer printing is criticised as an inferior alternative. Another option is blind embossing (also called die embossing) at a long-established print shop that still works with hand-set letterpress; a small desktop embossing press for monograms is also feasible. Druckerey.de is mentioned as a further source — they do not offer steel engraving but other techniques and a sample portfolio that can be ordered (10 euros, credited against a first order). Local bookbinders and print shops can often arrange contacts with steel-engraving craftsmen as well.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can a newly bought Montblanc fountain pen (presumably a Noblesse) be identified, and what should one do if ink flow weakens with cartridges?", "a": "The pen described is not a Noblesse but a Montblanc SlimLine, which was produced in large numbers at the time; the collector's value is therefore low. If the nib is stamped \"585\", it is made of 14-karat gold; otherwise it is only gold-plated. The clip is generally only gold-plated. If ink flow drops with cartridge use, a thorough flushing of the pen with water normally helps. Professional repair is rarely worthwhile on these widespread models, since the cost typically exceeds the replacement value.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can a Montblanc Boheme with a retractable nib be cleaned properly, given that it only takes cartridges and no water should run through the body?", "a": "A standard piston converter does not fit the retractable-nib Boheme and is not a sensible cleaning option either — the only exception is the mid-size model with a fixed nib. A proven approach is to build a cleaning tool from a thoroughly cleaned original cartridge cut open at the rear, with a pipette or rubber bulb fitted air- and water-tight; this lets you flush water across the nib and feed without flooding the mechanism. Montblanc offers a glass tube with a rubber bulb for this purpose. It is important not to let water run directly through the body, as the mechanism can corrode in the early Boheme, Rouge & Noir and Noir & Noir models. For roughly the past one and a half years the mechanisms have been made of stainless material, and Montblanc will swap older mechanisms in service on request.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is there document-proof ink for fountain pens that meets the relevant DIN requirements?", "a": "Yes — document-proof fountain-pen ink exists. Montblanc Blue-Black, today sold as Midnight Blue, is an iron-gall ink and, according to Montblanc Customer Service, has been tested by the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) for light-fastness, water-drop resistance, smudge resistance and resistance to falsification attempts and is approved for documents including cheques. The package insert also marks the ink as document-proof. Other options mentioned are Noodler's Black (Bulletproof) and inks from De Atramentis. It is important not to mix iron-gall inks with other inks (they will thicken) and to clean the pen regularly.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How are piston-filler fountain pens built, and can a layperson repair them?", "a": "There is no universally valid description of the layout of piston-filler pens; mechanisms and threads vary considerably between manufacturers, and special tools such as pliers, pullers and wrenches are often needed for disassembly. On the Montblanc 31, the section can be unscrewed and replaced as a unit; the rear piston part can also be swapped out completely, which is normally safer than full disassembly. On older pre-war Montblanc models the feed and nib are friction-fit and can be carefully pulled out from the front; a replacement nib must match the feed in curvature, width and length. Tools are available, among others, from Tom Westerich (penboard.de); repair workshops at the Hamburg pen show and collector meet-ups offer a chance to learn from professionals. Beginners should first practise on cheap sacrificial pens.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How do M, B and OB nibs differ in shape and writing behaviour?", "a": "Choosing the right nib width is one of the most important decisions when buying a fountain pen and depends strongly on handwriting size, paper used and personal taste. The tipping of EF, F and M nibs is rounded at the front, allowing writing from various pen positions; they are particularly suitable for beginners and daily heavy writing. B and BB nibs are ground flat at the front, leaving a horizontal stroke under the tip and producing a wider line. OM, OB and OBB nibs are ground at an angle and require a specific pen position; in skilled hands they enable calligraphic effects, but with the wrong grip they can scratch and are unsuitable for left-handers. At Montblanc the nib can be exchanged free of charge within 14 days of purchase; a later exchange is possible against a repair flat fee, provided the nib is unused and as new.", "board": "Nibs", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What is known about the Starwalker Special Edition \"Soulmakers for 100 Years\"?", "a": "It is the black Starwalker with a diamond in the acrylic dome of the cap; MSRP is 495 euros for the fountain pen and 395 euros for the ballpoint. Collectors report that the diamond \"floats\" beautifully in the acrylic body and shows off its facets, in contrast to the embedded diamond of the Solitaire Granit 1906 Edition. Delivery is expected in early April with the start of Montblanc's new business year. The silver-coloured Starwalker visible in the photo belongs to the 100 anniversary editions and is not identical to the black special anniversary edition.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which nib widths does Montblanc offer, and what should one consider when choosing?", "a": "Montblanc fountain pens are typically available in nib widths EF, F, M, OM, B, OB, BB and OBB. The letter O stands for oblique, i.e. an angled tipping. Before buying, it is advisable to try various widths in a specialist shop, since the choice depends strongly on personal taste; the smaller the handwriting, the finer the nib should be. EF, F, M and OM are particularly suited to everyday use such as notes and letters, while signatures look most striking with B, OB, BB and OBB. After purchase from a specialist dealer there is a 14-day window in which the nib can be exchanged free of charge; later swaps are only possible via Montblanc Customer Service against a repair flat fee. In the Meisterstück range nibs have changed visibly over the decades; older 149 models have a bicolour nib similar to that of the 146, while newer 149s are made of yellow gold inside and out, platinum-plated in the middle.", "board": "Nibs", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How can one estimate the approximate market value of a writing instrument?", "a": "A serious valuation requires the writing instrument in hand, since condition is decisive and prices fluctuate strongly with supply and demand. A practical method is to research on eBay via the advanced search: enter the model as precisely as possible (e.g. \"Montblanc 136\"), search ended auctions worldwide, and narrow further by categories such as Collectibles or Watches & Jewellery if needed. Collector shows in Cologne and Hamburg as well as specialist forums (fountainpen.de, penexchange.de, fountainpennetwork.com) are further sales channels, although prices achieved there are clearly below eBay levels because collectors usually only buy at bargain prices and have a high level of price knowledge. Selling at shows also incurs stand fees.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What facts are known about the Writers Edition 2005 \"Miguel de Cervantes\"?", "a": "The edition is delivered in September 2005, comprises three writing instruments as usual and is dedicated to Miguel de Cervantes. The design recalls a periscope with tapering steps separated by gold-plated metal bands and a black-brown marbled lacquer body; the clip is also stepped. The nib engraving shows a windmill. Edition size and prices are unchanged from the previous years: fountain pen 650 euros MSRP, ballpoint 350 euros MSRP, set of three (fountain pen, ballpoint, mechanical pencil 0.7 mm) 1,350 euros MSRP. In dimensions the series is just below or on a par with the LeGrand models; weight is higher because of the materials, but the fountain pen does not reach Solitaire weight. Subscription prices can be requested from late July with Scription.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Do nibs really break in to one's individual writing style?", "a": "The majority of forum members deny any genuine break-in: the iridium pellet at the nib tip is so hard that practically no measurable wear occurs in normal use — not even after decades, so used pens can be bought without concern. What is felt as \"breaking in\" is in practice mostly the writer's own adaptation to the instrument. Only when the iridium pellet is broken off does the softer gold wear quickly. Targeted nib customisation is possible at the Montblanc service in Hamburg, where the writing style is observed and the nib individually ground. Since gold nibs are made by hand and vary even within one nib width, switching to a different nib of the same width can bring noticeable improvements.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which variants of the Montblanc Meisterstück 146 exist from the 1970s onwards, and how do they differ?", "a": "The 146 was reintroduced in 1974 and has been built in several variants since. A simplified overview from observation: 1973–1979 blue-grey ink window, ebonite feed, single-tone gold nib, \"Germany\"; 1980–1984 same configuration with \"W. Germany\"; from 1985 additionally a brass piston mechanism; from c. 1987 bicolour nib while keeping the blue-grey window and ebonite feed, with serial number (two letters + six digits); from c. 1988 a new T-shaped plastic feed; from 1990 a striped ink window; from 1994 without the Pix symbol. Bicolour nibs with blue windows therefore also occur from the factory in a transition phase, not only through later nib swaps in service. Later 146s are slightly longer and bear the addition \"LeGrand\". The cap can read \"Montblanc – Meisterstück No 146\", \"Montblanc – Meisterstück\" or with the addition \"Pix\", depending on the variant.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which nibs are suitable for a light calligraphy effect in everyday use?", "a": "Today's nibs produce only a limited calligraphic effect, since stiffer nibs have been made since the introduction of the ballpoint in the 1950s to tolerate the typical writing pressure of users. Anyone who wants a real, clearly varying line should sensibly turn to an old, broken-in fountain pen with an OM or OB nib, or to pre-war models such as Watermans from 1900–1910 with flexible EF nibs. Current options for a light effect are Aurora Italic or Stub, the music nib of the OMAS Filarmonica, or the Calligraphique nib of the Cartier Louis Cartier. With Montblanc, an OB or O3B nib on the 149 produces a discreet line-width difference. Writing with flexible or oblique-ground nibs requires practice and the right grip on the pen.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What colours are in the Jansen / De Atramentis ink range?", "a": "Jansen inks have been popular among collectors for years. The colour range covers a broad selection of typical hues: in the yellow band lemon-yellow, golden-yellow, ochre-yellow and yellow-orange. In the red and pink spectrum: red-orange, poppy-red, antique-rose, carmine, coral, ruby, magenta, fuchsia, red-brown, Bordeaux and oriental red. In the brown range: copper-brown, terra di Sienna and sepia. The greens include May green, moss green, olive, bamboo green, fir green, patina green, emerald, turquoise and mint. In the blues and purples: light blue, sky blue, royal blue, steel blue, sapphire, Atlantic blue, indigo, lavender, dark blue, heather purple, deep purple and aubergine. Greys and blacks include fog grey, silver grey, cement grey, ebony, black, graphite black and night black, plus a document ink and Sahara grey. The colours shown are only a first reference, since the actual colour depends on the ink flow and nib width of the pen used; correct colour reproduction also requires a calibrated monitor and a colour-managed scanner.", "board": "Ink", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Are there even finer nibs than the Lamy EF, e.g. for writing on squared paper?", "a": "True third-party nibs do not exist, but Japanese makers like Pilot, Namiki or Nakaya supply nibs that are clearly thinner than European brands; a Japanese F is roughly equivalent to a European EF and there are even XF nibs. For the Lamy system the Lamy gold EF nib (from the Studio or Accent) can be fitted to the Logo 06; if needed, a nibmeister can grind it finer still. Paper has a very large influence: on absorbent or rough paper even an EF appears thicker, while satin-finished sized paper (e.g. from Clairefontaine) shows the line noticeably finer. Ink also plays a role — Montblanc Blue-Black / Midnight Blue writes a touch thinner than other water-based inks.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What is known about the Montblanc Meisterstück White Pearl Edition, especially regarding edition size and distribution?", "a": "The Montblanc Meisterstück White Pearl Edition pens were never officially distributed through boutiques or specialist shops. In total only about 100 pieces are believed to have been produced, sold exclusively through a Montblanc-internal private sale to selected dealers. For this reason the pens appear on the market only very rarely. There is some confusion regarding the name: the packaging of one model 144 carries the name \"Magic Beauty II\", while a Montblanc expert confirms \"White Pearl\" as the correct designation. These naming inconsistencies trace back to the fact that the edition was never officially offered through the trade. Some pens were sold individually, with complete sets very rare. Even though the exact number remains unknown and estimates put it at around 100 pieces, the White Pearl / Magic Beauty II ranks among Montblanc's rarest editions.", "board": "Special Editions", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What helps when a pen with strong ink flow makes a particular ink bleed heavily?", "a": "The main culprit is usually not the ink itself but the paper: on absorbent copier paper inks like Private Reserve Tropical Blue spread more, while on better, sized paper (e.g. Clairefontaine) a clean line emerges. The thread bears this out: with better paper the bleed disappeared completely. Alternatively, the ink flow at the pen can be tuned by adjusting nib and feed alignment, although on expensive gold-nibbed pens many collectors do not feel comfortable doing this themselves. Big differences in ink viscosity are rarely seen in the forum; brands like Diamine or Noodler's are not generally regarded as particularly \"dry\". When buying ink, an individual recommendation from experienced dealers like Rolf Thiel (missing-pen.de) is worthwhile.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What does a nib swap at Montblanc cost, and under what conditions is it free?", "a": "Within six weeks of purchase a nib swap is free of charge according to Montblanc Customer Service, provided the nib is in as-new condition. For Limited Editions this period is extended to twelve months. The pen, together with the completed warranty card or the proof of purchase, must be presented at a Montblanc boutique, an authorised specialist dealer or a service centre. Calligraphy nibs are excluded from the free exchange.\n\nMontblanc offers eight nib widths: EF (Extra Fine), F (Fine), M (Medium), B (Broad), BB (Double Broad), OM (Oblique Medium), OB (Oblique Broad) and OBB (Oblique Double Broad). Within the free period it is possible to switch between these widths, with multiple swaps until full satisfaction permitted in this window.\n\nOutside the free period Montblanc charges a service fee. The manufacturer does not give a flat price — the exact amount depends on the model, the condition of the old nib and the requested new width, and is only confirmed after inspection at the service centre. A written quote before placing the job is therefore advisable. Ad-hoc statements from sales staff at the boutique counter without inspecting the nib should be treated with caution.\n\nImportant: the nib width is encoded in the pen's individual serial number. An official swap can therefore only be carried out by Montblanc itself — nib changes by unauthorised workshops are technically possible but do not change the recorded configuration and may void the warranty.\n\nOn request Montblanc returns the old nib; without that instruction it is melted down. The two-year international manufacturer's warranty covers material and workmanship faults; during this period the corresponding repairs are free for the customer, except shipping costs.\n\nPractical hints: it is most convenient to use the service via a Montblanc boutique or an authorised specialist dealer; alternatively direct shipping to a service centre is possible. The warranty card or dated proof of purchase should be enclosed. Processing time is typically a few weeks; an over-the-counter swap is only possible in exceptional cases. Anyone wanting to avoid the full service fee should act within the six-week period (or twelve months for Limited Editions); for gifts it is advisable to check at the boutique early on whether the nib width matches the recipient's writing style.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which paper is suitable for a blank book to be written in with demanding inks like Dr. Jansen \"Terra di Sienna\" or gold-leaf ink?", "a": "Paper from Clairefontaine is recommended; it is available from good specialist shops and has also proved itself for breaking in old nibs. A further option is the refill of the Montblanc Diaries & Notes / Notes and Matters books (item 9526), which can be ordered individually at boutiques; the paper matches the well-known Montblanc test pads. Anyone who wants a custom-made blank book should approach a local bookbinder and supply their own high-quality paper if needed. Inks with high paper requirements feather quickly on soft writing paper, so firm, smooth, sized paper is preferable.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can a fake of the Montblanc Star Walker Resin fountain pen be told apart from the genuine pen?", "a": "When capped, a fake of the Montblanc Star Walker Resin fountain pen is barely distinguishable from the original. With the pen open, the clearest difference is at the nib. The original carries a 14-karat white-gold nib in a stand-alone, modern shape; the breather hole area is enclosed so that no slits are visible under the nib. The fake by contrast uses a bicolour-painted steel nib in white and gold, and slits are visible underneath. A typical marker on counterfeit nibs is the inscription \"Iridium Point Germany\" or \"Iridium Point Paris\". Another indicator is the use of piston converters which do not fit the original — Montblanc piston converters cannot be used in the original Star Walker. A weight comparison shows that the fake is heavier than the original. While the rollerball fake is hard to distinguish from the original, the fake fountain pen is easily identified by its typical counterfeit nib.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Why do some Montblanc pens, normally delivered with 14-karat nibs, carry an 18-karat gold nib?", "a": "When a Montblanc pen normally sold in Germany with a 14-karat gold nib unexpectedly carries an 18-karat gold nib, the reason most often lies in the French market. In France only pens with 18-karat gold nibs are offered — including standard models like the 146, 144 and 114 as well as older pens. Even special editions like the Special Anniversary Edition come with a special 18-karat nib in France. A German pen of these models with an 18-karat nib therefore usually originates from France.", "board": "Nibs", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which ink colour is regarded historically and today as the classic for fountain pens?", "a": "Historically, ink was black, since the original ingredients were soot and iron-gall; iron-gall is still found today in blue-black ink. The colour blue only took hold in the 20th century and is today regarded as the typical fountain-pen ink — many career guides also recommend blue for signatures. Black has the advantage that it used to copy better, although that argument is moot with modern colour copiers. The most important point is to choose a water-soluble ink, since only such inks can be flushed out of the pen with simple means; royal blue inks are usually water-soluble. Pelikan 4001 royal blue and Lamy royal blue are inexpensive and good; Pelikan 4001 black, by contrast, tends to clog the feed and is not water-soluble.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can an old fountain pen with a damaged nib be identified and repaired?", "a": "Without a clear brand mark, identification is possible from the nib, the clip, the section and the barrel end; close-up photos of these areas help. A small, partially hidden nib points for instance to a Parker or a French make, while a blind cap at the barrel end qualifies that. Repairing a broken nib is very expensive; it is usually cheaper and more sensible to find an intact original nib of the same model and fit it. A list of repair specialists is on fountainpen.de; for nib-only work nibs.com is an address. With pre-war pens the feed and nib can often be carefully pulled out from the front. Markings like \"14K\"/\"585\" on the nib confirm gold quality; concrete dimensions help the repairer find suitable replacement nibs.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can disturbing engravings or their gold inlay be removed from an old fountain pen (e.g. Montblanc 342)?", "a": "Mechanically polishing out the engraving is discouraged, since the early post-war plastic has already lost plasticisers and weakening of the wall can lead to body damage. An ultrasonic bath can dissolve the gold inlay but also attacks the sealing compound and is therefore risky. The recommended middle path is to have an engraver or locksmith cover the gold inlay with the usual black wax stick, which significantly tones down the engraving without harming the substance. Generally there is also an argument for keeping engravings as part of the pen's history. Careful polishing with Wenol is acceptable on old models too, as long as the work is not too aggressive; for repairs HMS is recommended.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Why is Jens Rösler's \"Montblanc Diary & Collector's Guide\", according to Penparadise, considered the \"bible\" for Montblanc collectors?", "a": "Jens Rösler, son of the last private owner of Montblanc, Dr. Jürgen Rösler (12 March 1930 – 9 September 2003), describes in his \"Montblanc Diary & Collector's Guide\" the company's history from the founding of the Simplo Filler Pen Company in 1908 through to the Second World War. Substantial parts draw on the recollections of his grandmother Annemarie Rösler, née Voss. The book is illustrated with numerous images of rare writing instruments and period documents and offers detailed descriptions in the appendix of nearly all models produced in this period.\n\nFor Montblanc collectors it is currently the only comprehensive reference of its kind and rightly counts as the indispensable bible of pre-war Montblancs. The work is now only available on the collector market and is worth every cent even at prices beyond 250 euros.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Is buying a higher-end pen (e.g. Cross Apogee, Montblanc) worthwhile for heavy writing during a degree, or was it a mistake?", "a": "Initial dissatisfaction with a new high-end pen is usually not a wrong purchase but a question of getting used to it and of the surrounding conditions. High-quality gold nibs react sensitively to paper quality: recycled paper with short fibres or rough sorts noticeably slow the nib, while the often glossy demo paper in shops distorts the writing feel. With start-up and ink-flow issues a cleaning often helps. An M, F or B nib should work fine on usual quality paper; a settling-in time of weeks is normal. Push-on caps are seen critically over time, as they can become loose or split; screw caps and a protective sleeve are more practical for daily use. Cross gives a Lifetime Warranty on its products, although long-term lacquer experience with the Apogee series is scarce.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Can inks other than Montblanc inks be used in a Montblanc fountain pen, e.g. for a particular green colour or better ink flow?", "a": "Third-party inks can be used in a Montblanc without problem in principle; the warnings of some dealers about suspended particles or quality variations are not borne out in practice. Jansen inks like fir-green or Atlantic blue are praised by forum members for their good flow and strong colours and can even ease start-up problems on the 146. Standardgraph moss-green and Parker Quink as well as Private Reserve Sherwood Green are also popular options, although Sherwood Green dries slowly. Iron-gall ink should only be used in dip-pen holders designed for it, not in a fountain pen. Some inks like Noodler's are regarded as fairly viscous. Very old ink should not be used.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How do collectors arrange their desks, and which brands and accessories are combined?", "a": "Among forum members the spectrum reaches from minimalist and sober through to deliberately aesthetic \"Gesamtkunstwerk\" arrangements. Frequently named brands for desk accessories are Montblanc (Meisterstück leather desk pad, notepads, business-card holder, A4 portfolio), El Casco (leather trays, pen cups, table butlers), Versace/Rosenthal and Edwood. Heavy desks are recommended to be supplemented with black leather lines or gilded accents, and brands combined consistently in style. Several voices point out that an over-full desk distracts from actual work — a functional, tidy setup is often the better solution. Beautiful pen cabinets or collector boxes can put prominent pieces in the spotlight without overloading the workspace.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Are there alternative refills for the Montblanc Rollerball Classique with a better line or wider stroke?", "a": "The market is narrow: Lamy refills like the M30 or M32 fit with some adjustment but write only moderately well (the M30 is felt-tip-like, the M32 rated as critical). The M30 does not fit in the LeGrand. Workable alternatives from personal testing include the Schneider Topball 850 with a wider stroke and good writing behaviour — adjustment also needed here. In general the comfort of a fountain pen for heavy writing is regarded as superior to a rollerball, so this is a niche issue with limited supplier choice. Anyone wishing to experiment should test various gel and ink-roller refills as well as fibre refills, and possibly keep Montblanc's original refills for occasional premium use.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the Montblanc Writers Edition Virginia Woolf look like, and what are the first impressions?", "a": "On the first press images the Virginia Woolf appears rather restrained, but in hand it is much more convincing: the surface shows a dark brown shifting toward Bordeaux with a wave pattern alluding to Woolf's novel \"The Waves\". Gold fittings harmonise with the warm body; the clip is half polished, half satin-finished, and accentuated by a round red stone (presumably not a real ruby). It was debated whether it is a cartridge or piston filler — according to Stylo.ca a piston filler, although without a visible ink window. Market launch is expected in August/September; size is comparable to the 146-class Writers Edition models.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What helps against light start-up and scratching on a new Montblanc 149 with M nib?", "a": "Using sandpaper without experience is strongly discouraged. For start-up problems an ink change to a thinner brand (e.g. Pelikan or Lamy royal blue) often already helps. Slight noises with an M nib can come from \"squeak\" on certain papers — satin-finished, high-quality paper noticeably reduces this without being significantly more expensive. Genuine scratching often comes from misaligned tines; under a magnifier both halves should sit at the same height, otherwise the nib must be straightened. A gentle break-in, with start-up improving day by day, is normal; a proven trick is to start a new line with a tiny dot.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can a fake of the Montblanc Bohème Solitaire \"Je t'aime\" Sterling Silver be identified?", "a": "On a fake Montblanc Bohème Solitaire \"Je t'aime\" Sterling Silver the typical counterfeit nib stamped \"Iridium Point Germany\" or \"Iridium Point Paris\" is immediately visible when opened. In a size comparison the fake is larger than the original. The clip stone on this model should be heart-shaped, but the fake carries a stone resembling the regular Bohème pens. The breather hole also differs: on the original Je t'aime Sterling Silver it is heart-shaped rather than round. The spaces between the rings are flat on the original, while the fake shows ugly notches. At the front of the section the fake has a deep notch that is shallower on the original. The thread at the rear part is plastic on the fake, metal on the original. Under the clip the original carries a \"Pix\" engraving missing on the fake; the clip itself on the counterfeit is simply bent and looks cheap. Initial identification points are therefore the nib, the clip and the typical notches.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How can a Montblanc Boheme be cleaned thoroughly outside the boutique?", "a": "According to the service guide, water must enter the body of a Boheme neither from the front nor from the rear; only rinsing the nib is officially allowed. A thorough cleaning is however needed especially when black ink is used (which clogs quickly) or when the ink colour is to be changed. In boutiques Montblanc uses a special glass tube with a rubber bulb, fitted in place of the cartridge; this tool is not sold openly and is comparatively expensive at around 30 euros. A pragmatic solution is to open an old Montblanc cartridge at the rear with a knife (without shortening it too much), clean it, and attach a Montblanc piston converter; the new converters with a front thread sit particularly firmly. The empty cartridge is fitted into the Boheme, the converter attached, and the nib turned out, which retracts the converter together with it. By dipping the nib into water and operating the converter, water is drawn through the feed until the ink lightens visibly. Note that the cartridge must not be cut too short, otherwise the metal ring of the converter does not fit into the body; in an emergency a second empty cartridge can serve as an extension.", "board": "Care & repair", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What can be said about an old fountain pen marked \"Aristokrat\"?", "a": "Aristokrat was a German manufacturer in Nuremberg, as the marking \"Ges. Gesch.\" attests; in the 1950s the founder's piston pens were sold by direct sales in offices and authorities. Models existed in sizes roughly matching the Montblanc Mozart, as well as larger variants with 18-karat gold nibs. Based on the materials used, the model is dated to the late 1930s. The brand has no significant collector value; a well-preserved piece typically reaches only about 10 euros on eBay. Such pens lend themselves well to practising disassembly and polishing.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What is known about the Montblanc Writers Edition 2007 William Faulkner?", "a": "It is confirmed that the Writers Edition 2007 is dedicated to William Faulkner; design and materials were not officially announced at the time of the early hints. First indications from international forums suggest a brown colour scheme, which was received with reservation in the forum. It is discussed that Montblanc, in choosing the namesakes, has the US-American and Asian markets strongly in mind, since the German-speaking market accounts for only a small share of total turnover; German-speaking classics like Goethe or Kant have been wished for for years without success. Concrete nib engravings and detail shots were not expected until shortly before delivery.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "In which periods were the Montblanc Meisterstück 144 and 146 produced after 1961, and are the models technically comparable?", "a": "With the introduction of the new, slimmer shapes designed by Albrecht Graf Goertz in 1959, production of the Meisterstück 142, 144 and 146 was discontinued; only the 149 continued. In 1969/70 the Goertz models received a flat cap top and new numbers (e.g. 320, 220, 120). In 1979 the gradual reintroduction of the classic design began; the Meisterstück 146 was officially relaunched in 1986 — although 1970s-era 146s are known, indicating transitional models. Current Meisterstücks are formally based on the 1950s predecessors but technically and materially considerably modernised. The 144 was later marketed as the Classique and discontinued some years ago; early Classique models sometimes still had no serial number.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can larger collections of fountain pens be displayed long-term so they don't \"go stale\" in a cupboard?", "a": "Pen portfolios, e.g. those by Gutberlet (gutberlet.com) or collection portfolios from penboard.de, have proven good for keeping pens well protected. For a showcase look Montblanc offers a piano-lacquer black collector box that costs around 550 euros depending on size and holds up to 20 pens; variants in blue, green and a dark-brown wooden case matching the Mozart collection with an embossed star are also known. In daily use pieces are often kept in cases or pen stands. Leather loops in simple folders often do not hold ideally and are described as a sub-optimal solution. For exact prices ask at the boutique, as these collector boxes are not always listed.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can fakes of S. T. Dupont lighters be identified on eBay?", "a": "Counterfeits now reach very high quality, so even experienced buyers are deceived. Estimates suggest about 90 percent of eBay listings are fake; certain serial numbers (e.g. 05D06A8) point to fakes. Anyone wanting an original should choose only auctions explicitly advertised as \"Original S. T. Dupont\" — \"original packaging\" alone is not enough. In case of doubt, contacting the manufacturer directly or informing the buyer is recommended. Very detailed identification markers are documented in a multi-page discussion in a specialised collector forum; if in doubt, even well-faked pieces are worth at most about 40 euros.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can a fake of the Montblanc Limited Anniversary Edition — for instance one offered as \"Solitaire Platinum\" — be identified?", "a": "Montblanc never produced the Anniversary Edition in a Platinum variant with platinum-coated fittings; a pen offered as \"Limited Anniversary Solitaire Platinum\" must therefore be a fake. On the original, clip and rings are red-gold-plated, on the fake they are silver-coloured. On the three cap rings, between the rings of the counterfeit there are two black notches missing on the original; there the material between the rings matches the cap material — in this case 925 sterling silver. The nib of the fake often carries the imprint \"Iridium Point Germany\" or \"Iridium Point Paris\". On the cap top with the Anniversary ring and the diamond, the engraving on the fake is shallower; the serial number is stamped, while on the original it is laser-engraved. The Montblanc star on the fake also looks slightly jagged compared with the original. Overall this is a relatively easy fake to spot.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What is the book \"Das Bleistiftschloss\" edited by Jürgen Franzke, and what topics does it cover?", "a": "\"Das Bleistiftschloss\" is the companion volume — published in 1986 by Heinrich Hugendubel Verlag, Munich — to the exhibition of the same name at Schloss Faber-Castell, on view from 9 July to 19 October 1986. The book was edited by Jürgen Franzke and runs to about 160 pages (ISBN 3-88034-307-1). It covers various aspects of the more than 225-year history of the family company, including the generation contract, Schloss Faber-Castell in Stein, company history, the \"village of pencil-makers\", the relationship of order, good work and pay, and the castle as backdrop. Despite many illustrations only few writing instruments are shown; for interested collectors the volume is nevertheless worth reading.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How can a stuck piston mechanism caused by dried ink be loosened again?", "a": "When ink in a piston pen has dried out and the piston no longer moves, a simple water bath helps. Place the pen without cap with the nib pointing down into a glass and add lukewarm water (about 40 °C) so that the knob ends just under one centimetre above the water level. The pen should stand for at least three days, since the capillary forces of the feed slowly draw the water into the reservoir; turning the pen over once a day so the water also reaches the piston is sensible. This method works reliably but requires patience. A faster alternative is to unscrew the cone from the barrel with a special wrench and clean the barrel directly, which takes about an hour.", "board": "Care & repair", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How can cartridge pens like the Boheme be cleaned with severely dried ink?", "a": "When a cartridge pen has been left uncleaned for a long time, ink residues can dry and impede flow; a simple piston converter is then often not enough. A proven method uses a Pelikan large-capacity cartridge and a so-called ear syringe from a pharmacy, e.g. size M for around 3.45 euros. Cut the rear of the cartridge open and clean it, then attach the ear syringe to the cartridge and fit the assembly into the pen as a normal cartridge would. To clean, hold the nib in water and squeeze the rubber ball; this loosens even stuck ink residue from the feed. The method is not limited to Boheme or Montblanc but is suitable for any cartridge pen.", "board": "Care & repair", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How is the Montblanc Season's Greetings 2005 scented ink to be assessed?", "a": "Testers are convinced by the dark brown colour (between gingerbread and chocolate) and a discreet, Christmassy but not cinnamon- or speculaas-like scent. The fragrance intensity is below the well-known Loveletter Ink, which is felt to be pleasant. The ink bottle is a high-quality design object. The price at about 11.50 euros for the bottle is comparable to the Loveletter Ink. Anyone who does not want to carry the scent in their pen for weeks should choose the bottle rather than the cartridge, since the scent partly clings to the feed; on paper, however, the scent dissipates within a day. Quick supply shortages similar to the Loveletter Ink are expected.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which special and scented inks does Montblanc offer?", "a": "Montblanc's special-ink range includes, among others, the Montblanc LoveLetter Ink and the Montblanc Season's Greetings ink. Both belong to the special inks that extend the line-up beyond the regular standard inks.", "board": "Ink", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which flat ink bottle with refill insert from the 1990s is being sought, and are there comparable products today?", "a": "The bottle in question is most likely the Parker Penman, which is no longer regularly available in that exact form. A virtually identical bottle is supplied today with the Parker Duofold True Blue, but buying it as a refill is expensive. Similar designs with plastic insert, refill funnel or a collection well for ink residues are offered by Levenger as well as Lamy, Sheaffer and Visconti in their ink bottles. Levenger inks and similar specialities are easy to obtain through Rolf Thiel (missing-pen.de); the assortment is broad and individual advice is possible. Anyone looking for a specific bottle can ask there directly.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How do you clean and polish precious-resin writing instruments safely?", "a": "The precious resin used by Montblanc is a modified methyl methacrylate (Plexiglas) and tolerates cleaning with water and washing-up liquid as well as, to a limited extent, low-volatile alkanes such as octane. Strictly avoid alcohols, esters (nail-polish remover), ketones (acetone), aromatics (benzene, toluene) and chlorinated hydrocarbons (trichloroethane, chloroform), as they irreversibly damage the material within a very short time. For polishing, a water-soluble diamond paste with a grit of 0.25 µm (e.g. from Winter, Hamburg) is recommended; the polish Wenol is widespread in the collector scene and recommended by many repairers, but it has no declared grit size and can wear down coatings with repeated use. Cotton cloths should be as fresh as possible because detergent residues (zeolites) can cause micro-damage; microfibre cloths and unused cleaning cloths are a safe alternative.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which features reveal counterfeit Montblanc Starwalker writing instruments?", "a": "The original Starwalker fountain pen is purely a cartridge filler; a Montblanc converter does not fit. Auctions in which a converter is included are therefore very likely fakes. The counterfeit nibs frequently bear the typical 'Iridium Point' inscription instead of a genuine Starwalker nib. Visually, fakes can be spotted by a black (instead of acrylic-clear) snow-cap dome in the gift-box lid, a 'jagged' rather than clean star on the service guide, wrong proportions (e.g. an overly long grip section) and a different number of fine transverse grooves on the barrel — the original has ten milled rings between grip and clip ring. Boheme fakes use the same telltale nibs; the counterfeit packaging is becoming better, which makes detection harder.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Should fountain pens be filled with ink or water before long-term storage, or left empty?", "a": "The right answer depends mainly on the piston material. Pens with plastic pistons, typically models from the 1960s onwards, can be stored empty without problems after a thorough cleaning. With cork pistons one must distinguish whether the cork has been freshly renewed; a freshly fitted cork soaked in wax stays tight for years even without being filled with water. Older, already used cork should likewise be stored dry, since even distilled water can promote bacteria over time, which in extreme cases leads to mould on cork or celluloid. If the pen is to be used again later, it is enough to fill it with water a few days before use so the cork can swell again. Ink is regarded as the most harmful thing that can be put in a fountain pen; therefore it is advisable to fully disassemble pens before storage, fit a new cork seal or a new ink sac, soak the parts for at least a week in water, and use only distilled water for filling. To test nib operation it is enough to dip the nib briefly in ink; the feed will draw enough for a writing sample. Pens with polyethylene seals, used by Montblanc from the model 252 onward, i.e. from the 1960s, do not need any moisture for storage.", "board": "Care & repair", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which colour variants exist of counterfeit Montblanc StarWalker rollerballs?", "a": "Several counterfeits of the Montblanc StarWalker edition exist in differing quality. A red rollerball plagiarism is a relatively well-made counterfeit with an engraved serial number on the cap and a grip section that comes close to the original. The clearest distinguishing feature is the colour of the barrel. Original StarWalker rollerballs are currently offered in only two variants: as Resin in black precious resin and as Rubber Line with a rubberised surface and laser engraving. Counterfeits of both exist. Beyond that, additional colour variants are known among the fakes: red, blue, green, black, white and a rubberised gold version.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Montblanc Meisterstück 145 or Caran d'Ache Léman — what should you look for in a three-piece writing set (fountain pen, ballpoint, pencil)?", "a": "Both brands deliver high-quality writing instruments; in a side-by-side test at a dealer testers found the Caran d'Ache Léman M nib to be finer and better suited to small handwriting than the somewhat broader-falling Montblanc M. In general, Montblanc nibs vary in line width and ink flow due to manual finishing; a nib test or exchange within the swap period is recommended. For everyday writing a moderate weight is comfortable — very light pens lead to cramping, very heavy ones cause fatigue. The Montblanc 145 (Chopin/Classique) is regarded as suitable for daily use, blot-free and popular; anyone who values a somewhat more flexible nib should consider alternative makers such as OMAS. Ultimately the individual writing feel at the dealer decides.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Can a nib with iridium tipping be 'broken in' at all, or is that a myth?", "a": "Pure material wear hardly occurs through the hard iridium grain; a true 'breaking in' through normal writing would, by estimate, take about 15 years. In reality two effects overlap: the nib tines are minimally spread through individual pressure, and the writer gets used to the behaviour of the pen. Anyone wanting to speed up the effect can use special nib polishing paper with 12,000 grit (e.g. from David Nishimura or via micro-mesh.de) and draw figure-of-eights laid flat on the sheet — this also removes light burrs and adapts the nib to one's own hand. Alternatively, the classic method using a soapstone is mentioned. Targeted manual adjustment should be done carefully, as removing too much material permanently changes the nib character.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How should fountain pens made of celluloid and hard rubber be stored correctly?", "a": "Older celluloid fountain pens should be filled with water roughly every three months during longer storage; some of the water visibly disappears, partly given off through condensation and partly absorbed by the celluloid, which prolongs the service life. Writing instruments made of celluloid and hard rubber must in general be protected from light, especially sunlight, since the material otherwise ages; celluloid was the first industrial plastic and tends to self-decompose, as is also known from old film reels. Hard rubber was historically only limitedly dyeable, which is why almost all pre-celluloid pens are black, while celluloid made strong, colourful tones possible. Pens of newer construction, particularly from around 1960 onward, can be stored empty but should first be flushed with water so that dried ink does not damage the piston seal lip in later use. Celluloid and hard-rubber pens must on no account be placed in an ultrasonic bath, as the colour can dissolve; polishes are also to be avoided because many products soften the surface. Hard rubber can be cared for by rubbing it with olive oil or gun oil such as Ballistol, which restores a darker surface. For material identification, celluloid is mostly very colourful and brightly dyed, while hard rubber shows muted tones such as black, dark red or rarely orange and can discolour to grey-brown or fawn under light influence; safe identification is only possible via a burn test, which, however, is not an option on a whole pen, since celluloid is extremely flammable.", "board": "Care & repair", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How do you fill and clean a Montblanc Meisterstück LeGrand 146 correctly?", "a": "The LeGrand 146 is a piston filler: the turning knob at the back is gently turned to the stop (not over-turned), the nib is dipped about three-quarters into the ink bottle and then the piston is turned slowly back to draw ink. Afterwards a few drops are released back so the capillary chambers can equalise pressure and nothing blots. To clean, draw clear water in and out repeatedly until it stays clear; for drying, the pen should rest with the nib down in a lint-free cloth. A small air space of 2–3 mm in the ink window after filling is normal. The option of unscrewing the rear part completely applies only to converter models such as the 147; on the 146 the mechanism is permanently installed.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where do the many Montblanc writing instruments come from that are offered as new on eBay clearly below boutique price?", "a": "There is no factory sale for private individuals or resale permission for staff at Montblanc — employees receive a limited quantity once a year at a discount; resale is strictly forbidden. Defective goods also do not leave production after factory tours. The low online prices can be explained by dealers operating with large quantities, international sources of supply and considerable margins; powersellers in the USA also occasionally bring editions onto the market before the official launch. Regular discount campaigns such as Payback at Kaufhof have, in the past, allowed up to 30 per cent off Montblanc ranges. Overall the online share of new Montblanc trade is considerable, and reputable private or commercial sources are possible without any employee sales being involved.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why do you release a few drops of ink when filling a piston pen, and how deep should the nib be dipped?", "a": "When drawing up, the capillary chambers in the feed fill completely with ink; pushing out a few drops afterwards creates space so that these chambers can again perform their function (pressure equalisation when flying or with temperature changes) — this prevents blots and leaks and so protects clothing and paper above all. When dipping it is enough for the nib to stand fully in the ink; some collectors dip the grip section a little way in to keep the piston from drawing too much air — that is safer but requires wiping afterwards. It is important to operate the piston slowly so that the ink level reaches as high as possible.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which variants of original Montblanc Fineliner refills exist and are they mutually compatible?", "a": "Even though the Montblanc Meisterstück Fineliner was introduced as something of a small revolution, Finelliners from Montblanc existed before. Today two variants of the original Fineliner refills are in circulation: the older variant and the current version. Both fit the older as well as the new writing instruments. In addition there was another variant from roughly 1972 to 1990, namely the older version without thread, intended for the Montblanc Quickpen and similar models.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which features distinguish counterfeits of the Montblanc Kafka edition and how can they be recognised?", "a": "Of the Montblanc Kafka edition counterfeits have meanwhile turned up as ballpoints and as rollerballs, although the Kafka never existed as an original rollerball. The fakes look comparatively high-quality compared with earlier plagiarisms; the cap top comes quite close to the original and the rollerball also looks well finished at first glance. The engraving of the serial number, on the other hand, is comparatively sloppy: on all known Kafka counterfeits the same serial number 04581/16500 always appears. Two easily checkable distinguishing features are particularly important: on the original parts of the cap and barrel are reddish-translucent, while the fake is not transparent at these points; on the ballpoint this is the only immediately visible criterion. In addition, fundamentally there has never been an original Kafka rollerball. The increasingly better quality of the plagiarisms makes purchase from a specialist dealer the only safe source.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How do you hold and guide a fountain pen with an OM or OF nib, and are such nibs suitable for signatures?", "a": "Obliquely ground nibs (oblique, abbreviation 'O') produce a broader script with narrower vertical strokes and react very sensitively to hand position; at the wrong angle the nib scratches or skips. There are considerable differences between OF and OB, so extensive writing samples before purchase are important. For very flowing signatures these nibs are not ideal, but they can be used optimally by lightly turning the pen (counter-clockwise so the oblique foot lies parallel to the paper) — this gives maximum line variation. A detailed English-language guide is available in an article on richardspens.com. Signatures with a ballpoint are regarded among collectors as a stylistic faux pas.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which fountain pen in the 100–200 euro range can be recommended for everyday use?", "a": "Around 100 euros two models stand out: the Lamy 2000 (piston filler with gold nib, very solid technology and good finish) and older Pelikan models such as the Tradition M 250 or the M200/M205, optionally with 18 K gold nib; Pelikan 252, 254 or 256 are also recommended. Important before buying is to test different sizes and nib widths in the hand at a dealer — F is generally regarded as well suited for everyday use, but preferences are individual. At 200 euros the field opens up considerably (Aurora 88, Faber-Castell, Caran d'Ache Madison, etc.); the personal writing test remains decisive. With used pens, condition and trustworthy sources are worth looking at.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Who produces the modern Kaweco Sport fountain pens, and does the original company still exist?", "a": "The original 'Heidelberger Federhalter-Fabrik Koch, Weber & Co.' no longer exists; the trademark rights and production of the modern Kaweco Sport fountain pens lie today with Gutberlet. The historical Kaweco already had compact, cylindrical safety pens for ladies, officers and sport travellers in its programme by 1911, made of guilloché or marbled hard rubber and in special editions of silver, tula or Toledo. Today's Sport models are a homage to this classic design, but the brand's economic significance is no longer comparable with the pre-war period.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Are the M and B nib widths of Montblanc and Faber-Castell directly comparable?", "a": "Nib widths vary considerably between makers and partly within a brand, since Montblanc nibs are ground manually. Tendentially Montblanc nibs are broader than those of comparable brands (Cross M is narrower than Montblanc M); Dunhill and Aurora are similar at M; a Faber-Castell Anello M tends to seem somewhat broader than a Montblanc M, with ample but not excessive ink flow. The thinner the nominal nib width, the more clearly variation within a model shows — on the Faber Intuition, several nibs of width M showed differences in line width and ink flow. Bringing one's own paper for sample writing is recommended, since the satin sample paper of shops distorts the script.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What is known about the old writing-instrument brand 'Weltpen'?", "a": "Welt Pen was a brand of the Berlin company Schmieglitz & Co. GmbH, which produced several models such as the Wep, Extra and Zep as well as a 'Meisterstück' (also known as 'Dicke Berta' — even larger than a Montblanc 139). Stylistically, some pieces took on elements from the competition, e.g. the cap band of the Waterman Patrician for a ladies-format set. The company suffered greatly from World War II and was liquidated in the early 1950s. Online sources about the company are barely findable, so the knowledge comes primarily from collector circles. There is no connection with the Dutch supplier of the same name.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which variants of counterfeit Montblanc piston converters are documented and how can they be recognised?", "a": "Piston converters for Montblanc writing instruments are now also being counterfeited, with three main variants known. Counterfeit 1 comes very close to the older variant of the Montblanc piston converter; the differences from the original are barely perceptible, only on the rear grip section is a small deviation visible. Counterfeit 2 and Counterfeit 3 by contrast are very quickly recognisable as plagiarisms because quality and finish are clearly poor and show hardly any commonalities with the original. In a corresponding overview, two originals are set against three counterfeits, where above all material, finish and constructive details of the grip section deliver the essential distinguishing features.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What is known about the Montblanc Writers Edition 2010 Mark Twain?", "a": "The Writers Edition 2010 is dedicated to Mark Twain; on the nib a rope knot is engraved. First, still blurred photos circulated in international collector forums. A criticism from the early writing samples: the pens apparently tend to write broad. In parallel the forum discussed the Music Edition with John Lennon, whose stylistic logic in the line of previous Donation Pens (Bernstein, Menuhin, Solti, Karajan, Bach) provided material for debate. For a Goethe in the line, the German collector scene continues to wait in vain.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can current counterfeits of Montblanc rollerball refills be distinguished from the original?", "a": "Earlier counterfeits of Montblanc rollerball refills were easy to recognise because original refills did not fit the counterfeit writing instruments. Current counterfeits of the rollerball refills barely differ from the original. The only reliable distinguishing feature is a number on the back of the refill, present on the original and missing on the counterfeit. When turning the rollerball refill, hardly any differences can be seen; the Pix logo may appear somewhat larger on the fake, which, however, is only noticeable in direct comparison. Current counterfeits fit without problems into original Montblanc writing instruments and, conversely, original refills also fit current counterfeit rollerballs.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How do you identify an old Montblanc Meisterstück with the imprint 'D.R.P.' and the nib markings 4810/M/250?", "a": "The pen described is a Meisterstück 139, clearly recognisable by its size and the two silver cap rings. The missing '139' engraving is not unusual. The combination with a steel nib (instead of one marked 'G' for gold) and a long ink window points with high probability to a production between 1940 and 1943 — during the war steel nibs were used due to a gold shortage. The market value lies, depending on condition, between roughly 700 and 1,700 euros; well-preserved pieces can also be traded above that.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc fountain pen is used for entries in the Golden Book of the City of Dortmund?", "a": "For entries in the Golden Book of the City of Dortmund a Montblanc Meisterstück No. 146 in the classic version is used. The fountain pen has a 14-carat gold nib with platinum inlay in nib width B and is fitted without engravings or decorations. It has been in official use since the 1980s together with a matching pen stand; the writing instruments used previously also came from Montblanc. The Golden Book itself was designed in 1899 on the occasion of the opening of the port of Dortmund by Kaiser Wilhelm II by Professor Mayer of Heidelberg together with Karl Eyth and financed by Heinrich Wencker, owner of the Dortmund Brewery zur Kronenburg; the matching golden inkwell with little tower-corners was donated by the owner of the Dortmunder Zeitung Gustav Krueger and designed by Paul Drescher in silver, gilded, partly polished and adorned with gemstones. The book cover itself consists of engraved silver, is partly gilded and decorated with ruby-backed rock crystals, coal spheres and pieces of translucent and opaque enamel; between the covers, now in the fourth edition, lie hand-made paper pages. Before each entry the book is given to a graphic studio that calligraphically inscribes the name, function and background. The fountain pen is checked for ink level and cleanliness and placed without cap into the pen stand for the ceremony; the set is supplemented by a blotter roller. Should the 146 fail, a second Montblanc writing instrument stands ready as a backup. After the ceremony, pen and book are kept under the supervision of the protocol chief in the safe, while the book cover, together with inkwell, official chain and parts of the council silver, is exhibited in an alarm-secured display case in the city hall foyer.", "board": "Articles", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which fountain pen is suitable as a higher-end entry-level pen after Lamy/Pelikano, without immediately stepping into the high-priced Montblanc class?", "a": "Collectors strongly recommend having several models demonstrated and writing extensively in a well-stocked specialist shop before buying, since nib width and feel act very differently for each individual. Recommended entry-level addresses include the Schreibkultur shop of Ingrid Janik in the Leipzig Mädler-Passage and the Faber-Castell shop of the same owner. In the mid-price segment around 50 euros, models such as the Faber-Castell Ambition Edelharz or a Lamy Studio are good candidates; above that begins the world of Pelikan, while Montblanc's pricing only starts where Lamy and Pelikan already end. Important when test-writing is to check both the nib width and the size and balance of the barrel, since a too small or too large pen will be unpleasant even with a perfect nib.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can the Montblanc 147 Traveller be cleaned in practice?", "a": "Montblanc recommends cleaning fountain pens at least once a month with clear water; with black ink more often. Simply holding the 147 under water is, however, problematic because the inner metal parts can oxidise; only by long drying before renewed use can this danger be reduced, although ink residues can hardly be removed completely this way. An ultrasonic bath is another possibility, but rarely available in practice; in addition, a simple ink change is hardly possible with it. The most practical approach is to fit a standard Montblanc piston converter, which fits well and protrudes far enough out of the barrel to be operated comfortably; with it, cleaning the 147 becomes an easy routine.", "board": "Care & repair", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc Meisterstück model is a 135 mm long pen with a 14k/585 gold nib, the inscription Mont Blanc Meisterstück on the cap ring and W-Germany on the cap?", "a": "From the dimensions, several Meisterstück models come into consideration: a 149 would be clearly larger, a LeGrand 146 likewise, so only the Classique 144, the Hommage à Mozart or the Hommage à Chopin remain. In favour of the 144 Classique speak the length of about 135 mm, a single-coloured gold nib type and the single gold ring directly in front of the nib. A missing model number on the cap is not an exclusion criterion, as not all Classique models bear such marking. For safe identification, collectors recommend comparison with the detailed model overviews on fountainpen.de and in the forum articles on classic Meisterstücks, as well as uploading detail photos.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are repair costs of around 130 euros for a stiff piston mechanism on a roughly 2.5-year-old Montblanc Meisterstück 146 reasonable?", "a": "Collectors regard 130 euros for a pure piston repair on a black Meisterstück 146 as clearly excessive, since Montblanc has been working with flat-rate repair fees for years and even the complete replacement of a black Meisterstück without nib lies below this sum. Forum reports cite figures of around 42 euros for a general overhaul including renewal of piston thread, seals and feed and shipping. The recommendation is first to fix the stiffness by repeatedly flushing with clear water and then to call Montblanc customer service directly to clarify the flat fee, bypassing any dealer surcharges. The piston mechanism of the Meisterstücks has been almost unchanged since the 1960s and is very robust under normal care, which is why a real defect is unusual.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Has there ever been a black star on Montblanc writing instruments, or is a dark-looking star always a sign of counterfeit?", "a": "A black, printed star on print material or packaging is always a counterfeit feature. On the writing instruments themselves, however, the finding is more nuanced: between the 1930s and 1950s, on the inexpensive 3rd series (e.g. models 3-42 or 333½), the star was not inlaid but only engraved as an outline into the cap and not filled with colour. These pens were jokingly called 'Montblanc for the poor' at the time, since Montblanc reserved the fully filled star for the higher-quality models. A dark or black-looking star on a pre-war or early post-war 3rd series model is therefore not a sign of counterfeit but a period-typical execution.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you change the lead in the Montblanc 161 LeGrand Meisterstück twist pencil with 0.9 mm, and what should you do when the mechanism only clicks?", "a": "The LeGrand twist pencil in 0.9 mm calibre does have a lead reservoir but must be reloaded from the front: remove the old lead, turn the upper part to the left until a slight click is heard, insert a new lead and feed it into the pencil by turning left. If the mechanism continues to click without the lead advancing, remnants of the old lead are presumably stuck in the tip; turning right makes the lead end visible so it can be pulled out with tweezers. The LeGrand twist pencils are regarded among collectors as the best on the market and not prone to fiddling in meetings. With persistent defects forum members recommend first going to a competent Montblanc specialist dealer (e.g. Knoblauch in Heidelberg or Bürohaus Lehr in Trier) for an on-site check, before sending the pen in to the boutiques in Frankfurt, Stuttgart or Hamburg.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which wine inks does the Jansen ink manufactory offer, and how were they tested?", "a": "The Jansen ink manufactory offers a variety of wine inks, of which the following were tested: Bordeaux, Barolo, Blauer Portugieser, Lemberger and Dornfelder. As expected, each of these inks has a typical scent corresponding to the respective wine; above all the clear colour differences are remarkable, since each ink has its own character. The writing test was carried out with a Montblanc Meisterstück 146 with an OBB nib and a Montblanc Meisterstück with an OM nib on normal copy paper. Since copy paper usually does not have particularly high quality, fraying at the edges can occur with more flowing inks. On higher-quality papers this effect does not appear.", "board": "Ink", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc ballpoint models in the 200–300 euro budget are sensible besides the Meisterstück Classique 164, and where can you obtain them safely?", "a": "The list prices of Solitaire ballpoints at Montblanc are basically above 300 euros; in the 200–300 euro range a Solitaire model can be found at most second-hand or as new with reputable eBay sellers or via the sales sections of relevant collector forums. Within the Solitaire line the Classique versions in gold or platinum are at the lower end; a complete overview of materials and model variants can be found on fountainpen.de. For online purchase collectors recommend monitoring several auctions in order to determine reference prices and thoroughly comparing equipment features against relevant collector pages to rule out counterfeits. To care for gold alloys soft cloths suffice; aggressive polishing should be avoided.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which refill fits a Montblanc lever ballpoint No. 18 from the 1960s, whose original giant refill is too slim for the giant refills sold today?", "a": "The thicker giant refill commonly sold today no longer fits directly into the Montblanc No. 18 from the 60s, since the writing tip of the ballpoint was designed only for the slimmer first-generation giant refill. Collectors report that authorised Montblanc specialist dealers and the boutique offer an adapter with which current giant refills can be used in younger lever ballpoints (e.g. No. 782); on the model 18 this adapter does not help, however, due to the still slimmer tip geometry. In the 1970s, after the change to the thicker writing tip, Montblanc offered free replacement tips for around ten years; this programme has been discontinued for decades. The only practical solution that remains is therefore usually to search for old stocks of the old giant refill or for an original replacement tip via collector channels.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How do you correctly maintain the metal mechanism of older fountain pens?", "a": "At least once a year the metal mechanism of older fountain pens should be treated with silicone spray to keep it operating smoothly. Mechanisms made of metal are mainly found in writing instruments up to the 1950s as well as in Skeleton Editions and pens of other makers such as the Doerrbecker Quintessenz. Current regular Montblanc writing instruments no longer have metal mechanisms and therefore do not need this kind of additional care.", "board": "Care & repair", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Is Wenol suitable as a polish for Montblanc fountain pens, and which agent is right for which material?", "a": "Wenol is well suited for writing instruments made of older celluloid, e.g. for classic 3-series models like the 342, but it should not be used on precious resin (Resin); there Xerapol or Displex deliver better results. On the 144 in precious resin Displex is unproblematic, on the celluloid 342 it is to be avoided since the material can swell strongly. Every polish removes substance from the surface and can additionally damage gold plating, which is why rings and clips should be covered with adhesive tape before polishing and frequent polishing should generally be avoided. Collectors point out that even Wenol can wear off gold plating with too much pressure, so one should always work sparingly and selectively.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What is already known about the Montblanc Writers Edition 2008 dedicated to George Bernard Shaw?", "a": "The Montblanc Writers Edition 2008 is dedicated to George Bernard Shaw. The writing instruments are made of green marbled lacquer with inlaid platinum-plated rings and are offered in the usual breakdown of fountain pen, ballpoint and rollerball. First images and an English-language description circulated initially via the Fountain Pen Network forum; later, flyers with images of the entire edition were distributed in Montblanc boutiques.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you reconnect the front section of a Montblanc 31 (3rd series of the 1950s) permanently to the barrel when both are loose after soaking in water?", "a": "On the Montblanc 31, by factory design, the front section and barrel are screwed, not glued; sealing is provided by a sealing ring that is set firm by the thread. If the front section can be pulled off without a thread, this regularly indicates a clean break or an earlier improper repair attempt in which the original thread was lost and the parts were then glued. Adhesive residues inside the front section as well as the absence of a recognisable thread starting point typically confirm this finding. In this case the pen is usually only fit as a parts donor; attempts to glue the connection again rarely lead to lasting results because of the ink-tightness required. Models from the 1950s can otherwise be unscrewed without problems for cleaning, with the rings not being mixed up.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Why is the Heiko Primus regarded as the 'Mercedes' among GDR fountain pens, and where was it used?", "a": "The Heiko Primus refutes the prejudice that there were no luxury writing instruments in the GDR: it is a particularly beautiful fountain pen which was somewhat more expensive but worth its price. It was popular not only in the GDR and the Comecon area but also in the West, where it was readily used as a promotional gift — accordingly it is often found with Western advertising imprints. East German firms also handed it out at trade fairs to particularly good customers, e.g. with imprints such as 'Greetings from Jena' from Zeiss. The Heiko Primus existed in various colours, including red.", "board": "GDR (East-German) writing instruments", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Why should old fountain pens only be filled with water-soluble ink?", "a": "Older writing instruments should be filled exclusively with water-soluble ink, because only this allows cleaning to be carried out simply and gently. Whether an ink is water-soluble is normally indicated on the packaging; alternatively it can simply be checked whether the ink can be erased with an ink eraser, which is taken as an indication of water-solubility. Typical examples of water-soluble inks are Pelikan 4001 royal blue and Lamy royal blue.", "board": "Care & repair", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How can counterfeits of the Montblanc Menuhin Special Edition — in particular the non-existent rollerball — be recognised?", "a": "Of the Montblanc Menuhin Special Edition there was officially only a fountain pen and a matching ballpoint, but never a rollerball. If a Menuhin rollerball is offered, it is therefore necessarily a counterfeit. The differences from the original are considerable: clip and fittings are gold-plated on the original, but made of steel on the counterfeit. The fake is clearly slimmer and rather rounder in shape, while the original is more powerfully designed. On the rear ring the original reads 'Philharmony of the Nations', while the counterfeit reads 'Philharmon / of the Nations'. The cap ring's open area differs: on the original it is patterned, on the counterfeit smooth. The clip shape is similar, but the front part of the violin ends earlier on the original; in addition, original clips are stamped, while counterfeits are mostly only simply bent. Under the clip the original bears the imprint 'Pix', missing on the counterfeit. Problematic is that the original Montblanc rollerball refills fit into current counterfeits, which is why owners of such a fake often only notice the fraud late.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which book by Jens Rösler and Stefan Wallrafen covers Montblanc writing instruments between 1946 and 1979?", "a": "'Collectible Stars' by Jens Rösler and Stefan Wallrafen presents Montblanc writing instruments from 1946 to 1979 and is therefore the ideal complement to Rösler's earlier volume on the pre-war period. The work is aimed primarily at collectors and offers a comprehensive overview of the fountain pens, ballpoints and pencils produced in this epoch. It additionally contains guideline prices for mint-condition pens and thus also serves as a valuation aid.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Can you determine, on the basis of the nib engraving 4810/M/14K Montblanc 585 and a barrel length of 13.5 cm, which Meisterstück it is, and how do you protect yourself from counterfeits when buying on eBay?", "a": "The nib engraving 4810 is borne by every Montblanc gold nib and says nothing about the model; the 585 hallmark confirms 14-carat gold, the M the nib width Medium. With a length of only 13.5 cm a 146 LeGrand can be ruled out; smaller Meisterstücks such as the 144 Classique come into question. A reliable authenticity check is not possible from verbal descriptions alone, which is why purchase from an authorised specialist dealer or from reputable mail-order sellers such as scription.de is recommended. For eBay purchases collectors advise requesting high-resolution photos of nib, ink window, cap rings and clip and matching them with detail shots from relevant collector pages. Cartridge compatibility is given on Meisterstücks only with a few smaller models; classic Meisterstücks are piston fillers.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How are the Japanese makers Nakaya, Sailor, Pilot/Namiki and Platinum to be assessed in terms of quality, nib widths and sourcing options?", "a": "Japanese writing instruments from Pilot/Namiki, Sailor, Platinum and especially Nakaya are regarded by collectors as outstanding in quality and function and are partly perceived as superior to European and American models. Nakaya sells its pens exclusively by direct sales via email, makes them to customer specifications (e.g. tamenuri lacquer work) and ships worldwide; on imports into the EU value-added tax and import duties apply. With nib widths it should be noted that Japanese designations run narrower than European ones: F corresponds roughly to EF, M corresponds to F, so true B or even BB widths from Japanese makers are rare. By contrast, makers such as Nakaya offer truly flexible nibs and on request even flexible stubs as well as music nibs, which are barely available in Europe any more. Collectors recommend paying attention to a suitable nib grade when ordering and being aware of the longer delivery times and possible customs formalities.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which paper makes a fountain pen's line appear as broad as possible without making the script look fussy?", "a": "Generally the rule is: the cheaper and more absorbent the paper, the broader the ink line appears, because the ink penetrates more strongly into the fibre structure and spreads. Paper that is too absorbent, however, carries the risk that the pen cannot keep up with ink flow and skips, or that fibres get into the nib slit and create a brush effect. Strongly satin or coated papers, on the other hand, make the line appear narrower than it actually is, which is why the nib width chosen in the shop often appears disappointingly narrow at home. Recommended are mid-range premium papers such as Gmund papers, Cranes Crest (with cotton-like fibre composition like banknotes) and, as all-rounders, Zanders Gohrsmühle or Classic. Collectors advise always testing a pen with one's own usual paper, as the perceived nib width varies considerably.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can a counterfeit of a Montblanc Scott Fitzgerald rollerball be recognised?", "a": "There is no Montblanc Scott Fitzgerald rollerball in the Writers Edition; the edition comprises exclusively fountain pens, ballpoints and pencils. If a Scott Fitzgerald rollerball is offered, it is therefore necessarily a counterfeit. The packaging is barely distinguishable on the plagiarism from the original; at most the fake one looks somewhat darker. On the writing instrument itself two main features are decisive: the Scott Fitzgerald exists only in white, every black, blue, green or red variant is a fake; however, white counterfeits also exist. The shape also differs: the counterfeit is clearly slimmer, the original looks more pot-bellied. On closer inspection the grip section of the counterfeit comes from a Bohème counterfeit; on it the imprint 'Bohème' is even recognisable. Montblanc does not reuse parts from other editions in the Writers Editions, which is also regarded as a typical counterfeit feature. The included rollerball refill is also counterfeit and barely distinguishable from the original. In the case described, the pen was acquired for 150 euros in a Milanese designer shop and broke after only a short time.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Why does ink remain stuck in converters so the pen skips, and how can it be remedied?", "a": "The problem is a classic ventilation and adhesion issue: in the converter an air cushion must always remain between piston and ink, otherwise the pressure ratios change while writing and the ink flow breaks off. Even with sufficient air space, ink can adhere to the plastic walls because different converter plastics have differently strong adhesion forces; this was particularly pronounced on some Graf von Faber-Castell converters, less strong on Montblanc. Montblanc places a loose metal spiral in newer converters that keeps the ink moving and largely eliminates the problem; the current Parker piston converter also uses a spiral. A practical remedy is cleaning with diluted soap solution to reduce adhesion, or switching to cartridge or piston pens, on which the problem does not occur or only in a strongly mitigated form by design.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Are the engraving 'W-Germany' and a six-digit serial number on a Montblanc Meisterstück LeGrand signs of a counterfeit?", "a": "From these features alone no counterfeit can be deduced. The clip engraving 'W-Germany' regularly appears on writing instruments before 1991, so the seller's statement that the piece is younger than ten years is incorrect here; rather, it is an older original from the time before German reunification. The number of digits in the serial number is also not an authenticity criterion, since the format and length of the numbers have changed several times over the decades. A reliable assessment requires meaningful detail photos of nib, cap ring, clip and ink window, which can be matched against the relevant collector sources.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does a counterfeit Bohème leather case differ from an original?", "a": "Already shortly after the introduction of the Bohème leather cases counterfeits appeared that are of inferior quality and clearly differ tactilely from the original. A first difference shows up on the leather itself: the original leather has a clear texture, while the counterfeit leather is smooth. The Montblanc star also deviates; on the counterfeit it appears rather jagged and is surrounded only by a thin metal ring, while the original carries the usual Montblanc star with a clearly broader metal ring. When opened, poorly executed seams can be seen inside the counterfeit. The inside logo is also poorly defined on the counterfeit; the star is hardly recognisable as such there.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which GDR writing instruments are collector-worthy, and which Heiko models are among the best-known?", "a": "Writing instruments from the former GDR enjoy an ambivalent reputation among collectors: some hold them to be cheap mass-produced goods, others appreciate them as decidedly cult. On closer inspection GDR fountain pens impress with an independent design language, good writing behaviour and almost indestructible everyday usability.\n\nThe most important models of the Heiko brand include the Heiko Junior, a classic school fountain pen with a convincing steel nib, and the Heiko Sprint, also a school fountain pen; both were produced until German reunification and can still be found relatively often today. The Heiko Primus is regarded as the 'Mercedes' among GDR fountain pens and impresses with a timeless shape such as Western makers also preferred in the 1980s. The Heiko Trend aimed at an older, more upmarket target group than Sprint and Junior, but stayed below the level of the Primus. The Heiko Filius is the oldest of the models presented here, regarded as rare and came onto the market among others in purple-marbled and green-marbled variants. Beyond that, the Heiko 444, the Heiko P401 and an unidentifiable model from the 1960s are known from the Heiko programme.", "board": "GDR (East-German) writing instruments", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Should you use only Montblanc ink in Montblanc fountain pens such as the Mozart, or can third-party inks also be filled in safely?", "a": "Collectors report repeated problems with certain third-party inks, especially Private Reserve, which in small Montblanc models like the Mozart lead to heavy 'soup' where cap and grip section are full of ink after a short time; comparable effects also occurred with a Pelikan M200. Thorough flushing before changing does not reliably eliminate the problem, since the small pin that opens the cartridge seal, or other components, can be permanently impaired by aggressive inks; even after returning to the original Montblanc cartridge the soup often continues to appear. Other inks, e.g. black inks from older inkjet cartridges, run by contrast without problems in larger models such as the 146. Anyone using third-party inks in smaller Meisterstücks risks a repair, in which Montblanc typically renews the front section and feed and only retains the old nib; the maker's note to use only Montblanc ink therefore has practical justification.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What history of the pencil is told in Henry Petroski's standard work 'The Pencil'?", "a": "Henry Petroski's 'The Pencil — The History of an Everyday Object' appeared in German translation in 1995 from Birkhäuser Verlag, Basel, as a hardcover with about 408 pages and numerous illustrations (ISBN 3-7643-5047-4). Originally packed, shrink-wrapped copies additionally contain a Faber-Castell 9000 pencil. Petroski competently tells the history of the pencil starting in the time before its invention, describes the rise of new technologies, closely guarded trade secrets, improvements and well-known pencil families of the old and new world, and depicts a 'pencil world war' between entire industries. The to this day unfinished search for technical perfection is also a topic.\n\nCultural, technical and economic aspects interlock here. Drawing on old company records, Petroski quotes discussions of an Atlanta firm in the early 1920s on how wage structures were to be designed for the mass production of mechanical pencils — in a language that mirrors the social image of that time in an oppressive way. In the appendix is a contribution by Norbert Franzke and Peter Schafhauser on the pencil dynasty Faber-Castell.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc models were honoured by the readers of Pen World 2003?", "a": "Pen World is the leading US American magazine for high-quality writing instruments and bestows annual awards determined by the readership. In 2003 both essential titles went to Montblanc. The StarWalker was named Fountain Pen of the Year 2003, standing out through innovative design and convincing writing behaviour. The Jules Verne was named Limited Edition of the Year 2003, attracting attention especially through its novel surface.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Why do Unicef special editions of the Montblanc 149 have an 18-carat gold nib, while older standard 149s only have a 14-carat nib?", "a": "Current standard 149s are delivered with an 18-carat gold nib, while older variants of the 1990s often had 14-carat nibs, which explains the discrepancy between an older personal piece and newer special editions. The change to 18 carats took place in the early 2000s as a general upgrade in model maintenance. In France 18 carats was already common before, because there gold is only spoken of from this purity, which is why country-specific nib variants existed in the past as well. The 149s auctioned for Unicef as well as the three limited Unicef-4810-149s (e.g. Tom Sachs) carry 18-carat nibs, which underscores the special significance of the literacy project.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the Montblanc Bohème suitable for a heavy writer who has been satisfied with a Lamy 2000, and which Bohème variant (Mid- or Big-Size) should you watch for?", "a": "Heavy writers used to a Lamy 2000 will usually find the regular Mid-Size Bohème too small and too light; the two pens differ fundamentally in size, weight and ink capacity. The Bohème was offered as a Mid-Size with a stone in the clip and a retractable nib and as the no-longer-produced Big-Size Bohème Platinum the size of a Meisterstück LeGrand without a stone in the clip; only the Mid-Size has a stone, and only the Big-Size reaches the size of an everyday LeGrand, although there too the nib is retractable. Nib widths such as OB or OBB are not standard and are little suited to everyday use, but rather signature nibs. Collectors strongly advise buying from an authorised specialist dealer rather than online, because there nib widths can be exchanged subsequently and originality is guaranteed.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does Miroslav Tischler's book document about Eduard Slavoljub Penkala and the Penkala works?", "a": "In his elaborately researched book Miroslav Tischler has documented the life and work of Eduard Slavoljub Penkala (1871–1922) as well as the history of the firm Edmund Mostar & Co. — the later Penkala works. Penkala was not only an important designer and inventor in the writing-instrument field but also the constructor and pilot of the first aircraft built in Croatia. Presumably it was he who invented the piston filler; in 1927 the Penkala works sold the patent of a fountain pen with differential piston to Günther Wagner, from which the well-known Pelikan fountain pens later emerged. Penkala also held patents for mechanical pencils, further writing instruments and improvements to the gramophone or to the material of gramophone records.\n\nThe large-format volume (about 24 x 33 cm) comprises around 152 pages with excellent photos of writing instruments, documents, ads and advertising. Content-wise it is divided into preface, history of Penkala and the Penkala works, writing instruments (filling pencil, mechanical twist pencil, fountain pen, safety pen, lever filler, push filler, bumper pen, eyedropper system, piston filler), factory in Lepoglava, other products of the Penkala factory, clips, nibs, art of advertising as well as chapters on other Croatian stationery makers — including Günther Wagner K.D. Pelikan factories in Zagreb — and other international makers. From the last chapter previously unknown piston fillers such as Juwel (Deutsche Füllhalterwerke GmbH, formerly Angloamer) or OWA (Peter Jungmann, Heidelberg/Dossenheim) can also be unambiguously assigned. In 1909 Penkala incidentally founded a Berlin branch in which writing instruments were also produced.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Are Montblanc writing instruments such as the Solitaire Carbon Classique or the Jules Verne Edition really suited to daily use?", "a": "Collectors unanimously confirm that Montblanc writing instruments are unrestrictedly suitable for everyday use, from filigree Solitaire models to the classic 146/149 line. Reports include daily use of a 146 over more than ten years without loss of function or substance, as well as the use of a Bohème or Jules Verne as a constant companion in a professional environment; even manual activities the pens endure. Anyone who wants to write with quality should use the pen consciously and not lock it away from exaggerated worry, since regular use keeps the pen in shape. High-priced materials such as carbon or gold change nothing about robustness but are to be handled more care-consciously. With frequent use collectors recommend a rollerball or mechanical-pencil model as a complement to the fountain pen, in order to avoid changing ink in meetings.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What are Authograph Sets and picture frames of the Montblanc Writers Edition, and which official variants exist?", "a": "The Authograph Sets of the Writers Edition are special packagings about twice as large as the standard version and contain additional material on the author. Included are an image of the author with a recreated but handwritten signature as well as reproduced handwritten texts. The picture frames likewise contain, alongside the writing instrument, a sheet with the author's portrait and a reproduced handwritten text. Official Authograph Sets include Oscar Wilde Pencil with Ident no. 09051, Voltaire Pencil with 09052, Dumas N Fountain Pen with 09053, Dumas N Pencil with 09054, the Dumas N 3-piece set with 09055, the Dostoevski Fountain Pen with the numbers 09104 in M and 09105 in B, and the Schiller Fountain Pen with 09108 in M and 09109 in B. Picture frames with an inset writing instrument do not count as part of the official product range; many of these frames were made for promotional purposes and were never sold regularly, which is why on the market additionally self-assembled pieces circulate. The edition sizes of the Authograph Sets and the picture frames are not known; they were produced primarily to sell off remaining stocks.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What option do specialist dealers have to borrow Montblanc plagiarisms for training purposes?", "a": "Specialist dealers are offered the option of borrowing various Montblanc counterfeits free of charge for one week to train their staff. Only shipping costs of 6.70 euros for a corresponding parcel apply; after one week the writing instruments are to be sent back insured. Available as demonstration pieces are a Bohème Solitaire Silver fountain pen, a StarWalker fountain pen, a Menuhin rollerball, an Anniversary Platinum fountain pen, a Sienna case, a Bohème case, a rollerball refill and various piston converters. Dates can be agreed in advance, since plagiarisms are already on loan until early September.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which model is a round Montblanc writing instrument hallmarked silver 900, with four sliders and a separate lead reservoir under the cap?", "a": "What is described is a four-colour pencil, probably from the 1930s, in which different leads can be advanced alternatively via four sliders and the lead reserve is stored in the rear container under the screw-off cap. Collectors point to illustrations of similar models in the Rössler book on Montblanc, in which, however, no clear model numbers are documented for these early four-colour pencils, since Montblanc did not consistently work with model numbers at the time. An angular variant is shown on fountainpen.de under old-30er-4-colour-pencil; round versions with a circumferential clip ring are rarer but contemporaneously documented. An exact value statement is not possible without photo and condition assessment; collectors recommend posting good detail pictures on the forum and consulting the relevant collector literature (Rössler, Tischler).", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the market value of a Montblanc pneumatic-push fountain pen from the 1920s be determined?", "a": "A reputable valuation requires precise model identification on the basis of detail photos as well as a condition assessment; general blanket statements are not to be expected from a collector forum, since the forum does not replace a professional valuation. Anyone who has no relation to older writing instruments and wishes to sell the piece reaches the broadest collector circle through eBay and thus a market-near price; the listing should contain a detailed description with clear pictures. A dealer offer of 160 euros lies in the lower range for a 1920s push-filler but, depending on model, condition and nib quality, can be appropriate or clearly below.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What did the annually published special edition 'Scriptum — The Most Beautiful Writing Instruments' offer, and when did it appear?", "a": "'Scriptum — The Most Beautiful Writing Instruments' appeared annually, initially in 1996 as a special edition of the magazine 'Chronos' and from 1997 to 2000 as a special edition of the magazine 'Scriptum, the magazine for writing culture'; the series no longer exists today. Each issue presented the new releases of nearly all renowned writing-instrument makers, including Montblanc, Pelikan, Faber-Castell, Parker and Waterman. Material, nib, mechanism, variants, special features, edition sizes and prices were described, supplemented by contributions on history, design, manufacture and inks. Readers could also vote for the 'Fountain Pen of the Year' by postcard and win attractive prizes.\n\nThe volumes appeared from Ebner Verlag in roughly 23 x 30.5 cm format with 130 to 160 pages as hardcover editions. They are no longer available in bookshops but can be found in online antiquarian shops and at auctions.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What is known about the new Bulk Filler fountain pen system from Conid (Fountainbel/Francis) of Flanders?", "a": "The Bulk Filler system developed by Francis and produced by Conid is based on a positive-displacement filling principle that uses the maximum ink capacity in a small space and was introduced on the first production batch with 60 demonstrator models. Clip, cap closure screw, filler knob, cap ring and threaded ring are made of titanium in the final version. Detail pictures, sourcing and pricing information are available on conid.be and in the detailed English-language presentation in the Fountain Pen Network forum; orders and price enquiries run directly via werner@conid.be.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What does the Montblanc leather care set offer, and what is it suitable for?", "a": "Montblanc offers its own leather care set specially attuned to the range. It is suitable for cleaning and care of all leather articles offered by Montblanc, including the sensitive ostrich-leather variant, and thus represents a manufacturer's own alternative to universal care products.", "board": "Care & repair", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Is there a nibmeister in Germany at the level of Richard Binder or John Mottishaw who makes nibs flexible or replaces tipping?", "a": "In Germany there are skilled restorers who can grind and adjust nibs, e.g. the specialist known as Dr. Ink, reachable via doerrbecker.de. For demanding work such as replacing tipping, making a modern nib flexible or working in stub and italic grinds, the level in Germany, by collector judgement, does not reach Richard Binder or John Mottishaw. Therefore shipping to John Mottishaw (nibs.com) is recommended; the handling runs reliably and pleasantly via office manager Pat Ackor; phone arrangements are possible. Shipping and customs formalities to the USA must be factored in.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which collector's book by Jens Rösler documents the history of Montblanc writing instruments from 1908 to 1947?", "a": "Jens Rösler's book 'The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide' is dedicated to the history of the Montblanc company and its writing instruments from 1908 to 1947. It provides an extensive overview of the fountain pens produced in this period and describes in detail the development of the firm. For every Montblanc collector the work is regarded as an indispensable standard reference; it is, however, out of print and only very rarely to be found second-hand. The book itself has thus achieved the status of a collector's object.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What characterises the GDR school fountain pen Heiko Junior in design, writing behaviour and robustness?", "a": "The Heiko Junior was a widespread school fountain pen from the GDR in the late 1980s, inexpensive, extremely robust and visually appealing. Its design follows the principle of adding nothing and leaving nothing out: trouble-prone details such as a clip were deliberately omitted, since these would quickly break off on a school pen anyway. The Junior was available among others in a subdued turquoise as well as in orange.\n\nThe plain steel nib offers the stability required for a school fountain pen but does not write hard like a 'nail'. Ink flow, however, is not equally good on all examples — some pens write very juicily, others rather sparingly. As a workhorse for daily use the Junior also satisfies today's demands. Travel, by contrast, it likes less: larger pressure differences, e.g. on aircraft, and stronger shocks it acknowledges with blots. Today the Heiko Junior can still often be found cheaply on the collector market.", "board": "GDR (East-German) writing instruments", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which standard work documents Pelikan writing instruments from 1929 to 2004, and what does it cover?", "a": "The book 'Pelikan Schreibgeräte / Writing Instruments 1929 — 2004', available from 4 October 2004, represents the long-awaited counterpart to the Rösler volume on Montblanc and is regarded as one of the most comprehensive works on the history of a single writing-instrument maker. It covers all Pelikan writing instruments over 75 years and comprises around 175 pages. Contributors such as the Pelikan expert Tom Westerich ensure that it should quickly become the standard work for Pelikan collectors.\n\nContent-wise the book is divided into a first chapter on Pelikan history and a second on Vintage Pens from 1929 to 1980, supplemented by a special section on Pelikano writing instruments from 1959 to 2004. All new limited editions are also included; photos and tables provide a comprehensive overview. The book can be ordered directly from Tom Westerich. Since works of this kind — as the example Rösler shows — typically sell out quickly, an early pre-order is worthwhile.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which Wenol (red or blue tube) and which alternatives are suitable for polishing fine scratches out of the precious resin of a Montblanc Meisterstück ballpoint?", "a": "On precious resin both red and blue Wenol work, with blue Wenol having finer abrasive bodies and therefore being somewhat gentler; perceptible differences in the end result are small. Since Wenol has not been available in drugstores for years (range cleanup), collectors source it online, even at increased prices. As an alternative, Displex has proven itself; originally developed for mobile-phone and watch acrylic glass, it delivers good results on the precious resin of Meisterstücks; on metal parts such as rings and clip Displex is, however, unsuitable, where Cape Cod or polishing cloths from Greg Stevens are recommended. Since every polish removes material, gold plating should be covered with adhesive tape before application and polishing limited to what is necessary.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How do you clean fountain pens that were filled with waterproof ink?", "a": "Fountain pens running waterproof ink should be cleaned every eight to fourteen days unless they are in daily use. If the ink has nevertheless dried, cleaning begins with a water bath of about six days, possibly with mild soap solution, in which the first ink pieces dissolve. Then the pen, or at least the nib unit, can be cleaned further in an ultrasonic bath; for cartridge pens, additionally tape-head spray from audio retailers, sprayed through the unit, helps to dissolve waterproof ink residues. Writing instruments of celluloid, ebonite or hard rubber must on no account go into ultrasonic, while materials from Pelikan and Montblanc are relatively insensitive there; gold plating already attacked on clip or nib can, however, dissolve further in the ultrasonic bath. Soiled gold nibs can also be cleaned with a damp silver-cleaning cloth, with the cloth being damp so it does not scratch. If nothing helps, the pen should be handed over to a repairer for disassembly.", "board": "Care & repair", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What characterises the Heiko Filius, and which nib variants existed?", "a": "The Heiko Filius came onto the market in the 1960s and is the oldest of today's known Heiko models. It was available in various colour variants, e.g. green-marbled. As nib, optionally a steel nib or a glass nib was used. Today fully intact specimens can only rarely be found, since the cap often shows cracks.", "board": "GDR (East-German) writing instruments", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How reliable is Montblanc's repair service, and what experiences do collectors have with defect remedy and quality control?", "a": "Collectors describe the Montblanc service as varied; many reported defects do not originate from factory production but only arise during sale or trial writing in the shop, since the factory's quality control is regarded as very strict. Workmanship faults on clip hemispheres (sharp-edged adhesive surfaces) as well as scratches and wave effects on the ink window are sometimes not faulted by the service but accepted as within tolerance, which leads to frustration. Ink leakage at the grip section of a heavily used 146P can be a consequence of a feed clogged with dust and ink residues and is remedied by replacing the affected component. When sending in repairs experienced collectors recommend documenting the matters precisely in writing and, in case of doubt, communicating directly with Hamburg instead of relying on the dealer alone.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What are oxidative discolourations on a Montblanc gold nib, and can you straighten bent nib tines yourself?", "a": "Pure gold does not oxidise, but on 14- or 18-carat gold nibs thin tarnish or ink-residue layers can form that are perceived as discolouration; these can be removed without problems by placing the nib for several hours in clear water and then wiping it with a cotton cloth, stubborn layers also with a silver-cleaning cloth. Vermeil nibs (gilded sterling silver) and gold-plated brass nibs of older construction tarnish more visibly; a missing silver hallmark indicates gold-plated brass, which can likewise be cleaned with a silver-cleaning cloth. Displaced or slightly bent nib tines (spreading) should not be corrected by laymen by pressing on paper, since this easily destroys the nib's tuning; for small misalignments going to a nibmeister or qualified specialist dealer is preferable.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is a height difference between the two nib tines on the order of half a paper thickness still within tolerance on a Meisterstück?", "a": "Between the two tines of a Meisterstück nib there must, by design, be no height difference; any visible step causes the nib to scratch when writing instead of gliding smoothly. A half-paper-thickness offset is therefore not a tolerance value but an alignment error that should be corrected by a qualified specialist dealer or in the boutique. In individual cases suspected defects turn out to be a pure nib-width misunderstanding: an F nib can seem scratchy to a writer used to an M nib, without there being a defect. For a really suitable writing experience collectors recommend, in case of doubt, exchanging the nib via Montblanc, although the cost (nib and lower section change) can lie in the region of 200 euros.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What overview of makers and history of the fountain pen does Andreas Lambrou's German edition 'Füllfederhalter' offer?", "a": "The German edition of Andreas Lambrou's 'Füllfederhalter' — original 'Fountain Pens, Vintage and Modern' — appeared in 1992 from Wilhelm Heyne Verlag Munich in the translation by Stefan Wallrafen, partly with different photos than the English edition. Lambrou offers an overview of the development history of the fountain pen and presents the most important international makers; a chapter on care and troubleshooting also belongs to it. Richly illustrated, the volume is a standard work for fountain pen collectors.\n\nThe table of contents covers the development of writing and writing instruments up to 1883, three US chapters on the phases 1883–1920 (birth and early development), 1921–1940 (the golden age) and 1940s to 1980s (modern design), followed by country chapters on England, Germany, France, Italy and Japan. Sections on modern fountain pens and limited editions, on handling fountain pens, plus appendix, bibliography, club lists, picture credits and index are added. In the German part the makers Soennecken, Kaweco, Osmia, Faber-Castell, Tropen, Rotring, Pelikan, Lamy and Montblanc-Simplo are presented in short biographies.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What was the Music Nib Project by Tom Westerich around the Omas Philharmony Edition?", "a": "The Music Nib Project by Tom Westerich publicly accompanied the conception and development of the Omas Limited Philharmony Edition. On the project's website photos of the prototypes were presented and the step-by-step improvement of individual details documented, so that interested collectors could follow the entire emergence process of the limited edition. Alongside this, the option of pre-ordering the fountain pen directly was available.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How do you correctly care for writing-instrument accessories made of ostrich or alligator leather?", "a": "Exotic leather types such as ostrich or alligator leather need special care. According to Montblanc, care wax is the only correct agent; moist or watery care solutions may rather damage the leather, since these leather types must have returned to them, by the wax, those natural oils and a high beeswax content that they lose over time. The wax should be applied very thinly and well massaged in, otherwise a whitish residue remains on the surface that, while not harmful, is unsightly. On crocodile leather such residues can, thanks to the smoother surface, be polished away again well with a microfibre cloth.", "board": "Care & repair", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What characterises the Montblanc Limited Edition Golden Dragon 2000?", "a": "The Golden Dragon 2000 is a limited edition produced by Montblanc for the Asian market and is regarded as one of the most beautiful editions of the brand. Its design builds on model 139 and conveys a classically timeless appearance. Particularly striking is the clip in the form of a dragon, made of pure gold. Like all limited editions, this fountain pen also has an 18-carat gold nib and joins a tradition of Asian editions that, since the Imperial Dragon, has been a fixture at Montblanc.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What is to be known about the Reform brand and its writing instruments, and why is there so little literature on it in German-speaking countries?", "a": "Reform was a brand of the Mutschler firm of Heidelberg-Handschuhsheim, which most recently mainly acted as a supplier to other writing-instrument makers and ceased operations a few years ago. The Reform fountain pens, both piston and cartridge fillers, are regarded among collectors as technically and qualitatively high-class, but in German collector literature they are barely documented; in Tischler's Penkala the firm is listed in the appendix list of stationery makers. More detailed information can be found on hanskress.de (kress3.htm and kress-innenseite2.htm). In the USA and Thailand unused Reform pens are now traded for up to 25 US dollars, while at German flea markets they are often available for around 1 euro; the relevant knowledge in the USA comes mostly from German sources.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What experiences arise when writing with the De Atramentis scented ink 'pour homme, Davidoff Cool Water'?", "a": "The De Atramentis scented ink 'pour homme, Davidoff Cool Water' clearly smells in the bottle of the corresponding men's perfume, but in the filled fountain pen the scent is less directly perceptible. The ink was first tested in a Waterman Charleston as well as in two to three further pens with converter and piston filling; no abnormalities were to be observed. Neither deposits on refilling nor problems on switching to another ink occurred. On good paper the folded written text retains its scent for a few more days; on simple copy paper the scent dissipates quickly. The ink shows a rich Atlantic blue. The flacon contents are 20 ml, the weight about 230 g, the dimensions are roughly 4.8 x 4.8 x 6.8 cm including the lid.", "board": "Ink", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Should you store a button-filler pen with or without an ink sac?", "a": "Storage with the ink sac fitted is unproblematic, provided the sac is not filled with ink; nothing is more unsuitable for old writing instruments than ink. After every writing test the pen should be flushed with water. However, plasticisers from the rubber tube can lead to discolouration, which is why those who play it safe completely remove the tube. The subsequent fitting of an ink sac is usually unproblematic; more important is that the nib clamp is in flawless condition, since strongly oxidised nib clamps can discolour the celluloid. When buying without a fitted ink sac, the grip section should not be re-glued to the barrel, so that the future fitting of a sac remains possible.", "board": "Care & repair", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Is owning Montblanc fountain pens a sign of wealth, or rather an expression of consumer priorities?", "a": "In the forum the ownership of Montblanc writing instruments is rated as a question of individual priorities and not as an indicator of wealth. Terms such as well-off, rich or super-rich refer, by common definitions, to private wealth from about one, five or thirty million euros, which does not correlate with the acquisition of even high-priced writing instruments. Collectors draw the comparison to model railways, on which comparable amounts are invested without this being labelled wealth. Perception is reinforced by the exclusive brand image and media stagings such as the boulevard magazine in question, so that outsiders reflexively equate status symbols such as fur coat, Rolex or Montblanc with wealth, although the acquisition costs are quite bearable in a middle salary class.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which paper is particularly well suited to a Montblanc Meisterstück LeGrand 146 in terms of even ink flow and clean script?", "a": "Collectors name as proven all-rounders Zanders Classic and Zanders Gohrsmühle, which among heavy writers are regarded as clearly better than the Rössler papers (e.g. Paper Royal) and are available as a glued block or as a writing pad. Clairefontaine is also recommended as very well suited to fountain pens and reasonably priced. For notes, simple 5 mm grid pads are good; on finer papers like Edelleinen by DFW visible feathering of the ink can occur. Anyone wanting to test several papers in parallel can have a selection sent by the Papierunion's paper consultancy in order to determine the suitable behaviour with one's own ink-and-nib combination.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which Asia editions has Montblanc produced since 1993, and which numbers are known?", "a": "Since 1993 Montblanc has repeatedly issued writing instruments specifically for the Asian market. The start in 1993 was made by the Imperial Dragon, of which 5,000 fountain pens and 3,500 ballpoints with silver dragon clip were made, of which 1,500 as sets with fountain pen, ballpoint and pencil; in parallel 888 pieces with gold dragon clip appeared. In 2000 followed the Year of the Golden Dragon with 2,000 pieces and a gold dragon clip, as well as the Precious Dragon in 88 examples with a gold, diamond-set clip; in the Royal Collection 8 sets of four fountain pens each with diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds were additionally made. In the same year a Year of the Golden Dragon variant in 888 pieces emerged, whose cap and barrel consisted of Meissen porcelain. In 2002 the Qing Dynasty appeared in 2,002 pieces with a jade cap, a variant with 88 diamond-set examples and an eight-piece edition Qing Dynasty 8. Also in 2002 the SAKURA 333 came in 333 examples of Meissen porcelain with red-gold clip and rings, plus the Sakura Precious 88 with red-gold barrel and cap and floral motifs as well as the Sakura Precious Brilliant 8. In 2003 followed the Han Wu Ti 88 in an edition of 88 watches and 88 fountain pens, of which 44 were offered as sets, supplemented by the Han Wu Ti 8. For the Year of the Golden Dragon 2000 the master goldsmith Sabine Bach additionally made 8 bracelets with dragons of gold and diamonds, estimated at around 20,000 DM, as well as 66 rings with diamond-set dragon, estimated at about 10,000 DM, sold exclusively in the Asian boutiques.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What is known about Knips Patent Pencils and their connection to De La Rue & Co. and a Nuremberg firm?", "a": "Knips Patent Pencils are high-quality mechanical pencils made in the 1930s, with De La Rue & Co. acting as 'Sale Distributors for the British Empire'; actual production took place in Germany with a sourcing name based in Nuremberg, whose role as maker or distribution partner is not conclusively documented (cf. Stephen Hull's book on Onoto). The pencils were offered in five colours plus black and are characterised by an unusual click mechanism with two opposing pressure points which, alternately pressed, advance the lead. Octagonal versions in celluloid in different shades are particularly sought-after; condition and function of the click mechanism are often still flawless on the surviving examples. The pieces are rare and are actively but sporadically offered on the collector market.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which topics does the second Lamy Edition 'Die Lust am Schreiben' by Hans Heger cover?", "a": "Hans Heger's 'Die Lust am Schreiben' is the second issue of the Lamy Editions and appeared in 1999 from Verlag Umschau Brauss in Heidelberg (ISBN 3-8295-6905-X). It is neither a large-format pictorial volume nor a classic writing-instrument or script history but reading and picture book at the same time, presenting the world of writing in self-contained, generously illustrated chapters. Heger combines, in feuilletonistic manner, topics such as children's writing, calligraphy and other aspects of handwriting and illuminates the art of letter writing, the ritual of the signature and famous handwritings of cultural history.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which target group does Regina Martini's book 'Füllfederhalter' address, and what should buyers look out for?", "a": "Regina Martini's book 'Füllfederhalter' is aimed primarily at beginning collectors and conveys first important hints on building a collection. Writing instruments of various brands are presented, but only partly with photos in colour or black-and-white. The guideline prices listed in the book were valuable orientation at the time of publication but are completely outdated today and show how strongly collector prices have meanwhile risen. Important to know: the book has appeared with absolutely identical content also in an edition with red cover, so a double purchase merely because of the cover is not worthwhile.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How is the quality of Montblanc writing instruments to be assessed in long-term comparison with Pelikan, Parker and similar brands?", "a": "Collectors confirm that Montblanc models remain largely unblemished on rings, nib and barrel even after long standing times, while on Pelikan pens gold platings tarnish more often or partially come off. On vermeil pens of both brands discolourations are, however, normal by design and not a quality defect. Montblanc's pricing policy is regarded as appropriate, since long-term use without loss of shine and writing performance and a high resale value put the acquisition costs into perspective. With Pelikan especially the M800 and M1000 with their brass mechanism are appreciated; the flexible nib of the M1000 requires getting used to, while the M800 offers a slightly stiffer but still very good nib and is available in four colour variants (black and green-, red- and blue-striped). Both makers deliver at a high level, with different emphases in nib character and material durability.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which writing instruments do collectors carry with them daily, and how are they transported safely?", "a": "Daily kit ranges from a single ballpoint such as the Montblanc Starwalker to a multi-piece leather case (e.g. Sienna or a classic three-piece Montblanc case) with fountain pen, ballpoint and mechanical pencil. Frequently mentioned combinations are 146 with 164, 147 Traveller with Classique models or a 146P with 164P plus pencil with Faber-Castell push-on eraser. For meetings some collectors deliberately switch to rollerball or ballpoint to avoid a cartridge or ink change. Valuable and larger models are regularly transported in a leather case to avoid pressure marks and contact scratches; heavy writers rotate their daily selection weekly to keep the collection in motion. Transport in open trouser pockets is, due to risk of damage and ink stains, advised against by experienced collectors.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is special about the Rotring commemorative volume 'A Red Ring Rolls Around the World' for the company's 25th anniversary?", "a": "The commemorative volume 'Ein Roter Ring rollt um die Welt', self-published in 1953 by the firm Rotring/Riepe-Werk, is an unusual form of company anniversary publication for the 25th anniversary, focused on the Rotring inkpen. It tells the probably fictional story of a Hamburg journalist named Wiek who is sent on a world trip by his newspaper and on his stops in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and America repeatedly encounters the inkpen — be it in Manaus in cinema advertising, in the port of Singapore during the unloading of Riepe crates or in Spain at the contract signing of a torero.\n\nAfter his return to Hamburg, Wiek is sent on a report to the Riepe works; there readers learn about the founding in 1928 with the Stylo-Pen, predecessor of the inkpen, the war years, the rebuilding and the company development of the early 1950s. The bound volume has about 60 pages and contains travel photos, shots from inkpen production and pictures of the founder and important employees. Today the book is to be found in antiquarian shops or with collectors.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What are the causes of intermittent ink flow on a Montblanc Noblesse Oblige, and how can the problem be remedied?", "a": "The most common cause of intermittent ink flow is dried ink in the feed, especially when the pen has not been used or only sporadically over longer periods and was not flushed before being put away. Recommended is multi-day flushing with clear water; with strongly resinified residues, soaking the front section in water or an ultrasonic bath helps. Breaking in a new nib is a long process, since the iridium grain at the tip is only polished by use over long periods; a hasty nib swap is not the way. If the ink flow cannot be stabilised by cleaning, the writing instrument should be presented with a writing sample to a specialist shop so that nib geometry, hand position and writing angle can be assessed in interaction.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which features mark counterfeits of the Montblanc Scott Fitzgerald as a blue rollerball?", "a": "Counterfeit limited editions from Montblanc are increasingly turning up, including Scott Fitzgerald, Octavian and Imperial Dragon. A typical example of a Scott Fitzgerald plagiarism is a version as a blue rollerball. The essential counterfeit features are: the Scott Fitzgerald never existed as a rollerball, but exclusively as a fountain pen, ballpoint and pencil. The original colour is white; all colour variations such as red, green, black and blue exist only on the plagiarisms. The barrel of the original is clearly thicker than on the counterfeit. On closer examination it is noticeable that on the grip section 'Bohème' is engraved, indicating the reuse of Bohème counterfeit parts; Montblanc itself does not reuse parts from other limited editions.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Are Montblanc inks water-soluble, how often must a regularly used piston filler be cleaned, and how does hard tap water affect things?", "a": "Montblanc offers both water-soluble inks and iron-gall inks such as the royal blue (component damage is, according to the maker, not to be expected, only more frequent cleaning is required); water-soluble inks can be removed with clear water, document-proof inks need more elaborate methods. With regular use, flushing with clear water before each refill (typically every three weeks) and an overnight stand in a glass of water suffice; the nib cannot bend in the process. Iron-gall residues dissolve with the cleaning agent of a silver-cleaning cloth or in an ultrasonic bath. Hard tap water, in experience, leaves slight limescale deposits and cleans worse than soft water, which is why in lime-rich regions the use of distilled or filtered water for the final rinse is recommended.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "By which features can counterfeits of Montblanc watches such as TimeWalker or Sport Steel chronographs be recognised?", "a": "Counterfeits often give themselves away by missing or wrongly positioned date displays, e.g. when a TimeWalker Chrono is offered without the factory-placed date window between 4 and 5 o'clock, as well as by misshapen indices (e.g. an uneven 4 on the bezel) and cases whose strap connections do not match the typical TimeWalker connections. Sales behaviour also gives hints: when sellers do not clearly name brand and model but only suggest them via category and terms such as Meisterstück, or when the rest of the range is thematically incoherent, scepticism is in order. Counterfeiters are getting better, so meanwhile TimeWalker and SkeletonStar replicas are also in circulation; known sources such as replica-watch-town.com offer wide replica ranges. In the souks of Turkish holiday areas such watches are sold legally, which additionally drives distribution.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which technical topics around the fountain pen does Hans Heger's Lamy Edition 'Füllhalter für Kenner' cover?", "a": "Hans Heger's book 'Füllhalter für Kenner' was supplied in the writing-instrument box of the Lamy Lady: buyers could send in an enclosed request card and receive the volume free from Lamy. With high technical background knowledge Heger vividly explains the construction and function of a fountain pen, illustrated throughout with the Lamy product range. The central idea is that a fountain pen is more than a writing instrument — it reacts to individual handwriting and combines highly developed technology with traditional craftsmanship.\n\nThe book is divided into chapters on the history of the fountain pen, design, materials, the nib and its manufacture, filling systems, the feed, the writing test, the grip section, the clip, fountain-pen ink, and care and maintenance; a bibliography concludes the work. Numerous photos and schematic illustrations supplement the text.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Can a Montblanc Meisterstück 146 with a nib without a visible carat marking be identified as genuine, and how do you proceed when checking the nib?", "a": "A missing visible carat marking is not necessarily an authenticity feature: on various transitional models, e.g. the 144 from the 1960s, the carat hallmark sits very deep on the nib body and disappears two-thirds into the section, so that without disassembly it is barely visible. Nibs from the 1980s also deviate in engraving and stamping from current nibs. Collectors strongly advise against pulling the nib out yourself, since the special slots on the body require a suitable tool and knowledge of the turning direction, and Montblanc uses a special sealant when reinstalling; a self-damaged nib seat can only be repaired in Hamburg. Instead, comparing the whole pen with the model overviews on fountainpen.de and, if necessary, an enquiry with Montblanc or an authorised specialist dealer is recommended.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are Montblanc special editions like the John Lennon suitable as an investment, and is an eBay bargain sensible for a beginner?", "a": "Writing instruments are basically not suitable as an investment; only a few special editions hold or increase their value long-term, a price drop is not excluded, and the market is comparable to watches but more volatile. Collectors therefore advise buying primarily according to personal taste and not speculating on appreciation; a later value consideration only makes sense after decades. With limited editions it should be noted that nib exchange after some years can become difficult, because replacement nibs are not kept in stock indefinitely, which is why many collectors nevertheless use their special editions in everyday life. As an entry, classic standard models such as the 149 or 146 LeGrand are recommended; eBay offers from unknown dealers carry counterfeit risk, which can be avoided by buying from authorised dealers or established online shippers like scription.de. Complementary collector sources are penexchange.de and fountainpennetwork.com.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which points are to be considered when buying a Montblanc Meisterstück 145 Chopin Platinum as an everyday fountain pen, especially regarding nib choice, source and price?", "a": "The Meisterstück 145 Chopin is absolutely everyday-suitable but may be too small for writers with larger hands; trial writing with the 145, 146 and 149 in the specialist trade with one's own paper is therefore recommended, since nib widths look different depending on paper. When buying, the boutique is the safest source; the renowned online shipper scription.de also reliably delivers genuine originals, often more cheaply; non-authorised dealers or eBay increase the counterfeit risk. An official price list Montblanc does not publish, since this contradicts the distribution philosophy; end-consumer prices within a country are, however, identical, only VAT creates small differences between countries like Germany and Austria. A piston filler is to be preferred over cartridge models; a leather case protects the writing instrument permanently. Older 1950s models like the 254 are an attractive but riskier alternative, since their condition is harder to assess.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Do typical cracks occur on Montblanc Meisterstücks made of precious resin at the cap ring or ballpoint tip, and how does Montblanc deal with them?", "a": "Cracks in precious resin, especially on the mechanical pencil in the area of the screwed-on clip mount and on the ballpoint at the point where the metal tip is screwed in, are reported in individual cases from the 1980s but are not typical of models produced since. Collectors with stocks from very different decades and with Meisterstücks made after 2000 have neither observed this phenomenon themselves nor regularly found it documented in auction listings. Solitaire writing instruments, due to their metal barrel, are crack-free by design and today significantly more expensive than the precious-resin variants. Spare parts and repair are still possible only via Montblanc itself; in the 1980s defective components were frequently exchanged free of charge, later only against the repair flat fee, which depending on the model can reach about a third of the new price.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which topics does Dietmar Geyer's collector book 'Schreibgeräte sammeln' cover?", "a": "Dietmar Geyer's book 'Schreibgeräte sammeln — Vom Faustkeil zum Griffel, vom Federhalter zum Füllfederhalter und Faserschreiber' traces the history of writing and its tools from the hand axe to the modern fibre-tip pen. Geyer covers, among others, so-called agent pens — James Bond, played by Roger Moore, is said to have used a solid-gold Montblanc as a life-saving weapon in 'Octopussy' — as well as fountain-pen materials such as hard rubber, galalith and bakelite. The book recalls historically vanished and still existing fountain-pen makers along with their famous brands and describes, in a short industry report with numerous colour photos, how a fountain pen comes into being.\n\nSeparate chapters are devoted to ballpoints, quill pens, pencils, steel nibs, inks and fibre tips; shaping, idiosyncrasies, design, decoration, accessories and two collector stories supplement the volume. It is illustrated with carefully selected photos and pictures from old original advertising. The book appeared in 1989 from Verlag Laterna Magica (ISBN 3-87467-391-X).", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which fountain pens are suitable for drawing with pressure-dependent line width, and where do you get flexible or stub-modified nibs?", "a": "What is described as a pressure-sensitive nib is a flexible nib that, through varying writing pressure, delivers variable line widths. Such nibs are mostly found in pre-war writing instruments, especially in Watermans up to about 1930; in modern series-produced fountain pens flexible nibs are practically no longer fitted, apart from a few Japanese exceptions like the Pilot Falcon or Nakaya, whose flexibility, however, often falls short of historical nibs. Anyone wanting to have a modern standard nib ground flexibly or have a stub grind worked in is best served by specialist nibmeisters such as John Mottishaw (nibs.com); he can regrind an M nib both narrower and more flexibly. Special editions like a 149 Special Anniversary should not, however, be used for this, since modifications affect collector value; regular series writing instruments are more suitable. The Music Nib is an alternative for line variation without flex behaviour.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which cultural history of writing and drawing tools did Wilhelm Eule write in 1955 in 'Mit Stift und Feder'?", "a": "Wilhelm Eule's volume 'Mit Stift und Feder — Kleine Kulturgeschichte der Schreib- und Zeichenwerkzeuge' appeared in 1955 from Fachbuchverlag Leipzig and comprises 164 pages with 113 illustrations. The book vividly explains the history of writing and describes the filling techniques of fountain pens current at the time of publication as well as the then almost new ballpoint. The pencil and its manufacture are also extensively covered.\n\nEule explains the writing tools of history from the chisel through the scriber, spatula, stylus, reed pen, brush and goose quill to the pencil, steel nib and the fountain pen of the 1950s. He also covers writing surfaces such as stone, wood, papyrus and parchment and devotes separate articles to chalk, ink and Indian ink, the compass, the ruling pen and — over four pages — the writing of the blind. Today the book is only available second-hand.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What experiences exist with Montblanc Loveletter Ink regarding cleaning, scent and ink residues?", "a": "The Loveletter Ink (Je t'aime) delivers a pleasant Bordeaux red and a rose-like scent that on paper quickly dissipates, but in the bottle is pungent. Water solubility and erasability are inconsistently stated in the trade; collector reports show, however, that red shades are basically more problematic than blues and adhere longer in the feed. A serious disadvantage is the lasting odour off-gassing of the pen: even after weeks of flushing and refilling with neutral-scented ink, the smell often persists for four and a half weeks or longer, which can be unpleasant in closed rooms. Recommended is therefore use in an only occasionally used pen, thorough flushing immediately after writing dry, and prolonged airing of the opened pen over several days.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which topics does Eric Le Collen's book 'Feder, Tinte und Papier' cover?", "a": "Eric Le Collen's book 'Feder, Tinte und Papier' covers not only writing instruments and their makers but also tells the history of writing from antiquity through the Middle Ages to the present, including associated writing models and accessories. It is divided into the sections Writing Companions, A Thousand Years of the Goose Quill, Of Ink and Paper, The Steel Nib, The School of Writing, The Fountain Pen as American Dream, The Ballpoint Generation and Useful and Worth Knowing. In the last section numerous addresses of collectors, museums, clubs, auction houses, repair and restoration workshops and writing-instrument shops from Germany, France, Great Britain, Switzerland and Austria are listed. The richly illustrated book appeared in 1999 from Gerstenberg Verlag, Hildesheim (ISBN 3-8067-2860-7).", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which writing instruments does the 1997 Bonhams auction catalogue gather, and which highlights does it contain?", "a": "The auction catalogue 'Bonhams Knightsbridge — Fine and Rare Vintage Fountain Pens and Lighters' from 1997 documents a writing-instrument auction of the English auction house Bonhams Knightsbridge. Numerous older fountain pens from all over the world were auctioned, supplemented by some lighters, ink bottles and stands, each accompanied by estimated prices. Besides internationally known and unknown brands, many German makers like Montblanc, Pelikan, Kaweco and Faber-Castell are also represented.\n\nThe cover image shows the aviation pioneer Amy Johnson with 'Amy Johnson's Gold Presentation Pen from F. D. Waterman', a memento of her solo flight from England to Australia between 5 and 24 May 1930; the auction house estimated it at 3,000 to 5,000 pounds. Comparatively cheap, by contrast, is a black Montblanc pen set number 136 from the late 1930s with an estimate of 250 to 350 pounds. From the 1990s at least three further Bonhams writing-instrument catalogues exist.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How can a Montblanc Bohème Platinum Doué bought on eBay be checked for authenticity?", "a": "Collectors compare the piece with the documented Bohème Platinum Doué pictures on fountainpen.de; a brown crocodile barrel is not a regular Bohème Doué variant but a counterfeit, since this barrel was never officially offered. Black stripes on the Montblanc ring are present on the genuine Bohème and not a counterfeit indicator, contrary to initial assumption. Auction ident numbers like IY1073508 Germany alone offer no authenticity guarantee, since counterfeits frequently mark such numbers. With a misrepresentation in the auction text (also implicitly through category choice), the legal warranty claims to rescission and the right to challenge for mistake exist; even subsequent deadlines despite the exclusion clause of private sellers are enforceable in such cases.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the unusually formatted book 'Collectible Fountain Pens' by Juan Manuel Clark offer?", "a": "Juan Manuel Clark's 'Collectible Fountain Pens' appeared in 2001 from Flammarion in Paris (English edition 2002) and stands out through its square format of about 14 x 14 cm at a thickness of around 2.7 cm. Unlike many collector books, the writing instruments are not treated maker by maker; for each fountain pen depicted, the author instead tells small stories — e.g. about the Ink-Controlled Fountain Pen of the firm Klio of Hennef/Sieg, originally only obtainable by sending a form with a 50-cent piece to the Spencerian Pen Co. in New York. Other pieces are described with date of production, material and design notes.\n\nRepresented are, among others, the German brands Faber-Castell, Klio, Montblanc, Pelikan, Rotring and Soennecken. Content-wise the book is divided into Introduction, Vintage, Precious, Thematic, Unusual, Index and Addresses & Acknowledgments. A short overview of the emergence of writing and writing instruments and a section on advertising items round off the work. Even if the texts can be challenging for readers without English skills, the pictures compensate.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How can counterfeits of writing instruments from the 1930s and 1940s be recognised?", "a": "Alongside counterfeits of current Montblanc products such as Meisterstück, Bohème or Scott Fitzgerald, counterfeits of older writing instruments from the 1930s and 1940s have increasingly been offered in recent years. Typical of these counterfeits are very well-executed imprints that correspond to the original writing instruments to nearly one hundred per cent. The base bodies used are often worthless older writing instruments fitted with the imitated imprints. The differences from the original are usually immediately obvious if one has at least a rough idea of what kind of writing instruments were produced at the time. Original comparisons show typical deviations in shape, material and finish. Anyone wishing to consult historical original writing instruments for comparison can orient themselves to documented collections.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How do you correctly clean and store dip nibs such as quill or glass nibs so that they neither encrust nor bend?", "a": "Both steel and glass nibs should be cleaned immediately after every writing process before ink or Indian ink dries; with normal fountain-pen inks lukewarm tap water suffices; with Indian inks suitable cleaning fluids are needed. Quill pens are basically removed from the holder and stored lying flat, not standing, so as not to deform the delicate slit. With glass nibs careful handling is important, since the fine grooves break easily. Regular cleaning is the most important measure for prolonging life, supplemented by dry, dust-free storage in a case or drawer away from direct sunlight.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What does the commemorative volume 'schwarz auf weiß. 50 Jahre Geha' report on the history of the Hannover stationery maker?", "a": "The commemorative volume 'schwarz auf weiß. 50 Jahre Geha' appeared on the 50th anniversary of the Geha company (1918–1968) and was distributed to specialist trade customers, friends and long-serving employees. It begins with the founding in 1918 by the brothers Heinrich and Conrad Hartmann in Hannover; from the initial letters of 'Gebrüder Hartmann' the founders derived the company name 'Geha'. Also described are the important inventions, the build-up of manufacture and the variety of products — from fountain pens and inks via duplicators, stencils and ribbons to carbon paper — each illustrated with numerous black-and-white and colour photos.\n\nParticularly impressive are the shots from the production halls in which still many employees can be seen at the machines, e.g. in the assembly and inspection of fountain pens, ballpoints and mechanical pencils — a picture that makes clear the change to today's strongly automated production.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What content does the Montblanc brochure 'Collectables — Creations of Passion 2004' have?", "a": "'Montblanc Collectables — Creations of Passion 2004' is the new edition of a brochure first published in 2003 covering all Montblanc writing instruments with an edition from 333 pieces. Presented are, alongside the Writers Editions and the Patron of the Arts editions, also special limited editions like the Lalique desk set and the Skeleton Star Edition. A criticism is that the associated watches — e.g. for the Skeleton Star Edition, which is only complete as a set — are not included in pictures and that the Limited Anniversary Edition is missing. Overall the brochure nevertheless provides a good overview of the collector's pieces from 1991 onwards and can be obtained free of charge from Montblanc.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How do you remove a fresh black Lamy ink stain from a white cotton shirt?", "a": "The method proven in the forum begins with liquid bile soap, applied directly to the stain, left to act for about fifteen minutes and rinsed out with water. Treatment with a heavy-duty detergent such as Persil and a complete machine wash follow; after this procedure the stain is gone without trace, without the fabric being visibly stressed. As an emergency solution on purely white textiles, bleaching with chlorine is also mentioned, e.g. for table linen; collectors advise, however, to start with bile soap before resorting to the radical cure. On coloured or sensitive fabrics chlorine and aggressive ink removers are to be avoided.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How does the Montblanc service handle a nib exchange (e.g. from B to M) on a Meisterstück 146 Platinum bought used on eBay?", "a": "Nib exchanges on Meisterstücks are, by collector experience, generally unproblematic and cost only the repair or service flat fee (about 49 euros at the time of the report); shipping and the exchange of the existing nib for another regular nib width are handled via authorised specialist dealers or the boutiques. Difficulties arise, in experience, when the nearest dealer is not a full-service concessionaire and merely enquires further with Vienna or Hamburg, or when a piece offered on eBay as unused is rated by Montblanc as not original-packaged. Response times from Montblanc to direct enquiries can, according to forum reports, be ten days and longer; a second written exchange or addressing the head office Hamburg or the boutique in Jena directly usually accelerates the process.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Mont Blanc Meisterstück Pix in the version shown an original, and how can you proceed with eBay purchases when the piece turns out to be a plagiarism?", "a": "Collectors classify the depicted Mont Blanc Meisterstück Pix as a counterfeit; Montblanc does not offer any model with this designation and design; the piece is a pure fantasy product of the counterfeiters, sold in China for very low amounts to tourists. To acquire it for around 100 euros is therefore a clear loss. With PayPal payment the buyer protection is available; a mediation procedure with subsequent refund is possible if the plagiarism can be proven, e.g. by a written authenticity assessment from Montblanc or an authorised dealer. Before legal escalation collectors regularly first attempt direct contact with the seller; a duty to disclose counterfeit characteristics also exists when the seller themselves claims to have known nothing of the counterfeit.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it normal that a Caran d'Ache Léman accumulates a fine ink film above the nib slit?", "a": "A thin ink film that, after short writing, emerges upward from the nib slit is to be observed to varying extent on pens of very different brands (Montblanc, Pelikan, Faber-Castell, Omas, Parker, Waterman) and is not necessarily a defect. The phenomenon can be related to the chosen ink, the nib design or to a high ink amount in the feed and occurs sometimes only during storage, sometimes also during writing. If the ink film is purely a visual nuisance, presenting the pen to the dealer is advisable; the dealer checks flow and nib alignment; on suspicion of a defect, switching to another ink and thorough flushing is recommended before the pen goes for repair.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Why is the Markant M 7720 regarded as one of the most refined writing instruments of GDR production?", "a": "The Markant M 7720 was produced in the late 1980s and is regarded as the high point of East German fountain-pen manufacture. With a retail price of 36 marks it belonged to the more expensive writing instruments of the GDR; for comparison, a Heiko Junior cost only 3.20 marks. Equipment and finish set the model clearly apart from the simple school pens of the same time.", "board": "GDR (East-German) writing instruments", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which two books deal with the Faber-Castell dynasty, and where do they place their focus?", "a": "Juliane Nitzke-Dürr's work 'Lothar Freiherr von Faber' is dedicated to the history of the Faber-Castell dynasty, with the focus on Lothar von Faber (1817–1896) — the first great entrepreneur of the family and founder of the worldwide reputation of the Faber name. The book is divided, among other things, into chapters on company history, the first three generations, expansion and marketing, the patriarch's social responsibility and corporate development to the present. It appeared from Ullstein Verlag, comprises around 158 pages with numerous black-and-white illustrations (ISBN 3-548-35872-1) and is only available second-hand.\n\nIn addition there is the novelistic biography 'Eine Zierde in ihrem Hause. Die Geschichte der Ottilie von Faber-Castell' by Asta Scheib. It tells the life of Ottilie, who in 1893 at sixteen became sole heiress of the pencil factory A.W. Faber, and her marriage to Count Alexander zu Castell-Rüdenhausen, embedded in the lust for life and end-of-the-world mood of the fin de siècle. It appeared as a Rowohlt paperback with 494 pages (ISBN 3-499-26399-8), likewise only second-hand.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What cultural history of writing instruments does the book 'Griffel — Feder — Bildschirmstift' by Jürg-Peter Huber offer?", "a": "Jürg-Peter Huber's book 'Griffel — Feder — Bildschirmstift', published in 1985, is — as its subtitle 'Eine Kulturgeschichte der Schreibgeräte' (A cultural history of writing instruments) reveals — an overview of the history and emergence of the various writing tools from antiquity to the then-present. With numerous photos and illustrations the author conveys a vivid insight into the epochs of writing and its environment, including computer technology of the early 1980s.\n\nThe content overview includes introduction, ancient writing, a thousand years of quill, paper, the office a hundred years ago, the pencil, the development from steel nib to fountain pen, ink, writing in school, the ballpoint ('Rolling on'), felt-tip, fibre-tip and a look into the future, writing instruments and graphology, from typewriter to text system, exotic writing types of other countries, a scribbler's glossary with tips for collectors, writers and readers, and an index.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which characteristics and colour variants does the GDR fountain pen Heiko Sprint have?", "a": "The Heiko Sprint stands out from the more subdued Heiko Junior by its striking appearance — the often bright orange barrel can be recognised from afar. In writing behaviour both models are practically identical. The Sprint was produced in several colour variants, including green — also in an army green — blue, orange, red and a more subdued turquoise.", "board": "GDR (East-German) writing instruments", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Can a fountain pen be built completely by oneself, and which components are bought in?", "a": "Self-building a fountain pen is basically possible; nib and feed are usually bought from the firm Bock, since the manufacture of these components requires considerable experience and special tools. Barrel, cap, mechanism and closures can be made on a lathe from suitable materials such as precious resin, acrylic, hardwood or metal. Anyone wanting to develop an independent filling system finds a practical reference, e.g. in the Bulk Filler system (Conid/Fountainbel), whose developer realised his own patented principle after several years of self-building. Due to the high artisanal and technical effort, self-builds are rare; collectors advise long learning periods and orientation toward established Bock nibs in order to ensure writing quality and ink flow.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Of which alloys are the gold nibs of high-quality fountain pens made, and how corrosion-resistant is the gold used?", "a": "Gold nibs are not made of fine gold but of alloys with silver and copper components, since pure gold would be much too soft and too little elastic. With 18-carat gold the gold content is just over half, with 14-carat only about 38 per cent. In France previously predominantly 18-carat nibs were sold; meanwhile 14-carat nibs are used there; only Solitaire models still have 18-carat nibs. Allergy sufferers, for skin tolerance reasons, often reach for 18-carat or special alloys like gold-titanium; problematic is only the low-alloy 333 gold. Pure gold is very corrosion-resistant and does not tarnish under normal conditions. For authenticity testing of precious metals, hallmarks and acid tests help.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What characterises the picture book 'In einer Zeit rasender Geschwindigkeit' by Montblanc?", "a": "The volume 'In einer Zeit rasender Geschwindigkeit brauchen wir Dinge, die uns innehalten lassen', published by Montblanc, is a deliberately quiet book. Factual knowledge is sought in vain there; rather, it invites the reader to pause and understands itself as a contemplative work. As is usual for Montblanc, the edition is very aesthetic and lovingly designed.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How can Montblanc cufflinks acquired on eBay be checked for authenticity?", "a": "A high number of positive ratings does not protect against counterfeits, since powersellers also occasionally sell plagiarisms, sometimes without knowing it themselves. Cufflinks are regarded as particularly counterfeit-prone products, and the quality of the plagiarisms is increasing. Authenticity features lie in the workmanship of the bolts (ribbed and solid) and the arrangement of the stars, which on originals are positioned in opposite directions on the two cufflinks. Packaging and materials can vary depending on batch, since these are bought-in items. A reliable authenticity check can only be carried out by a Montblanc boutique; the regular specialist dealer is not allowed to carry these accessories. In doubt, the legal right of return should be used.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the Brause commemorative volume 'Vom Werden unserer Schrift' for the company's 100th anniversary contain?", "a": "The commemorative volume 'Vom Werden unserer Schrift' was published by the firm Brause & Co. on its 100th anniversary and presented to friends and supporters of the house. On around 50 pages the history of writing from antiquity to the then-present of 1950 is described in detail, supplemented by numerous writing epochs and writing styles. A short company history and a report on the emergence and production of the fountain pen are no less missing than a self-critical look at contemporary technology: the board muses that the mechanics and handling of the models of that time already seem old-fashioned and that the fountain pens of 1950 might in a few years be regarded similarly disparagingly — without foreseeing the long-term collector value of these pieces.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What is the correct spelling of the brand name Montblanc?", "a": "The brand name is always written in running text as one word, i.e. Montblanc or MONTBLANC. The two-word spelling Mont Blanc by contrast denotes the mountain. Confusion arises through the two-line trademark with the star, which optically separates the lettering; this has, however, no influence on the correct spelling of the name. Historically there were various variants in the lettering, single-line in capitals, with mountain or star symbol, in upper and lower case and in italics.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is the Montblanc Historical Pen Anniversary Edition equipped, and do rollerball and ballpoint fit a historical edition?", "a": "The fountain pen is as exact as possible a recreation of the first Rouge et Noir writing instruments and uses the slide mechanism of the Montblanc Semi-Safety of 1908, but with cartridge filling instead of pipette filling, which avoids contamination. The edition is limited to 15,000 fountain pens, 45,000 ballpoints, 30,000 rollerballs and 10,000 pencils; the combination with ballpoint and rollerball is criticised by some collectors, since these writing instruments do not historically fit the original, but is equally usual on earlier Writers Editions like Hemingway or Agatha Christie. The precious resin is disappointing for some collectors; some would have preferred celluloid in jade green or lapis blue. Modern materials and a modernised historical nib together with a matching leather case are used. The list price lies around 600 euros for the fountain pen.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which ink and which models are suitable for getting started with collecting antique Montblanc fountain pens, and what about repairs and replacement nibs?", "a": "For older writing instruments, exclusively water-soluble ink such as Pelikan 4001 royal blue is recommended, since other inks can clog the feed or discolour the material; red inks are particularly aggressive. As entry-level models the Meisterstücks 142, 144 and 146 from the 1950s are suitable, as well as the models 252, 254 and 256, which are uncomplicated and everyday-suitable and mostly cost under 400 euros. Repairs are carried out by specialist restorers like Horst at maxpens.de or Penleo; Montblanc itself can replace some parts but not remake nibs, since for that its own moulds would be required. When buying, attention should be paid to nib width, the existing iridium tip and cracks in caps. Push-fillers leak more quickly, which is why piston pens are more everyday-suitable.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does a repair via Montblanc service correctly proceed, and what experiences with processing times are realistic?", "a": "For repairs the writing instrument should be sent in via the authorised specialist dealer, who uses a Montblanc service envelope with a unique service number; only via this number is the process traceable in the Montblanc SAP system, and enquiries can be answered competently. The direct point of contact for enquiries is the respective service centre, not the boutique — in Vienna, for example, the service centre on Kärntnerstraße. Usual processing times lie at two to three weeks. Hard-start problems on new nibs can also break in by themselves after a few writing operations. Experiences with the service vary considerably, from very accommodating handling to unanswered enquiries via the online contact form. Important is the proper stamping of the warranty booklet at purchase.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which makers and models does the picture book 'Füllfederhalter' by Giorgio Dragoni and Giuseppe Fichera present?", "a": "The volume 'Füllfederhalter' edited by Giorgio Dragoni and Giuseppe Fichera portrays a multitude of writing-instrument makers, including prominently Montblanc. The first chapters are devoted to the cultural significance of writing and the development history of the fountain pen. In the second part a selection of striking models is presented, e.g. the Rouge et Noir, several Astoria pens, the Montblanc 139, as well as modern pieces like the Lorenzo de Medici. A famous passage on page 173 honours the Meisterstück series as the line that breaks all records regarding size, beauty, durability and robustness. The work is partly still available in the regular book trade.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which collector book on fountain pens did Jonathan Steinberg write, and what focus does it set?", "a": "Jonathan Steinberg's book 'Füllfederhalter' concentrates on writing instruments from 1900 to 1945. A single maker is not particularly highlighted; Montblanc pieces are represented but, from a Montblanc collector's perspective, rather underrepresented. Nevertheless it is an appealing volume with numerous illustrations of old fountain pens and many explanations and notes, providing a good overview of this epoch.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Of which materials does the Markant Unis P consist, and what impression does it create?", "a": "The Markant Unis P was made in the late 1980s and combines particularly light, brushed aluminium with black plastic. This material pairing creates a harmonious colour combination and gives the writing instrument a high-quality impression that stands out from the rest of the GDR range.", "board": "GDR (East-German) writing instruments", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which inks are suitable for historical Montblanc fountain pens, and is it true that only Pelikan ink is solvent-free?", "a": "A completely solvent-free ink does not in principle exist, since water itself is an inorganic solvent; the claim that Pelikan ink, in contrast to MB ink, is gentler on historical pens is not substantiated. Recommended for old pens is Pelikan 4001 royal blue or Montblanc royal blue, both well water-soluble and so easily rinsed from the feed. In general, caution is warranted with coloured and especially red inks, since they are more aggressive and can eat into the material. Iron-gall ink should absolutely be avoided in old pens. Ink can indeed spoil or grow mould, which is why use of ink no older than three years and regular cleaning of pens is recommended. Open shelf life is, according to Pelikan, about five years for ink bottles and twelve months for cartridges.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How are the recent price increases on Montblanc writing instruments to be evaluated, and which models offer good value for money?", "a": "Prices reflect supply and demand in the luxury market; Montblanc, as part of the Richemont group, is one of the strongest-growing brands in the segment. Collectors evaluate this ambivalently, since rising prices do raise the value of one's own collection but make new purchases more difficult. For better value, Writers Editions, Solitaires, StarWalker and Bohème are recommended; the Meisterstücks have always been the high-priced top segment. Direct comparison with DM prices from the late 1990s comes out unfavourably for the current list prices. Some collectors fear an image loss similar to that of certain watch brands. Despite the prices the Meisterstück counts as a classic that remains recommendable.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What characterises the Heiko 444 from the 1970s technically?", "a": "The Heiko 444 from the 1970s was one of the first fountain pens of GDR production with a hooded nib and is thus a technical special model within the Heiko line.", "board": "GDR (East-German) writing instruments", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Is it appropriate to use a Montblanc fountain pen in everyday school life, or should it be limited to special occasions?", "a": "Opinions are divided. One position warns of social conflicts when a pupil shows off a Montblanc, since this in a heterogeneous student body with different financial backgrounds can quickly be perceived as arrogant. Another position emphasises that what matters above all is how one handles the writing instrument and not abstinence; whoever appreciates the comfort and uses the device unobtrusively should do so. In professional life collectors tend to argue for understatement and use in meetings more discreet models like 145 Platinum or classic Lamy or Pelikan pens, instead of standing out with a 146 or 149. Decisive is the user's attitude; with restrained behaviour a Montblanc is also accepted in the school context.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why is Andreas Lambrou's 'Fountain Pens of the World' regarded as the standard work for collectors of high-quality writing instruments?", "a": "Andreas Lambrou's 'Fountain Pens of the World' has established itself as the standard work among collectors of high-quality writing instruments. In the volume all major brands are represented, including of course Montblanc. Convincing above all are the numerous professional photographs that show some of the rarest and most beautiful writing instruments ever produced. Together with the books by Jens Rösler and Rösler & Wallrafen, the volume counts among the indispensable reference works for collectors of old fountain pens.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Is the Astoria fountain pen offered an original, and what price would be appropriate?", "a": "Astoria is a brand historically connected with Montblanc; Astoria nibs are original and models from the 1920s and 1930s do exist. A safe assessment is only possible from clear pictures of the section, feed and blind cap. In the concrete case, an atypical section, unusual imprint and atypical blind cap argue against Montblanc/Astoria; the piece could rather originate from Osmia. Often no-name pens with Astoria nibs and subsequent engravings are passed off as valuable pieces. Damage such as hairline cracks, chips and discolouration should also be checked. With uncertainty and a price in the four-figure range, the purchase is advised against.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How are the market chances of a new TWSBI piston pen DIAMOND from China to be assessed, and should the pen be fully disassemblable?", "a": "In the entry price segment around 35 euros there are already established competitors like Pelikan, Lamy, Kaweco and Online, so a clear differentiation via target group, marketing and added value is decisive. Other Chinese brands like Duke find it hard going on the German market. The names TWSBI and DIAMOND are criticised as not very catchy for the target group of pupils and students. Full disassemblability for cleaning and maintenance is hardly relevant for end customers and carries the risk that laymen cause damage; for dealers, however, it can be of interest for spare-parts stocking. As added value, individualisation via interchangeable modules such as grip segments, writing modules with various line widths or gold nibs presents itself. A grey demonstrator would be desirable as a visual highlight.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which additional colour variant of the Markant Pionier 2 is known?", "a": "Besides the well-known versions, the Markant Pionier 2 was also produced in a white colour variant. This expands the spectrum of known colour shades of the model and shows the versatility of GDR writing-instrument production in the 1960s.", "board": "GDR (East-German) writing instruments", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How is the Montblanc Patron of Arts Edition 2011 Gaius Maecenas designed, and at what price is it available?", "a": "The edition is dedicated to Gaius Maecenas and exists in two variants: the 4810 version in white with silver and the 888 version with golden cap. The cap is provided with a verse, the clip is sword-like, the cap of the 888 version is modelled on Dali. The price of the 888 version lies around 7,500 euros. First official pictures are available via the Montblanc boutiques and via collector blogs.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why was the Parker Vacumatic discontinued, and is a present-day purchase sensible for everyday use?", "a": "The Vacumatic was replaced by the simpler and more robust Aerometric system, which was used from the 1950s also in the Parker 51; the Vacumatic system did have a larger ink volume but was more maintenance-intensive. Repair requires special tools to open and a rubber diaphragm, only obtainable in the USA; many restorers refuse the repair; in Vienna it is reliably carried out at Penleo (Leo Grahofer). Restored Vacumatics can be used for about 20 years after professional servicing. Everyday use of an unrestored piece is advised against. Material and writing quality are excellent, the nibs mostly rigid, the feed very good, the leak resistance better than with the Parker 51. As a modern replacement with similar design the Visconti Wallstreet or the Manhattan with High-Vacuum Powerfill mechanism is recommended.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How is an auctioned Montblanc 144 with 18-carat nib to be assessed, and which polish is suitable for precious resin and fittings?", "a": "18-carat nibs on the 144 are not unusual, since they were produced for the French market and also turn up in Germany; they are not a sign of manipulation. The 144s from the 1950s consist of celluloid; later models of precious resin (Plexiglas); production ended around the year 2000. For polishing the precious resin, Wenol is used by Montblanc itself; alternatively Mellerud polish for acrylic and plastic or Displex, which slightly dissolves the topmost layer and fills scratches. The fittings are gold-plated or platinum-plated on brass; every polish removes material, which is why polishing should be done as rarely as possible. Real scratches in the gold plating cannot be polished out, since they are deeper than the coating; only tarnished surfaces can be refreshed.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can ink in a fountain pen freeze, and from what temperature should one be cautious?", "a": "Ink does indeed freeze already at slightly sub-zero temperatures; a Montblanc royal blue, for example, already at -0.3 to -0.5 degrees Celsius, since ordinary inks are water-based. The pen does not write in the frozen state and writes more weakly during thawing; ink puddles can form around nib and feed during thawing. Cartridges do not necessarily burst in tests, but the fill level can change due to the anomaly of water and the closure ball can discolour. With normal outside cold and storage in an inside pocket of the jacket there is practically no danger. With really arctic temperatures it is recommended to leave pens in the warmth. Pencils are suitable as a cold-insensitive alternative.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which features characterise the Markant Pionier 2 in the pink variant from the 1960s?", "a": "The Markant Pionier 2 dates from the 1960s and impresses with a design that was modern and trendy for its time. The model has a permanently fitted piston for filling with ink and is therefore not a cartridge pen. The pink version is one of the more striking colour variants and underscores the fashionable character of the line.", "board": "GDR (East-German) writing instruments", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which makers and models does the area of GDR writing instruments comprise, and where can collector information be found?", "a": "The variety of GDR writing-instrument makers is significantly greater than commonly assumed; one dedicated collector has gathered nearly 100 makers in the area of the former GDR; further ones probably exist. Well-known brands include, among others, Markant and Heiko, e.g. the Heiko from the late 1980s with hooded nib. A consolidated list with makers, types and production years does not currently exist, since source material both on the internet and in books is thin. A regular collectors' regulars' table on GDR fountain pens takes place in Dresden. Exchange between collectors runs predominantly via personal contacts and forums.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc Limited Editions does the work 'Creations of Passion' present, and what target group is it intended for?", "a": "The volume 'Creations of Passion', published by Montblanc itself, presents all limited writing instruments of the house from 1991 to 2003, provided their edition comprises at least 333 pieces. The truly rare editions with smaller editions thus regrettably remain unconsidered, which can disappoint the ambitious collector. The book addresses primarily beginners and new collectors who have just discovered their passion for Montblanc writing instruments and want a quick overview.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Where can collector boxes for 10 to 20 high-quality writing instruments be obtained?", "a": "Montblanc offered a collector box of black piano lacquer for 20 writing instruments in two layers, which is officially probably no longer in the range but is partly still obtainable via boutiques such as Munich. Alternatives are found at specialised suppliers: the Sini collector case via fountainpen.de, wooden boxes from maxpens.de for about 13 pens, and collector boxes with glass lid from Lindauer for around 20 pens. Via penboard.de from Tom Westerich there is a cheaper box for 40 pens at around 90 euros. For individual quantities, custom-making by a leather worker is recommended; a small case for seven pens costs about 80 euros. In regular stationery trade such boxes are barely in stock; a direct enquiry with the supplier is usually necessary.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "With which writing instruments do figures from politics and celebrity write?", "a": "Observations are anecdotal and inconsistent. In Austria members of the federal government often use Graf von Faber-Castell pens; the Federal President and the President of the National Council use Pelikan, while Jörg Haider was associated with several Montblanc Limited Editions. Christian Wulff presumably writes with Cartier or S.T. Dupont; Ron Sommer used a 146 Solitaire Silver with thread guilloché. The actor Johnny Depp owns several Montblanc Limited Editions; Sylvester Stallone once wrote with a Montegrappa Golden Dragon. For a systematic overview no reliable source exists.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are the high penalties for buyers of brand counterfeits in Italy proportionate, and how is the trade in plagiarisms tackled?", "a": "Penalties of 10,000 euros for the purchase of single counterfeits are mostly criticised as disproportionate; pursuing the street vendors and commercial suppliers would be more sensible. Anyone who knowingly buys a plagiarism is generally not in the target group of the original brand anyway, so the maker hardly loses direct turnover; more problematic is the image damage from visible counterfeits in public spaces. More serious are sellers who offload plagiarisms at original prices to unsuspecting customers. On eBay a private report is legally insufficient, since only the trademark holder can have auctions ended via affidavit; eBay itself intervenes only hesitantly. Consistent exclusion of repeatedly conspicuous sellers by eBay is debated as a sensible solution.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "On the occasion of which event did Kurt Grobecker's 'A History of the Firm Montblanc' appear, and where does the focus lie?", "a": "Kurt Grobecker's volume 'A History of the Firm Montblanc' was published for the inauguration of the new Montblanc building. Alongside the writing instruments, the book pushes into the foreground the people who shaped the company. Drawing on numerous historical advertising brochures, Grobecker traces both the successes and the more difficult phases of the company's history. The conclusion is a picture gallery of celebrities who own a Montblanc fountain pen.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Does mobile-display polish like Displex damage the gold plating on writing instruments, and what does Montblanc service do in such cases?", "a": "Ultimately every polish, whether Displex or Wenol, attacks the gold plating, which is why writing instruments should be polished as rarely as possible. Displex is well suited to precious-resin surfaces but can lead to dissolution effects on gold alloys such as fittings and pen stands. Subsequent re-gilding of fittings is mostly not possible, since these are firmly bonded to the resin. The Montblanc service offers in such cases an exchange of the affected part for a new one; a pen stand was, for example, exchanged for 49 euros. Damaged original parts are shredded or burned by Montblanc, since only flawless goods may be used.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How do Montblanc Special Edition, Limited Edition and Artisan Edition differ?", "a": "The terms Special Edition, Limited Edition and Artisan Edition are used differently at Montblanc. Special Editions are produced only with a temporal restriction; the quantity, however, can be freely chosen by Montblanc within the production period — many or few writing instruments may be made. Examples are the Special Anniversary Edition produced only in 1999 and the Menuhin Edition, whose production period was not infinite, but whose exact quantity is unknown. Limited Editions are restricted both in production period and quantity. An example is the Patron of the Arts Edition J.P. Morgan 2004: the writing instruments were produced only in 2004; afterwards the moulds were destroyed; the edition was 4,810 pieces in the regular variant and 888 pieces in the solid-gold version. Artisan Editions are extremely rare and generally very expensive writing instruments produced only in quantities of 1, 4, 10 or under 333. An exception are editions like Jungle Eyes as somewhat more regular variants. A typical example of an Artisan Edition is the Carnegie Ruby Edition based on a Carnegie of 2002 and set with rubies.", "board": "Special Editions", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Can Montblanc ballpoint refills be used in rollerball models?", "a": "In all rollerballs that take Classique rollerball or fineliner refills, the Montblanc ballpoint refill including extension plug also fits without an additional adapter. With slim Slimline models a self-built adapter would be necessary. With cramped writing posture and strong pressure, however, the slim form is not recommended; rather a thicker writing instrument like the LeGrand rollerball, since this reduces cramping. For left-handers the ballpoint is usually the better choice but should still be sufficiently thick. With some rollerball models like the Meisterstück Platinum Line Classique Rollerball the local dealer denies compatibility, which is to be checked individually.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What happens with a customs hold on transfer, and what should be considered when importing branded goods and leather goods?", "a": "Customs in such cases checks both the authenticity of the branded goods and compliance with the species protection law on animal hides like crocodile or ostrich. Both can mean retention of the goods and a criminal procedure. If both points are clarified, the goods are valued and import and value-added tax (together about 20 per cent) are levied on the estimated value. For crocodile and alligator leather a CITES species protection certificate is mandatorily required, which must be applied for before export; subsequent application is not possible. Even with proven genuine branded goods the shipment is not released without CITES papers, and an administrative offence may be imposed. The buyer bears the risk alone, since these requirements often do not emerge from the article description.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What overview of limited writing instruments up to 1999 is given in Bernard Bernolet's book 'The List'?", "a": "Bernard Bernolet's book 'The List', with texts by Marc Van der Stricht, was published in 1999 in Belgium in 21 x 29.7 cm format as a softcover with about 140 pages and claims to cover all limited writing instruments published up to 1999. Most of the editions presented date from the 1990s; the oldest is a Parker '75 Spanish Treasure Fleet' of 1965, made of silver salvaged from the Spanish treasure fleet sunk off Florida. Per page five Limiteds are presented with photo and short description, with year of production, edition size, issue list price, possibly current collector price, material and history given for each.\n\nThe writing instruments depicted come from Belgium, China, Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Taiwan and the USA. Critically to be remarked is that the nibs are treated as stepchildren — material is barely named, and on the often somewhat unsharp or print-limited photos the nib markings are mostly not recognisable, which does not suit collectors who see the nib as the heart of the fountain pen. Notes on contributors, their collections, relevant clubs, magazines and books round off the volume. Overall 'The List' is a useful reference work for an overview of the variety of special editions produced.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which topics does the reference work 'Werkzeuge des Geistes' by Friedrich E. Linscheid cover?", "a": "Friedrich E. Linscheid's richly illustrated reference work 'Werkzeuge des Geistes' is dedicated to writing implements and accessories through the change of style epochs and addresses interested laypeople as well as long-standing collectors. It appeared from Universitätsverlag Carinthia, Klagenfurt, with about 180 pages (ISBN 3-85378-409-7). It is divided into two main areas: one on writing with chapters on the original sources and evolution, schools and writers, scripts and printing; and one on writing implements with sections on development, writing surfaces, inks and colours.\n\nIn the second main part writing implements are presented in the style epochs Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Classicism, Historicism, Art Nouveau and Art Deco up to the 1920s and 1950s; further chapters cover Asian writing implements, travel writing implements, utensils, desks and lecterns, writing sets, pen holders, metal nibs, slate pencils and slates, the pencil, fountain pen and ballpoint, seal stamps and letter openers, typewriters and telegraphs, and collectors and museums. Appendix, bibliography and picture credits round off the work.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What was the Heiko flush cartridge of the VEB Füllhalterwerk Wernigerode used for?", "a": "The flush cartridge of VEB Füllhalterwerk Wernigerode was a cleaning device for cartridge pens. It consists of a small bellows connected to a roughly 25 mm short plastic cartridge. The associated packaging measures around 7 cm in height with a base of about 3 by 3 cm and bears on three sides a pictorial instruction. Although the plastic cartridge has no tip like a conventional ink cartridge, cleaning works reliably on usual cartridge pens.", "board": "GDR (East-German) writing instruments", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What stresses do automatic watches withstand in everyday sport, and at what intervals is a service sensible?", "a": "An intact automatic watch should withstand normal sporting activities and shocks like fast cycling over cobblestones; if parts come loose, this points to a pre-existing damage or improper prior use, which when buying second-hand watches via eBay without warranty is a known risk. For extreme stresses sport or diving watches with screw-down crown, thicker glass and stable case are better suited. Signs of a due service are deviations of more than five seconds per day or a clearly reduced power reserve. As an interval, about four to five years is recommended on everyday watches; on rarely worn watches only when problems appear, except on rare movements with difficult spare-parts supply. Letting watches sit without movement harms them; a service usually costs several hundred euros.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the Markant Trend Set with the model designations P 804 and K 804 comprise?", "a": "The Markant Trend Set consists of a fountain pen with the designation P 804 and a matching ballpoint K 804. Both writing instruments are kept in a uniform design and form a coordinated set from GDR production.", "board": "GDR (East-German) writing instruments", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Are oblique nibs also suitable for daily use and longer exams?", "a": "Oblique nibs like OB or OBB produce a clearly more varied, calligraphically appearing script but require practice; the writing position must be adapted to the nib. For left-handers oblique nibs are not suitable. For fast writing over several hours, e.g. in exams, thin and well broken-in nibs like F or OM are better suited than very broad OBB nibs, since at speed and pressure legibility takes priority over script. Regular M nibs can also produce a calligraphic effect depending on grind. Important remains that the nib width fits one's own handwriting and writing strength.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What should be considered when transporting fountain pens on flights, and are cartridge or piston pens better suited?", "a": "Decisive is storage with the cap up, ideally in hand luggage or in a case in the inside pocket; in this way both cartridge and piston pens stay leak-proof. Critical are the pressure-change phases during ascent and descent, in which ink can leak out; after the flight leaked ink should be wiped off. On reaching cruising altitude the pen can be used normally; ink flow is usually noticeably more saturated during ascent and descent. Lying storage in a suitcase can lead to ink residues in the cap but does not damage the writing instrument. The pressure differences are smaller in modern aircraft than earlier; balanced cabins reduce the leak risk.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What characterises the Montblanc picture book 'Die Seelenmacher — Acht Porträts'?", "a": "'Die Seelenmacher — Acht Porträts' places not the writing instruments but the employees of Montblanc as the actual stars at the centre. The volume impresses above all through its photography, with which the products — writing instruments, bags and watches — are emotionally charged. The message is that a Montblanc bag is more than a utility item: it embodies life experience, patience and precision. This achieves a particularly emotional form of corporate communication.", "board": "Books / Literature", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How is a Montblanc 342 to be disassembled and cleaned, and what do the markings on the writing instrument mean?", "a": "For disassembly the piston screw is fully turned back so that a gap arises between knurl and screw; the knurled disc as part of the mechanism is loosened in a multi-jaw collet of a lathe. The cap top can be unscrewed with a piece of leather or bicycle tube, never with pliers, since these destroy the cap top. The feed sleeve with the two slots is unscrewed with a matching assembly key, and the feed driven out from rear to front with a punch; alternatively, after soaking in an ultrasonic bath or in water, nib and feed can be pulled out. The small bore in the cap is a ventilation hole against condensation, which however accelerates drying. The M on the piston screw denotes the nib width Medium. All threads are right-hand threads; the grip section is often firmly glued and should then not be loosened.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "For which target group was the Heiko Trend intended, and what characterises it?", "a": "The Heiko Trend was intended for writers who had outgrown the school pen but could not yet afford a Heiko Primus. It impresses with its clear shaping and an ergonomically formed grip section that makes it a pleasant everyday companion.", "board": "GDR (East-German) writing instruments", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What should be considered when buying a glass-nib fountain pen, and where are modern glass nibs available?", "a": "Glass nibs are breakage-prone, and replacement is hard to obtain. Historical glass-nib fountain pens were produced mainly between the late 1920s and mid-1940s, e.g. as safety or push-fillers; at Montblanc there were corresponding models like 442 and 444, today rare and expensive and able to cost around 500 euros. No-name glass-nib pens are available much more cheaply on eBay in the single-digit euro range. Modern glass nibs are supplied by Dr. Franz-Josef Jansen on de-atramentis.com from about 8 euros. Glass nibs were earlier used for document-proof inks that would clog usual nibs and feeds. With glass-nib pens the maker Haro is only reachable via the second-hand market.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is an unknown Montblanc Meisterstück rollerball an original or a counterfeit?", "a": "The model shown is unanimously classified as a counterfeit, since Montblanc has not produced a comparable writing instrument. The star also looks atypical with overly angular tips, and the workmanship does not match the quality of platinum-plated or white-gold original parts. Such fantasy products are made in the Far East at production costs of about one euro and are also fitted with counterfeit refills that say nothing about authenticity. Even on plagiarisms of existing models, quality differences are clearly visible in detail shots. A definitive clarification is most safely obtained in a Montblanc boutique through direct comparison. Notes on typical counterfeit features are offered by the section 'Vorsicht Fälschungen' on fountainpen.de.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why can a green-marbled Heiko fountain pen without imprint not be unambiguously named?", "a": "Not all Heiko writing instruments bear an imprint with the model name, and original sales brochures from GDR production are barely findable. A clear model designation is therefore not possible on some pieces. That the green-marbled example is an upmarket model, however, can be inferred from the comparatively elaborately designed clip, which is above the level of a simple Heiko Filius.", "board": "GDR (East-German) writing instruments", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What causes start-up problems on fountain pens, and how can they be remedied?", "a": "Starting problems can have several causes: viscous or thick inks like some Montblanc inks cause skipping on certain nibs; Waterman inks often flow better. Dried ink residues clog the feed and can be removed by repeated flushing with cold water or soaking, possibly also in an ultrasonic bath, but not on wood or celluloid pens. With new pens with converter, the high adhesion of plastic can slow ink flow. A nib unsuitable for the writing position is also a frequent cause, especially with oblique nibs and signatures with a flying start. Paper also influences starting behaviour considerably; testing in specialist trade should be done with one's own everyday paper. With nib tipping grind, the nib's set angle decides whether ink flow starts reliably.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What features does the Montblanc Safety Pen No. 15 have, and how is it filled?", "a": "The Montblanc Safety Pen No. 15 is classically filled with a pipette from above; alternatively, filling can be done by carefully holding the nib of a piston pen into the opening of the safety pen and releasing ink from the piston pen into the safety pen. In the example described, the barrel shows several inscriptions: at the top in white the maiden name of a previous owner, below that the barely readable inscription 'Simplo Original Montblanc' with the mountain symbol in the middle. On the turning knob the designation '15 OB' is engraved. The cap bears the lettering 'Montblanc' with mountain symbol and the poorly readable dealer detail 'Füllhalter-Spezial-Geschäft Königsberg Pr. Junkerstr. 11'. The nib is a 14-carat gold nib of width M with the Montblanc circle imprint. The pen is tight and writes flawlessly after filling.", "board": "Vintage pens", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What should be considered when posting the cap, removing an engraving, a general overhaul and a nib swap on a Montblanc?", "a": "On the 144 Solitaire Carbon the cap, by design, does not hold securely on the barrel and can leave scratches; an inserted piece of paper can serve as an improvised solution; a real fix does not exist. An engraving cannot be removed subsequently; replacement of the cap sleeve is only possible if it is significantly damaged; a service flat fee 2 covers cap exchange and general overhaul excluding nib; an individually purchased cap is significantly more expensive. On sending in, it should be stated that no new engraving is to be carried out. A nib exchange without a stamped service booklet requires assessment by Montblanc and an individual cost estimate. The piston mechanism with seal change is also handled via the service flat fee; concrete amounts are quoted by every boutique.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is known about the unidentified Heiko model from the 1960s?", "a": "From the 1960s a Heiko fountain pen exists whose exact model designation is so far unknown. Among collectors it is treated as an independent, early Heiko model, documented by surviving examples.", "board": "GDR (East-German) writing instruments", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What characterises the GDR fountain pen Markant Merkur in the red-marbled version?", "a": "The Markant Merkur existed in several colour variants, including red, blue and green, and in two different sizes. A peculiarity of this model is the marbling, not worked into the material but applied as a foil. From this follows the disadvantage that this foil can come off if the pen is, for example, left in water too long. Well-preserved examples show the typical red-marbled look of the GDR writing instrument in full beauty.", "board": "GDR (East-German) writing instruments", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which brand and history stand behind the old fountain pen Rifka?", "a": "Rifka stands for Rheinisch-Westfälische Füllhalterfabrik Gebrüder Wippenhohn, founded in 1926 in Bonn; due to strong competition there, e.g. from Soennecken, the company moved to Westphalian Greffen (city of Harsewinkel, district of Gütersloh). The roots go back to a 1924 GmbH of head teacher August Schlickmann, who wanted to develop a fountain pen with metal pin instead of gold nib and a wooden holder with ink tongue under the design-protection name Fix. The own writing-instrument production was unsuccessful; the company took Pelikan products and other brands into its range and turned into a wholesaler. In altered form the firm still exists today.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which current fountain pens have flexible nibs as seen in calligraphy videos?", "a": "Truly flexible nibs are practically no longer made today; the nibs shown in calligraphy videos are usually 80 to 100 years old, and machine-made modern nibs are throughout hard. Asian makers like Sailor offer special calligraphy nibs. Flexibility is determined by gold content (21 carat is softer than 18 or 14 carat), grind and shape of the nib. Anyone seeking a flexible pen is dependent on the second-hand market, e.g. via fountainpen.de or penboard.de, or must ask in specialised trade for flexible nibs.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How is the new Montblanc Meisterstück Tribute to the Mont Blanc Edition designed and to be assessed?", "a": "The edition is not an official Limited or Special Edition; it addresses, in design, a female target group and uses white as the central colour; the grip section bears engraved altitude figures of various mountains. The size corresponds to the Classique Meisterstück series; the weight rather to the LeGrand line. Used is not classic precious resin but lacquered brass. Assessments range from rejecting (too fake-like, too much aimed at the rich and beautiful) to positive. An official pencil does not exist; individual special commissions were made by Montblanc on customer request through mechanism conversion from the rollerball. The associated cufflink set rounds off the collection.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Limited Editions does Montblanc announce for 2017?", "a": "The Great Characters Edition 2017 is dedicated to the Beatles; the annual edition leans on Yellow Submarine; the Limited Edition shows white with the UK flag. The Writers Edition is dedicated to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. From 2017 the 4810 variant of the Patron of Arts is dropped and converted to an annual edition. The Unicef Edition appears in April and comprises a Skeleton variant at around 9,000 to 9,700 euros, a Solitaire in blue lacquer with silver-coloured letters of various alphabets, a Doué variant with laser-engraved metal cap and a standard variant in black precious resin with letter ring on the cap; supplemented by special ink, Booknote and Augmented Paper. There is also a fully silver-coloured Rouge et Noir edition with rubies and, with each limited edition, its own limited ink.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the M on a Montblanc nib mean, and how can the nib width be recognised?", "a": "The M on a Montblanc nib stands for Montblanc and not for the nib width Medium; all Montblanc nibs bear this mark. The nib width is not stated on the nib itself or on the feed and can only be determined by inspecting the tipping or by a writing test. Nibs vary slightly even within the same classification due to handwork, which is particularly noticeable on EF nibs.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is the legal status today of the lifetime warranties Montblanc earlier issued?", "a": "Earlier Montblanc warranties from about 1950 referred exclusively to the nibs: lifetime warranty on Meisterstücks, 25 years on the second series and 10 years on the gold nibs of the third series. Pre-WWII lifetime warranties were limited by law to 25 years and have today expired; in individual cases, even in the 1950s, old warranty cards were still issued by dealers, but they too are expired. Today's customary 'lifetime warranties' from other makers are subject to restrictions; in particular, instead of repair, a contemporary replacement device may be offered. On occurrence of a warranty case and presentation of proof of purchase, there is a repair flat fee that is significantly below usual hand-repair costs. Warranty and statutory liability for defects are to be distinguished; the latter runs two years for consumer purchases, with reversed burden of proof in the first six months.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the authenticity of a Montblanc Meisterstück 144 be checked, and which ink is suitable for the model?", "a": "The 144 was produced until about 2000; the M label on the pen denotes the nib width Medium but is only present on new instruments. A missing serial number in the Montblanc system is not a definitive indication of a counterfeit, since not all data records are completely captured. Authenticity can be clarified using detailed photos, the original/counterfeit PDF and a boutique enquiry. As ink, any common brand like Pelikan 4001 is suitable; the rumour of clogging through third-party ink does not in practice apply, only Indian ink is to be avoided; some American specialty inks like Noodler's Ink are also discouraged. Pelikan 4001 is water-soluble and can be washed out without problems. On colour change, flush the pen with water until no residues are visible.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which inexpensive digital camera is suitable for detail shots of writing instruments, e.g. serial numbers and engravings?", "a": "Most digital cameras have a macro or super-macro mode that allows shots from about 1 to 3 cm distance; however, perspective distortions occur and the camera's own light is shadowed. A better but more expensive solution is an SLR with macro lens, possibly with ring flash, e.g. the Olympus E-330 with a flip LCD and matching macro lens for around 200 euros. From about 4 megapixels resolution is sufficient for all practical applications. Recommended makers in the entry segment are Olympus and Nikon, in the mid and upper segment Canon. Older bright compact cameras like the Sony F-707 have also proven themselves. As information sources, digitalkamera.de and dpreview.com are mentioned.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How do you correctly clean a Montblanc Traveller 147, and is a piston converter necessary for that?", "a": "According to Montblanc service, flushing with clear cold or lukewarm water suffices; after flushing, the pen should lie open so the water residues can evaporate. A piston converter is not strictly necessary. With heavily dried ink or crusts, e.g. after leaked cartridges, soaking, an ultrasonic bath with distilled water or, if needed, sending in for inspection helps. An inspection at Montblanc costs between 39 and 49 euros, without nib exchange. Certain inks, especially iron-gall-containing black-blue cartridges, attack material and gold plating; iron-gall-free alternatives like Pelikan cartridges are recommended. Cleaning the Bohème with retractable nib requires, due to the delicate mechanism, other precautions.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What does the green Heiko 3-piece set contain, and what peculiarity does it have?", "a": "The green Heiko 3-piece set consists of a fountain pen, a twist pencil with 0.9 mm lead and a click ballpoint fitted with an original Markant Vollstrich refill. The three writing instruments are stored in a case of synthetic leather. The instruments are about 12 cm long. A peculiarity of this set is that neither on the instruments themselves nor on the case is a type designation applied, which makes precise model assignment difficult.", "board": "GDR (East-German) writing instruments", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which rules apply to a Montblanc nib exchange, and what goodwill is to be expected without a sales receipt?", "a": "Montblanc exchanges an unsuitable nib free of charge, provided the original nib is mint and the writing instrument is sent in together with the warranty card within six weeks; in older practice the period was 14 days. Without a stamped service booklet, sales receipt or invoice, the purchase cannot be proven; credit-card statements are not accepted as proof of purchase. A nib exchange outside the period is charged via the regular repair flat fee. With watches, deviations are often justified by Montblanc with the nature of mechanical movements, which also includes a certain tolerance in the GTC; warranty performance must, however, be provided. Goodwill is voluntary and not an enforceable claim; preventively the proper keeping of all receipts and being known to the local boutique staff is recommended.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a quick clean by disassembly and rinsing under running water harmful for Pelikan piston pens?", "a": "Rinsing with cold water alone does not harm a piston pen; unscrewing the nib unit is unproblematic on the newer model. On old Pelikan models like 100 and 100N, the mechanism should only be sparingly disassembled, since the celluloid barrel thread tears easily; celluloid can be repaired but only by few specialists. Ammonia and alcohol must be kept away from the material and should not be used. Pigmented inks like Parker Penman are critical because they can bake the piston during long inactivity; before each writing pause of one to two weeks, cleaning is sensible. For care of the piston seal, a thin silicone film is recommended, but only a non-additionally-modified silicone.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Were Montblanc sub-brands like Adler Spezial actually made by Montblanc?", "a": "Montblanc-Simplo supplied unbranded fountain pens via the firm Excelsior to retailers who could provide them with their own lettering, e.g. Adler & Co. In the concrete case of the Adler Spezial examined, feed with lamellae, the front part of the rod and the thread of the mechanism speak against Montblanc production. Similar Waterman-style models were also made by Diplomat, Tatra and Stöffhaas, partly with double spindle; on Montblanc simple spindles dominate. A safe attribution is only possible by disassembly and inspection of the inner workings, possibly after a brief bath in distilled ultrasonic water with attention to the risk of oxidation. Not every sub-brand pen with a Montblanc nib is from Montblanc production.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is red ink harmful for fountain pens, and which alternatives cause fewer deposits?", "a": "Pelikan 4001 Brilliant Red tends to leave unsightly deposits with a green sheen and can clog the feed so that the nib jams; in one case the ink damaged a Lamy pen so badly that it had to be discarded. In general, coloured inks, especially red, are more aggressive than royal blue. The recommendation is to use red ink only in inexpensive pens or in models without sight window like the Waterman Serenitè and to flush the pen every few weeks during heavy use. As alternative reds with better behaviour, Private Reserve Dakota Red, Private Reserve Orange Crush, Diamine Monaco Red and Bordeaux-coloured Montblanc ink and inks from Jansen are regarded.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is cleaning a Montblanc fountain pen in an ultrasonic bath harmful, and how do you correctly clean more modern models?", "a": "An ultrasonic bath is unproblematic on modern writing instruments, provided the pen does not stay in the bath too long; on wood or celluloid devices it is to be advised against. Gentle routine cleaning succeeds through repeated filling with water until no ink residues come out. Water-soluble royal-blue inks dissolve again with water even after long drying; with coloured inks cleaning is more difficult and requires partly a complete disassembly and mechanical cleaning of the feed. The rumour that Montblanc ink contains particularly many and firm particles does not apply; it counts among easy-flowing inks. Care is required for all brands and price levels. Waterman inks have a musty smell but are flow-technically good but should, on Waterman nibs, occasionally cause corrosion at the grip-section end.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which new Montblanc inks are introduced, and when do the permanent inks come on the market?", "a": "Montblanc announces two new permanent inks in blue and black, with minimalist white labels and the marking 'permanent'; the classic blue-black tone is preserved under the name Midnight Blue but no longer counts as a reference for permanent. In addition come two special inks, one for a high-priced edition on a 20th-century personality and one for the annual Writers Edition. The Permanent inks originally planned for April 2012 were postponed several times, most recently to 2013. In the meantime Meisterstück Diamond was introduced as an intense South Sea blue tone in a small bottle for about 13 euros, as well as a new cartridge packaging with 20 instead of 8 cartridges for around 7 euros. Seasonal inks appeared with winter-motif packaging in a red tone comparable to the Hitchcock Special Edition.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Was there a Montblanc Bohème Steel as a Mid-Size variant with fixed nib and blue stone?", "a": "The Bohème Steel never existed, according to catalogues of official collectors, as a Mid-Size with fixed nib; the Mid-Size format had a screw-out nib unit or converter without safety mechanism. Steel/Noir models always had a black onyx in the clip; models with blue stone belonged to the Bohème/Silver line with grain guilloché, not the smooth steel version. The Big-Size variant always had a retractable nib and was only available in black precious resin with platinum-plated fittings. Solitaire models were generally delivered in France with 18-carat nibs; a 14-carat nib in such a Solitaire is therefore conspicuous. Authenticity features like the word Pix under the clip ring speak for an original; presumably a tinkering from two Bohème devices or a non-official special model is at hand. An authenticity check in the boutique is recommended.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can tarnished gold plating, e.g. on the clip of an MB 14, be cleaned again or re-plated?", "a": "Real gold practically does not tarnish, since extreme chemical conditions like aqua regia would be needed for that; hand sweat and everyday environment do not attack gold alloys. What appears as tarnish is mostly worn-off gold plating through which the darker carrier material like brass shines through. Polishing in this case removes still more of the thin gold-plating layer and should be avoided. For freshening up slightly tarnished gold alloys, silver-cleaning wool is suitable; gentler are care cloths for gold or pearls. Re-plating presents itself as a solution and should be done by a specialised firm.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which models does the Montblanc catalogue 'Creations of Passion' cover in the new edition, and how are the Annual Editions structured?", "a": "The new edition of the catalogue adds the Patron of Art 2004, the Writers Edition 2004 (Franz Kafka) and the Annual Edition 2005; the cover features an Imperial Dragon 888. The Writers Edition 2004 on Franz Kafka alternates formally between round and square cross-section as an allusion to The Metamorphosis and shows a cockroach on the nib. The Annual Editions have been organised since 2003 in three series: Classical Mythology (2003 Leda and the Swan, 2004 Europa on the Bull, 2005 Venus and Cupid), Venetian Carnival (2003 Coviello, 2004 Colombine, 2005 Harlequin) and Mythical Creatures (2003 Blue Lion, 2004 Flying Dragon, 2005 Phoenix). The launch regularly takes place in September of the previous year. The catalogue can be ordered free of charge via the Montblanc website.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What can be done about skipping and starting problems on a new Meisterstück Mozart?", "a": "Frequent skipping is not normal and should lead to a complaint at the boutique; one's own everyday paper should be brought along, since writing behaviour on test paper deviates significantly. Inkjet paper is very smooth and can exacerbate problems; high-quality or simple college paper shows actual behaviour better. If even an exchange of the writing instrument brings no improvement, the nib width can be a factor; trying other nibs at the dealer is sensible. A crookedly seated nib is a clear defect and likewise complaint-worthy. Before concluding a production fault, it should also be checked whether the cartridge sits correctly and whether someone else can write with the pen without problems. For storage there are Montblanc cases from about 70 euros, often with integrated note pad and credit-card slots.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which feed variants existed on the Montblanc Meisterstück 144 since the 1980s?", "a": "Since the relaunch of the Meisterstücks in the Classique size, i.e. model 144, various feeds have been used. Initially there were two variants with solid feeds. From the 1990s onwards, feeds with lamellae were additionally used, which enable greater pressure equalisation. With lower air pressure, e.g. on aircraft, fountain pens normally tend to drip. The lamellae of the feed can absorb the ink to a certain extent and so effectively prevent the pen from leaking. Overall at least three feed variants on the 144 are documented; further variants are not excluded.", "board": "Vintage pens", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What information can be found on three old fountain pens (Koh-I-Noor Astra No. 14, an '-R-' from France and a Lamy Ratio) regarding origin, age and value?", "a": "Since the forum primarily focuses on Montblanc, information on side brands here is sparse. Collectors report that most collectors specialise in a few main brands like Montblanc, Pelikan or Namiki, and brands like Koh-I-Noor, Lamy or French bakelite pens are therefore barely documented. The Lamy mentioned is likely a Lamy 27 from the 1950s. For more detailed information the Penexchange forum is referred to, which covers a broader brand spectrum.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is online buying of Montblanc writing instruments from private sellers worthwhile, and what risks exist compared with the specialist trade?", "a": "Collectors hold different positions here. Some advise buying exclusively from professional dealers ('Buy the seller'), since private sellers often lack sufficient expertise. Others argue that even professional sellers do not necessarily have more know-how and that private sellers with a good rating history can quite well enable reputable bargains. An unfilled service guide is not regarded as evidence against authenticity, since many originals are sold without entry. Anyone wanting security in nib exchange and warranty performance fares better with the specialist trade.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are matching nibs still available for the GDR fountain pen Markant M7720, and can a scratchy nib be repaired?", "a": "Spare parts for GDR fountain pens are barely available, since the writing instruments were largely disposed of and no spare-parts stock exists. The material collector value of these pieces is small, so a professional repair is rarely worthwhile in price terms. A scratchy nib can basically be readjusted by a nib straightener. As a contact point for Markant repairs, Schreibwaren Am Schloss in Dresden (Schloss-Str. 3-5) is recommended, whose owner is a former senior employee of Markant.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can a counterfeit be recognised on a Montblanc Le Grand ballpoint, and are clicking sounds from the refill a warning sign?", "a": "Clicking sounds from the refill are also known on Meisterstück ballpoints in originals and are no reliable authenticity indicator. An upside-down engraving on the centre ring does not necessarily speak for a counterfeit, since even disassembled originals can be wrongly assembled on reassembly. Decisive for the assessment are shape, proportions and detail features on high-resolution photos. Final certainty is offered only by sending the pen to Montblanc in Hamburg, where an official authenticity check is carried out free of charge and answered with written information.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is known about the Montblanc Writers Edition Collodi 2011, especially regarding availability and sales start?", "a": "At market launch, only the complete set including cufflinks and special ink was offered; the individual writing instruments followed only a week later. Montblanc had unlocked its own website (montblanc-collodi.com) on the edition with elaborate product animation. Collectors rate the appearance overall positively and recommend a boutique visit for direct inspection.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc ballpoint for 30 euros a bargain or a counterfeit?", "a": "A Montblanc ballpoint for 30 euros is with certainty a counterfeit. Such models do not exist in the official range at all but are classic own creations of Chinese counterfeiters that are traded as tourist goods for one or two euros. As a rule of thumb: if a price is unrealistically low, it is not original goods.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which practical alternatives are there for taking ink along while travelling, and are earlier travel ink containers still available today?", "a": "The Italian maker Visconti offers a Travelling Inkwell, which after a short familiarisation is safe to operate and proves itself especially in combination with ink pellets, since then only tap water is needed. As a more comfortable alternative, collectors recommend the Montblanc 147 Traveller or cartridge pens like the 145 Chopin, which manage without an ink bottle. Cartridge pens are the most practical solution for travel, while travel ink bottles remain interesting more for lovers of traditional filling.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is the new midnight-blue Montblanc ink really the document-proof successor to the old blue-black ink?", "a": "The earlier blue-black document ink was, according to missing-pen.de, renamed Midnight Blue; on the packaging the note 'for documents' still appears. Alongside the ink names, the bottle and closure design and the maker have changed: the old inks came from Gutenberg in Bonn; the new ones are produced in Austria. The properties of the inks are described as similar. If the document-proof note is missing on the packaging, one should specifically ask in the specialist trade.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a pen with a Montblanc star on the nib and two cap rings really a Montblanc 320?", "a": "It is presumably a Montblanc 310 (ident no. 13110) from the period of about 1985 to 1988 with a gold-plated stainless-steel wing nib, offered only as a cartridge pen with piston converter. Usually, however, the 310 has a cap with only one ring, while a double-ring cap belongs to model 221 (13121); here a mix-up apparently exists. Up to the early 1990s Montblanc was not a pure luxury supplier but produced, similarly to Pelikan, from school to high-quality models. Instead of an original Montblanc converter, a Pelikan converter is recommended.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does it harm Montblanc's reputation when the brand expands its range to jewellery and other lifestyle products?", "a": "Collectors evaluate the diversification predominantly positively, since Montblanc is long no longer a pure writing-instrument manufactory but a luxury brand. The writing-instrument industry hardly grows worldwide, which is why brand transfer to jewellery, leather goods and accessories financially secures the brand and opens up new target groups. Critically seen are above all cufflinks and tie pins, since Montblanc is no classic gentleman's outfitter like Dunhill. Brand transfers carry risks but also open opportunities, which is what entrepreneurial action is about.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does the OMAS 360 write compared with classics like the Montblanc 149 or Pelikan M1000, and does the hand tire with a light pen?", "a": "The OMAS 360 stands out through its cotton-resin housing, which has different haptics from precious resin, and through a comparatively low weight. Collectors report differing experiences: heavy writers find too light pens tiring in the long term, while light writers manage with the 360 even over several A4 pages without problems. Current hard nibs require a certain writing pressure; otherwise the pen runs dry. The celluloid variant of the OMAS 360 has a particularly warm haptic but is, due to price (around 800 euros) and the flammability of the material, only conditionally recommendable.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Can the numbering of Montblanc pencils be systematically explained?", "a": "A consistent system behind the pencil numbers does not exist. Montblanc has used very different numbering schemes since about 1920. Only between roughly 1930 and 1960 can it be seen that the first digit indicated product-group affiliation (Meisterstück, 2nd series, 3rd series) and the second digit was a 7. After that, fundamentally different numbering systems were introduced.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What should be considered when buying a high-quality fountain pen like the Montblanc LeGrand or Pelikan M800, and how do you store it correctly?", "a": "In the boutique all nib widths should be available for trial, which is mostly possible with Montblanc Meisterstücks; with the Pelikan M800 the selection at dealers is often more limited. A newly purchased pen should be a previously unused example and not the much-handled showpiece. Montblanc and Pelikan nibs differ noticeably in writing feel and absolutely must be compared. Anyone who writes a lot on flights benefits from the piston-cartridge Traveller model (147). For storage a leather case is recommended; at home the desk or an acrylic stand suffices.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you correctly care for and store Writers Edition writing instruments, and does use diminish collector value?", "a": "Unused writing instruments are basically more valuable than used ones, since in everyday use small scratches inevitably appear; on rarities like the Lorenzo the value difference can amount to several thousand euros. Modern pens can be stored without problems after thorough cleaning and then need no further care. For external cleaning normal lint-free cotton cloths or eyeglass cleaning cloths (without anti-fog impregnation) suffice; special Montblanc cloths are not superior. Ballpoint refills are the only wear parts; their exchange hardly affects value.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How do you deal with counterfeits in eBay auctions, and how do reputable sellers behave on suspicion?", "a": "Counterfeits on eBay occur regularly, and not only with writing instruments but also with attaché cases and key fobs. It is worthwhile pointing out the suspicion to affected sellers, since many sellers themselves do not know they are selling counterfeits and in this case usually end the auction immediately. Buyers should check auction details carefully and consult in case of suspicion.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc model corresponds to a Safety with 16 cm length, 1.5 cm diameter and 14-carat nib with imprint MB 12?", "a": "It is presumably the 12 Safety, the largest Montblanc writing instrument ever built. The nominal barrel diameter is, however, 16 mm. Counterfeits of this model are not known, but adventurous repairs and restorations with body parts newly turned from old materials are. In top condition 12 Safeties are traded in the USA for several thousand dollars.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is a well-preserved Pelikan 140 worth?", "a": "Collectors estimate for a very well-preserved Pelikan 140 about 20 to 30 euros. The exact price, however, depends strongly on the concrete condition and can only be roughly estimated from verbal descriptions. A blanket value statement is therefore of little use.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How do typical damages arise on the Montblanc 149 (crack in cap star, crookedly seated nib, gold abrasion), and since when do 149s carry serial numbers?", "a": "Cracks in the cap material typically arise from falls onto hard surfaces and are only repairable at cost (around 50 to 100 euros). A crookedly seated nib is no serious defect and can be straightened with a lint-free cloth and two fingers without ink flow suffering, provided the nib is not bent in itself. Gold abrasion on rings and clip frequently occurs on older writing instruments, e.g. through tight stowing with other pens. The photos show a feed and clip from about 15 to 20 years ago, so from a time when serial numbers had not yet been incorporated into the clip.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which black fountain pen up to 75 euros is suitable as a reliable writing companion for Abitur exams?", "a": "Recommendable models in this price class are the Pelikan M200, the Cleo Scribent Chiffre 05 and the Aurora Style; Faber-Castell also offers suitable models. With cartridge pens (e.g. Waterman) it should be noted that mostly only cartridges of the respective maker fit. Piston pens can be filled with any common ink and hold significantly more ink than a standard cartridge. A new nib should be broken in before important exams, since getting used to it takes time. The Cleo Chiffre 05 is particularly praised for its slim, elegant shape and good writing behaviour.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc Special Editions were released in 2011 alongside the Limited Editions, and may press photos be shared in the forum?", "a": "The Special Editions 2011 include 'The Diva' Grace Kelly and the Donation Pen 'Alfred Hitchcock'. Advance photos from Montblanc may not be directly posted for copyright reasons; instead, an external source should be linked in order not to violate copyright.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can a nib that sits crookedly on the feed of a Montblanc 149 be corrected oneself, or must it be exchanged?", "a": "The nib should be aligned centrally to the feed so that nib slit and capillary line up. An exchange is not necessary; the correction is done simply with two fingers (straightening the nib right and left), as would also happen in the boutique. Unlike on a Pelikan, where the nib is fastened via a metal ring and mostly has to be exchanged completely, the Montblanc nib seat cannot be unscrewed. If a laser marking on the clip is missing, the pen is presumably at least ten years old.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which poets and writing instruments does the book 'Der Gänsekiel oder Womit schreiben?' cover?", "a": "The book 'Der Gänsekiel oder Womit schreiben?', subtitled 'Dichter und ihre Schreibgeräte', appeared as a companion volume to the exhibition at the Schiller-Nationalmuseum in 1994 and comprises around 90 pages in 13.5 by 21 cm format. Four writers with their preferred writing instruments are presented. Friedrich Schiller (1759–1805) wrote almost exclusively with the goose quill, although stylus and pencil were already available toward the end of the 18th century. Eduard Mörike (1804–1875) used both goose quill and frequently stylus and pencil. Hermann Hesse (1877–1962) wrote both by hand and on the typewriter; a piston pen Osmia Supra had proven itself for him, which he had repaired in the late 1930s and after return acknowledged by letter with the remark that the nib had become somewhat coarser, but he himself was no longer what he once was. Peter Härtling, born 1933, writes exclusively with typewriter and fountain pen, corrects with ink, rarely with pencil or ballpoint; already as an eleven-year-old he owned a Montblanc piston pen and remained loyal to the brand but today uses cartridge pens. Alongside, the volume covers paper, ink, sealing wax, writing furniture and travel accessories of the respective epoch and is richly illustrated. Bibliographically the work belongs as 'Vom Schreiben 2' to the Marbacher Magazin 69 of 1994, edited by Sabine Fischer.", "board": "Articles", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Is a guilloché Graf von Faber-Castell a good choice as a gift fountain pen, and which ink should be used?", "a": "The Graf von Faber-Castell line counts as a high-quality choice with top quality and a solid image. Since the models have a Bock feed designed for German ink manufactories, any ink from German makers can be used; as writing colour washable royal blue is recommended. As alternatives further exclusive brands like OMAS (Paragon, celluloid models) come into consideration, convincing through light natural materials and elegant finish. When trial-writing in the shop it is recommended to bring one's own paper, since the shop paper is often very smooth and distorts writing behaviour.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How do you recognise on eBay listings whether a Montblanc rollerball (Stainless Steel or Platinum rollerball, model 163) is genuine?", "a": "From the photos the Stainless Steel and Platinum rollerballs of the Classic size (model 163) mentioned can be identified as originals. An important authenticity feature: all Montblanc rollerball refills have a screw thread; if refills without thread are supplied, this is a clear warning sign. With sellers with few ratings caution is warranted, and an escrow service should be clarified beforehand. Detail photos and critical enquiries help to reduce risks.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does the Montblanc cleaning cartridge for cartridge pens (e.g. Bohème) work, and is it normal that after cleaning ink is drawn into the cartridge?", "a": "The cleaning cartridge is, according to the instructions, used about every three months and is suitable for all Montblanc cartridge pens except the Meisterstück Traveller. After pumping, on release a suction arises that draws some ink from the nib unit into the cartridge; that is normal, since the cleaning fluid first has to soften and dissolve the old ink. With heavily dried ink, multiple flushing with water can additionally be necessary. The first generation of cleaning cartridges was meanwhile withdrawn from sale, since the mixture of the cleaning fluid had to be revised.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which piston pen with screw cap up to a mid price range is recommended for professional everyday use?", "a": "Genuine piston mechanisms are primarily offered by Montblanc, LAMY, Pelikan, Aurora and OMAS. Recommendable models are the LAMY 2000 (although without screw cap), the Aurora 88 or Aurora Optima (with reserve-tank function and screw cap), Pelikan Souverän models and Faber-Castell pens. With hybrids like the Cleo Chiffre 05 or smaller Fabers it should be noted that they sometimes only work with a converter. EF nibs tend, depending on the model (e.g. LAMY 2000), to skip. Anyone naming a screw cap as an exclusion criterion rules out the LAMY 2000 and should focus on Aurora or Pelikan.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How is the new Writers Edition Kafka to be assessed in terms of looks and writing behaviour, and how does delivery to dealers proceed?", "a": "The Kafka convinces with its discreetly translucent black-red of great depth and the interplay with cool silver fittings, as well as the unusual shape that runs from round to angular. Ballpoint and pencil are slightly tail-heavy; on the fountain pen the classic piston mechanism is missing (cartridge pen), but the ventilation problem is solved. Delivery is staggered annually: first the flagship stores, then the boutiques and finally the retailers, which on highly demanded editions can mean wait times of several months. Retailers who invest a lot in Montblanc are preferred in delivery.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which model is an acquired Duke pen, which cartridges fit, and how do you correctly maintain it?", "a": "Duke is a Chinese maker (website: dukepen.com); the model described is the 929 Fountain Pen with 22-carat gold tip. Maintenance is limited to occasional flushing with lukewarm water, which is fully sufficient on normal pens. The converter is simply slid into the pen and filled by dipping the nib into the ink bottle. Nibs practically never need to be changed, since steel and gold nibs outlast generations; the iridium tip on gold-nib tips is virtually wear-free. Duke counts qualitatively as a low-budget brand, clearly below Pelikan or LAMY.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What speaks for the Montblanc 149 and what for the Pelikan Souverän M1000 when buying a large premium fountain pen?", "a": "Objective arguments for or against either of the two models are scarce; the decision is ultimately a matter of taste. The Pelikan M1000 has a noticeably softer nib; Pelikan nibs are occasionally felt as scratchy but are exchangeable without problems. With the current 149 there are isolated reports of starting problems that can mostly be remedied through thorough cleaning (ultrasonic bath); a nib exchange at the maker is possible. Between the 146 and 149 there is hardly any difference in nib quality or starting behaviour. Vintage 149s from the 1950s are preferred over current models. Tightness problems, e.g. when flying, do not, in experience, occur on the 149.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it permissible for online shops to sell Montblanc writing instruments with price information?", "a": "Selling Montblanc writing instruments via online shops is basically permitted, but publishing prices is not allowed for dealers. Montblanc can take legal action against individual shops with price information, but in practice enforcement is limited; some suppliers adjust their price information after a short time or are removed from the list of authorised dealers. A direct hint to Montblanc sometimes leads to reactions but often only with limited effect.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why is the ink-level sight window on the Montblanc 149 and 146 often hard to read, and can it discolour?", "a": "On intact newer 149 and 146 models the ink window is basically well readable. Clouding can arise through long-term ink exposure; after flushing the window appears clear at first, but on refilling with ink the clouding becomes visible again. Certain inks (e.g. heavily pigmented) can contribute to deposits, which is why thorough cleaning is recommended. Anyone who does not need exact ink level can live with an approximate display; for precise readability holding against a light source helps.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you correctly clean and reactivate a stuck Montblanc 149 from the 1950s with dried ink?", "a": "First it should be cautiously tried to turn the cone; if this does not work, professional repair is advisable (e.g. via Maxpens.de or the repair section on fountainpen.de). Important is to turn only at the cone, not push or pull. If the piston can be moved, the pen can be filled with distilled water; on rare 1950s models caution is warranted, since celluloid softens with prolonged water contact (max. two to three days soaking). The cork mostly has to be renewed; occasionally, however, it swells back. For polishing Wenol is suitable; dried ink in the sight window can often be dissolved with patience and ultrasonic.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc Limited Editions were presented in 2014, and which writing instruments does the 90 Years collection comprise?", "a": "The 2014 editions include the Writers Edition Daniel Defoe, the Patron of Arts Steinway, Great Characters John F. Kennedy and the Meisterstück 90 Years Collection. The latter comprises the models 149, 146 and 161, each with rose-gold-plated clips and rings and a special nib, supplemented by a 90 Years variant with special guilloché. Particularly highlighted are the Skeleton models of the 90 Years Collection, which regularly count as design highlights.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you open and disassemble a Montblanc 142 from the 1950s, since it has no knurled screw for opening?", "a": "For disassembly special tools are needed (e.g. via penboard.de, item number 09736); a suitable block can also be made oneself. To loosen the piston mechanism the grip section must first be unscrewed; since grip section and barrel are glued with shellac, the pen must be heated with a heat gun at about 120 degrees until the adhesive softens. Care must be taken not to overheat the celluloid, since otherwise it becomes soft and can be destroyed. The cork must subsequently be replaced. On maxpens.de a photo of a fully disassembled Meisterstück can be found as a reference.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does a complete inventory list of all Montblanc writing instruments ever made (not limited) exist, including nib material?", "a": "A comprehensive listing of all Montblanc models including nib variants can be found in the two books by Jens Rösler: 'Montblanc Diary and Collectors Guide' and 'Collectible Stars'. These standard works are partly antiquarianly expensive (several hundred euros for the Diary, under 100 euros for Collectible Stars) but are regarded as compulsory reading for serious collectors and, through their detail accuracy, often save costly mispurchases. Own overviews from existing literature and websites like fountainpen.de remain fragmentary and quickly hit limits.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can Élysée writing instruments of the Vernissage series (ballpoints and pencils) still be obtained?", "a": "Élysée pencils and ballpoints of this series are only sporadically available. Scription temporarily carried a fountain pen Edition 1 and a ballpoint Edition 2 (mint condition); pencils and rollerballs were originally not offered in this line, but contrary to earlier information complete 4-piece sets of the No. 1 edition do exist. Further research via Penhero.com brings picture material but no sources; pieces occasionally turn up at online auctions.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How do you clean and use a Montblanc Meisterstück 144, and is carrying it with a filled converter unproblematic?", "a": "For cleaning the pen is unscrewed at the grip section and the converter flushed several times with lukewarm water until the water stays clear; the nib must not be unscrewed. Cartridges do not need to be pierced but are simply inserted and connected through slight pressure. An intact pen can be carried in a leather case without problems with a filled converter, even temporarily nib-down; ideally, however, the nib is carried up, which is why the clip is sensible. On aircraft the nib should always point up to avoid leakage. A resource with animations on filling types can be found on the Visconti website.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What do the different edition numbers on fountain pen, ballpoint and pencil of a Montblanc Writers Edition like the Jules Verne set mean?", "a": "The first number before the slash is the individual limitation number; the second the respective total edition of the individual writing instrument. On the Jules Verne, 16,800 fountain pens, 14,800 ballpoints and only 4,500 pencils were produced; the latter were offered exclusively in the set. The first 4,500 writing instruments of each variant were reserved for the sets; an individual number lower than 4,500 indicates that the piece comes from a set. When buying a set, identical limitation numbers on all writing instruments are to be ensured.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which brands and makers are involved in a safety pen with 'Mercedes New York' nib and a silver four-colour pencil with DRGM stamping?", "a": "The safety pen is with high probability a Mercedes (brand founded 1920); the characteristic script-style nib engraving, the notched feed and the somewhat larger cap-top diameter are typical features. Mercedes at first obtained its nibs from the USA, since nib production in Germany was initially mastered only by Kaweco (from 1913) and Soennecken. The four-colour pencil could be an early Fendt of Pforzheim, since Fendt developed and early patented the slide mechanism for multi-colour pencils; Montblanc also had multi-colour pencils made at Fendt up into the 1970s. The imprint 'Schloss F. Kahleis, Cöthen' could indicate a specialist dealer.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What do the engravings 'S-S' and 'P' on the nib of a Montblanc 136 from wartime mean, and how is the material to be classified?", "a": "The 'P' stands for palladium, which during wartime was temporarily used for nibs due to strict gold-trade restrictions. Palladium belongs to the platinum group but is an independent metal; at that time it was more frequent than gold and not subject to coinage. The nibs were partly made solid from palladium, partly only palladium-plated; the source situation on this is inconsistent. The meaning of 'S-S' is not conclusively clarified; one suspicion is the abbreviation for 'Stöffhaas-Spezialgeschäft'. Since shortenings of the barrel were usually marked with 'K', a 136 deviating in length could have been subsequently shortened or the mechanism exchanged. The bicolour nib was developed in the early 1930s by Montblanc and Kaweco jointly to save gold.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you identify and repair an old Montblanc Meisterstück Safety pen (model 20) with a chipped hard-rubber cap?", "a": "The piece in question is a Meisterstück Safety pen model 20 of hard rubber, one of the most common early models. The cap is by design the most vulnerable component; turning a new cap lip from old material is laborious and economically hardly worthwhile, since the collector value of a complete model 20 is not exceptionally high. On Safety pens, after filling, the nib is retracted before the cap is screwed on so that no ink emerges. The sealing surface lies at 45 degrees on barrel mouth and cap top; if both are undamaged and the cap is firmly screwed on, the pen is tight. For cleaning an ultrasonic bath is suitable. The cap edge can alternatively be turned in silver if hard rubber is hard to obtain.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is an Osmia Safety with '18 KTS' stamping and striking overlay to be classified, and how is Osmia rated as a historical maker?", "a": "The overlay of the Safety described looks typically Italian and resembles those found on many Italian Safeties of various brands (also Waterman and Montblanc). Osmia, strengthened from the 1930s onward by licence production of Parker models, was later taken over by Faber-Castell and withdrawn from the market in the late 1950s. In the early years Osmia did make high-quality writing instruments, e.g. the celluloid pens with cap top in cloisonné enamel, which counted among the European top class. Sarastro, by contrast, produced exclusively top goods. A clear attribution of the specific Safety would only be possible by inspecting the base model under the overlay.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is it permissible for boutiques to sell individual mechanical pencils from Writers Edition sets (Schiller, Wilde), although the pencil is officially only offered in the set?", "a": "On the Oscar Wilde, pencils with edition numbers between 5,001 and 12,000 were also sold individually, as Montblanc intended; the first 5,000 belonged to the set. With other sets like Schiller or Kafka, individual pieces mostly arise because collectors take only parts (pen and ballpoint, or conversely pencil) and the set is broken up by the dealer. From a pure collector perspective, breaking up sets is unfortunate, since the consecutive edition numbers of the set ware should remain together; from a user's view it is, however, often the only way to get individual pencils.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is a Montblanc Pix-o-mat 935 (4-colour ballpoint) to be dated, which refills fit, and may the writing instrument be disassembled?", "a": "The Pix-o-mat 935 dates from the late 1960s and was made by Fendt for Montblanc. It uses standard D1 refills available at any stationery shop (LAMY, Schneider, Schmidt); Montblanc obtains its D1 refills from Schmidt but offers no green or red variants and charges roughly twice the price. The refill change is done exclusively by pulling out and inserting through the front opening; the writing instrument itself must on no account be opened, since reassembly will then no longer succeed. A binding price list for such vintage pieces does not exist; eBay auctions provide rough indications of current market values.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which features and dimensions characterise the Greta Garbo Special Edition as the first ladies' fountain pen of this line?", "a": "The Greta Garbo edition is conceived as an unlimited Special Edition and, like the Donation series (Bernstein, Menuhin, Karajan), is made until a successor appears. The range comprises fountain pens (600 euros) and ballpoints (380 euros) in typical ladies' format. The fountain pen is fillable only with cartridge, not with converter, and is somewhat smaller than a 144 but significantly larger than the Mozart; the proportions and balance are specially optimised for women's hands. An additional third variant limited to 100 examples exists.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can replacement nibs for a Montblanc Meisterstück 146 be obtained, and how laborious is a nib swap from M to OB?", "a": "Original nibs as spare parts are only available via Montblanc itself; used nibs can practically only be found via eBay, e.g. by acquiring a further 146 donor piece. The nib swap is possible on the Meisterstück; the weak point, however, are the lamellae which can easily be bent when handled; therefore extreme caution is warranted. The procedure does not differ significantly between Montblanc, Montegrappa or Faber-Castell. Anyone with little experience should first practise the procedure on cheaper pens or commission an expert.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What is known about the maker RIC LEI (Richter Leipzig) and its Safety pens?", "a": "RIC LEI stands for the Richter brothers from Leipzig, whose writing-instrument manufactory collectors rate as qualitatively above average. The brand, however, sold significantly below the prices of the competition, which proved economically unsustainable in the long term; a strong marketing department and sufficient capital were missing. The company disappeared, by collectors' knowledge, before or during World War II from the market. Octagonal Safeties without company logo corresponding to the construction of the RIC LEI pieces are also known.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How do you fill a Haro II lever pen with glass nib, and where do you get replacement ink sacs for historical lever pens?", "a": "The Haro II is presumably a classic lever filler with internal rubber sac. To fill, the nib is dipped in the ink bottle, the side lever operated (compresses the ink sac) and then returned to the starting position; through the resulting vacuum the sac sucks up the ink. Replacement ink sacs are rare in Germany but still available in the USA from a specialised firm; an assortment with about 15 sacs in various sizes costs about 33 euros.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is the 'light test' (red transparency when held against a light source) a reliable authenticity test for Montblanc writing instruments?", "a": "The precious resin of Montblanc Meisterstücks shows under direct light a characteristic red transparency, similar to looking through a glass of red wine; this effect counts as a usable authenticity indicator. It is, however, only reliable on Meisterstücks, Starwalker and Bohème, since Generation and Noblesse are made of other material. The light test is not the only authenticity feature but should always be used in combination with further checks (form, proportions, engravings, mechanism).", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are sufficient precautions to avoid acquiring a counterfeit when buying a Montblanc 145 P online, and does Montblanc check purchased writing instruments for authenticity?", "a": "For a reputable purchase decision a dealer with high rating count and almost consistently positive ratings, a direct comparison with a verifiably genuine model and typical authenticity features like correct engravings and proportions speak. Discounts of twelve to sixteen per cent are usual on online purchase, but the manufacturer warranty and free nib exchange fall away; the two-year statutory liability for defects continues unchanged. An MB boutique is primarily a sales outlet and not an official testing point; only Montblanc itself (Hamburg) can carry out an authenticity assessment bindingly. Despite unclear roles of individual actors, it is in Montblanc's interest to take action against product piracy in online trade.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is Penboard.de a trustworthy source for an old Montblanc No. 22, and what ink does this piston pen tolerate?", "a": "Penboard.de counts among collectors as a reliable platform, since the dealers represented there are recognised in the collector scene and the writing instruments are delivered in flawless condition. With the Montblanc No. 22 no special caution about ink is needed, since the barrel is made of plastic and cannot discolour; conventional black or blue inks are unproblematic. The 22 was produced from 1960 over about a decade and a half in many variants (colours black, red, green, grey; as piston pen and as cartridge version 22P). For a comprehensive model overview the book 'Collectible Stars' by Stefan Wallrafen is recommended. The model's soft, pleasantly writing nib is appreciated.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you recognise the authenticity of a Montblanc Starwalker Rubber ballpoint, and what does the position of the serial number say about the model year?", "a": "On the Starwalker Rubber two variants of serial-number placement exist: on older models the number is on the clip at the height of the clip ring; on newer ones directly on the clip ring. Both variants are original-typical and no counterfeit indicator. A discrepancy between the serial number on the pen and in the Service Guide is mostly due to an accidental enclosure of the wrong guide by the seller and should be enquired with the seller. A systematic attribution of the serial number (e.g. starting with XD) to a concrete production year is not known; only Montblanc customer service can give information.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which material and design features characterise the Montblanc Patron of Art Edition 2007 'Alexander von Humboldt', and is it suitable for daily use?", "a": "The edition consists of turned grenadilla, a nearly black South American precious hardwood also used in instrument-making (e.g. saxophone mouthpieces); clip, blind cap, cap top and fittings are of 925 sterling silver, in the 4810 variant with wood inlays, in the 888 variant with onyx. The bicolour nib with the sextant motif is described as particularly successful in design; the pen lies massively and heavily in the hand due to wood and silver and writes softly with the M nib. Grenadilla, like ebony, is heavier than water but, due to higher oil content, more pliable and so less prone to cracks, so normal use should generally not harm the material. On the wood's light sensitivity no firm statements exist; slight patina marks on silver through skin contact, by contrast, are usual.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Do Montblanc pen stands fit across models, or does each model need its own stand?", "a": "Every Montblanc fountain pen needs a matching stand, since the stand receptacles correspond to the cap dimensions; a 144 stand thus fits only the 144, a 146 stand only the 146 and so on. Even within the same model number, old and newer versions cannot be exchanged, because dimensions have changed over the years (old and new 146 stands are not compatible). The stands usually work on the slip principle, regardless of the model. For safe selection it is recommended to take one's own pen to a specialist dealer and check on site.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can one act on eBay against sellers who repeatedly offer Montblanc counterfeits, and how do you recognise typical plagiarisms?", "a": "eBay reacts to reports from private collectors hardly effectively, which is why it is more sensible to inform the maker (Montblanc) directly, who as trademark holder can take legal action. A collegial direct approach to seller or bidder is also used but rarely leads to reactions. Typical plagiarism features on the Meisterstück 145 are a swapped nib coating ('yellow gold' inside, 'platinum' outside instead of vice versa), slip caps instead of the original screw threads and inconsistent cases and nib engravings ('Iridium Point Germany/Paris'). An 'iridium nib' on the 145 is also a clear counterfeit indicator, since originals have gold nibs.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is the value-for-money ratio of high-priced Montblanc leather goods like the Meisterstück Zipped Leather Case to be assessed?", "a": "Collectors rate many leather products and accessories from Montblanc as significantly overpriced; the range serves recognisably brand positioning as a lifestyle brand and not primarily functionality. As a cheaper alternative within the maker's own range the Sienna cases are mentioned. With some special editions like the Artisan line, matching crocodile pen cases are included, which are partly traded individually but whose rarity is hard to assess, since identical cases were used on several editions (e.g. Gift Collection, Jungle Eyes). In general the collector advice applies: scrutinise new editions critically and possibly prefer the second-hand market.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which features characterise the Montblanc Limited Editions 2012 (Writers Edition Jonathan Swift, Donation Pen Brahms, Patron of Art Joseph II), and what is to be considered in the material change of the 888 edition?", "a": "The Patron of Art Edition 2012 is dedicated to Emperor Joseph II with king motif; striking is that the 888 variant for the first time is no longer made of solid gold but only of 925 sterling silver with white-blue translucent lacquer, which, given the previous prices (around 7,500 euros), is criticised as significantly overpriced. Among the special editions presented the Einstein stands out with silver, formula-engraved barrel, black 'striped cap' and a planet clip end; the Picasso has a brushed gold-plated barrel with red strokes and a cap window in the form of a Picasso artwork. Alongside, a Statue of Liberty Artisan Edition is also being announced. The growing number of parallel limited editions in general is seen critically.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can Chinese fountain pens, e.g. by Hero, be obtained in Germany, and how is their quality to be assessed?", "a": "Hero is a Chinese maker whose quality level is in the lower to mid market segment; the models, however, range from simple school pens to quite elaborate designs. A closed overview of all Chinese writing-instrument makers does not exist, since many makers deliberately do not appear publicly. At the Frankfurt Paperworld numerous Chinese suppliers with partly high-quality-looking pens are regularly represented; in Germany the models are by contrast hard to obtain and are mostly sourced via Asian online dealers. Especially the Hero 'replica' of the Parker 51 is regarded as a legitimate collector's object.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is buying a Montblanc Generation ballpoint via eBay worthwhile, and how does the price classify compared with RRP and boutique price?", "a": "The Generation is no longer in production and barely available in trade; the RRP for Meisterstück Classique ballpoints is around 290 euros in specialist trade, while e.g. Galeria Kaufhof offered Generation models at times for 99 euros. eBay prices around 139 euros count in this context as too high, especially as for the money one can already get a used Meisterstück ballpoint. eBay prices are usually below shop price; the warranty and nib exchange service fall away, however, and a counterfeit risk exists. Warranty handling runs in case of doubt via the specialist dealer, who needs the receipt for that, not necessarily a service booklet.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a nib swap on a Montblanc Meisterstück 142G from the 1950s worthwhile, and what about authenticity probability?", "a": "Of the 142 from the 1950s no counterfeits are known, so on an heirloom or flea-market find an original is to be assumed. Replacement nibs are no longer kept by Montblanc for such old models; a matching nib change works only with an original 142 nib, alternatively a (more expensive) 132 nib. The change requires warming the barrel, unscrewing the grip section and pulling out feed and nib; from this beginners are urgently advised against, however, since the repair can damage the value of the writing instrument. Recommended are collectors' regulars' tables, specialist workshops or careful adjusting of the existing nib slit. The flat feed marks an early model variant with often more saturated ink flow but slightly increased leak risk.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which fountain pens were on view in the small exhibition at the Dortmund Museum for Natural History?", "a": "From 26 April 2005 to the end of May 2005, part of a private fountain-pen collection was exhibited in the information area of the Dortmund Museum for Natural History, Münsterstrasse 271 in 44145 Dortmund near the Klinikum Nord. Opening times were Tuesday to Sunday from 10 to 17:00; admission prices were between 75 cents and 3 euros; on Saturdays admission was free on Family Day. On an exhibition area of around 1.80 by 0.70 metres, 36 fountain pens with nearly all filling systems were presented, including transferable, Safety, push, lever, piston and cartridge pens; six fountain pens were exhibited disassembled in order to illustrate the filling technique. Well-known German brands like Geha, Montblanc, Lamy and Pelikan were deliberately omitted in order to give more attention to less known makers like Pichler & Mueller, Moewe, Santis, Transparit, Heiko, Rigoletto or Corrector. The presentation was supplemented by fountain-pen boxes, dip pens with nibs and small ink bottles. In parallel Ursula Stolte showed parts of her collections in encaustic painting and Günter Graban with minerals and gemstones.", "board": "Articles", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which maker is behind an old gold nib with ibex emblem above three mountain peaks and the imprint 'IRIDIUM'?", "a": "The emblem with the ibex before three mountain peaks belongs to the nib maker Peter Bock of Heidelberg, who exclusively produced nibs and not complete pens; from the nib alone the pen's maker can therefore not be deduced. Such Bock nibs were used in numerous standard pens of various brands and are found in steel as well as gold versions. They count as robust and good writers but do not reach the writing properties of high-quality gold nibs. The initially suspected DISCUS of Bonn is also a historical maker (aluminium body, before WWII), but the ibex nib itself is not originally linked with DISCUS.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Can the nib of a Montblanc Meisterstück be exchanged oneself, what does the service cost, and are there quality differences between individual nibs?", "a": "A nib swap is unproblematic at Montblanc and is carried out by the maker via the specialist dealer; on new pens (e.g. within four weeks of purchase) it is done free of charge; afterwards it costs around 50 euros. Buying a single replacement nib is rarely worthwhile, since it is partly more expensive than a used complete pen. Since Montblanc nibs are handcrafted, individual examples can vary slightly in writing behaviour; significant differences only emerge through longer use and breaking in. When buying second-hand, especially via eBay, watch for counterfeits; stolen pens can be retained on repair. The matching nib width is best determined in a boutique through trial writing of all widths.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is a green 'Copernicus' with mother-of-pearl star and unusual nib a real Montblanc edition or a fantasy product?", "a": "The Copernicus exists exclusively with mother-of-pearl star and not in green; the writing instrument in question is therefore clearly a fantasy product or counterfeit. The nib too is recognisably poorly imitated; the star is missing and the engraving does not surround the entire nib face. Suspicious eBay listings can be reported via the help form ('Counterfeits and copyright violations' > 'Trademark violation' > 'Counterfeit clothing, sunglasses and accessories'). More effective is direct reporting to Montblanc, since only the registered trademark holder can take legal action against the seller and have eBay remove the listing.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What characterises the Montblanc Limited Edition 'Soulmakers for 100 Years' Solitaire Granite 1906, and how is availability at specialist trade regulated?", "a": "The edition appears in an edition of 1,906 pieces each and consists of sterling silver with a cap of real Mont Blanc granite, crowned by a specially designed, 43-facet-cut Montblanc diamond in an acrylic dome in star form. Alongside, a cheaper Special Anniversary Edition of the Starwalker with a smaller diamond in acrylic dome is offered. Montblanc Germany has, for 'fairness reasons', decided to allocate each dealer only three examples of the 1906 writing instruments, regardless of pre-orders, which strongly limits the reservation situation. Collectors highlight especially the symbiosis of white metal, fine stone and the diamond as successful; the nib design is partly seen critically.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How should one react if a historical Montblanc 324 from the 1930s has been lost during a repair by Montblanc, and how can the value be realistically estimated?", "a": "In value determination one must distinguish between asking prices and actually achieved sales prices; real sales prices of a 324 with gold nib often lie around 90 euros, for coloured or rare variants higher. The assumption that an 18C gold nib alone is worth 150 euros is unrealistic; the material value lies clearly below. As orientation, the guide on value determination written by the collector Axel ('penparadise') is recommended, which most collectors in the forum follow. The collector should negotiate soberly with Montblanc and not make excessive demands but justify the realistic market value with comparable concluded auctions.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can an inherited Montblanc ballpoint be identified as a Limited Anniversary Edition 75 (164 Classique) or as Royal Steel?", "a": "The Limited Anniversary Edition for the 75th anniversary is recognisable by clip and cap ring of red gold and an individual numbering 'xy/75' on the barrel; all anniversary writing instruments of metal also have a grain or thread guilloché. A smooth, non-guilloché metal surface excludes an Anniversary Edition and points rather to the Royal Steel model. This has 36 brilliants on the cap ring and 19 on the clip ring (model number M10264). A clear identification requires a high-resolution sharp photo; for detailed model comparisons the model overview on fountainpen.de is recommended.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is the meaning of the quantities 4810 and 888 on the Montblanc Patron of Art editions, and what consequences arise for price and material choice?", "a": "The number 4810 refers to the height of Mont Blanc in metres and is interpreted as a homage to highest aspirations; the 888 variant stands as a triple eight in Asian symbolism for highest happiness and marks the more exclusive edition. 888 models are often of solid precious metal, additionally provided with gemstones or special decoration and correspondingly more expensive. Each Patron of Art edition also has its own nib engraving, by which the model can be identified. Limitations arise both quantitatively (number) and temporally through production limits and meet collectors' wish for 'something special'; as sole purchase motivation, however, limitation does not count.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What do the historical Pelikan advertising or seal stamps from 1984 have to do with brand advertising?", "a": "Pelikan published in 1984, as a return to old values, a small booklet in 13.5 by 23.5 cm format with historical advertising stamps whose originals appeared around the turn of the 19th to 20th century. The booklet contains three sheets with twelve different seal stamps each in styles like Art Nouveau, Expressionism, Futurism and Art Deco; some are poster designs by graphic artists and painters of the time. Advertising stamps, occasionally also called seal stamps, had their heyday between the early 1890s and 1914 and were printed in millions in Germany. They were artistically designed pictorial marks given to customers for advertising purposes, usually in product reference; original advertising strategists expected the stamps to be glued onto letters and envelopes, contributing to brand spread. Already at their heyday they were a popular collecting object; after WWI cigarette cards largely displaced advertising stamps.", "board": "Articles", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Is an old Montblanc cartridge pen labelled 'Generation' a real Generation, and which predecessor comes into consideration?", "a": "The Generation exists exclusively as a cartridge or converter pen; a piston pen of this line does not exist. If a supposed Generation is offered as a piston pen, it is usually the predecessor 'Classic' (not to be confused with the Meisterstück Classique) with the MB number 13xxx, produced from 1978 to the late 1980s. A typical weak point of these models are fine hairline cracks on the grip section at the cut ends where the nib ends; these cracks are often only visible under load. For comparison, sharp photos and matching with the model images on fountainpen.de help.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How should one as a buyer react when one has accidentally won a Montblanc counterfeit at eBay, and how can one act against the corresponding sellers?", "a": "Counterfeit indications like a 'dark blue' Meisterstück ballpoint should lead to immediate contact with the seller with a request to have authenticity checked or to refund the purchase price; on delivery of a counterfeit, legal steps are advisable. A complaint directly to eBay brings, in experience, little, since the platform appeals to its mediator role and takes no responsibility for foreign goods. More effective is a polite letter to the seller as 'help' and reporting to the trademark holder Montblanc. Disguise spellings like 'Mont Blanc' instead of 'Montblanc' or warranty exclusively on an 'original refill' are widespread deception tricks, and empty packagings are also auctioned as supposedly filled writing instruments.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you distinguish the Pelikan models M200 and M250, and do their nibs also fit larger models like the M400?", "a": "M200 and M250 are identical in housing and differ only in the nib; both consist of the 'cheaper' plastic with weakly gilded applications, while from the M300/M400 higher-quality materials are used. Theoretically the 250 and 400 carry the same feed; in practice over the decades, however, different feeds were fitted. When transferring a 250 nib into a 400 housing only the nib without the old feed should therefore be taken over, since the old screw-thread feeds, despite similar construction, do not reliably hold in newer housings. Transferring into 200 or 250 housings is also possible by the same rule; in doubt an experienced specialist helps.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can a Montblanc DBS-Pix mechanical pencil be matched to a 144 fountain pen, and which variant designations ('K', 'L') are to be considered?", "a": "Matching the 144 is typically a Meisterstück pencil of the 172 line; the designation '172K' refers to the shorter variant (about 12 cm), produced approximately 1950 to 1958; alongside there were the longer variant 'L' and the standard model without length suffix. Not all Pix pencils are numbered; unmarked examples are, according to the book 'Collectible Stars', attributable to ID 1134 (page 36/37). A 144 fountain pen from 1959/60 with the cap top designed by Albrecht Graf Goertz counts among the rare so-called transitional models, produced for less than a year. Such transitional models count as collector rarities.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are Montblanc specialist dealers systematically disadvantaged compared with the boutiques, and what effects does this have on the collector scene?", "a": "Boutiques actually receive new writing instruments and information earlier than the free specialist trade, which sometimes leads to models like the Scenium being already sold in boutiques while specialist dealers are not yet informed. The background is the strategic reorientation of Montblanc/Vendome-Richemont as a lifestyle brand; the largest turnover is meanwhile generated with leather goods, cufflinks, sunglasses and accessories — areas that a classic writing-instrument dealer can hardly serve. From a purely economic view, the favouring of the boutiques is logical but unsatisfying for brand-loyal customers in rural regions. Brand expansion does increase visibility (Douglas, department stores) but carries the risk of diluting the brand core 'writing'. Boutiques sometimes coin small customer gifts (leather cases, cufflink storage) as exclusive bonding tools.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How uncomplicated is the handling of a Montblanc piston pen compared with a cartridge pen, and what ink consumption and nib feel can be expected on the 146?", "a": "Piston pens or converter systems are unproblematic in practice: ink stains on the grip can be wiped off with a cloth, and cleaning is even easier than on pure cartridge pens, since water can be drawn directly. The ink consumption of the 146 depends strongly on nib width and paper; one filling can last several days; on a wet nib or absorbent paper also only a few hours. Montblanc nibs are perceived as softer than the comparatively rigid nibs of Faber-Castell or Aurora, which increases writing comfort with heavy writing. On the 146 the Solitaire Stainless Steel is named as a high-quality choice.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is known about the design of the Montblanc Writers Edition 2011 'Carlo Collodi' (Pinocchio), and which further editions are announcing themselves?", "a": "The Collodi edition takes up the Pinocchio motif via an extendable clip symbolising the 'long nose'. Collectors rate the design predominantly as unbalanced: the cap looks inconsistent; the 'nose' idea seems forced and unsuccessful; and the overall impression appeals rather to a female target group. Alongside, a fully white Meisterstück fountain pen/rollerball, a Donation Pen Edition Gustav Eiffel and a Hitchcock Limited Edition are announced. The growing number of parallel Limited Editions (Writers, Patron of Arts, Donation, Special) is increasingly questioned critically.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can iron-gall ink (e.g. Montblanc Blue-Black) be used safely in a vintage pen like the Montblanc 342 from the 1950s?", "a": "Iron-gall inks leave waterproof deposits, which is particularly problematic on old pens and rare use; a 342 can in an emergency be opened and cleaned, but regular use is not recommended. Practical experience shows that even with weekly cleaning, traces can arise on the ink window and in the feed. Frequent flushing with lukewarm (not hot) water is recommended by drawing in and emptying until the rinsing is clear. Anyone using iron-gall ink anyway should use the pen daily and care for it thoroughly; in doubt a modern water-soluble ink is safer for valuable vintage pieces.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Are fountain pens (piston or cartridge pens) allowed in carry-on luggage on flights since the tightened security regulations of 2006?", "a": "Fountain pens and ballpoints are unproblematic in carry-on luggage and are usually not objected to at security. Even large quantities (up to about 100 writing instruments) were carried along on Penshow trips to Rome; only opening of the cases was needed. The ink filling level was not paid attention to. Even ink bottles were inspected more closely but allowed through, provided they stayed under the general liquid limits. Precautionary, transport of the pen empty or emptying before take-off is recommended to avoid pressure differences and leak risks.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What can be done about fine scratch marks on the body above the thread on Montblanc pens like 147 and 149, and which polishes are suitable?", "a": "Scratch marks above the thread from screwing the cap on and off are a known and mostly normal use phenomenon but do not occur equally strongly on every model and can be material-dependent. Collectors successfully use polishes like 'Wenol' or the motorbike-related 'Unipol' (source e.g. Hein-Gericke) to polish out the scratches. Montblanc itself, however, advises against such agents and officially recommends only clear cold or lukewarm water and a soft cloth, since polishes always remove some material. On valuable or rare pieces the trade-off between visual improvement and long-term material preservation must therefore be weighed.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What can be found out about the Austrian school pen of the brand 'Tempo' (imprint 'M CHROMA EXTRA') from the 1940s?", "a": "Tempo was an Austrian writing-instrument maker (Vienna firm Gerspacher) that in the 1920s to 1940s produced numerous standard pens, also push fillers, in various colours. A comprehensive documentation or catalogue of Tempo does not exist; only the Vienna restorer Leo Grahofer (grasshopper.at) has documented some on the brand and is the central contact point for questions and restorations (cleaning, new piston). A short mention is also in the Penkala book by Miroslav Tischler in the chapter on Austrian makers. Original nibs usually carry the imprint 'Tempo'.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which repair work is typical on an inherited Montblanc 744 N Rolled Gold with stuck piston after 20 years' storage, and what does such a thing cost?", "a": "A piston stuck after long storage is usually cleaned in an ultrasonic bath, possibly equipped with new seal and piston mechanism; a price of around 73 euros is appropriate for proper cleaning and standard servicing, since the workload is the larger cost share. A 'ultrasonic examination' in the medical sense does not exist on pens; what is meant is always the ultrasonic bath as a cleaning method. A list of trustworthy repair experts can be found on the forum (community-fountainpen.de). In general nibs are the most vulnerable component and on roughly 50-year-old writing instruments practically no longer obtainable as a spare part; bent nib tips should therefore be carefully adjusted by experienced workshops.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is the meaning of special prefixes like 'S/' or 'Sample' in the serial numbers of Montblanc Limited Editions, and how are writing-instrument sets numbered?", "a": "The prefix 'S' (e.g. S/0503) stands for 'Service' and marks writing instruments whose cap was exchanged at the factory; since for service no consecutive original numbers are reserved, these replacement caps receive their own S numbers. Prototypes carry the designation 'Sample' with three-digit number and are delivered, among others, to boutiques and country representations. With Limited Editions the total edition is always the sum of single sale and sets: example Marcel Proust: 17,000 fountain pens and 16,000 ballpoints as single pieces plus 4,000 sets yield consecutive numbers up to 21,000 or 20,000 respectively. The Hemingway formed an exception without total numbering and without set, since the ballpoint was only later produced at the request of the US market.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a fully transparent (not striped) ink window on a Montblanc 146 a counterfeit feature?", "a": "Striped ink windows are found above all on early 146 models up to about 1960; afterwards initially fully transparent windows were fitted; in the 1980s again transparent, then again striped. A smooth ink window is therefore no counterfeit indicator but refers to a model from the corresponding production phase. Safer than the ink window as authenticity features are the nib (counterfeit nibs often carry imprints like 'Iridium Point Germany/Paris') and the bicolour engraving on the clip ring. With eBay auctions, illustration with stock photos can lead to uncertainty; on commercial suppliers there is a statutory 14-day return right that cannot be excluded.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc pencil with only two gold rings (instead of three) automatically a counterfeit or a Meisterstück?", "a": "The number of rings gives no reliable information about authenticity or model class. Earlier Montblanc had a 'class system' from one ring (cheap) to three rings (Meisterstück), which, however, was abolished in the late 1980s or early 1990s. A writing instrument with two rings is in many cases not part of the Meisterstück but the cheaper Generation line and, despite differing eBay descriptions, is not to be classified as a Meisterstück. For valuation, comparison with current sale prices via the forum database is recommended.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you open a Lamy twin pen to change ballpoint refill and pencil mechanism?", "a": "On the Lamy twin pen, ballpoint refill (small) and pencil lead holder can usually be pulled out at the front and replaced with new refills/leads. At the back under the cap is the eraser. On older variants the pen must be unscrewed in the middle; thereby first a container turns out; on careful further turning, the inner workings become accessible.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Can a Montblanc Limited Anniversary 146 be checked for authenticity in a boutique without fearing that a counterfeit will be confiscated?", "a": "Private possession of counterfeits is not punishable in Germany; only sale and commercial distribution are forbidden; a boutique may therefore not retain the pen from a private customer on its own initiative. With dealers, however, identified counterfeits are seized by police or customs and destroyed. At EU level, intervention possibilities for trademark holders against private persons have tightened in the recent past, so a certain residual risk remains and the legal situation can vary. Safer than visiting the boutique is therefore first posting good photos in a collector forum, where experts on the basis of nib details, imprint, clip ring and feed can give an authenticity assessment.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which mistakes should be avoided when self-repairing vintage pens (e.g. for renewing a shrunken cork), and how do you proceed correctly?", "a": "For access to the piston cork the grip section must first be unscrewed; it is connected to the barrel via a resin-sealed thread; this resin melts on careful warming faster than the plastic of the barrel, but on too much heat or force, breakage damage is unavoidable. For loosening, a small pipe wrench without sharp teeth with leather underneath is recommended, plus fingertip sensitivity. The feed with nib is either disassembled at the section or driven out from behind through the barrel with a supporting block (small vice); the section must absolutely be supported, otherwise it breaks. Warming with a hairdryer is helpful. Anyone failing repeatedly should leave the repair to experienced specialists, since the follow-up costs of damaged nibs, feeds and grip sections far exceed the original effort.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc Meisterstück pen is suitable as an entry-level model for daily studies and exam writing, and which nib width makes sense?", "a": "For exams and heavy writers the 146 is recommended, since its weight and girth stabilise the script and reduce the pressure feeling on the middle finger. The slimmer 145 is also well suited but for extremely long writing sessions less ideal. The 149 offers maximum support in the hand. As nib width F or EF are recommended, since they enable more text per page and make the script better readable; depending on individual handwriting M can also fit. From the Mozart (114) heavy writers are advised against, since its slim and short shape leads to cramping during longer writing; it is suited above all for notes on the road. As source, primarily specialist trade is recommended for trial writing; online (e.g. scription) prices are cheaper but trial writing is omitted.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which blotting paper is suitable for an old blotter rocker, and are there matching formats for non-Montblanc models?", "a": "Montblanc offers special blotting paper with rougher surface that absorbs ink faster than usual blotter paper; it is pre-cut for Montblanc blotter rockers but can also be used for similarly sized rockers in width and trimmed in length if needed. For deviating formats, A5 blotter pads from stationery trade (e.g. with ten sheets) can be used and individually trimmed, which is significantly cheaper. Important is sufficient absorbency of the paper so that ink residues do not smear.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Is Montblanc planning a celluloid edition, special give-aways or a comprehensive editions catalogue for the 100-year anniversary?", "a": "A celluloid edition will appear for the anniversary, presumably as a Safety reissue, which on photos, however, looks rather like the Bohème; whether it is actually celluloid or marbled synthetic resin/acrylic (as on Poe, Dumas, Wilde) remains to be seen. Special give-aways for collectors are not envisaged; pins and smaller commemorative pieces are reserved above all for employees and on eBay achieve sometimes high prices (e.g. peppermint tins of aluminium for 67 euros, MB golf balls for 43 euros). A comprehensive editions catalogue is also not planned.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "When was the Montblanc Collection Madame 946 made, and what value does it have today?", "a": "The Madame 946 was produced about 30 years ago and dates from the phase before Montblanc became a luxury-goods maker in 1991; accordingly it was normal mass production and not a rarity. The gold-plated or silver-plated ballpoint exists in four versions (two silver and two gold variants each); on eBay, depending on condition, between 35 and 50 euros are achieved. An official quantity is not known; exact information can only be given by Montblanc itself. Anyone seeking one should regularly observe eBay, also Europe-wide.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What role did the Pforzheim firm Sarastro play as supplier for Montblanc and other writing-instrument makers?", "a": "Sarastro was based in Pforzheim until its bankruptcy in 1986 (with branch works in France) and produced under its own name and as a supplier overlays and silver- or gold-coated pens for several brands, including until the end for Montblanc; corresponding pieces are marked with an 'S'. The firm described itself in the 1920s as a maker of pocket-use articles (everything of metal). A complete listing of overlay variants or systematic documentation of supply relationships does not exist publicly. Pens under their own name Sarastro are today rare.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Montblanc 145 Chopin, especially regarding the thread on the barrel, and is it suitable for heavy writers?", "a": "The 145 is appreciated for its balanced format and nib quality as a very pleasant heavy-writer pen; the thread lies sufficiently far from the grip area, so it usually does not bother during writing, even on small hands. Narrower nibs (EF, F) generate a slightly stronger friction during writing, which can be felt as 'scratching' but breaks in over time; broader nibs like OB write more softly but use more ink. On the 145 Platinum the look is particularly highlighted. In general it is recommended to test the 145 in the boutique before purchase to check nib width and hand feel.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How high is the resale value of a Montblanc 146 LeGrand and a Montblanc special edition (e.g. Warner Music 1995) via eBay?", "a": "Standard models like the 146 LeGrand achieve significantly less on the second-hand market than the original shop price; examples show that 146s that once cost 600 to 700 euros are traded for around 250 euros. The main reason is the high quantity that has been produced for standard Meisterstücks for years. A real value increase is shown only by Limited Editions (e.g. Writers Edition, Patron of Art). Employee-gift pens like the Warner Music special edition are not official editions but with a good eBay description can easily achieve higher prices than series 146s. In general Montblanc standard ware is comparable to a car: on leaving the shop it noticeably loses value.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What subscription prices and material features does the Montblanc Patron of Art Edition 2005 'Pope Julius II' have?", "a": "The Pope Julius II 4810 has a shop price of 1,700 euros at a subscription price of 1,465.50 euros; the more exclusive 888 variant with rhodolite stones on the cap top, guilloché cardinal-red lacquer and 18-carat yellow-gold filigree lies at 4,850 euros shop price or 3,950 euros subscription price (each plus 6.90 euros shipping). With prepayment the subscription conditions apply. In content the edition takes up Pope Julius II (Giuliano della Rovere, 1443–1513), who reigned from 1503 to 1513 and entered art history e.g. as the patron of St Peter's Basilica and supporter of Michelangelo and Raphael. First original photos circulated via Russian pen websites.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are cartridges or converters for old Geha cartridge pens still available?", "a": "The Geha cartridges sold by Pelikan today no longer fit into old Geha cartridge pens, and converters have not been produced for more than ten years. Without an old original cartridge from which a makeshift converter could be tinkered, such a pen practically remains a display piece only. The problem is not limited to Geha: even big brands like Waterman have changed their cartridge system and gradually discontinue supply with converters and cartridges of older models. Polyethylene, the material of the old cartridges, cannot reliably be glued, which makes self-build difficult. The case illustrates the general risk of proprietary filling or consumable systems.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What does the symbol of a horizontal, mirror-image '1' behind the nib width (e.g. 'M-') on the nib of a Montblanc 149 Masterpiece from the 1950s mean?", "a": "This sign marks a left-hander nib; in combination, designations like 'ML', 'OL' or 'MOL' arise, with MO being understood as the left-hander variant of an OM nib. Such left-hander nibs are rare collector examples, since the tipping grind is often only recognisable under strong magnification; on smaller nib widths (e.g. FL) the difference from a normal nib is barely visible. The grind is slightly bevelled so left-handers can write without tilting. Such nibs occur both in 149 and in 146 models from the 1950s.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does Montblanc ink age, and how long can an opened bottle of ink be reliably used?", "a": "Ink is an organic substance and should not be used for longer than around three years after opening, since oxygen contact, evaporation and ageing change consistency, colour intensity and flow behaviour. Batch-related colour deviations are also normal even with fresh ink. A 1-litre bottle of Montblanc vintage ink from the 1950s is, from a collector view, more likely placed unopened on the shelf as a contemporary witness; collector value drops by opening. Computationally, one litre yields about 20 fillings of today's bottles (shop price about 170 euros); the ink value, however, makes up only a small part of this price; the main share lies in the glass.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Can nib and feed be removed oneself on a Montblanc 144 Bordeaux from the 1990s, and are longitudinal lamellae on the feed model-correct?", "a": "On the 144 Classique from the 1990s longitudinal lamellae on the feed are correct and no indication of a counterfeit or modification. The removal of nib and feed is not possible without special tools and special materials and should only be carried out by Montblanc itself or an experienced specialist. To clean contaminations from the feed, an ultrasonic bath with simultaneous 'blowing through' is suitable, which also reliably removes smaller solid particles without disassembling the pen. With eBay purchase general caution applies; well-rated suppliers and realistic prices, however, reduce the counterfeit risk; original certificates are no reliable authenticity proof, since they can be enclosed independently of the writing instrument.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is the Montblanc Writers Edition 2009 'Thomas Mann' assessed regarding design, haptics and collector value?", "a": "The Thomas Mann lies, due to its weight, well in the hand and is also suitable for daily use; collectors rate look and workmanship predominantly positively. Critically remarked is that the body shape is again modelled on the 146, which on several consecutive Writers Editions is felt as little inventive; some collectors would have preferred for a literary personality of Thomas Mann's rank a shape modelled on the Meisterstück 139. The edition is also for the first time delivered with a rollerball as additional writing instrument; the wish for the same serial number for set and rollerball can rarely be fulfilled by production reasons; usually only consecutive numbers are available. The shape is occasionally criticised as rather Donation-Pen-like, which puts the price into perspective from a collector view.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What experiences exist with inexpensive, hand-made pens from Indian production (e.g. Rajan, Brown Speckled), and are they everyday-suitable?", "a": "Indian pens like the Rajan 'Brown Speckled' are obtained via suppliers like Andy's Pens (UK) and convince with appropriate value; shipping from England usually takes a few days. The supplied steel nib (F) is rigid, rather inflexible and can scratch a bit at first but can be smoothed with fine sandpaper. Workmanship weaknesses like broken-out spots at the hard-rubber clip transition can also be camouflaged with sandpaper. A known weakness of older Indian models is the tendency to 'ink soup' (ink leak in the cap area), which can be regarded as an essential knockout criterion. Overall these pens are suitable for experiment-friendly collectors who can live with smaller reworkings.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Are Montblanc ballpoints and rollerballs more prestige objects than utility devices, since the actual refill makes up only a fraction of the sales price?", "a": "Collectors classify MB ballpoints and rollerballs clearly as luxury and prestige objects, since the high price is not justified by the writing properties of the refill itself. The value lies in design, mechanism (e.g. twist mechanism), housing materials and brand value. For historical comparison: according to the price list of 1982, a 164 ballpoint cost 75 DM, a 149 fountain pen 320 DM. Practically to consider is that a ballpoint, unlike a fountain pen and partly also a rollerball, writes reliably on thermal paper (debit/credit card receipts). The rollerball writes with more fluid ink and a feel more similar to a fountain pen but has a faster-empty refill.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the nibs of a Montblanc fountain pen be exchanged, and where do you get the necessary nib key?", "a": "Original nib keys Montblanc gives only to its own service centres; some collectors have therefore built their own tools; instructions and special tools can be found on sites like penboard.de. Important: Montblanc uses no self-sealing threads like Aurora or Pelikan but a silicone seal that on disassembly must absolutely be renewed; otherwise the pen leaks. Hardware-store silicone is unsuitable, since not sufficiently elastic and ink-resistant; high-quality, ink-resistant silicone is needed. The nib unit can be unscrewed counter-clockwise at the front matt-black ring of the section. Because of the risk of permanently damaging a Montblanc, experienced collectors advise on valuable pieces repair by Montblanc or specialists.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What causes the rosé sheen on Montblanc leather products of the Limited Anniversary Editions 1924 and 75, and how can it be removed or avoided?", "a": "The rosé sheen on the fine nappa leather forms even without light exposure and is traced to an oxide layer, presumably favoured by outgassing plasticisers of the plastic inserts. Collectors report that the sheen can be reliably removed with Collonil Premium Leather Polish (colourless); Montblanc itself sells the agent as part of the Leather Care Set (ID 02756). On application one should wipe only in one direction, not circle, and let the agent dry afterwards. The product is also cheaply available in shoe shops. An effective prevention does not seem to exist, but regular care counts as a tested countermeasure.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What characterises the Limited Edition Montblanc Rouge et Noir 100 for the brand anniversary?", "a": "The Rouge et Noir 100 is a replica of the first Montblanc safety pen, released for the 100-year brand anniversary in 2006. Edition: only 100 pieces worldwide, sales price 3,900 euros. The pen is made of vulcanised hard rubber with integrated ink tank; the 18-carat gold nib carries the historical engraving 'Simplo Pen Co 4' with breather hole; the cap is bright red, the body black. It is delivered in an orange-red box together with historical packaging, travel inkwell of hard rubber and a booklet with old advertising. Due to the small quantity rapid sell-out is to be expected.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do Montblanc Meisterstück ballpoint and rollerball differ in writing behaviour and handling?", "a": "The rollerball writes significantly more lightly than the ballpoint because its ink is more fluid and approaches the writing feel of a fountain pen. The disadvantage is that the ink runs and bleeds more easily on poor paper and that the refill is comparatively quickly empty. Constructively both models differ in that the rollerball has a screw-off cap while the ballpoint typically works with a twist mechanism. Writers who get along well with it appreciate it as a high-quality alternative to the ballpoint in everyday life.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which writer is honoured in the Montblanc Writers Edition 2006, and is a price increase to be expected as with the Patron edition?", "a": "The Writers Edition 2006 is dedicated to Virginia Woolf; hints to this circulated for a while in the Montblanc dealer intranet and on third-party sites and were partly removed again, which is interpreted as a consequence of the strict secrecy policy towards dealers. Since the pen will apparently be equipped with a diamond, some collectors suspect a price increase over previous editions, but secured information was not available at the time of discussion.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What effect can cultural sponsorship, as practised by Montblanc, have on customer loyalty?", "a": "Montblanc has been strongly engaged in cultural sponsorship for over ten years, e.g. with the Patronage Awards and the Donation Pens. A study by Manfred Schwaiger and Anastasia Steiner-Kogrina at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich examined the effect of this engagement using the example of Sparda-Bank and provides hints transferable analogously to other industries. Sponsorship and especially cultural sponsorship are often underweighted in the marketing mix, since hardly any direct measurement variables for their effect exist; acceptance on the customer side, however, is very high compared with TV or print advertising. The investigation shows that cultural sponsorship can increase customer loyalty, operationalised via trust, satisfaction and emotional closeness, provided the target group knows the activities. Higher customer loyalty is accompanied by loyalty, repeat purchase and positive word of mouth, which also has economic effects. Cultural sponsorship can thus serve both customer loyalty and employee motivation. The study was published as Schwaiger and Steiner-Kogrina, 'Kultur stärkt Kundenbindung', Marketing Journal, 37th year, no. 3, 2004, pages 34 to 36.", "board": "Marketing facts", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which document-proof ink in a discreet colour is suitable for a Parker fountain pen without it leading to clogs as previously with Montblanc Blue-Black?", "a": "Collectors regard it as unlikely that the clog was caused by the Montblanc ink itself; a pre-existing damage or chemical reaction through mixing different inks on the change is suspected. Before filling with a new ink, the pen should therefore be flushed thoroughly. As a reliable alternative the ink manufactory Jansen (de-atramentis.com) is recommended, which offers document-proof inks in numerous, also discreet colours. Own ink mixtures are regarded as risky without experience values.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is an offered Montblanc 144 Solitaire Silver grain from the 70s genuine if the clip carries no serial number and no PIX, only 'Germany', and the 925 hallmark sits at the top instead of the bottom of the cap?", "a": "The features described are completely normal for a 144 Solitaire of the 70s and speak for an original. Serial number and PIX engraving on the clip were only introduced later; older Meisterstücks bore only the '925' hallmark at the top of the cap and had a fully gold nib without platinum inlay. Comparison pictures can be found on fountainpen.de. A price around 250 euros counts as defensible in good general condition; before purchase the nib should be tested in writing, since repairs via Montblanc service can become expensive.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you recognise a Montblanc Meisterstück 146, and which filling system does this model have?", "a": "You recognise the 146 primarily by its size: closed about 14.5 cm long with a Meisterstück ring of about 1.5 cm diameter. The filling system is a permanently fitted piston filler, no converter and no cartridge system; it is operated by turning at the rear end. The term 'piston converter' is used by some for the permanently fitted mechanism; more correct is the designation piston pen, since converters must always be exchangeable. Cartridges are taken only by the 147 Traveller; the 145 Chopin uses an exchangeable converter. Classic piston pens have, by the state of the discussion, practically not been counterfeited.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a fountain pen with the inscription 'Monte Rosa', steel nib without star and hallmark 042/KF a counterfeit or a genuine Montblanc product?", "a": "Monte Rosa was Montblanc's second brand and thus the cheaper variant; the piece is an original. The nib designation KF stands for 'Kugelfeder' (ball nib) in fine, which is a rather rare variant. Historically, an independent fountain-pen firm 'Monte Rosa' also existed in Zurich about 90 years ago; the connection with Montblanc is not unambiguously clarified. Anyone wanting to start collecting classic Meisterstücks should rather test and buy the first pen at a specialist trade than buy blindly via eBay, in order to choose the right nib width.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the refills be exchanged in the Montblanc 4-colour ballpoint?", "a": "The refills can simply be pulled out at the front and replaced with new ones; a tool is not necessary. Matching replacement refills are available at writing-instrument specialist trade.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you clean a Montblanc fountain pen in which the ink has heavily dried and the feed is completely clogged?", "a": "First step is long soaking: place the feed in water for several days to soften dried ink. If that does nothing, only mechanical cleaning helps, i.e. pulling out nib and feed and cleaning with a soft toothbrush. Anyone without experience in disassembling should send the pen to Montblanc; there the feed is cleaned or replaced if needed.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How is the Montblanc Limited Edition Charlie Chaplin 88 to be assessed regarding design, workmanship and price?", "a": "The Charlie Chaplin 88 counts among many collectors as one of the most beautiful Skeleton editions of Montblanc, with very elaborate and detail-rich artisanal work that goes clearly beyond the level of usual Artisan pieces. Others find it overloaded because too many Charlie Chaplin aspects are united in tightest space. The price lies around 20,600 euros and thus exceeds the budget of most collectors. Live the pen seems, according to reports, more impressive than on the press photos.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which maker and which filling mechanism could be involved in an old fountain pen with Indian-head engraving 'Hugh!', noble chrome nib and screw-spring/knurled-screw mechanism?", "a": "The mechanism recalls a vacuum system in the style of Parker's Vacumatic; a precise attribution to maker, country and year is, however, difficult, since a converted mechanism also seems possible. On old vacuum pens the inner rubber tank is almost always dried out and mostly no longer fillable. Research in specialist literature (Steinberg, 'Füllfederhalter, Das illustrierte Lexikon für Sammler') led the owner to Parker's patent of 1832, in which by means of piston and rod in the barrel ink was pressed to the nib — the first documented self-filler. A treatment with creep oil loosened stuck parts; the mechanism here consists of piston rod, cork seal and screw spring with knurled screw.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What experiences exist when buying fountain pens from non-EU countries (especially USA) regarding customs, import VAT and effort?", "a": "On deliveries from the USA, from a goods value of around 22 euros, import VAT (19 %) and from 150 euros additionally customs duty apply; often the parcel is held until personal collection at customs, which means a time effort. Sometimes a shipment is not declared and comes through directly, but this is luck. The weaker euro reduces the price advantage additionally. Anyone wanting to avoid the effort better waits for an equivalent offer within the EU. As a price guide on used Meisterstücks, about half the new price applies; ended eBay auctions provide realistic market values.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How are workmanship quality and service of current Montblanc leather products — specifically the Nightflight collection — to be assessed compared with earlier decades?", "a": "Collectors judge the quality of current Montblanc leather goods differently: some see a quality loss compared with older editions; others still hold today's leather goods to be high-quality and market-leading, especially compared with the competition. Particularly older cases from the 1950s are valued by some for size, haptics and cut, while others see nothing special in them. Montblanc's repair and exchange service is regardless rated as accommodating and fast. On textile-coated pieces like the Nightflight key case (silk-cotton mix with impregnation), unraveled seams have been reported repeatedly as a typical wear problem.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is the quality of Chinese fountain-pen brands like Jinhao and Baoer to be assessed compared with established makers like Pelikan, Montblanc or Parker?", "a": "Collectors report that Chinese pens at prices between 1.63 and about 5 euros seem surprisingly substantial, are well-finished and deliver an appealing script; the nibs, however, tend to be somewhat stiffer. They are mostly obtained directly from China via eBay dealers, often even shipping-cost free. The Taiwanese TWSBI Diamond also counts as a well-finished alternative with detail solutions that more expensive makers do not offer. For price-conscious beginners or for experimenting these brands are rated as attractive.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How is the English Onoto Magna 261 fountain pen to be assessed regarding workmanship and writing quality?", "a": "Collectors rate the Onoto Magna 261 as a really large-dimensioned and very appealing fountain pen; nib and presumably also feed come from the renowned maker Bock, which leads to expectations of high writing quality. After several weeks of daily use it is described as a reliable and pleasant writer. Notable is the historical connection to the Channel Island of Guernsey, the birthplace of the company founder Thomas De La Rue.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can signature engravings on several Montblanc writing instruments be colour-matched if older engravings look faded?", "a": "The colour fill of milled engravings undergoes natural shrinkage and can normally be refilled with lacquer paint as a free service by authorised Montblanc dealers or directly by Montblanc service. It is sensible to send in all affected pens at the same time so colour tone and depth become uniform. With scratches on cap or top, polishing first helps; a complete cap exchange is possible but costly.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Where do you best buy a Montblanc Meisterstück Chopin: at the specialist dealer or online, where significant price differences exist?", "a": "Buying at the specialist dealer or in a boutique is recommended, since only there can various nib widths be tested extensively — the matching nib width is decisive for writing pleasure. Important is to bring one's own paper for trial. At least the standard widths F, M and B should be available. Concretely recommended are the boutiques in Bremen and Munich and specialised online suppliers like scription.de for later replacement purchase. Online purchases are price-attractive but carry the risk of a wrong nib width. Some dealers also offer to test pens from other sources comparatively on site.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which sealing wax is suitable for home use, and which properties distinguish high-quality from inexpensive products?", "a": "Cheap sealing wax sooths strongly, becomes matt and delivers no clean impressions; collectors therefore advise higher-quality products, e.g. from siegelshop24.com (around 8 euros per stick for 30–40 seals) or from Landolt-Arbenz in Zurich (about 15 euros for 20 cm). Important is that the stick has no central wick, since such waxes soot when burning and melt unevenly. For application the stick is held over a burner and the wax dripped onto the paper several times rotating before the seal stamp is pressed on. Notary-supply mail-order houses sometimes presuppose that the buyer is actually a notary.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Is Montblanc's 'Masters for Meisterstück' line with Meissen porcelain still in production, and what does it cost?", "a": "The black porcelain pens of the line are no longer being made; the stocks remaining in the boutiques were recalled, which probably explains problems with the black porcelain colouring. The white variant is still listed, e.g. via the Meissen website. The price is given as around 1,950 euros. Concrete background to the production stop is, as company internal information, not public. Striking is an erroneous spelling of 'Montblanc' on the Meissen page.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Who is the honoured inspirator of the Montblanc Patron of Art Edition 2006, and which visual features does the pen show?", "a": "The Patron of Art Edition 2006 honours Sir Henry Tate, British sugar producer and patron, who in 1872 acquired the patent for sugar cubes (he did not invent them himself) and with his fortune founded the Tate Gallery. The pen has a striking red surface that recalls for collectors the Pope Julius II 888 or the Jules Verne, with a shape similar to the Frederick II. The official presentation took place first in the USA; in Asia, brochure photos circulated already beforehand.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which postage stamps commemorate Thomas De La Rue and his writing-instrument firm?", "a": "Thomas De La Rue, born 1793 and died 1866, was founder of the English firm De La Rue, which in the late 19th and early 20th century also made fountain pens, including the well-known Onoto pen; in the late 1950s the company ceased fountain-pen production. De La Rue first made his fortune with the production of playing cards in London and later received the English monopoly for postage stamps and means of payment also outside England; in the 1880s the development of fountain pens began. The postal administration of the Channel Island Guernsey, his birthplace, honoured him twice with special stamps. A first set of four stamps appeared on 2 June 1971 with focus on stamp production and depictions of stamps from Hong Kong, Italy, USA and England. A second set of five stamps followed on 27 July 1993 for his 200th birthday in an edition of 113,000 pieces and shows banknote, fountain pen, printing press, postage stamp and playing card as the firm's full product range. In Germany on 12 October 2000 the first special stamp of the 'For the Postage Stamp' series appeared with a fountain pen, a writing pencil and an inscribed envelope with stamp. Background on the firm De La Rue and its writing instruments can be found, among others, in Andreas Lambrou's book 'Füllfederhalter' and in 'Füllfederhalter, Schreibkultur und Schreibdesign' by Giorgio Dragoni and Giuseppe Fichera.", "board": "Articles", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "What to do if a Montblanc Greta Garbo fountain pen shows poor ink flow and the first letters write only weakly?", "a": "A frequent cause is a nib width unsuitable for the writing posture or a very upright writing posture on the fine Greta Garbo pen. Collectors advise giving the pen a few days break-in time and working on the writing posture. If the problem persists, going to the specialist dealer or to Montblanc is worthwhile; a free nib swap is only possible within 14 days of purchase, afterwards subject to charge. In the concrete case the problem was fixed by nib swap and a more upright writing style.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are counterfeits of Italian OMAS pens, e.g. the Ogiva model, meanwhile in circulation, and how is OMAS quality to be assessed in general?", "a": "Robust reports of OMAS counterfeits are not available; what is known by contrast are variable quality standards of various production years. The OMAS models (e.g. Ogiva, Filarmonica, 360 Mezzo) are valued for their saturated ink flow, often traced to the ebonite feed. However, the strong flow can lead to wet writing behaviour at warm temperatures. A drawback from a collector view is that most models have only round nibs; stub or italic grinds are rare. Some collectors hold OMAS price-wise to be overpriced; others expressly contradict.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can an older Montblanc No. 31 (60s/70s) be polished without damage to remove micro-scratches?", "a": "The barrel of the Montblanc No. 31 is made of Plexiglas and can be polished without problems; micro-scratches can largely be removed in this way. On the metal parts caution is warranted, since the gold plating can be worn off by too strong polishing. Further hints are given in the newsletter on fountainpen.de.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "From which time does an inherited golden Montblanc fountain pen with gold overlay date, and who made it?", "a": "It is a Meisterstück 144 (or possibly 146; size measurement gives clarity) from the 1950s. The gold overlay is a sleeve that comes not from Montblanc itself but from goldsmiths in Pforzheim/Mühlacker — named are Bossert & Erhard, who still work for Montblanc today, and Sarastro as a maker of pocket-use articles. A hallmark indicates that it is indeed precious metal. The pen, despite the aftermarket overlay, is collectible and has relevant material value; inscriptions like 'Meisterstück' the old 144s did not necessarily carry.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How widespread are openly sold Montblanc counterfeits (replicas) on the internet, and how do you recognise originality on a privately acquired Meisterstück 144?", "a": "Numerous replica sites can be found online; a Google search for 'Montblanc Replica' yields over 1000 hits, partly supplemented through advertising via Google AdWords. Some suppliers use 'liability disclaimers', which legally do not protect. If one site closes, others open under a new name. The 144 specifically described is an original; older 144s did not yet have outside feed lamellae and a fully gold nib without platinum inlay. Hard-rubber feeds were fitted up to about 1989; today's outside lamellae increase buffer capacity at pressure fluctuations.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which surprising insight does the book 'Die merkwürdigen Füllhalter' by Piet Ruys bring?", "a": "The book 'Die merkwürdigen Füllhalter' by Piet Ruys, despite its title, does not let one expect a collector volume on curious writing instruments. In fact, it is a Dutch crime novel from 1961 with 124 pages on industrial espionage. Records and chemical formulas are violently torn from a young inventor and smuggled in a gutted fountain pen; childhood friends of the inventor can later solve the theft and return the formulas to the rightful owner. With this title is a crime novel whose fountain-pen reference is purely literary.", "board": "Articles", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which maker is behind the brand 'WAFCO' on an old black piston pen in senior format with Bock nib?", "a": "WAFCO stands for the Gustav Walter Füllhalterfabrik in Schriesheim. Piston filler mechanism and Bock nib clearly point to a German maker of the pre-war period; many of these manufactories did not survive WWII. As an additional identification feature, the barrel carries an embossing with an eagle. A variant in celluloid (light pearl) with hose filling and screwed-in pressure mechanism is also known; workmanship and Christmas-tree feed speak for high-quality artisanal work.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which fountain pen counts among collectors as a dream piece, and which design approaches are rated as promising for own models (brand Wancher)?", "a": "As dream pens, especially the models of the Japanese manufactory Nakaya are named, particularly the plain variants like matt-black pens with platinum finish. The presented Wancher prototype is rated by collectors as designerly promising.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is there an official price list of the entire Montblanc product range for orientation, e.g. when buying used pieces?", "a": "Complete price lists only authorised specialist dealers have, and they are generally allowed neither to release nor publish them online. Old price lists and brochures, however, regularly turn up on eBay and partly contain lists in the appendix. Some dealer websites show prices, e.g. fuellhalter.de or koitz.com. Overall the market for used Montblancs remains price-wise inconsistent; concluded eBay auctions provide realistic indications.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which causes come into question on a Faber-Castell Classic fountain pen with too strong ink flow and a loose, push-out feed in the section, and are Pelikan cartridges compatible?", "a": "Pelikan cartridges generally also fit in Faber-Castell pens and are now and then used without problems. If the feed can be pushed out of the section, the Faber-Castell service is mostly responsible — a simple forceful reinsertion can negatively affect ink flow. If the nib scratches, the cause lies not in the feed but in bent nib tines; that can often be put right locally by a writing-instrument dealer or by sending in to Faber-Castell.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can writing instruments from an attic find — including a Montblanc Meisterstück L139, a suspected Parker 51 and an Omega — be identified and assessed?", "a": "The 139 is a variant with long sight window and steel nib, which marks it as a war model; war models are less valuable than regular 139s with gold nib but still count as collectable. The unknown pen No. 2 was identified as a cheap pen of the 1950s without collector interest, No. 3 as a Kaweco Omega 650, No. 4 as a Parker Aerometric of the second generation from 1949 with Lustralloy cap. For detailed questions on the Parker 51 the forum penexchange.de is recommended. Before sale it depends on the target group whether to restore: dealers prefer unrestored, end collectors restored pieces.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which basic literature and aids should collector novices use before posting frequently recurring beginner questions on Montblanc writing instruments?", "a": "For beginners particularly the standard works on Montblanc are recommended, e.g. the books by Jürgen Lehmann and book reviews with ISBN information in the forum section 'Articles'. The forum search function and older threads also already answer many recurring questions on model designations, value determination and authenticity check. Beginner questions are expressly welcome on the forum if a minimum of research has been done beforehand. The forum rules emphasise polite handling and differentiated discussion.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which writing instruments count among collectors' personal favourites?", "a": "Particularly many pieces of the Limited Anniversary 1924 line (146 Doué, 144 Sterling) and the Anniversary 75 Skeleton Edition are named. Popular are also Writers Editions like Marcel Proust and Agatha Christie, Patron of Art editions like Dörrbecker Quintessenz, the Skeleton Star, the 145P, the 122 Malachite and the Jules Verne. Outside Montblanc, the Waterman Edson (with L or F nib), Pelikan M700 Toledo and Sheaffer Balance are also cited as favourites. Preferred is mostly the medium-sized barrel with individually fitting nib width (often B or M).", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc writing instrument — fountain pen, rollerball or ballpoint — should be chosen as a first purchase, and which warranty advantages exist with the specialist dealer over internet purchase?", "a": "Recommended is the writing instrument actually most frequently used; a 'tradition' in favour of the fountain pen does not exist. Warranty-wise: every commercial dealer must grant two years' liability for defects, regardless of whether bought online or in the boutique. Additionally Montblanc grants a manufacturer's own warranty whose scope can vary depending on the dealer relation. Advantages of online purchase: from a goods value of 40 euros the buyer bears no return shipping costs and can test the product at home; disadvantage is the missing personal advice. Meanwhile Montblanc specialist dealers may also sell their writing instruments online.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What do the various gold stamps and hallmarks like 333, 585, 750, 10K, 14KT, 18KT or 18K.T. on writing instruments mean?", "a": "The number stamps mark gold alloys: 333 = 8 carat, 585 = 14 carat, 750 = 18 carat. They state the fine-gold content. Additional hallmarks provide hints on age and origin. Important: a hallmark (always struck deeper) is to be distinguished from a pure model designation (engraved inscription) — for example a Montblanc pencil model called '10K' existed. As a standard work for determination, Jan Divis: 'Goldstempel aus aller Welt' is recommended. Logos and stars were earlier also stamped into hard rubber and celluloid.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does a market need exist for a special glass safe to store and present high-quality writing-instrument collections safely?", "a": "Collectors see a small but worldwide market potential for such a glass safe and suggest also designing a variant with additional storage option. Important is that the mere acquisition of a safe does not automatically increase household-insurance protection; necessary is the adjustment of the insurance sum, which not every insurer accepts. With marketing materials, picture selection should be made carefully, e.g. so as not to show ambiguous historical insignia.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which makers produce nibs for high-quality fountain pens — especially the frequently encountered nibs with the engraving 'Iridium Point Germany'?", "a": "Montblanc makes its nibs itself. The most important German nib supplier is the firm Bock; many brand makers like Faber-Castell and earlier also Pelikan have nibs made there, which is why Bock counts as a 'hidden champion'. Whether the nibs with the engraving 'Iridium Point Germany' come specifically from Bock is not unambiguously clarified. In general, steel nibs can technically write just as well as gold nibs; gold nibs are softer in writing feel due to the material.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What experiences exist on workmanship quality of the Montblanc Nightflight Collection, especially with unraveling seams on key cases and bags?", "a": "Several owners report consistently of unraveling seams on the Nightflight key case, partly already after a few weeks' carrying in the trouser pocket. Montblanc exchanges the case under warranty; the problem, however, recurs on replacement deliveries. Precondition for the free exchange is a correctly completed warranty card with purchase date, dealer stamp and concrete article — a foreign warranty card does not help. Larger pieces of the collection (e.g. the Nightflight backpack) are reinforced with leather piping at the outer seams and show hardly any wear. Materially the combination of silk-cotton fabric and rough denim in the trouser pocket is little durable.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "To which person is the Montblanc Patron of Art Edition 2010 dedicated, and which materials and colouring are to be expected?", "a": "The Patron of Art Edition 2010 will be dedicated to Queen Elizabeth I (1533–1603). Provided are a 4810 variant in brown with yellow gold and an 888 variant in red with red gold. Collectors who have already seen them rate the design rather restrained — it is rated as a matter of taste and not as a highlight. Advance photos should not be uploaded oneself but at most linked on existing sources, since Montblanc does not desire advance publication.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are 6.50 euros shipping costs on a warranty repair on a Montblanc 164 justified, and is it usual that in service the entire piston/feed is replaced?", "a": "On eBay purchases the dealer sending in rightly demands shipping costs, since he is not the original seller and so not obliged to free warranty handling. A precautionary exchange of the feed is standard procedure in Montblanc service and counts as a quality measure. With complaints of obvious faults (e.g. shifted nib) sending in again should be done promptly, with the two-week deadline for free nib swap to be observed.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why was the forum changed to a new software, and which problems or advantages does that bring?", "a": "The change occurred compulsorily, since Joomlaboard was no longer being developed and outdated software poses a considerable security risk through hacker attacks. The new software offers more security; individual functions like the RSS feed or avatar pictures had to be reworked after migration. The number of posts remains visible; evaluative forum ranks, however, fall away.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which models are involved in an inherited set of Montblanc fountain pen, pencil refill, pen-roller and cases with imprint 'W.-Germany'?", "a": "The writing instruments date from the time before reunification (before 1989), recognisable by the marking 'W.-Germany'. They are a Meisterstück 144 Solitaire Silver grain guilloché (fountain pen or 147), a Meisterstück 161 Le Grand ballpoint and the matching Traveller case. The cases are: red = Florence, black with cartridge holder = Traveller, black small = Sienna. On gold-plated parts two variants are distinguished — Vermeil (gilded silver, hallmark '925') or gold-plated brass (without hallmark); if the 925 hallmark is missing and only 'Germany' stands on the pencil, it is brass vermeil. For value determination, consultation of the corresponding product pages on fountainpen.de and comparison of concluded eBay auctions were recommended.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the no-longer-produced brand élysée (last under Staedtler) collectible, and are its writing instruments still available?", "a": "Whether a fountain pen is collectible remains a personal decision; some collect known brand pieces without intent to use them; others appreciate limitations. élysée writing instruments are still available on secondary markets, e.g. ballpoints of the Vernissage and Impression Limited Editions; in regular trade they are barely to be found.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which fountain pen under about 100 euros, or which Montblanc, is suitable for very fast, fatigue-free and unstrained writing — especially under exam conditions?", "a": "The Montblanc Meisterstück 145 Platinum with F nib is recommended as a long-lived all-rounder that meets the typical requirements. Anyone who must stay within a student budget fares well with Lamy models (e.g. Lamy Studio with gold nib). The choice of fountain pen is highly individual — some prefer light, small pens, others large, heavy ones. An 18-carat nib brings, compared with a 14-carat nib, hardly noticeable differences in writing.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a Montblanc ink cartridge leak in the shirt pocket, and how can ink stains be removed from textiles?", "a": "Self-opening caps frequently occur on short models like the Mozart when the screw cap loosens unnoticed through strong motion in the pocket; pressure differences with altitude (aircraft, mountain stay) can also favour leakage; in the concrete case it was the motion. For non-water-soluble ink there is no easy household remedy; recommended is Amodex (amodexink.com), available also via eBay from the USA or UK online shops. Alternatively, going to a specialist cleaner helps. Ink stains on jeans are particularly stubborn.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How do you clean a fountain pen in which waterproof ink has dried without damaging the pen?", "a": "A water bath of about six days is recommended, optionally with mild soap solution, then thorough flushing. Important: pens of celluloid, ebonite or hard rubber must neither be placed in an ultrasonic bath nor in a longer water bath, since hard rubber especially absorbs the water's colour and loses its own colour. Further care notes are in the forum section 'Care - Repair'.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What does the striking notch on the cap of the Montblanc Jules Verne pen stand for, and is its ink tank smaller than that of a 146?", "a": "The notch in the cap represents the porthole of a submarine or a sight window and refers to Verne's 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea'; in addition the cap shape is interpreted as an allusion to a diving helmet, and the symbolism is also found on the nib. The ink tank of the Jules Verne is in fact smaller than that of the 146, because the sealing piston in the limited edition — as on all editions — was structurally changed.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a Greta Garbo fountain pen acquired on eBay be checked for authenticity if the pearl on the clip looks glued, and is there official B-grade goods from Montblanc?", "a": "Montblanc does not offer official B-grade goods; the pieces are therefore either originals or counterfeits. On the Greta Garbo described, everything points to an original; however, the pearl on the clip is from the factory not glued but firmly set. A glued pearl is therefore to be regarded as a subsequent repair by a craftsman and constitutes a defect; on a purchase declared as new this justifies a return. Collectors point out that even commercial powersellers often source their goods themselves via eBay and do not always have detailed knowledge, which is why complaint-worthy defects are by no means excluded. More reliable sources are collector shows or well-stocked specialist dealers.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you recognise an original Meisterstück Solitaire Sterling Silver with Barleycorn guilloché, and which dating and care notes are to be observed?", "a": "The Solitaire Sterling Barleycorn line was introduced at Pentecost 1992 with the New Dimensions event in Berlin and discontinued in mid-1998 because it came too close to the 75th Anniversary Edition appearing in 1999. Genuine pieces carry the 925 hallmark, a finely ribbed fine-grain guilloché and, since about 1997, individual clip-ring numbers; the model number for the ballpoint is 1646. The black case with red-marbled paper outer wrap was used between 1992 and 1995/96. For care a silver-cleaning cloth or an ultrasonic bath with cleaning tablets is recommended; polishes with abrasive bodies like Wenol Montblanc itself rates critically because they wear off too much silver.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where do you get well-founded information on model designations, production period and value of mint Brause piston fountain pens from an attic find?", "a": "Collector forums like community-fountainpen.de or penexchange.de are not designed to deliver sales information for free, because no commercial interest is to be served there. Anyone needing the market value or exact model data on such finds should turn to a recognised expert like Stefan Wallrafen (collectiblestars.de), who researches and estimates against fee. Before such a commission, weighing whether the expected sale proceeds even justify the research costs is worthwhile; often this is not the case.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which model is a green-marbled Montblanc fountain pen with the inscriptions 'III. MONT BLANC III.' and 'SIMPLO ORIGINAL', and how is it correctly cleaned?", "a": "It is a button-filler pen (no piston pen) of the third Montblanc price series, produced between 1932 and 1934, presumably in size A; the letter often stands on the blind cap. Originally, a teardrop clip and an 'a' nib belong to it, although the current nib dates from the 1950s and was exchanged. The malachite-green colour, undiscoloured, is rare and value-determining. The star on the cap of the third price series was, by construction, only white at the edge, and the two opposing holes in the cap are ventilation bores. For cleaning use only clear, cold water without solvent additives and do not soak for several hours, since hard rubber otherwise oxidises; light-protected storage is advisable.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the catalogue 'Werkzeuge des Pegasus' on the exhibition of the Stiftung Weimarer Klassik show?", "a": "'Werkzeuge des Pegasus' is the companion catalogue to the exhibition 'Historische Schreibzeuge' in the Goethe National Museum, on view from 9 November 2002 to 5 January 2003 in Goethe's residence in Weimar on the ground floor and presented by the Stiftung Weimarer Klassik. The volume presents writing implements in various forms and materials such as ceramics, wood, porcelain, stone and glass in word and image and additionally shows furniture, writing-implement folios, ink bottles, nibs, letter openers and further writing accessories, above all from the second half of the 18th and from the 19th century. Among the outstanding exhibits is the writing ball made in 1867 in Copenhagen on which Friedrich Nietzsche wrote. The catalogue is divided into preface, an essay on writing instruments and creative writing in the 18th and 19th century, a catalogue part with writing implements, writing instruments and writing utensils, a section with illustrated portraits, an excursus on writing recipes and iron-gall ink, and bibliography and picture credits.", "board": "Articles", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Can black ink attack the gold alloy on the cartridge slide of a Montblanc Traveller, and how can this be avoided?", "a": "Black Montblanc ink is not fully water-soluble and counts as more aggressive than blue ink; it can indeed attack the gold alloy on the cartridge slide, with mostly only material removal and no rust formation observed. Red inks also tend to cause problems. Preventively, regular cleaning of the pen and letting it dry openly help, as does switching to a milder ink, e.g. blue. The Traveller in the black variant was still produced at least until 2005; the Solitaire silver variants, by contrast, were only available in very small quantities.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can forum rules and image protection be designed so that information researched in the forum is not misused for eBay sales without compensation?", "a": "It was discussed putting the forum rules prominently at the beginning of the forum and visually highlighting them, which was subsequently implemented. To protect photos provided by the forum from unauthorised reuse on eBay, the majority spoke for a clearly visible diagonal watermark in the middle of the image, since small or discreet watermarks can easily be cropped out. Mass post-processing of the existing image stocks is only realistic via specialised batch-processing software. In the background was the wish to preserve the forum as a place of mutual collector exchange and not as a free research source for fast sales.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can an OMAS Extra from the 1990s be properly disassembled, sealed and polished, and which material notes are to be observed?", "a": "The OMAS Extra consists of the in-house cotton-based Cotton Resin and is therefore scratch-sensitive; polishing succeeds best with Wenol or a fine polish with small grit, in a pinch even with toothpaste. The inscription 750 on the nib denotes 18-carat gold. For renewed sealing silicone grease is used, as for example pen makers like TWSBI include with their devices or as obtainable via specialist dealers like penboard.de or US suppliers (Goulet Pens); critical sealing point is especially the feed. To clean old sealant, alongside detergent ultrasonic bath, WD-40 has also proven itself. Exact build data can be most reliably determined by direct enquiry with OMAS.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What is known about the individual Mario Barth Limited Edition by Montblanc, and why does the official product picture show deviations?", "a": "Mario Barth had, as one of the first private customers, a tailor-made 1/1 edition made by the Artisan Studio; the piece was seen in the studio before completion together with brass samples and contains a diamond in the form of the Montblanc star on the cap. The final version is in white gold, while the photo depicted on the Montblanc website apparently shows a master sample in yellow gold with a white-gold nib — a material combination that was not used in the final piece. Barth received his copy at a preferential price; subsequent individual editions are, according to statements from the manufactory, considerably more expensive.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you recognise a counterfeit of the Montblanc Patron of Art Copernicus, and how do you handle suppliers of corresponding auctions?", "a": "Typical counterfeit features on the Copernicus are a colourless instead of green gemstone in the clip, a straight instead of concave grip section, a simple white star instead of mother-of-pearl on the cap, a nib fully made of steel and a too short thread with an additional thin silver ring. Striking are also a clip not bent true to the original and an additional separation ring between grip section and thread that points to a converted converter mechanism. Additionally, fake suppliers often use stolen original pictures, partly with reversed nib colour, which can be due to old press photos. A Copernicus as a rollerball never existed; corresponding offers are without exception suspect of being counterfeits. Collectors should warn bidders and report the offer to the platform and to Montblanc.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is the Conklin Mark Twain Crescent Demonstrator equipped, and what idiosyncrasies does its filling system have in everyday use?", "a": "The Conklin Crescent Mark Twain Demonstrator is limited to 1,898 pieces (in remembrance of the founding year of the Conklin Pen Company) and consists of hand-polished, transparent acrylic resin; there is a black and a rose-gold trim variant. The pen works with the classic Crescent filling system in which a half-moon ring compresses the inner rubber sac; a locking ring on the body secures the mechanism against unintentional pressing. In the USA the black demonstrator edition is traded at around 250 USD and coloured versions at around 165 USD. In a case the pen fits, with care, into common single-pen cases, but the half-moon ring has some play and can press ink into the cap on awkward stowing; for permanent transport it is therefore only conditionally suitable.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Does Montblanc still offer real entry-level pens in the range of 100 to 150 euros, and what is behind the conspicuously small models like the Mozart?", "a": "Montblanc has, for some years, deliberately no longer produced actual entry-level pens; the Scenium and Noblesse lines are discontinued, and from the Scenium there was never a fountain pen. The smallest current writing instrument is the Meisterstück 114 Mozart, which, however, is strictly speaking not a writing instrument but a notation device for short notes with style and is not suitable for longer texts. For everyday school use, therefore, a regular Meisterstück or robust brands like Lamy, Pelikan or Rotring are recommended; for children the too narrow, fragile barrel of the Mozart is regarded as unsuitable. Anyone wanting to use a Montblanc on the road should carry it in a case in the inside pocket to avoid damage and loss.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which book publications exist for the Montblanc Literature Prize from 1991 to 1994?", "a": "For the Montblanc Literature Prize four book editions appeared between 1991 and 1994. The first prize of 1991 carried the theme Profit, the second of 1992 the theme Embraces, the third of 1993 the theme The Summit and the fourth of 1994 the theme The Appointment. Each edition contains, alongside the short story of the prize winner, between 14 and 16 further selected short stories of the participants. Editor of all four volumes is Joseph von Westphalen, who also chaired the jury and wrote the afterword in each volume. The first two books appeared from Piper Verlag, the following two from Deutscher Taschenbuch Verlag. From 1995 to 2003 the prize was not awarded; only in 2004 was it given again with the theme 'There must be that much time'.", "board": "Articles", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Should the forum maintain a public list of all collections of individual Montblanc collectors to ease sale and trade?", "a": "A public full list of all writing instruments of individual collectors is rejected by the forum admin and the majority, because members appear largely anonymously and such a listing would have no practical use. Collectors also generally have only a part of their stock actually for sale, so a complete list would receive many enquiries without result. Instead the section Offer and the module MyPMS exist for internal communication; for sale and trade activities reference is made to separate platforms like morepens.de. Collection size alone is also not regarded as a quality feature.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which information, photos and documents exist on the Pforzheim firm FEND and its significance for writing-instrument makers?", "a": "FEND was founded in 1899 in Pforzheim and made, among other things, in the 1920s and 1930s, the overlays for Montblanc, which is documented in Lambrou (Fountain Pens of the World). FEND is known above all for multi-colour pencils with slide and pendulum-feed mechanism (magic mechanism), which Parker and other brands also had made at FEND, first with pencil/coloured-pencil leads, later with ballpoint refills. Up to the 1960s FEND also produced fountain pens that were innovative in design and nib shape and presumably inspired Mario Bellini for the Lamy Persona. With the death of the last owner shortly before or after the 100-year company anniversary, FEND disappeared from the market; patent hints can be found, among others, in the Montblanc catalogue of 1936 (page 38); original patents can be inspected at the patent office.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which Patron of Art Edition does Montblanc release for the year 2008?", "a": "The Patron of Art Edition 2008 is dedicated to François I; corresponding flyers and first pictures were available around the start of 2008; in the boutiques hardly any information was given in advance. Stylistically the edition seems to some collectors disappointing and comparatively plain, with comparisons drawn to a mix of Delta and Montegrappa designs; by collector opinion it does not reach Writers Editions like Proust or Poe. Both the 4810 and the 888 variant appeared.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Was there an official Graf von Faber-Castell Cassette No. 1 in solid sterling silver, and is a US offer for 3,500 USD credible?", "a": "A Cassette No. 1 produced limitedly in solid sterling silver never existed; the brand name Graf von Faber-Castell did not yet exist in the stated 1980s. The US offer is just a normal Cassette No. 1 with merely silver-plated lid and sharpener; only the pencil extender could be of silver. The pencils are not limited but only consecutively numbered (serial number like AA 683), and proofs like hallmark or limitation certificate are missing. The claimed contract production for Koh-I-Noor/Montblanc is not plausible, since Montblanc would not have allowed distribution of further products via Koh-I-Noor. The price of 3,500 USD is therefore grossly excessive.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which models are involved in two Montblanc Meisterstücks of 585 gold acquired in the 1960s/1970s, and how should one handle nib swap and ink?", "a": "The first piece is a Meisterstück 744 (production 1951 to 1956); on imprints 585 or 750 on cap, body, clip and end cap it is solid gold, otherwise gold-plated; an initial engraving reduces the collector value. The second piece is a Meisterstück 132 from the 1930s to 1940s, with possibly a subsequently applied overlay; only pieces with imprint 'Montblanc' or 'S' (for Sarastro/Pforzheim) count as official and collector-coveted overlays. Nibs of old gold pens Montblanc itself cannot exchange; corresponding orders go to external specialists like Horst Schrage. For old writing instruments the water-soluble Pelikan 4001 royal blue is recommended as the most uncritical ink, since black and strongly pigmented inks can discolour the ink window.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What nib width does an unusually looking nib have in a Montblanc 145 Chopin sold as an M nib?", "a": "It is not an M nib but an S nib (Special), a very rare ball nib that Montblanc produced for only one year. It is correspondingly sought-after among collectors and to be valued higher than a standard M. Ball nibs of this kind are particularly suitable for left-handers, since they have lower sensitivity to writing posture. Anyone finding the ink flow too plentiful can store the nib and put a normal M back into the piece.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Are photos of the rings and bracelets made by Sabine Bach for the Montblanc Year of the Golden Dragon 2000 edition available, and are the pieces obtainable in Germany?", "a": "Montblanc offered for the Year of the Golden Dragon Edition 2000 strictly limited rings and bracelets by jewellery designer Sabine Bach, produced exclusively for the Asian market. Each depicted only the dragon. Published photos are found in Werben & Verkaufen 10/2001 of 09.03.2001, but these images are subject to copyright and cannot be posted on the forum; in the W&V online archive only the text, not the photos is available. In Germany the pieces are barely findable and correspondingly high-priced; an occasional hint to jewellery motifs is found on the Montblanc website under Precious Dragon 88 (Flash version).", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is there a relevant collector market for an unused gold-plated Lerche roller blotter from Solingen?", "a": "Writing-instrument collectors are only marginally interested in desk accessories like roller blotters, so the target group is small. Comparable un-gilded Lerche models are offered on platforms like penexchange.de for around 25 euros and find barely any response there. Gold platings are also wafer-thin and do not significantly influence material value. Such pieces are not extremely rare — if not from Lerche, then from other brands — and compete with numerous substitutes like blotter rockers. A sale via eBay or penexchange.de is possible, but often more rewarding is keeping it as a memento.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Is it worth, after acquiring an eBay counterfeit of a Montblanc 146, alongside a criminal complaint also informing Montblanc itself?", "a": "A report to Montblanc is worthwhile, since the maker actively pursues cases of product piracy and welcomes such reports; often even the threat of this report towards the seller is enough, because a cease-and-desist letter turns out significantly more expensive than the purchase price. Contact runs via the contact form of the Montblanc website. In parallel one should absolutely use the eBay buyer protection, since purchases there are insured, and possibly involve PayPal. An own court procedure is mostly not financially worthwhile, because lawyer's fees exceed the dispute value. Before steps against the seller, securing evidence by photos, especially of the nib, is recommended.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is the ink with 24-carat gold nanoparticles to be assessed, and what is to be considered in application and cleaning of the pen?", "a": "The 24k gold ink is a nanoparticle pigment, held in water, and was offered with an introductory price of around 139 euros but is meanwhile situated at around 290 euros. Document-proofness and water resistance arise only on drying on the paper; before that the ink behaves like a normal water-soluble ink. For cleaning the pen, therefore, clear tap water suffices; important is not to leave the pen unused too long, since the ink otherwise clumps and solidifies. Collectors voice concerns about the high price and see in a second pen the more sensible investment.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What experiences exist with pens of the Delta brand, especially with the Jubilee and the Dolce Vita?", "a": "Reports are split. With modern Delta models partly massive ink-flow problems up to writing unsuitability are reported; older pieces like the Delta Jubilee (lever filler, 18-carat nib, ink hose renewable if needed) count, by contrast, as on a par with the writing quality of a Montblanc 146 or 149. The Delta Dolce Vita also convinces in everyday use through reliable starting and clean writing behaviour. Overall Italian brands count as more design-bold and colourful but workmanship-wise more vulnerable than German standard brands; an experienced Delta dealer with working service is therefore recommended before purchase.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which steps make sense in a Montblanc Mozart counterfeit case identified after eBay purchase if the seller does not agree to take back?", "a": "A lawyer is rarely financially worthwhile, since costs usually exceed the value of the writing instrument. Instead a free criminal complaint for fraud at the police is recommended, reporting the case to eBay (risk of account ban on multiple offences) and — with PayPal payment — claiming buyer protection. In experience sellers, after announcing these steps, often quickly relent and refund the purchase price. Recognition features of a Mozart counterfeit are unclean star engraving, deviating middle rings and a different twist mechanism than on the original.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are experiences with the eBay seller topfitab40 available, and is a blacklist for eBay sellers sensible on the forum?", "a": "A forum-maintained blacklist is rejected by the operator for legal and maintenance reasons; the responsibility for a constantly current list could hardly be borne. Instead it is recommended to use the eBay rating system, possibly enquire in eBay forums and always buy carefully. Concretely topfitab40 (Stefan Zeilinger from Nuremberg) counts as a reputable supplier specialised in purchase and sale of used writing instruments, offers his own repairs, publishes real name with address and phone number and accepts complaints without exception. Several collectors confirm positive transactions including originality confirmed by the maker.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which beginner pen with ergonomic grip and fine nib is suitable for a second-grader on whom normal Lamy models write too broad and too wet?", "a": "For school beginners the typical learning pens with knobbly ergo grip are still recommended, since children's hands deliberately should not handle slim writing instruments; a Mozart or a 1950s flex pen is therefore unsuitable, since steel nibs are more stable and everyday-suitable. Vintage writing instruments also bring ink-flow risks in everyday use. Concrete recommendations for cartridge pens with ergonomic grip and F nib are limited in the range around 50 euros; preferable is a test in a larger stationery specialist shop (e.g. Schreibmayr in Munich). The Rotring Initial is also named as a good but in trade hardly available variant; in the Penexchange forum a separate section on school pens with further experience reports exists.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which variants and quantities of the Montblanc Teatro alla Scala exist, and is a 600-euro edition based on the 149 available?", "a": "According to the press text there are three variants: a 78 edition, a 7 edition with diamond setting and a single piece. Alongside, Montblanc Customer Service has confirmed a separate 149 special version at a price of around 600 euros sold exclusively in Italy; partly a limitation of 2,004 pieces is mentioned. This 149 variant differs from the standard 149 only by box, companion booklet and a large engraving on the cap and is, due to the manageable price, comparatively attractive for collectors.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you recognise the Montblanc counterfeits from a German bankruptcy-sale offer, and how do you proceed most sensibly against them?", "a": "Detailed indications for counterfeit recognition are found on fountainpen.de under 'Beware of Counterfeits' and in the PDF 'Counterfeits of Solitaire Meisterstücks — A Comparison', in which typical features e.g. on all-metal writing instruments are clearly documented. Reporting the auction to eBay by non-holders of the trademark right brings little; more effective is reporting to Montblanc as protection-rights holder, who gladly accepts such hints. A coordinated forum report is seen reservedly by the forum operator, since this is a private collector site and not an official Montblanc portal.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is the advertising booklet 'Ein himmlisches Märchen' of the Tintenkuli Handels GmbH, and which product information about the inkpen does it contain?", "a": "'Ein himmlisches Märchen' is an advertising booklet of the Tintenkuli Handels GmbH Altona (Elbe), published in the early to mid-1930s. The booklet has a format of about 9 by 12 cm, comprises 16 pages including cover and additionally contains a four-page insert with thank-you letters. The humorous frame story describes how the office secretary Albert Lingenbring stands in his dream before Saint Peter, whose fountain pen blots while filling out the admission application, after which Lingenbring proudly shows his inkpen and explains its merits. Central product features are advertised: the writing tip consists of iridium and platinum; filling is done by dipping in the ink and pressing a filler button; the pen is then filled for weeks. The price was 6.50 marks, payable also in two monthly instalments, with one week's free trial period and three years' unrestricted warranty. The inkpen was distributed exclusively directly by the firm in Altona to exclude middlemen and imitations. On the enclosed order card the postage was 3 pfennigs if only the quantity was entered; with additional handwritten additions the postage rose to 6 pfennigs.", "board": "Articles", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which pen is suitable for daily entry into the upper class: Montblanc Meisterstück 146, OMAS Milord or Visconti Van Gogh Midi?", "a": "The Meisterstück 146 has the highest prestige value and uses acrylic resin, which in everyday use stays particularly scratch-resistant; Montblanc also offers reliable service over decades. OMAS models have a warm haptic, but the softer material shows clear use marks already after short use, and the complaint rate of older years was high. Similar quality concerns earlier applied to Visconti, which may have improved in younger models. Anyone seeking off the beaten brand path and valuing high-quality black/silver looks finds in S.T. Dupont (e.g. Orpheo) or Caran d'Ache an alternative; in Hannover Goebelhoff at Steintor carries S.T. Dupont. On the 146 with piston system the ink volume is comparable with about two standard cartridges.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the letter K on a gold-coloured sticker on a Montblanc 32 mean?", "a": "The K denotes the nib width 'Kugelfeder' (ball nib). Such ball nibs were also offered by other makers like Pelikan or Faber-Castell as KF, KM etc. and often have two breather holes, which allows stronger turning in different directions — good for changing writing posture, e.g. in exams. In writing behaviour they count, however, as rather characterless. A detailed overview of rare nib widths at Montblanc can be found in the fountainpen.de newsletter from February 2005 from page 12.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can one classify counterfeits offered as commercial on eBay, brazenly described, including counterfeit watches with positive ratings, and what protection mechanisms exist?", "a": "Even professional suppliers with disclaimer may, in Germany, generally not sell counterfeits; a disclaimer does not exclude criminal liability. The positive rating situation of such suppliers does not necessarily prove reputability, since the eBay verification seal can be imitated by HTML manipulation; the actual PostIdent procedure via Deutsche Post AG, by contrast, is built on identity-card basis and harder to fake. With watches especially the box (Montblanc uses black, not red boxes) is an indicator; a first counterfeit with a real automatic movement would already require a minimum calculation beyond 300 euros, which permits doubts about movement quality. Bidders should check supplier and auction behaviour critically and report violations to the trademark holder.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are the German-language Montblanc forums still needed, and how should one deal with declining maintenance of fountainpen.de?", "a": "The forum operator sees the declining maintenance as a result of shifted private and professional priorities and an intensified collecting focus on old Montblanc pieces; advertising or a handover of the platform are excluded, since the project is purely hobby-driven. The collector community is also changing: many formerly engaged members no longer collect or no longer Montblanc-focused. Despite recent weaknesses, fountainpen.de remains the most important German-language contact point for Montblanc collectors; collectors largely react rejectingly to a shutdown and insist on the value of a German-language forum alongside FPN and Penexchange. Discussed are also questions of whether two German-language forums are needed and how recent Montblanc marketing decisions (e.g. on the 100-year anniversary or the model history of the 149) affect collecting interest.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which suppliers and experiences exist for perfumed or scented fountain-pen inks?", "a": "Alongside the Berlin ink manufactory von Blythen, Franz-Josef Jansen (tintenonline.de) has been offering scented inks with good flow properties for years; especially the Lavender Blue scented ink is described as excellent and is even suitable for elaborate skeleton pens. Collectors report positively about the variants Fir Green with and without lemon (discreet scent, very good flow in Montblanc 146 and 144) and about fine bakelite screw caps and safe packaging; value for money is regarded as very good. Anyone wanting to move away from monotone black or royal blue finds in scented inks a sensual extension of letter writing (addressing the sense of smell).", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What is known about the Montblanc Artisan editions Otto von Bismarck and Fortune 88, and what price is to be expected for the Fortune 88?", "a": "The Otto von Bismarck edition is limited to 75 pieces, executed in white gold with oak-leaf inlays, filled with cartridges and has a twist closure of the cap directly behind the nib. The skeleton Fortune 88 is intended for the Asian market, kept in red gold, formally modelled on the Skeleton 333, and shows interlocking eights as the Asian lucky number. According to Montblanc, the Fortune 88 is to cost around 22,000 euros; collector estimates beforehand were between 15,000 and 18,000 euros. Photos can be viewed in the forum holdings and on fountainpennetwork.com.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can subsequent engravings on cap or clip of current Montblanc writing instruments be removed?", "a": "Removal of the engraving itself is not possible on modern writing instruments, since the material consists of synthetic resin and cannot be filled without visible traces. Only two ways are practical: first, the inserted colour within the engraving can be removed so it looks more inconspicuous; second, on comparatively new pieces, the engraved part can be exchanged within the service flat fee at Montblanc, although the reason for the complaint must be clearly formulated and an ungraved replacement component expressly requested.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What characterises the Fotografica Pen by S.C. Lucht und Probst, and how does the integrated Stanhope lens work?", "a": "The Fotografica Pen is a twist ballpoint modelled on a Leica, produced in an edition of 500 unnumbered examples and not reproduced, since Stanhope lenses are no longer available. The Stanhope lens is in the twist knob: pull off the knob, hold it in front of the eye and look against a bright light source; the image lies inside the lens system (selection from 23 motifs). The piece is delivered in a plain gift box together with a leather case (Bereitschaftstasche of full-grain cowhide, walnut brown) that protects the writing instrument all around; however, the pen should not be anchored in the case with the clip, since the leather surface can be damaged that way.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is the repair and value of an older Montblanc 1276 gold pen along with a defective Parker writing instrument worthwhile, and how do you sell the pieces if needed?", "a": "The 1276 is a solid-gold piston pen, produced 1971 to 1975 (according to Collectible Stars). First cleaning attempts with a clear water bath are often successful; if writing behaviour is still too fine afterwards, nib swap or service repair come into consideration but are economically only sensible on valuable pieces. Repair addresses can be found under Care–Repair and weblinks on fountainpen.de; further hints come via regional collector regulars' tables (e.g. Karlsruhe via the C.A.S.). For sale, waiting until the end of the summer holidays and turning to collector or show platforms with fair pricing is recommended, instead of often uninterested stationery specialist dealers.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How should one deal with the 285 various Montblanc counterfeits shown on a Chinese website, and which buying rules follow from this?", "a": "The quality of Chinese counterfeits has meanwhile reached the point that even white stars in the packaging and Solitaire cap tops are credibly copied; pictures alone barely allow distinguishing originals from counterfeits. Original goods are therefore to be bought exclusively from authorised Montblanc specialist dealers; authorised dealers may not sell Montblanc writing instruments via the internet, so online offers are basically suspicious. With foreign eBay sellers in particular the risk of being handed a counterfeit is very high, with no practical reclamation options afterwards. Counterfeits of other luxury brands (S.T. Dupont, Cartier) are offered by the same maker.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which inexpensive, qualitatively high-quality blotter rockers or roller blotters for open office environments are recommendable?", "a": "In the entry range, the roller blotters by Lerche present themselves as inexpensive, practical and well-made. A step above are blotter rockers by ElCasco that visually fit excellently with Montblanc writing instruments, are significantly more substantial but price-wise still under the classic Montblanc blotter rockers. Genuine Montblanc blotter rockers with silver-coloured body and black leather inlay are rare and are produced rather for corporate-customer presents in small editions (e.g. No. 07791, in the Presents of Character brochure); they barely turn up in boutiques but rather in well-stocked specialist stationery trade. Caution is warranted with supposedly silver-coloured Montblanc blotter rockers from eBay, since such model variants count as counterfeit-suspect.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How reliable is the serial number of a Montblanc Bohème Noir rollerball from eBay as proof of authenticity, and does Montblanc still produce rollerballs at all?", "a": "Montblanc continues to produce rollerballs; contrary statements from specialist trade are incorrect. An official end-customer-accessible serial-number database for authenticity check does not exist. On the Bohème, the Pix imprint under the clip is to be expected, and on fountainpen.de under the PDF boheme-vergleich.pdf typical counterfeit features for model comparison can be found. Online sales by authorised Montblanc dealers are forbidden; therefore eBay bargains under dealer purchase price are critical; suspicious are short eBay lifespan, few ratings and unusual purchase handling. PayPal protection is limited and only effective up to a maximum of 500 euros, possibly with additional own contribution; on more expensive pieces the damage in counterfeit case is mostly only partially covered.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which properties and prices have the new permanent Montblanc inks 2013 in blue and black?", "a": "Montblanc releases two new permanent inks in blue and black, supplementary to the older Blue-Black variant; they will be available in unchanged bottle form and also as cartridges, with minimalist design (white boxes and labels). In the water test the writing is significantly better readable than with classic inks, which confirms the actual permanent quality. Visually the ink recalls acrylic media for artists; the blue variant resembles a Herbin Blue-Black; the black is a very deep, non-glossy grey. The behaviour on inferior paper will still have to show. The price lies around 50 per cent above the standard Montblanc inks and so moves in the range of high-quality Japanese permanent inks like Sailor.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How is the new Skeleton Edition Tchaikovsky by Montblanc to be assessed in relation to the Duomo, the limitation of 130 pieces and the price of 17,900 euros?", "a": "The Tchaikovsky Skeleton Edition is design-wise close to the Duomo and so seems to collectors rather conservative; the classic shape, however, basically fits the composer theme. At a sales price of around 17,900 euros, the limitation to 130 pieces (oriented on a premiere) is felt as too high to still speak of a true limitation; Montblanc could harm itself in the long term thereby. In the further course, editions like a 241 Artisan piece (oriented on a march length) are announced, often available in markets outside Germany. Pictures of both Tchaikovsky variants can be found on cruzaltpens.com.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a Montblanc Meisterstück Le Grand 146 acquired on eBay with a small clip imperfection and a comparatively weak serial number be checked for authenticity?", "a": "Piston pens of the Meisterstück 146 have so far not been credibly counterfeited in quality, so the described Pix imprint in the clip, the red to wine-red shimmering precious resin and the overall appearance speak for an original. The small bump in the clip is a manufacturing imperfection without influence on authenticity; only at the specialist trade would it be complaint-worthy. It looks different on cartridge models like the Classique 145, on which already very convincing counterfeits exist; a corresponding shift of counterfeit quality to ballpoints and rollerballs is only a matter of time.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which filling mechanism does the Montblanc Rouge et Noir replica of 2006 have?", "a": "The Rouge et Noir replica exists in two variants. The more expensive variant, limited to 100 pieces, takes over the historical safety filling system (slide pen) of the original, in which the nib is protected by sliding the mechanism in and out. The cheaper variant, produced in 15,000 pieces, is despite similar look a cartridge pen with a special slide mechanism: instead of unscrewing the nib as on the Bohème, the grip section together with part of the body is pushed backwards.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Must nibs of Montblanc fountain pens always carry a logo or visible inscription, or can a nib without imprint also be authentic?", "a": "A fully missing imprint on the nib occurs on older Montblanc models from the 1960s to 1980s, e.g. on devices with hooded nib in which the engraving is only visible after disassembly. Current writing instruments, by contrast, should always have a visible nib engraving; where this is not the case, often a foreign nib was fitted, since the original nib would have to be replaced expensively. In the concrete picture example it is a Generation I model (Generation II has a broader cap ring) with a gold-plated steel nib actually belonging to the Classic. The Generation Classic, as a cartridge pen, has anyway no compulsory imprint. The hooded nib on the 31 is reachable by unscrewing the section.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Are the felt-and-leather pen cleaners offered at Manufactum suitable for cleaning high-quality gold nibs with platinum coating?", "a": "The classic pen cleaners are unsuitable for high-quality nibs because abrasion is too high and especially gold platings and platinum coatings can be worn off. They are also problematic for gold-plated stainless-steel nibs. As everyday care for high-quality nibs not to be recommended; rather usable as a nostalgic collector's piece or for simple school nibs.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How should fountain pens of celluloid or hard rubber be stored long-term safely to prevent material damage?", "a": "Celluloid pens should, during long storage, be filled with water about every three months; some of it is absorbed by the material and prolongs its life; the rest evaporates via cap-residue condensation. Hard rubber and celluloid must be stored light-protected, since especially sunlight leads to discolouration (hard rubber turns grey to fawn through sulphur oxidation) and material decomposition. Celluloid is typically recognised by powerful, colourful colours; hard rubber by dark, muted tones like black, dark red or muted orange; reliable distinction of black pieces is visually hardly possible. Functioning collector pieces should not be stored with ink but with water, since ink on drying damages mechanism and seals; before storage, thorough flushing is needed. Writing instruments after 1960 can be stored without water filling but should be flushed beforehand.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Did Montblanc have a model No. 37, or is an old school pen with blue-transparent cartridge holder a 31?", "a": "Model number 37 at Montblanc was not a fountain pen but a ballpoint; the school pen described is therefore to be assigned to the cartridge variant of model 31, even if the addition P at the cap ring is missing — it was not engraved because piston and cartridge versions have identical caps. A blue-transparent plastic insert at the barrel end is exactly the recognition feature of the cartridge version. After thorough cleaning with clear water a converter from Pelikan or Waterman fits; today's Montblanc converters by contrast have a modern thread that may not fit. A factory overhaul is not economically worthwhile for this model (service flat fee from around 250 euros), while own repair or a parts donor are significantly cheaper ways.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can discolourations on a hard-rubber pen (Kaweco Elite 187F) caused by long bath in water with detergent be reversed?", "a": "Hard rubber contains a high sulphur content activated by water or UV light and depositing as superficial discolouration; in ultrasonic baths the effect occurs within seconds. Re-colouring the material is not possible, but the sulphur film can be removed mechanically by careful polishing, although here too slightly material and thus possibly surface structures or fine engravings are removed. Older Montblanc pens can also be of hard rubber or celluloid and react similarly; celluloid can develop cracks after drying with too long water contact.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Where are the old fountainpen.de newsletters from 2004 to 2007 still retrievable?", "a": "In the forum thread direct PDF links to all old fountainpen.de newsletters are stored: newsletters 1 to 5 from 2004, a newsletter 01-06 from 2006, the issues no. 1 (in low and high resolution) and no. 2 from 2005 and the newsletter no. 1 from 2007 (each in low and high resolution). A planned subsequent maintenance on the main website was at the time of the discussion still pending, especially since the newsletter was discontinued for time reasons.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you recognise whether online shops or eBay providers for high-priced Montblanc writing instruments like the Starwalker are reputable?", "a": "An authorised Montblanc specialist trade with shop premises is basically to be preferred for new purchase, since in case of complaint a direct contact is available. Collectors advise checking the self-presentation pages of eBay sellers carefully: sales counters from business closures or typical formulations like 'house warranty' and 'free special polish' indicate that these are not authorised dealers. Important to know is that such suppliers often deliver real goods but cannot grant a Montblanc factory warranty. Recommended is studying the rating history before purchase and only buying from sellers rated positively several times, ideally where own or others' experience exists.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which makers and which age can be determined for an old silver pencil with '900' hallmark and for a Wahl-Eversharp pencil?", "a": "The angular pencil with the '900' hallmark is a typical Pforzheim piece from the time before 1900, whose housing is of solid 900 silver and whose clip shape is characteristic for this region; engravings were at the time still done by hand. With silver-cleaning agent the pencil can be made to shine again. Wahl Eversharp is a tradition-rich US brand whose production was discontinued about 40 to 50 years ago. In the USA there is a larger collector circle for it; to continental Europe these writing instruments — except for England — were barely exported, which is why they are rarely encountered here.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Are the leather-bound Montblanc special catalogues for the Limited Editions still available in the boutiques?", "a": "The black leather ring binders titled 'Limited Editions' lay exclusively in the Montblanc boutiques, generally with only one example per boutique. They were mostly not openly displayed but could be inspected on polite request. Updating of these folders was discontinued in 2002 and not resumed since. As a replacement a consumer brochure was later distributed free in the boutiques; in normal specialist trade these special catalogues are not available.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where are the three-digit model numbers found on Montblanc Meisterstücks, and according to which system are they assigned?", "a": "On most writing instruments the model number is not directly imprinted; on some 146 and 149 fountain pens it is found on the cap ring (e.g. 'Meisterstück 146'). The numbering system is historically grown: the first digit denotes the series (up to WWII there was additionally the '4' for school and stylo writing instruments; the '3xx' was not a pure pupil line but simply the third series). The second digit stands for size, the third for device type: 4 fountain pen, 6 ballpoint, 7 twist pencil. Thus 114 denotes a fountain pen, 116 a ballpoint and 117 a twist pencil.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you clean a clogged ink channel of an older piston pen, and how can tarnished gold nibs be made to shine again?", "a": "On a clogged ink channel it is recommended to fill the pen with water, leave it lying for a few days and then thoroughly flush with water; that often suffices. For polishing pure gold nibs, Wenol is very well suited and can also be used on body or clip. Important: gold-plated nibs may not be treated with Wenol, since the agent polishes off the thin gold layer. For gold-plated parts and gentle care, a silver-cleaning cloth or special polishing cloth is the right choice. Wenol develops a quite strong odour, which is to be considered as a disadvantage.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which Waterman fountain pen from the 1950s needs a special filling mechanism, and how can matching cartridges or converters be obtained?", "a": "The model is the Waterman 'CF' from 1953, produced until the late 1970s in various versions. The CF needs special cartridges or a hose converter, since Waterman in the 1980s changed the filling mechanism and today's usual cartridges no longer fit. If old cartridges can still be found, they can in a pinch be refilled by hand with a syringe (e.g. obtainable from the family doctor). For deeper research, the Waterman specialist Volker Kirkel is referenced, who advises collectors in detail.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Why does the cap of a Meisterstück 163 rollerball not sit correctly on the body, and can it be exchanged?", "a": "If the cap sinks about 2 mm too little onto the body, with high probability a fountain-pen cap (typically from the 144 Meisterstück) is fitted whose inner cap is too large for the rollerball. The inner cap of a rollerball is significantly smaller and only encloses the ball tip of the refill. Exchanging only the inner part is not possible, since Montblanc principally does not sell spare parts to end customers — this also serves to curb the counterfeit industry. An original rollerball inner cap as a repair item costs in experience at least 50 euros via the works service.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can Montblanc nibs be reground, and which suppliers are recommendable in Europe for nib modifications?", "a": "Nib regrinds are basically also possible on Montblanc nibs. As an alternative to the US specialists Mottishaw and Binder, collectors recommend in Europe John Sorowka ('Oxonian') in England, who, after multiple experience, delivers equivalent quality; per nib the regrind costs about 45 pounds (around 53 euros including shipping); common reworkings are e.g. from B to stub or italic. On customs questions on shipping to the USA and back, only customs itself gives binding information — legal ways exist; the exact formalities, however, change and should be enquired about directly.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What to do if a new Montblanc Meisterstück 146 is felt as too fine or scratches with heavy writing?", "a": "Adjusting to a new pen is generally necessary; in most cases the cause lies not in the writing instrument but in user adaptation. For heavy writers who have to mind tendinitis, the larger 149 is ergonomically often better, since the thicker body strains the arm tendon less. An M nib should not scratch on normal paper; problems mostly occur on very inexpensive paper or when the nib tines do not stand cleanly to each other. Good papers like Clairefontaine are recommended. Anyone with a nib-swap guarantee at the dealer can also have the nib width adjusted afterwards in the boutique without problems.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does a Montblanc special edition 'Beethoven Bernstein 9' actually exist, and how is it to be classified?", "a": "The edition, after research at Montblanc, comes indeed from the Artisan department and was at short notice in September 2004 made on demand of marketing for a concert of the Philharmonic of the Nations in China. It was rated factory-side as very inconspicuous and qualitatively little convincing ('the ugliest thing we ever produced'). The pieces are genuine, but the porcelain cap with the photorealistic motifs arose under time pressure. The whole Artisan line was not officially advertised, which is why even with renowned collectors little knowledge circulates about it.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Should one actually use high-priced Limited Editions like the Montblanc Patron of the Art line (e.g. Tate) or only collect them?", "a": "Within the collector scene there are two main positions: some lovers use all their writing instruments including limited editions in everyday life and take them to the office; others deliberately buy two examples, one for the display case, one for writing. That dealers refuse trial writing on Patron of Art pieces has a factual reason: these editions are predominantly acquired by collectors who only want 'virgin' examples in their collection, and on shows inked pieces are significantly harder to sell. Ultimately it is a personal decision — anyone not prioritising the value aspect can use the pieces without having to justify themselves.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the inscription 'Pix' on Montblanc writing instruments mean?", "a": "'Pix' originally goes back to a designation protected by Montblanc in the 1930s for a certain pencil-lead-feed mechanism. Due to trademark protection rights, Montblanc moved in 2004 to using this term — which is still associated with Montblanc — on further writing instruments to secure the trademark. The inscription has today no technical meaning any more but serves primarily trademark protection.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you distinguish Montblanc Noblesse and Slimline, and which model is a pen with matt stainless-steel housing and gold-plated fittings?", "a": "It is a Montblanc Noblesse I (first version) with matt stainless-steel housing, gold-plated fittings and a 14-carat gold nib; these models were made until the late 1980s. Important for distinction: Slimline writing instruments rank below the Noblesse line and are recognisable by simpler workmanship. On some online sources Slimline models (e.g. the 1122) are mistakenly listed as Noblesse — correct attribution is via nib material (gold nib on the Noblesse) and housing version.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is known about the Montblanc Skeleton Limited Edition 'Eiffel Tower', especially price and availability?", "a": "The Skeleton Edition 'Eiffel Tower' was offered in selected boutiques (e.g. Hamburg, Neuer Wall) at a price of about 17,000 euros. The edition counts as successful; a quick sell-out is, however, not expected — other Artisan editions also lie longer in boutiques without all storing for two or more years. For example, the last Chaplin was acquired only two years after edition start. Anyone wanting to inspect the edition up close can ask the boutique or the Artisan Studio for detail pictures or display pieces.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What to do if a Waterman Carène M, despite factory repair, writes disproportionately thick and the maker's communication peters out?", "a": "In such complaint cases it is purposeful to involve the dealer where the pen was bought, since this dealer can exert effective pressure on the maker than the end customer can. With email correspondence it should be considered that messages occasionally remain in the spam filter, which is why a phone enquiry or letter can be sensible. If maker and dealer both do not respond, at least it should be documented that the dealer originally responded — that strengthens the position in later legal steps.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can hairline scratches on a Montblanc nib be removed, and which polishes are safe?", "a": "Before polishing the nib should be inspected closely under a microscope or stereo loupe (e.g. at the optician) — often it is just lint instead of real scratches. With bicolour nibs caution is warranted, since the platinum inlay is no massive layer but only a coating and can be removed by too frequent polishing. Suitable for gold nibs is Vienna lime, which is softer than gold and only smooths the fine burrs at the scratch edge. For regular gentle care a silver-cleaning cloth is recommended, also suitable for gold-plated parts and removing smaller discolourations and fine scratches. Cloth handkerchiefs generally do not cause new scratches.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is the eBay seller 'pen-seller' reputable for Montblanc purchases, and which warranty and return rights apply on online purchase?", "a": "The seller is described in the collector scene as reputable, with proper invoice and the usual 2-year warranty. When buying from a commercial dealer in distance selling (internet, telephone, doorstep), additionally a 14-day return right exists, also without reason. Important: Montblanc principally forbids its authorised specialist dealers distribution via the internet — reputable eBay sellers are generally not authorised dealers; the warranty thus comes from the seller themselves, not directly from Montblanc. Warranty cards are handed over depending on supplier with or without factory stamp.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How are the writing instruments of the manufacturer Achim Velte ('Style of Writing'), especially the edition 'Himmelsscheibe von Nebra', to be assessed?", "a": "Collectors report consistently positive experiences with the writing instruments of Achim Velte: workmanship is highly praised; the designs count as substantial and exceptional. The edition 'Himmelsscheibe von Nebra' is particularly highlighted as successful. Velte also makes individualised pieces to customer wish, arising as single pieces or in small series. Due to high collecting affinity, lovers often reach for several examples of the same line; the design of some models is perceived as more feminine, which is why it finds less attention in some men's collections.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How does filling an old Fabula safety pen with retractable nib work?", "a": "The pen is a safety of the brand Fabula (maker Aura GmbH, Munich), presumably from the 1920s. With this construction principle the nib is retracted by the twist mechanism so that filling is done via the front opening with a pipette — not via the rear end. Before first ink use it should be checked with water whether the writing instrument is still tight; on leakage the cork seal must be renewed. With nib retracted, the closure mechanism seals the opening, so the ink stays inside.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which differences exist between Montblanc Classique and LeGrand rollerball refills, and which rollerball is better suited for heavy writers?", "a": "The Classique rollerball refills contain a liquid ink filling and hold more ink than the LeGrand refills, in which the ink soaks a sponge; own investigations, however, show that a sponge can also be fitted in the Classique refill. Criticism in collector forums refers predominantly to the shorter range of the LeGrand refills. Both models count basically as usable; the practical difference lies above all in the frequency of refill change. For final decision a trial grip in specialist trade is recommended, since the LeGrand is generally described as more pleasant in the hand.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a small Montblanc safety pen with retractable nib be identified and assessed?", "a": "It is a Montblanc Safety from the 1920s in size '0' — the second-smallest build of the time (smaller was only the '00'/Baby model). The model size is engraved on the nib. Such Safeties were at the time often individualised with precious-metal overlays by goldsmiths or jewellers; the overlay therefore typically does not come from Montblanc itself. For value determination, comparison with currently running eBay auctions of similar pieces is recommended, since collector prices depend strongly on preservation state and overlay quality. The regular eBay marketplace (not Kleinanzeigen) offers international reach for achieving market-appropriate prices.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which contents and basic data does the exhibition catalogue 'Pelikan – Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte' for the 170-year company anniversary offer?", "a": "From 20 February to 13 July 2008 the Historical Museum Hannover dedicated an exhibition to the Pelikan company for the 170-year anniversary. The accompanying exhibition catalogue 'Pelikan – Ein Unternehmen schreibt Geschichte' is a hardcover with about 136 pages in 21 by 25.5 cm format and appeared in the series 'Schriften des Historischen Museums Hannover' under ISBN 978-3-910073-31-9. Two of the three authors are employees of the museum; contributions on writing instruments were written by Jürgen Dittmer. The catalogue is divided, among others, into the prefaces of the museum director and the Pelikan vice-president, a section '1838–1905. In the service of art', contributions to the brand Pelikan and to the adhesive Pelikanol, the section '1906–1945. The Pelikan conquers the world' with texts on the district of List and on the new building, a presentation of the beginnings of Pelikan writing instruments, a section on art education, the period '1946–1977. Lifelong Pelikan' with contributions on the Pelikano and the local competitor Geha, and the section '1978–2008. Losses and changes' with contributions on office products, the renaissance of the classic fountain pen, literature notes, outlook and advertising art. The catalogue contains numerous illustrations of posters, billboards and products from cartridge pen to adhesive.", "board": "Articles", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Did the Montblanc models 244 and 272 actually also exist in a black-grey colour variant?", "a": "The models 244 and 272 count among the most sought-after non-Meisterstück post-war models from Montblanc. They actually exist in several sizes and colour variants, including the black-grey stripe pattern. These multi-colour versions are today significantly rarer on the collector market than the plain black variants and correspondingly in demand. For founded identification of the specific variant, relevant Montblanc specialist literature documenting all known sizes and colourings is referenced.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can an old pen with Asian characters, rubber-bag filling and the inscription 'Parker 1/10 12 K Gold Filled' be identified?", "a": "It is an original Parker 51 in 12-carat gold-filled cover with East Asian engraving, no copy. Exact identification succeeds via the embossed 'PARKER 51' inside and the typical engraving guide for filling. Asian copies of the Parker 51 are widespread, which is why such finds are first uncertain. The translated characters yield, in combination with the logo, a meaning like 'extent' and 'jade/gemstone' and indicate a special marking. The Parker 51 line counts as very robust and can be operated with nearly any common ink.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Should one actively inform bidders or sellers of Montblanc counterfeits on eBay, and which measures are sensible?", "a": "The practice is debated: some collectors deliberately contact bidders and/or sellers; in rare cases truly unwitting sellers can thus be enlightened; but in nearly all cases it is conscious fraud, so the effort remains in vain. Other collectors basically contact no one with the justification that 'greed eats brain' and potential buyers should research themselves before purchase. If sellers do not respond to a first email, a direct report to Montblanc is recommended — the maker actively pursues such hints. On successful sale of a counterfeit the buyer can additionally file a complaint.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a concrete Montblanc model a Noblesse or a Slimline, and where do the differences lie?", "a": "Distinguishing between Noblesse and Slimline is not trivial; even standard literature like 'Collectible Stars' delivers in part contradictory attributions. Slimline is the cheaper variant and ranks below the Noblesse, equipped with gold nib; the piece discussed in the forum was rather assigned by collectors to the Slimline. On the question whether the Noblesse ever existed with steel nib, no final sources exist. Functionally there are hardly differences — both models write excellently, so the correct designation is primarily relevant for collectors.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is known about the Montblanc Architect's Pen (patent 1924), and how rare are complete examples?", "a": "The Architect Pen is a piston pen patented in 1924 that supplies a ruling pen with drawing ink via a thin tube; the piston mechanism counts as technically more mature than on the first regular piston pens. Complete examples with original packaging, instructions and cleaning needle are very rare and hotly coveted in collector circles. Of the 'Norma' (variant with funnel nibs) only a few examples are also known. Collectors with larger holdings typically own four or more Architect Pens; the patent specifications supplement the documentation.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you classify an old Montblanc ballpoint with model number '36 501' temporally and value-wise?", "a": "The ballpoint described is likely to correspond to a model 281, made between 1971 and 1979. For value determination there is an established guide widely used in collector circles, especially providing comparison with current eBay auctions. Decisive for the price are preservation state, completeness (packaging, replacement refills) and any engravings, which reduce value.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can stubborn ink deposits be removed from an old feed (e.g. Greif Gold from the 1940s)?", "a": "On old writing instruments, ink pigments penetrate the material surface and there form a relatively firm bond with the material that cannot be fully removed either by mere soaking or in the ultrasonic bath. Mechanical work is necessary: collectors use sheet-metal gauges, a scalpel from medical supply or used dentist's instruments from flea markets to clean the channels of the feed cautiously. Before exchanging a feed it should be checked whether an original-faithful replacement is available — not every feed fits mechanically or capillary-technically all models.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can an old Montblanc Masterpiece 744-N set with 585 gold housing be valued, and can an engraving be removed?", "a": "For value determination, an established guide on the forum is referenced that all collectors use. High-quality 744-N sets can, in intact condition, achieve four-digit amounts; a personal engraving, however, reduces the value clearly. Subsequent removal of an engraving is theoretically possible (by filling with gold) but in practice barely feasible, since the surface cannot be restored without visible traces. Before sale a professional overhaul is recommended, since long-unused writing instruments often show sealing and mechanism problems.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are the Montblanc writing instruments from the Generation line in the Galeria Kaufhof anniversary campaign genuine factory ware?", "a": "The Montblanc Generation writing instruments from the Kaufhof anniversary campaign, according to information from Montblanc, come from their own stock, which the Kaufhof chain had collected over a longer period — these are real remainders, not special deliveries. Prices were below the conditions even authorised dealers can achieve directly with Montblanc. Such campaigns must, by law, be available for at least two days; the offer was nationwide; popular models (e.g. pencils for 79 euros) were therefore quickly sold out online, while branches still had stock.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why does ink drip from the mechanism of a Meisterstück 146 after filling, and how can the problem be remedied?", "a": "When the pen was held completely under water during cleaning, on operating the piston mechanism water penetrates into the rear area (mechanism chamber). On renewed drawing-up this remaining water mixes with ink and then visibly emerges from the rear ring. Remedy is provided by repeated dry-wiping of the mechanism area after filling. If that does not help, a factory repair is necessary — Montblanc reliably remedies such defects. For disassembling the piston mechanism English-language guides exist (e.g. on fountainpennetwork.com); aids of soft wire (paper clips) are unsuitable; a cocktail fork with bent prongs or a dedicated mechanic's key are the better tools.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a Montblanc Le Grand Platinum 146 acquired via the internet be verified as an original by packaging and nib details?", "a": "The angular or oblong packaging with inner lining is typical of the period before 2006 and counts as an indicator of an original from this period. The small notch in the nib area is found on all Montblanc writing instruments from the mid-1990s and is also an authenticity feature. Information on concrete serial numbers is given only by Montblanc service directly; a photo with good resolution of the nib reverse, cap and case logo eases a remote-diagnostic assessment. Distortions on the case logo alone are no counterfeit indicator, provided workmanship and lettering remain clean.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you correctly care for writing instruments and cases of ostrich or alligator leather?", "a": "For exotic leather types like ostrich, crocodile or alligator leather, a special American care wax is suitable that works with natural oils and preserves the leather over long periods almost like new. Montblanc on enquiry also confirms that care wax is the only correct agent for such leather types — conventional leather care or creams are not suitable. Application should be sparing and at regular intervals to preserve the natural structure of the leather.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How do you recognise high-quality Montblanc counterfeits (e.g. Alexander Humboldt, Chronograph) on eBay, and how do you protect yourself as a beginner?", "a": "On a counterfeit Alexander Humboldt the genuine silver inlays on cap and body are missing; the body is overall too thin and the nib does not match the original — the typical 'embellishment' is on the fake merely burned into the barrel; the piston is often missing too. On Montblanc watch counterfeits, a dial not available on the original and a qualitatively inferior movement betray the deception. Protection for beginners: check seller history precisely, only buy from verifiably positively rated sellers with writing-instrument experience and above all only acquire models one knows precisely. The wish to have handover at a boutique is generally not enforceable as a private buyer.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What to do if a Meisterstück 149 (e.g. Andree Putman set) draws air on filling and barely takes up ink any more?", "a": "The behaviour described — air emerging from the nib on drawing up, barely ink absorption — is a classic symptom of a clogged feed. Even a single filling with dried black ink can suffice to clog the capillaries so much that feed and piston have to be exchanged. As a first measure, long, multi-day soaking with subsequent flushing is to be tried. If that brings no success, factory repair at Montblanc is unavoidable; they routinely carry out such complete cleanings.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Does Montblanc ink have an expiry date, and how do you recognise whether an ink bottle is already a shelf warmer?", "a": "On newer Montblanc ink boxes and on the 'shoe' of the ink bottle a white transverse stripe is printed; if this is missing it can be older shelf goods. Ink in principle has a best-before date that can be found on the packaging. In practice, ready-mixed water-based ink stays stable long, provided the bottle is tightly closed; even collectors who have emptied many bottles barely observe real quality losses over the years. Iron-gall inks and chemically more complex types behave differently and can actually oxidise or thicken.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is buying a high-quality Montblanc Starwalker as ballpoint or rather as rollerball worthwhile, and are there objective writing advantages over inexpensive writing instruments?", "a": "The choice between ballpoint and rollerball is primarily a personal decision; collectors who themselves only write with fountain pens refer to personal comparison in specialist trade as the best decision basis. Factually: a Montblanc ballpoint refill is not in principle easier to guide than a good plastic ballpoint refill, and Montblanc ink hardly differs qualitatively from high-quality alternatives like Pelikan 4001. The added value lies above all in workmanship, material quality, ergonomics and haptics of the body, less in pure writing performance. Rollerball refills are shorter-lived and so more expensive in consumption.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which features characterise the new Montblanc Starwalker Doué line, and when is it available?", "a": "The Starwalker Doué is priced between the black Starwalker and the Starwalker Rubber. The resin barrel carries — like the cap or the ballpoint grip section — a striking transverse guilloché and looks at first glance as if of metal, although it is made of resin. The line is already deliverable in the boutiques, even if it is not necessarily listed on the Montblanc homepage. The fountain pen is also available in EF nib width. With offers in atypical colours (e.g. blue) caution is warranted — Starwalker Doué were made by Montblanc exclusively in the official standard colours; deviating versions indicate counterfeits.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which ten stylish fountain pens does the Welt Online Special present, and how is the list structured?", "a": "The Welt Online offer 'Die Welt Besten' under besten.welt.de offers rankings from lifestyle and luxury, including hotels, restaurants, chill-out lounges, coffee houses, structures, TV series, dream streets and theatres, and contains under besten.welt.de/stilvolle+fuellfederhalter also a selection of ten stylish fountain pens. The listing is expressly not a ranking but an alphabetical sorting by maker, which addresses the question of a subjective order. Classics like Montblanc, Pelikan and Faber-Castell are represented, while makers highly valued by connoisseurs like Delta or Sheaffer are missing, who could have appealed to a broader public on this platform.", "board": "Articles", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How are Sailor fountain pens (e.g. model 1911) to be assessed in writing and quality terms, and where can they be sourced?", "a": "Sailor fountain pens are not officially distributed in Germany, which complicates procurement; sourcing routes lead via specialised dealers like missingpen or via online shops in England, Malaysia and other markets. Model 1911 (also in 'Forrest Green' or dark blue) is offered with gold nibs in 14, 21 or higher carat strengths. On first unpacking the visual impression can disappoint given the price (around 300 euros for a 1911); the writing feel is, however, after some familiarisation described as very pleasant — especially the nib variety counts as a strength of the brand. Original papers and shipping duration are to be considered on overseas purchase.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "May pictures from the fountainpen.de website be reused on one's own private internet pages?", "a": "No, reuse is not permitted. The photos on fountainpen.de are exclusively intended for the own website; an unrestricted authorisation to use is not granted, not even in individual cases. Background: on eBay numerous counterfeits are advertised with foreign original photos, which is why image rights are consistently protected. International enforcement is, however, complicated; this does not justify exceptions. Anyone needing image material must enquire directly with the respective maker or rights holder or take their own photos.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which contents does the book 'Schriftstücke — Autographen aus sieben Jahrhunderten' offer for writing-instrument collectors?", "a": "'Schriftstücke — Autographen aus sieben Jahrhunderten' is a more than two-kilo volume from Gerstenberg Verlag of 2005 with about 290 pages in 25 by 32 cm format, ISBN 3-8067-2939-5, based on the collection of Pedro Correa do Lago. The book presents handwritten samples of famous personalities from seven centuries, from artistically designed scripts to the hastily scribbled note, supplemented by manuscripts, drawings and autograph cards as well as short biographies. Anecdotally illuminated are e.g. Goethe's wine order, Rubens as author of an espionage report to the Spanish king, George Sand's worry about Chopin or Wagner's begging letters. The English original texts are not translated; other languages are, however, supplied in the appendix. For collectors, especially Montblanc collectors, the facsimiles are particularly interesting, since many namesake personalities of the writing instruments are represented, including Peter the Great, Voltaire, the Marquise de Pompadour, Catherine II the Great, Frédéric Chopin, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Frederick II the Great, Oscar Wilde, Marcel Proust, Ernest Hemingway and Greta Garbo. The handwritten sources range from detailed letter and drawing through notes to the address on a letter in Kafka's case, a signed photo with Virginia Woolf and William Faulkner or a signature on a cheque with Charles Dickens.", "board": "Articles", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which inks are suitable for old fountain pens (especially vintage models with cork seal)?", "a": "In principle only water-soluble inks should be used in old fountain pens. Royal-blue Montblanc ink is unobjectionable for historical fountain pens with cork seals — reports of 'eaten-up' cork seals can mostly be traced to already pre-damaged material, not the ink preparation itself. Bordeaux-red Montblanc ink has, by contrast, in individual cases caused problems with old seals and is to be used with care. Pelikan royal blue (4001) counts as a tried and very compatible ink for vintage pens. Iron-gall inks and strongly colour-saturated specialty inks are to be avoided in old writing instruments.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the nib unit of a Montblanc 144 be removed in order to swap nibs between Slip Cap and Twist Cap versions?", "a": "To unscrew nib and feed from the front section of a 144, a special tool is required that engages in the feed and turns it without damage. Since the front sections (sections) are mechanically not compatible between Slip Cap black and Twist Cap Solitaire versions, a swap is only possible via nib + feed together, not via the entire front section. Without experience and matching tool, own attempts are advised against, since the plastic parts can quickly break or scratch.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Who bears the design and technical responsibility for the Visconti/Dörrbecker 'Quintessenz', and how is the writing instrument to be assessed?", "a": "The Quintessenz is a cooperation: design was largely co-determined by Axel Dörrbecker; in particular cap rings and cap top emblem come from him; the nibs were also chosen by him. The technology (especially the striking 2-chamber filling system) comes exclusively from Visconti (Dante). Collectors praise the Quintessenz as a hand-flatterer of beautiful celluloid with a particularly large ink supply — a plus for heavy writers. The writing instrument has proven itself in practice and is recommended further in collector circles.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does ink have an expiry date, and can dried ink be refreshed?", "a": "On most ink bottles a best-before date is printed that is to be understood rather as a minimum-consumption date — the ink is generally still usable afterwards. With normal water-based ink, dried or thickened liquid can be refreshed with distilled water. Iron-gall ink behaves differently: the iron contained oxidises, which permanently impairs the chemical properties and so writing performance. Collectors observe that even very old ink bottles mostly remain usable over decades, provided they are stored tightly closed.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Can one without further ado switch from black to royal-blue Montblanc cartridges, and which water is suitable for cleaning?", "a": "Black and royal-blue Montblanc inks are of the same type and can be used one after the other without concern. A fundamental cleaning is on a nearly new pen that contained a black cartridge only briefly not strictly necessary; a simple flushing through suffices. Recommended is the use of a converter for comfortable flushing with water until it stays clear. For cleaning, normal tap water cold or lukewarm suffices — due to short contact time no limescale settles. Important is never to mix Blue-Black (a chemical ink) with other inks, since it thickens in the process.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What is the Montblanc Leonard Bernstein Edition worth, and how can authenticity be checked?", "a": "The Bernstein edition is no real Limited Edition — the quantity of writing instruments produced is not limited — which dampens the collector price. For value determination, the established valuation guide in the collector scene is referenced, providing among other things comparison with current eBay auctions. Authenticity indications: on the fountain pen there should be a small gold sticker with the inscription 'B Germany'; the ballpoint typically carries no visible inscription. The correct spelling 'Montblanc' (not 'MONTblanc') is an important authenticity criterion — deviating spellings are often found on counterfeits.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which replacement refills fit a counterfeit Montblanc Starwalker rollerball?", "a": "On counterfeits original Montblanc refills usually do not fit, since the holder does not match the original dimensions. In the forum it is recommended to try various standard refills in a stationery shop to find a fitting alternative. Collectors point out that knowingly buying, selling and partly even possessing brand counterfeits can be legally problematic. As a long-term more sensible solution, replacing the fake with an original writing instrument is regarded; repair or nib work on counterfeits is not carried out by Montblanc.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why is there no special packaging or accompanying material for the early Montblanc Artisan editions (True Princess, Magic Beauty, Hans Christian Andersen)?", "a": "Binding information can only be given by the respective product manager; the background lies, in collector judgement, in the original marketing strategy. The early-released 'Fairy Tale Collection' (Magic Beauty/True Princess, 1999) was distributed very discreetly and without public advertising, which is why special packaging and inserts were dispensed with. Only later Artisan editions received high-quality leather cases and companion booklets, which is interpreted as a reaction to the upmarket price level. With cufflinks and similar jewellery pieces, the Jungle Eyes collection is sometimes wrongly offered as True Princess on eBay, so verification via the boutique is sensible.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What value and history does an older Montblanc Carrera fountain pen from the 1970s have?", "a": "The Carrera is a school or use fountain pen produced in the 1970s in the lower price segment of Montblanc. Collectors estimate the market value in normal preservation state at about 30 euros or less, since the model is neither rare nor particularly coveted. Up to 1991 Montblanc made the entire spectrum from inexpensive school pens to Meisterstück; the brand's luxury reputation refers above all to later production. The Carrera is therefore primarily suitable as a use writing instrument and not as an investment.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the nib width of a Montblanc 146 be exchanged, and what costs apply?", "a": "Within the first 14 days of new purchase, the nib width is exchanged free of charge by Montblanc, provided the nib is not bent. Later exchanges run via the boutique or factory service against the usual repair flat fee, whose exact amount Montblanc only states after assessment. Some boutiques exchange the nib directly on site, which significantly speeds up the process. A precondition is generally that a matching desired nib is in stock.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which fountain-pen model could an old piece with the inscription 'Iridium Tipped' be?", "a": "The inscription 'Iridium Tipped' alone does not allow brand attribution, since many makers used this notation. In the forum Ric Lei was first guessed at, a less known historical maker whose safety models occasionally appear at shows and on eBay. Attribution to Kaweco also came into consideration, since the company history produced similar models. For safe determination, inscriptions on barrel and nib, dimensions and the filling system should be checked and matched with image material from specialised sources.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the Montblanc boutique on Vienna's Graben actually closing or only relocating?", "a": "It is not a closure but a relocation within the same street. The old boutique at Graben 17 ceased sales on 24.02.2007, while at the end of April a new Montblanc Flagship Boutique opened at Graben 15. Economic background of such location changes are typically very high rents in this area. Repairs and intermediate trade are handled during the transition period via an intermediary on Kärntnerstraße.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which versions and peculiarities does the Montblanc Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition have?", "a": "The edition appears in two variants: a red version of white gold limited to 80 pieces with 25-layer red lacquer and a black-white edition limited to 3,000 pieces in silver with 8-layer lacquer, each as fountain pen and rollerball. Characteristic are a Vertigo effect on the cap, a clip designed as a knife and slightly liftable, 56 strokes for the 56 films on the black-white variant and a film-roll look and 80 dots for Hitchcock's 80 years of life on the red variant. Accompanying it, a separate red ink was announced to come on the market in parallel with the pen launch.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which polish is suitable to polish a Montblanc Meisterstück 144 from the 1950s?", "a": "The Meisterstücks of the 1950s consist of celluloid, not acrylic, which is why agents like Displex must absolutely be avoided — they attack the surface and can outright decompose it. Wenol with its fine abrasive particles has proven itself; it delivers a smooth surface without aggressive dissolving and is available in automotive or specialist trade. Displex by contrast is well suited for modern Plexiglas writing instruments. With good preservation of the piece, only restrained polishing is recommended in principle.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is it worthwhile for jewellers to take high-quality writing instruments into their assortment, or do they remain a domain of specialist trade?", "a": "The majority of collectors buy their high-quality writing instruments in classic stationery specialist trade or directly in the brand boutiques, since better advice competence and greater service relation exist there. For jewellers, especially from the mid-class segment, a supplementary assortment of premium pens can work, provided the staff is correspondingly trained. Brand boutiques count for makers like Montblanc as very lucrative, because there sale takes place without doubled trade margin and barely with discounts and service can be handled cheaply. A blanket evaluation as a goldmine is, however, not possible without balance-sheet insight.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are eBay sellers like 'pen-seller' or 'vertrieb06' reputable for buying a Montblanc Starwalker?", "a": "Sellers working with foreign or stolen product images count as not reputable and should be avoided. 'pen-seller' is mostly rated reputable in the forum, with positive ratings and, by his own statement, direct sourcing from Hamburg; several collectors have bought there without problems. Low prices alone need not be an indication of counterfeits, since dealers have different purchasing conditions. To safeguard, a detailed image comparison with the fake overviews on Fountainpen.de and a phone seller contact before purchase are recommended.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the gold lettering (model engraving) of an older Kaweco Sport contaminated by polish be cleaned gently?", "a": "Very cautiously a soft toothbrush and water can first be tried to remove polish residues from the engraving without washing out the colour fill with it. If that brings no success or the colour is already largely washed out, going to a specialist dealer is advisable, who refills the engraving outpatient with special engraving paste or engraving pens. Aggressive cleaners are to be avoided, since they additionally remove the remaining colour and only leave a blind engraving. Professional refilling is the most reliable method to restore the original appearance.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Where do you, as a beginner, get a functioning old Montblanc fountain pen (models 22/24/32/34) at defensible prices, and what should be paid attention to?", "a": "For beginners with small budgets eBay is basically usable, provided the pictures are clear and nibs do not appear bent; prices in very good condition lie mostly in the low three-digit euro range. At specialised dealers prices are higher, in return with checked condition and partly warranty. Nib designations like 'OM' or 'OB' mean oblique (slanted) and enable calligraphic effects, although these arise more from nib-slit work than from pure slanting. The hyphen '-' in model designations indicates older pieces, partly made of celluloid; in everyday life these are easy to care for but should not be subjected to strong pressure or falls.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a gifted Meisterstück with 18-carat nib be verified as model 144?", "a": "The pen described is actually a 144 from the 1990s. Whether the nib is 14 or 18 carat is for model determination secondary, since Montblanc fitted nibs in both carat grades — decisive are dimensions, shape and fittings. On comparison with boutique models or fountainpen.de galleries, the typical features can be checked well. With ballpoints applies: the only true 'Mont Blanc' ballpoint comes from the 100-year anniversary edition with granite cap; everything else are regular models like the Starwalker.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Has Montblanc ever produced a ballpoint with two refills?", "a": "Yes, Montblanc offered in the 1980s a two-colour ballpoint belonging to the Slimline series and sold from 1985 to 1988. It was available in matt-brushed stainless steel and rarely in titanium colour, with chromed or gold-plated clip. The mechanism does not come from Montblanc itself, which is why common standard 4-colour refills fit. After concentrating on the Meisterstück programme, these models were taken out of the assortment.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can on an unrestored Montblanc Meisterstück 136 originality and components (cap, star, nib, barrel) be reliably assessed?", "a": "Missing model engravings on the closing cap or end piece are no compelling indication of counterfeit — collectors know originals without corresponding lettering, presumably from Monday-production. Steel nibs were not exclusively fitted in the 136 during the war; here too there are legitimate variations. Decisive are overall proportions, ink window, piston mechanism and material; in case of doubt an experienced restorer like the named specialist should give an assessment. A new cork is often due on old 136s and is unproblematically obtainable via specialists.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which inks can be used in a Waterman Sérénité, and are there recommendations for historical Waterman models with flexible nib?", "a": "In principle any fountain-pen ink of various makers can be used; one should only watch for 'fountain-pen ink' in the narrower sense and not use document-proof or particularly aggressive inks in sensitive reservoirs. For flexible nibs, especially the Waterman lever pens of models 52 and 54 from the 1920s and 1930s are recommended; they write excellently, but the hard-rubber bodies are UV- and sweat-sensitive and tend to discolour. To source such historical pieces, e.g. Lutz Fiebig in Magdeburg is named. A specialist check before purchase is sensible, since nib condition and sac tightness are decisive.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "From when was the Faber-Castell Classic Ebony line offered platinum-plated, and how high were the list prices of the silver-plated variant?", "a": "The Classic Ebony line is today predominantly known in the platinum-plated version, although a silver-plated variant existed in the past and can correspondingly tarnish. Current list price for the fountain pen in platinum-plated version is around 420 euros. Silver-plated pieces are visually more appealing but more care-intensive, while platinum-plated variants are tarnish-resistant. Detailed data on the exact change of coating variant and list prices of the rollerball version were not conclusively documented in the thread.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can the authenticity of a cheaply offered Montblanc 144 be assessed by photos?", "a": "A 144 with 18-carat gold nib speaks for an original; the model line is no longer in active assortment and is aimed at small, delicate hands. Strikingly low prices in the 150-euro range can be reputable but should trigger additional caution and check of nib, fittings and inscriptions. The Mozart by contrast is a still smaller note-writing instrument and not to be confused with the 144. On remaining doubts a comparison with gallery pictures or presentation in a boutique is recommended.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does the Collegium Aureum Scriptorum (CAS) still exist, and what use is membership?", "a": "The CAS is still active; chairman is Dirk Barmeyer, who essentially carries the club organisationally alone. The annual membership fee is, by statutes, 35 euros for active and 50 euros for passive members. Members get access to organised events like factory tours (e.g. Montblanc, wood-pen maker Fink) and workshops generally exclusively open to members. The web presence has meanwhile been renewed; patience on enquiries is sometimes needed due to the slim personnel set-up.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Can scratches on a Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire of stainless steel be polished, and is the effort worthwhile?", "a": "Self-polishing is difficult, since improper attempts mostly leave additional scratches. Recommended are Cape Cod polishing cloths, also standard on steel watches and effective at removing fine scratches. Alternatively, a watchmaker or jeweller with experience in steel-watch care can professionally polish the writing instrument. In assessment from photos it should be considered that flash makes scratches appear more dramatic; as a new price the stainless-steel ballpoint lay at around 550 euros.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Who repairs an OMAS 360 Grande with defective piston filler when the maker itself refuses repair?", "a": "OMAS, by experience from the forum, refuses repair of older 360 Grandes citing missing spare parts, which makes the service situation appear critical. As an alternative, experienced pen restorers or specialised workshops familiar with Italian piston pens come into consideration who, if needed, source spare parts from donor devices or in-house manufacture. Users report that OMAS pens are valued for their flexible nibs and workmanship, but the service shows long processing times and repair refusals on models taken out of the programme. An enquiry with renowned specialist restorers is therefore the most practical way.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is the Pelikan 250 set at Galeria Kaufhof worthwhile in price and quality?", "a": "The Pelikan 250 set was offered at Kaufhof at a strikingly cheap price and counts as a good everyday writing instrument. From the 250 line Pelikan fits a 585 gold nib; from the 300 line a bicolour nib. Size-wise the M250 corresponds to the M400, although the 400 is somewhat more exclusively finished. The nib breaks in softer after a short familiarisation and offers very good value for the money offered.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which models and versions does the Montblanc Unicef edition comprise, and is there a special Limited variant?", "a": "The regular Unicef edition was introduced on 11 May 2009 and comprises the Meisterstück models 145, 146, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165 and 167; characteristic is a blue gemstone in the form of a water drop on the cap top. Accompanying it, there is a true Limited Edition with lapis-lazuli caps, executed in 750 yellow or white gold (not platinum-plated), in 100 pieces each. In September 2009 the line was supplemented with women's and men's jewellery and a collection. Proceeds flow into the joint education programme 'Schools for Africa' of UNICEF and Nelson Mandela Foundation; special individual cases as part of the action are not known.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can refills be changed or the lead reservoir refilled on the Pelikan mechanical pencil 450?", "a": "Pelikan uses, like many makers, a pencil mechanism by Schmidt Feintechnik. To refill the reservoir, the housing is unscrewed in the middle; if this cannot be opened, the piece was presumably glued by the previous owner. In this case only filling with single leads from the front remains. Cautious disassembly by an expert can restore the original function, provided the bonding can be loosened.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "When is the Montblanc Johannes Brahms Donation Edition officially sold, and at what prices?", "a": "The Brahms edition has been officially available in Montblanc boutiques since the beginning of May. Prices are 590 euros for the fountain pen, 490 euros for the rollerball and 390 euros for the ballpoint. Visually and conceptually it resembles the other Donation Pens, which is interpreted as a deliberate line guidance of the Montblanc strategy for this series. Companion brochures are available in the boutiques.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are there original Montblanc 146s with 136 nibs or 149s with 139 nibs, and does this affect the value?", "a": "Such transitional combinations actually occur: on model changes, Montblanc occasionally fitted remainders of predecessor nibs in the successor models, so e.g. early 149s with 139 nib or 146s with 136 nib turn up in collections. Feeds were partly later exchanged in service for the round models from the 1950s. Such a combination mostly does not increase value, since it is not model-faithful; some collectors even rate the mix as value-reducing. More frequent are, however, subsequently swapped wrong nibs on the market, which is why on purchase special caution is warranted.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are both the gold and the platinum edition of the Montblanc 145 Chopin counterfeited, and how do you recognise counterfeits?", "a": "Both variants are counterfeited, with the quality of the plagiarisms meanwhile considerably increased. The most important recognition feature are the imprints on the nib: on fakes they look typically flat or under strong loupe 'scrawly', since they are lasered instead of stamped. Even complete sets including CD and packaging are now counterfeited, so original boxes are no longer an authenticity guarantee — fraudsters partly use original packaging acquired on eBay for counterfeits. For identification a detail comparison with original photos on Fountainpen.de is recommended.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is a Montblanc fountain pen to be assessed whose components come from three or four different epochs?", "a": "Such a fountain pen was never originally delivered in this configuration but assembled from parts of various models and epochs. A war-related makeshift assembly is unlikely if components from the 1950s are contained. Such a mixed piece is collector-worthy at most as a parts donor; a proper model attribution is not possible. On sale it should be declared accordingly to avoid false expectations.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the quality of Montblanc counterfeits meanwhile so high that they are hard to recognise, and how helpfully does Montblanc act against plagiarisms?", "a": "On fountain pens counterfeits can still be well recognised by the bad nib quality; on ballpoints and Starwalkers the differences are significantly more subtle and partly only noticeable to the expert. Montblanc engages against product piracy and accepts hints on eBay fakes. The service area is rated mixedly: nib swaps and repairs can take several weeks; in individual cases statements about nib equipment are communicated contradictorily. Experience values differ strongly, which is why blanket judgements on service quality are precluded.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How high are the current list prices of the Montblanc Bohème Big Size Platinum and the small black/rose-gold variant with topaz?", "a": "The Bohème Big Size costs 495 euros, the small model with rose-gold trim and topaz 395 euros. The Big Size Platinum exists exclusively in a variant without stone in the clip; it is decidedly conceived as a men's model and, with extended nib, about as large as a 149. While the small Bohème models appeared in many variants, the Big Size remained restricted to the platinum trim, without yellow-gold, sterling or stainless-steel versions. For the Big Size a matching single leather case in black exists; the clip does not, by production reasons, necessarily stand exactly in line with the nib.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What are the Montblanc Scenium Artists Packaging Sets, and what background does their limitation have?", "a": "These are Scenium sets of ballpoint and fineliner in gift cases with cartoon motifs by Mordillo, each at about 179 euros per set and so around 15 euros above the calculated single price. Released on the themes 'Love', 'Friendship' and 'Thanks', they are intended to bring these terms back into consciousness. After the Mordillo sets followed a series with Jim Davis Garfield motifs on the same three themes. The boxes are the essential collector interest; the sets were time-limited and quickly sold out; later reordering via regular channels is generally not possible.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc four-colour pen with the inscription 'Walzgold' on the cap an original?", "a": "Such a four-colour pen corresponds to a model made by Fendt for Montblanc in the 1960s and counts as genuine. 'Walzgold' (rolled gold) denotes a gold plating common at the time and is no indication of a counterfeit. For a sale, specialised collector forums, auction platforms or collector shows offer themselves. A prior assessment by an expert eases a realistic price estimate.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are Montblanc Starwalker and Meisterstück with serial numbers starting with 'MBL' original writing instruments?", "a": "Only Montblanc knows the exact coding of the serial numbers; deviations from the 'two letters + seven digits' scheme do therefore not automatically mean a counterfeit. Indications like inscriptions 'Made in Germany Metal' in the clip and 'Box made in China' on the case bottom are usual on originals. If the serial numbers are engraved instead of embossed, this should, however, be checked more closely. On ballpoints authenticity check without inspection in a boutique is fundamentally more difficult than on fountain pens.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How safe is buying Montblanc writing instruments on eBay given professionally counterfeit auctions with stolen accounts?", "a": "Fake distribution has developed from easily recognisable China offers into professional auctions with stolen accounts, real pictures and faultless descriptions. Red alarm applies on payment via Western Union; even pure bank transfer without PayPal protection carries considerable risks. Even specialists cannot identify every auction safely as reputable or fake — even experienced collectors have already fallen for account theft. A collector database for serial-number-bound Limited Editions can help with comparison but does not replace critical examination of seller profile, communication and payment route.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How rare is a Pelikan 100 (not 100N) with grey-marbled binde, and where can it be professionally restored?", "a": "While the Pelikan 100N occasionally turns up in grey, the grey variant of the older 100 is significantly rarer and barely documented in standard literature. With nib damage and leaking feeds, restoration at specialised workshops like Tom Westerich (penboard.de), Lutz Fiebig or Werner is recommended. Repair costs can exceed market demand; sale to a collector or specialist dealer is usual as alternative. Professional reworking preserves collector value significantly better than own interventions.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Were there genuine Montblanc 146s with the nib of a 344, or is this tinker work?", "a": "In the 1980s Meisterstück nibs were monocolour and not bicolour with platinum coating — this information alone, however, allows no authenticity proof. The front section of a 146 never had the shape of a 246, so corresponding photos point to a 'bastard' from parts of various models. In some auctions pictures of various pieces were also mixed, which causes confusion. A 146 with 344 nib is not known as original delivery; caution is warranted when buying such 'marriages'.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which writing-instrument shows are there in the Cologne area, and what focuses do such events have?", "a": "Information on the collector show in Cologne can be found at collectiblestars.de. Focus of the relevant shows lies typically on old or historical writing instruments; newer Limited Editions are rather rarely to be found there. Anyone looking for current collector editions is dependent on direct contacts to boutiques or specialised dealers. As a contact in northern Germany, additionally Axel's shop in the Bremen/Hamburg area is recommended.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which Delrin variant of the CONID Bulkfiller (Flattop or Streamline) is preferable, and which basic data does the model have?", "a": "The Bulkfiller is offered in two versions of black brushed Delrin (POM): Flattop and Streamline, each produced in an edition of 100 pieces. Delrin is nearly unbreakable and lies pleasantly in the hand; the size corresponds to a Pelikan M800; the ink volume is about 2.5 ml and so considerably more than on the M800. The Streamline version has a modified titanium clip, a convex-shaped logo on the cap top and an ink window in the grip section. In the forum the Flattop version is mostly preferred; a final recommendation depends on individual preference.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a 'hole' or black dot in the clip of a Montblanc marker an original feature or a counterfeit hint?", "a": "On current models it is a black dot in the clip that distinguishes the marker within the LeGrand line from other writing instruments. The dot is only glued in and can fall out with frequent use. Older markers (e.g. with sticker 'W. Germany') did not yet have this dot, so its absence on old pieces is no authenticity problem. On overseas purchases shipping costs, customs and PayPal fees should additionally be included in the calculation to assess bargains realistically.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are the partly several hundred euro 'moon prices' for the book 'The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide' by Jens Rösler justified?", "a": "The book counts as an indispensable standard work for diehard Montblanc collectors; the sale prices discussed in the forum are nonetheless perceived as significantly exaggerated. Such moon prices are detrimental to the seller's image without actually being achieved. Commercial suppliers who additionally take over foreign web content more or less verbatim come additionally under criticism. On eBay similar price excesses occur more frequently, e.g. on Montblanc POS trays given to dealers free of charge that are partly sold declared as leather — which would constitute fraud.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are there various variants of the Montblanc model 31 with different barrel and nib versions?", "a": "Model 31 existed in different versions with two different nib shapes and matching front sections exchangeable among each other; additionally at least two further front-part variants exist. The trailing 'P' stands for 'Patronenfüllhalter' (cartridge pen) and marks the cartridge variant. The variety is considerable, so identical-looking pieces side by side can actually differ. For exact attribution, comparison with specialist literature and the gallery on Fountainpen.de is worthwhile.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a fountain pen with three-tone nib, metal piston mechanism and pressure-equalisation ribs without matching cap be identified as a Montblanc 149?", "a": "The combination of three-tone nib, metal piston mechanism and pressure-equalisation ribs points to a 149 not among the oldest. A 139 cap does not fit by shape; the cap should be screwable on completely. Missing model imprint on the turning knob and unusually flat grip-section edge are no compelling exclusion criteria, since Montblanc had different transitional versions. For restoration, experienced collectors are recommended who can swap or sell matching caps from their own holdings.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which variants of the Montblanc 114 (Mozart) exist, and with which nibs are they delivered?", "a": "The 114 exists in the classic variant black/gold-plated and black/platinum (114P) and in numerous Solitaire versions like Ramses, Nikolai, Royal, Platinum and Solid Gold. Standard models are equipped with a 14-carat nib, Solitaires and special editions with an 18-carat nib. Nibs made in France deviate in carat convention. The 114 did not exist in the Artisan True Princess Collection and not in the Magic Beauty I edition; further variants comprise the 1141 Solitaire Doué with sterling silver cap and the 1142 Solitaire Doué Vermeil.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you store fountain pens (Pelikan M400/M600, Montblanc 146) during longer non-use — with water, ink or empty?", "a": "For writing instruments from the 1960s no special storage measures are necessary. On longer non-use the pen should be emptied and flushed to avoid drying out and ink residues. Document-proof or black inks are more problematic on extended standing time than water-soluble inks like Pelikan 4001 Blue. As long as ink flow is flawless on resumption, longer filled storage has generally caused no permanent damage.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How are an inherited Montblanc Safety Baby Email Rose and a Rouge et Noir to be assessed, and what can be done with them?", "a": "Both pieces count as very rare and highly interesting for collectors, even with not perfect preservation state. Discolourations and wear reduce collector value but do not make the pieces uninteresting, as long as the housing is intact. Recommended is to keep the pieces, before any sale have them assessed by a specialist and possibly cleaned. Only then can a realistic price be achieved; value and demand are generally constant or rising.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is a Montblanc fountain pen to be assessed whose model designation cannot be researched?", "a": "A model that cannot be assigned is often a composite piece from components of various origin. In the concrete case the cap comes from a 234½, the body from a 344 or 342, so both parts are Montblanc originals but were not delivered in the same model. A corresponding model designation cannot therefore exist. For use as a writing instrument such a mix is nonetheless suitable; from a collector view, however, only as a parts donor.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can the washed-out white Montblanc logo on the cap of an old 342G be refilled in a boutique?", "a": "Collectors confirm that the logo engraving was originally factory-filled in white or gold, so a restoration corresponds to the original state. Outpatient refilling is generally carried out via boutiques or specialised engravers, similar to name engravings. As a DIY solution the white 'Neocolor II Wax Oil' pencil by Caran d'Ache is recommended, also suitable for gold fills. The original originality is not impaired by it; decisive is clean execution.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a gold pen with the nib inscription 'Watermann' and hallmarks with lions actually a Waterman?", "a": "Hallmarks with lions point to manufacture in Great Britain; in connection with the nib inscription it is presumably a jeweller's work on Waterman base and not a direct factory production by Waterman. Such pieces are conceived as safety pens and are filled manually by unscrewing the nib; drawing up is not possible. Restoration is mostly not possible, since the gold cover fully encloses the mechanism and excludes opening. Sellable as pure collector's pieces they are nonetheless.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How high is the quality of Montblanc counterfeits on fountain pens and ballpoints — are they immediately recognisable as plagiarisms?", "a": "On fountain pens the quality difference is clearly obvious: already on first writing, scratching nibs, missing ink flow and weak workmanship strike. Ballpoint counterfeits are often constructively unstable, fall apart quickly, can only be reassembled by gluing, and the refills tear the paper rather than write. Even compared with high-quality watch counterfeits, the quality gap on writing instruments stays high. The raw materials look too light; mechanisms last only a few days; correspondingly fakes are quickly identifiable even without comparison with originals.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which variants exist of the Montblanc Limited Edition Albert Einstein, and what properties does the matching ink have?", "a": "The Einstein edition is offered in three edition strengths (2, 99 and 3,000 pieces); cufflinks with space-curvature motif (around 350 euros) supplement the theme. Accompanying it, a grey ink appears that on writing shows a slight lilac tone and remains visibly on the skin compared with other Montblanc inks unusually long. Availability is initially uneven: individual pieces appear before the regular trade start on eBay, while boutiques and stationery dealers partly have not yet received display pieces or ink. Meaningful pictures can be found on Fountainpennetwork.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why does the cap of a Montblanc 146 sit loosely after short carry in the case, and can the problem be remedied oneself?", "a": "Collectors name several causes: manufacturing tolerances on the thread, an accidentally swapped cap or worn thread teeth through daily screwing, occasionally also through too firm tightening by third parties. Between barrel and cap, in final inspection, no play should occur; an audible crunching with light wobbling indicates a no longer matching thread. Self-help (e.g. warming) is advised against, since the thread is anyway not used for slip mounting. Sending in to Montblanc service is recommended; in warranty cases the cap is generally completely exchanged.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you fill a Parker Vacumatic, and what distinguishes its mechanism from ink-sac or piston pens?", "a": "The Vacumatic has neither ink sac nor piston but works with a plunger and a diaphragm (rubber membrane) and an air tube in the barrel. On pressing the plunger air is displaced through the air tube; on letting it slide back, a vacuum arises that draws in the ink via the feed. Precondition is that nib and feed stand fully in the ink and any breather hole is covered when pumping so the vacuum can build up. The system was used by Parker from about the late 1930s onwards.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Are perfumed or scented inks (e.g. De Atramentis Davidoff Cool Water) suitable for high-quality fountain pens, and how long does the scent last?", "a": "The Jansen / De Atramentis scented inks count among collectors as unproblematic for fountain pens, since they flow cleanly and leave no deposits; tested were among others Waterman Charleston without anomalies. Recommended is to first try a new ink in a less valuable pen and, after first drawing up, return the contents to the bottle to observe the residue behaviour. In the bottle the ink scents clearly of the model perfume; on the pen itself less strongly. On good paper and in closed envelope the scent remains preserved for several days; on simple copy paper it dissipates rapidly. To consider is that scented inks partly continue to scent in the cap, and residues can be perceptible longer even after ink change.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which problems does the McAfee SiteAdvisor cause when calling smaller websites, and which legal and technical implications does that have?", "a": "The SiteAdvisor only shows pages quickly that have been previously tested by McAfee; smaller homepages often do not load at all or only after several minutes, by which users are de facto denied access to untested content. In the forum it is pointed out that a blocking or delaying of content without consent can be legally problematic (reference to § 206 (2) StGB). Several posts see this as a foretaste of further-reaching concepts like fee-paying page releases or hardware-side programme control (keyword NGSCB / Fritz chip). The simplest remedy is uninstalling the SiteAdvisor; McAfee reacts after complaints and also offers phone support.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Why is Montblanc ink temporarily hard to deliver, and does the new ink formulation differ from the older version?", "a": "Delivery bottlenecks occur with other makers too (e.g. Pelikan Edelstein); concrete reasons are often not known to dealers, so only patience helps. The reformulated Montblanc inks in changed bottle form are not necessarily better or worse but seem more strongly saturated, by which flushing and cleaning take longer; an exchange of old remainder stocks is not worthwhile. Reports on flow behaviour contradict one another: some find Midnight Blue better-flowing than Blue-Black, others vice versa; the new violet ink counts as rather dry and tends to smear. Ink should be stored darkly, in any case not in direct sun, since colour tones can change or fade.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How do you recognise a counterfeit Montblanc 75th Anniversary Edition, and which steps are sensible after a wrong purchase on eBay?", "a": "The Anniversary Edition never existed in platinum-plated execution; further counterfeit features are an angular instead of round star, recessed cap rings in the black area and a housing of lacquered tin instead of resin. Such fakes are made in Hong Kong for a few euros. With a German seller one can act via buyer protection, a trademark complaint with Montblanc (service@montblanc.com or contact form) and, if necessary, lawyer or criminal complaint against the purchase; with foreign suppliers chances of success are small, so one should save time, nerves and further money. In future thorough research before purchase and a comparison with the counterfeit articles on Fountainpen.de are recommended.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Slimline-like pen with angular clip without star inlay actually a counterfeit?", "a": "At first glance the clip seems atypical due to its angular, cast-looking surface, which triggers suspicion. Nib, grip section and converter, however, show all features of an original, so it is not a counterfeit but the Montblanc Noblesse series III (not Slim Line or Noblesse Oblige). This model was produced around the year 2000; before 1991 Montblanc also covered the school and mid-price segment, which explains the unusual look. Caution with the grip section: it likes to break between thread and gold ring.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can an unmarked, capless piston pen with 14K gold nib, lion's-head hallmark and blue ring and green spindle be assigned?", "a": "Clearly identifying the piece from the description is not possible. The construction (piston mechanism, sight window, feed with Pelikan-like longitudinal grooves) speaks for German post-war production from the 1950s; the 14K gold nib excludes a pure cheap article. It is recommended to bring the piece to a collector show (e.g. Ofenwerk Nuremberg) where several experts can assess it. The lion's-head hallmark is a usual gold-content stamp and does not necessarily come from Rupp/Heidelberg.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Where do you get replacement nibs for Rotring fountain pens (e.g. Initial)?", "a": "Rotring belongs to the Sanford group; the contact in Germany is Sanford GmbH, Schnackenburgallee 43, 22525 Hamburg, tel. +49 800 8 500 500, where the service centre for Parker, Waterman, Papermate and Rotring is based. Collectors report that on direct enquiry even individual nibs (especially for inexpensive models) were sent against invoice by post; otherwise sending in the pen is usual.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Why do current Montblanc advertising articles achieve sometimes very high prices on eBay, although they are regularly distributed as giveaways?", "a": "Unlike historical advertising pieces (display cases, grooved boards, old ink bottles, posters) that are rare and collector-worthy, on current giveaway and promotion articles it is rather about irrational enthusiast prices: Coca-Cola collectors behave similarly, as do lovers of old fountain pens. Collectors advise dealers not to throw away old advertising materials, since for nearly anything a buyer is found. Critically seen are excessive prices for anyway freely available current brochures (e.g. Kafka), since one gets them free in specialist trade. With own exhibitions, celluloid-containing vintage writing instruments should be stored light-protected; modern devices may by contrast lie without problems in lit display cases.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does Montblanc offer factory tours for collectors in Hamburg?", "a": "Earlier there were regular factory tours, e.g. before the Pen Port in Hamburg, organised via the CAS. On direct enquiry with Montblanc it has meanwhile been communicated that there are no tours for the general public any more. As an alternative Pelikan offers corresponding factory tours.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What does the inscription 'Dauerfeder 2' on the nib of a Montblanc 342 mean, and is it an original Montblanc nib?", "a": "'Dauerfeder' is no Montblanc designation but was used on nibs of various non-brand makers like Aldor, Hanseat, Komteß, Prinzeß, Rusewe, Stella or Urania, in sizes 2, 4 or 12. The number typically indicates the nib size. Presumably the original nib of the 342 was, in a non-authorised repair, replaced by a cheaper foreign nib because no Montblanc nib was available or it was too expensive. Assessment requires a photo, since the gold colour alone allows no conclusion on gold alloy.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How do you best store a button-filler pen (e.g. Montblanc 222) of celluloid — with or without ink sac?", "a": "Subsequent fitting of an ink sac is unproblematic, provided the sac is afterwards not filled with ink but flushed with water after the writing test; ink is unsuitable for old writing instruments. More important than the sac itself is the state of the nib clamp: strongly oxidised clamps should be replaced, since they otherwise cause discolouration on the celluloid. If one has the ink sac fitted by a restorer, it should be agreed not to glue the grip section to the barrel again, so one can later look inside. The optimal storage of celluloid button fillers without ink sac takes place in a humidor.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc case fits a 144 if a Bohème case with zip is preferred, and which cases have dividers?", "a": "The normal Bohème case is only made for the shorter Bohème; a 144 does not fit, at most into the rarely seen Bohème Big Size case. Florence cases have no dividers; Sienna cases have dividers, which, however, are only about 5 cm long and do not reach the bottom, which can lead to scratch marks. As zip alternatives for a single writing instrument, Montblanc offers cases and leather sleeves with 15–16 cm length and the Ladystar case (16 cm). For several pens with zip Montblanc has nothing fitting; here collectors switch to makers like Golden Head from leather-goods trade.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What does the nib designation 'ST' on older Pelikan nibs mean, and is there an abbreviation for stub nibs?", "a": "ST stands for Steno and not for Stub; corresponding discussions can also be found on the Fountainpennetwork forum. For stub nibs no separate abbreviation exists, since stub forms historically corresponded to standard grinding before the rise of the ballpoint made today's usual ball nibs the standard. Steno nibs are not necessarily rare but achieve premiums on coveted models: at Montblanc, for example, a 32 with steno nib can cost around 100 euros instead of 60 euros, a 146 with ball nib rise from 200 to 600 euros; Pelikan prices vary similarly.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What were writing instruments with twisted glass nib used for, and how are they handled when writing?", "a": "These glass nibs are dip nibs: ink creeps along the spiral glass turns upward and is released downward when writing, so an astonishingly long writing per filling is possible. The ink is not filled into the barrel — a tight barrel is by design. The writing feel resembles a clip-on steel nib, is rather hard and unyielding but clean and better than a quill. They exist in many colour variants, partly also with celluloid holder and pop-on glass nibs; replacement nibs are today only difficult to obtain. Glass nibs are occasionally sold at the glassblower's.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which writing-instrument makers still make their nibs themselves, and is that an important purchase criterion?", "a": "Many smaller and mid-size brands (e.g. Faber-Castell, several Italian makers, presumably also Delta) source nibs from specialised suppliers like Bock or Schmidt; that is no quality defect but uses their long-standing development and manufacturing experience. Even on Montblanc Limiteds the cooperation of the Bock specialists is rumoured. Often bought-in nib blanks are subsequently individually ground or adapted by the brand maker (e.g. on Astoria); Delta is said to still make its hard-rubber/ebonite feeds by hand. From a collector view, in-house manufacture is rarely purchase-decisive, as long as overall quality is right.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What does the lying J (or the letters D, E) on old Montblanc special nibs of 14K mean?", "a": "Since at Montblanc no original documentation from this time has survived, the meaning of the letters can today no longer be unambiguously clarified. In the 1920s several makers (possibly Kaweco, Soennecken) also offered J nibs to which certain writing properties were ascribed. A confusion with a reversed 1 for left-hander nibs does not exist; for left-handers these nibs are not designed.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What to do if a newly bought Montblanc 145 does not start reliably and ink flow is felt as too dry?", "a": "Often it is a matter of getting used to it — a pen often writes without problems after some time. If the problems persist, the pen should be sent via the specialist dealer or a boutique to Montblanc for repair; within warranty no costs usually apply; processing takes 2–3 weeks. Experimenting with various inks (also Montblanc itself) rarely brings lasting remedy; modern paper like Clairefontaine or Rhodia causes fewer problems than cheap college paper. Today's nibs no longer need to be broken in. Practically the report shows: after factory adjustment of ink flow, the 145 was reliable and without starting problems.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why does ink collect on the grip section and in the cap of the Montblanc 146, and which repair options are there?", "a": "Possible causes are a leaking piston, hairline cracks in the grip section, pressure differences (aircraft, shocks) or simply ink residues in the cap — simply flushing and drying cap and feed often already eliminates the problem. In the concrete case, a hairline crack lay in the nib carrier between nib edge and thread; such cracks arise from the tension with which nib and feed sit in the ring. Own repair (gluing) is possible but risky, since on disassembly lamellae on the feed can break or the nib can be bent. Recommended is the factory repair at Montblanc; alternative contacts are Maxpens, Interpens or Penboard. In the forum a collector reports that a comprehensive factory repair (incl. barrel, cap, clip, cap top) cost only around 61 euros.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why does the piston mechanism of a Montblanc 146 become stiff when the pen is only stored with distilled water?", "a": "Distilled water has a high surface tension and lubricates the piston worse, by which wall friction rises and the mechanism becomes stiff. Remedy is provided by a drop of detergent per about 100 ml of distilled water, which lowers surface tension by a factor of about 3.5; before resumption thorough flushing should follow. Lubrication with sewing-machine oil is expressly warned against — it harms the pen. Frequent flushing with tap water between every filling is regarded as too much; one should only clean if the pen makes problems. If stiffness returns, repair should again take place at Montblanc.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How do you recognise the nib width of a Montblanc 146 without sticker, since the engraved M does not denote a size but the brand name?", "a": "The M engraved on the nib stands for Montblanc and not for the line width; the actual nib width is communicated by the works only by sticker to the dealer. Without this sticker the determination is only possible under the loupe and with experience, with at most more extreme grinds (OB, OBB) being well distinguishable from M, B or BB. On eBay the stickers are often still present, so the search for an M nib in practice is feasible.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Who is the new owner of Montegrappa, after the brand no longer belongs to Richemont?", "a": "Richemont sold Montegrappa at the end of June 2009; the Italian Aquila family or the former owner company Elmo & Montegrappa S.p.A. has reacquired the shares; Richemont retains around 10 %. In Germany Aratrum GmbH (Hemslingen) takes over distribution and service and additionally runs brands like Kaweco, Tibaldi and Marlen. During the takeover phase, delivery delays and a temporarily unreachable web presence occurred; collectors report that Montegrappa goods temporarily disappeared from trade. Strategically Montegrappa focuses more strongly on limited editions and is since then with continuous growth, new product range (including watches) and prominent brand presence (ambassador Sylvester Stallone, appearance in The Expendables 2) again firmly on the German market.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which practical solutions for storing a growing writing-instrument collection exist beyond the expensive original cases?", "a": "The original Montblanc collector boxes are high-quality but expensive; inexpensive leather cases (e.g. by Jürgen Kuhse or Penboard) hold up to 40 writing instruments, are space-saving, mobile and fit well in DIN A4 bank safe-deposit boxes. The Kaweco Cube by Blankenhorn takes 60 pens (24 visible) in a rotating glass/wood cube and counts as price-attractive but is not mobile. Custom drawer inserts at the carpenter (velvet-covered wooden grid) also offer a beautiful but location-bound solution. Further options are cases by Roberto Possar or display cases. Important is material choice: plasticisers in adhesives or linings can attack coatings, so materials should be carefully checked.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What current market value does the Montblanc Limited Edition Agatha Christie Vermeil with sapphires have, and where can auction prices be reliably researched?", "a": "The price depends strongly on condition; in mint condition with original packaging 1,200–1,300 euros were named. The Vermeil variant is equipped with blue sapphires; only the gold version limited to 4,810 pieces carries rubies, in distinction from the 30,000 standard edition in sterling silver with rubies. Reliable indications are provided by ended auctions national and international (especially eBay), with ultimately the current supply-demand state deciding. The market for such editions is dynamic; a sale at currently weak dollar is not currently recommended.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where do you most sensibly buy a Montblanc pen as a gift, and is there price scope at various dealers?", "a": "Prices are factually uniform in Germany: dealers selling below the prescribed prices are no longer supplied; price lists on the internet are therefore not available. Discounts of 5–10 % are partly possible in specialist trade, mostly not before Christmas. On purchase in a Montblanc boutique a subsequent free nib swap is still possible for a while; at independent dealers only the statutory return right and a dealer warranty apply. Online purchase from unknown sources is advised against; the strategy 'give pen and exchange later' is not necessary, since the nib swap is offered anyway.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a Montblanc 252 be dated, safely cleaned, polished, and which materials were used?", "a": "All 252s have an ink window (typically blue on the younger variant); if it is not recognisable, this is mostly due to old, dried ink and dissolves after thorough flushing. The material is plastic, not celluloid — unlike the 142, 144, 146 and 149 of the 1950s. Cleaning is done with lukewarm water through repeated filling and emptying of the piston; build-up attempts or vinegar additives should be dispensed with. For polishing, Wenol or alternatively Displex (from mobile-phone shops) is suitable; gold platings on rings and clip must not be treated too strongly. The 252s have no serial number; they were intended as high-quality everyday-use devices.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What to do if a Cartier Pasha skips and does not write fluently, although it has already been cleaned in an ultrasonic bath?", "a": "Likely causes are a nib width unsuitable for the hand position or unsuitable paper; standard problems like skipping and starting problems are documented in the forum many times. Cartier offers no slant/oblique nibs: M and F nibs are round-ground and also usable for crook-writers; B nibs are flatter and unfavourable for such writers, because the nib then runs on an edge, scratches and ink flow breaks off. A nib specialist (e.g. Stift Leo) can regrind sharp edges. On the 149, an oblique nib is recommended if needed. A universally correct nib hold does not exist; one adjusts individually to each pen; ball nibs are thereby the least critical.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Where do you get inexpensive and visually appealing ink bottles, e.g. for the desk in the Stuttgart area?", "a": "As an alternative to the expensive Montblanc ink bottle, collectors recommend the travel inkwell of De Atramentis: tight thread, good design, but small capacity. For solid desk bottles of crystal a look at eBay auctions and pens.it is worthwhile; on eBay these are often used collector pieces. Concrete recommendations for the Stuttgart area were not added in the thread. Important is to check the closure type before purchase if the bottle is to be transported or only used for the desk.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Where do you get a used Montblanc Carrera in yellow/orange, does it exist as a piston pen, and is a repair worthwhile?", "a": "The Carrera existed only as a cartridge pen, not as a piston model; used examples change owner on eBay typically for 50–75 euros. Spare parts (e.g. the transition ring to the grip section) can only be obtained by butchering defective examples, since Montblanc discontinues spare-parts supply for non-Meisterstück models 10 years after end of production; an economically sensible repair is therefore hardly possible. Anyone seeking a functioning replacement waits for a defective Carrera with intact desired part on eBay. As inexpensive alternatives with good value, a Pelikan 605 (e.g. at Galeria Kaufhof around 130 euros) or a Lamy 2000 (e.g. via Regina Martini) are named.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can the production year of a Montblanc Meisterstück be determined by general nib engravings and cap-ring lettering?", "a": "The engravings 4810 (height of Mont Blanc), 14 C and 585 are found since the 1930s on nearly all Montblanc gold nibs and provide no dating. The description with narrow silver band on the gold nib indicates a 149; since this is equipped with 14K nib, the piece probably dates from the early 1990s. For more concrete determination, comparison with the Meisterstück section on Fountainpen.de is recommended.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do you get spare parts for a Montblanc 220 (especially the star inlay on the barrel end), does a modern converter fit, and does the model have collector value?", "a": "A single star inlay is practically not obtainable as a spare part; a restorer would have to scavenge a complete 220, which is uneconomical. Montblanc discontinues spare-parts supply for non-Meisterstück models 10 years after end of production and destroys the remainders, so sending in only costs postage. On the converter question: there is no prescribed standard converter — best try various piston converters at the dealer; one fits in experience. The black 220s have, due to lack of rarity, no collector value at present; they remain, however, good use pieces, qualitatively under pre-war and new productions.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it normal that on an Aurora pen ink collects in the cap and on opening the fingers turn blue?", "a": "Ink in the cap is possible across makers; Aurora counts overall as a very good brand. By construction, feeds with pronounced lamellae (e.g. on Montblanc) hold back excess ink better than models like Waterman Sérénité or Parker Duofold. Triggers are often shocks during carrying in the bag, pressure and temperature fluctuations (e.g. aircraft, winter between indoors and outdoors) and carrying with nib down; affected are different models depending on maker. Remedy is provided by regular cleaning of the cap, e.g. monthly; if the problem persists, a defect on the pen is likely.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What experiences exist with brown De Atramentis inks, and are red or black inks problematic for the fountain pen?", "a": "The De Atramentis ink Leonardo da Vinci in Terra di Sienna is praised as open, harmonious and shinier than Sepia; delivery via Dr. Jansen runs reliably. When cleaning a pen that contained Ochre Yellow, surprisingly neon-green water flows out — reported damages, however, do not exist; advisable is to use the colour only on converters emptied promptly and to clean immediately afterwards. With black inks starting problems are observed; blue inks flow more easily; concrete statements on red inks as particularly aggressive the forum posts could not confirm.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "From what age do collectors typically start collecting fountain pens?", "a": "Entry ages range from about 8 (special-model cases) through 17–20 as a widespread span up to 25–26; age itself is, by collector opinion, largely irrelevant. Decisive are less biographical barriers than financial means and one's own aspiration, which may quite well include long-term goals like a Carnegie 4810 or a Jules Verne. Coveted Limited Editions are often quickly sold out and rise rapidly in price (Jules Verne from about 900 euros); new Writers Editions at 700 euros are felt as overpriced, so many young collectors expand to brands like Cartier, S.T. Dupont or inexpensive models like Waterman Phileas.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What characterises the Montblanc Donation Pen Sir Georg Solti as successor to the Karajan model?", "a": "The Donation Pen 2005 honours Sir Georg Solti as the fourth artist of the Donation line, an initiative for cultural support: per fountain pen sold, 20 euros, per ballpoint 10 euros flow into international classical-music projects. Solti, born 1912 in Budapest, was one of the most important conductors of the 20th century. Visually the writing instrument counts as plain and avant-garde, without return to yellow-gold fittings. Since the Karajan edition can run out, securing remainders timely via Scription or specialist trade is recommended. Concrete dimensions, weight or sales price of the Solti were not conclusively named in the thread.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which arguments speak in comparing Montblanc Meisterstück 145 and 146 (practicability, haptics, balance, writing behaviour)?", "a": "Material, nib quality and feed are comparable on both models, so objectively no clear quality differences exist; the choice depends above all on the writer's hand. The 146 holds more ink (around a writing day), is gladly handled without cap posted and is thereby regarded as very balanced; the 145 is more compact and better suited for shirt or briefcase, while the 146 counts as a typical desk pen. Recommended is a test in specialist trade with one's own paper, since the grip section of the 145 seems to some too thin, that of the 146 to others too thick. Pragmatically, acquisition of both models is also advised — supplemented with the 149 for signatures.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which contents and what aspiration does the book 'KAWECO – Gutberlet crossing Kaweco' on the history of the Kaweco brand have?", "a": "The book documents on around 192 pages in landscape format (about 30.3 × 21.7 cm) the Kaweco history from founding to the present, bilingually German and English. Known collectors from the German-language forum were involved as advisors; many information and photos so far only circulating in collector circles are first bundled. Available it is at Mostwanted Pens. Anyone expecting a complete reference work of all Kaweco models ever produced will, however, not be fully served.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Can individual nibs (M or B) for a Montblanc 146 be bought separately and exchanged oneself?", "a": "Montblanc does not sell individual nibs, since they could otherwise be mounted on counterfeits; a own nib swap also fails due to missing special tools and the special sealing material without which the pen leaks. An individually charged nib would, on top, be more expensive than complete sending in to nib change at the works. The recommended way is to send the pen via an authorised Montblanc specialist dealer for a factory change; a swap among collectors (BB against B, F against M) remains, without workshop solution, prone to sealing problems.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How long does the scent of a scented ink (e.g. by Jansen or Montblanc Love Letters) remain on the written letter?", "a": "Scented inks contain essential oils (predominantly terpenes) added in low dose, since they otherwise attack the plastic (e.g. Plexiglas) of the pen or resinify. The scent dissipates over time differently but persists in closed containers or envelopes longer; a letter written and sent with it scents perceptibly at the recipient. The Dornfelder red-wine ink by Dr. Jansen is expressly suitable for common fountain pens, but critical regarding light fastness, since the contained anthocyanins darken oxidatively in the air. The maker achieves light fastness via corresponding ink recipe.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which brand is behind an unmarked vintage writing instrument that bears an embossed M on the cap or clip end?", "a": "It is highly likely a Matador, a former German writing-instrument brand. Original Matador nibs carry the inscription 14K 585 Matador and an M in the circle; the M mark is found, depending on model, on the cap top or in the clip end. Qualitatively Matador counts as average but is valued for its beautiful celluloid colours.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How do you bend a bent clip of a Montblanc ballpoint (e.g. 164) straight again?", "a": "Practical is to unscrew the cap top and remove the clip; only when removed can it be evenly brought back into shape. Then the cap top is simply screwed back on. Anyone not wanting to make the intervention themselves drops off the pen at a Montblanc boutique. Concrete costs for a complete clip or rear-end exchange were not named in the thread.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How does a beginner fill an old Montblanc No. 24, and which ink or cartridge is suitable?", "a": "The Montblanc 24 is a piston pen; conversion to cartridges is not possible but is also not necessary, since the ink reservoir is larger than commercial cartridges. Filling is done with any fountain-pen-suitable ink (in no case Indian ink): dip nib into the ink bottle, turn cone at the barrel end counter-clockwise downward (air escapes), then turn clockwise back until the piston is up (ink is sucked in), pull the nib out and wipe with a cloth. For practice, water is recommended at first, to learn the filling volume. Helpful guides can be found on the Montblanc website and in suitable YouTube videos.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is a sales price of 25,000 USD for a factory-sealed Montblanc Skeleton 333 appropriate?", "a": "The Skeleton 333 is sold out worldwide and counts as one of the outstanding Montblanc editions, but 25,000 USD is in the forum rated as significantly excessive. The original sales price was around 7,500 euros for the pen plus about 3,500 euros for the matching watch. Concrete collector offers in the same discussion lie around 12,500 euros in mint condition with full Montblanc warranty and original papers, without US import taxes. As alternative, the newer Pompidou Skeleton is named; current market prices should be compared via ended international auctions.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the production year of an inherited Montblanc Meisterstück No. 35 with 18-carat gold nib be determined?", "a": "The Meisterstück No. 35 was presumably produced from the late 1920s to mid-1930s. An important indicator is the filling type: if the model has a small lever in the middle of the barrel, that indicates dating to the late 1920s; without lever and with a turn-retractable nib, everything speaks for the 1930s. Such models were originally filled with a pipette, which today can also be elegantly done with a small syringe. For a more precise classification, posting a photo on the forum is recommended.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Where do you find information on Montblanc Stylographic Pens (drawing and Indian-ink pens, e.g. model 432), and how do you store such vintage models?", "a": "Information on Montblanc stylo models is rare, but a contact is collector pages like maxpens.de, although individual model attributions there are to be taken with caution because front parts are sometimes exchanged and designations are wrong. Key source is the Montblanc Diary, helping in identification. If the stylo has a cork-seal filling mechanism, it should always be stored filled with distilled water so the cork does not dry out and become brittle.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How did the Onoto fountain pen of Sir Thomas Gibson-Carmichael come back into use after 70 years' watery grave?", "a": "In April 1917 the ocean liner SS Medina, a former royal yacht converted into a passenger ship, left Sydney with 417 passengers and crew bound for London via Bombay, Port Said and Plymouth. On board was also a valuable private collection of the British diplomat Sir Thomas Gibson-Carmichael, former governor of Madras and Bengal, and his wife Lady Mary Gibson-Carmichael. The family left the ship in Port Said and travelled on with HMS Sheffield, with most of their around 80 pieces of luggage staying on board the Medina. On 28 April 1917 the unarmed Medina was, three miles off the southern English headland Start Point, torpedoed without warning by the German submarine UB 31. Through the explosion of the torpedo in the engine room, the fourth engineer and five engine men died; all other persons reached the harbours of Dartmouth and Brixham in lifeboats. In the 1970s and 1980s, in several salvage operations, extensive finds were recovered, including oriental paintings, perfume flacons, Japanese porcelain, Indian brass ware, Australian gemstones, ancient Egyptian pearl jewellery, Assyrian cuneiform tablets, a coin catalogue of Sotheby's auction house and still readable letters from Lord Kitchener and Earl Rosebery. Sir Carmichael's personal Onoto Plunger Filler was also recovered. At a later auction the newly founded firm The Onoto Pen Company Limited acquired the writing instrument for its company collection. The pen was given to the well-known restorer Laurence Oldfield for assessment, who established that the Onoto was in excellent condition and the 14-carat nib too had hardly suffered damage. Only seals, piston and piston rod had to be replaced because of corrosion with original parts from donor pens. After reassembly and polishing, the Onoto wrote flawlessly again and is today regularly used by the firm's directorate.", "board": "Vintage pens", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How can a deteriorated writing behaviour of the nib after a Montblanc repair be remedied?", "a": "Montblanc grants on its own repairs six months' liability for defects; within this period one should immediately complain; afterwards the service flat fee applies again. Cause of a hard script is often a too narrow nib slit, e.g. because on reinserting the nib the feed was pressed together. Here professional setting of the nib helps, which most boutiques do not perform themselves but pass on to specialised nib workshops. A correctly set nib already brings ink onto the paper without writing pressure; more pressure would then overstrain the feed. Collectors report that setting is an experience-dependent intervention depending on the user's typical writing pressure.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc model from the 1970s with longitudinal guilloché surface is at hand, and how are Carrera models to be classified?", "a": "The model with thread guilloché is a Montblanc Noblesse I in platinum-plated execution, originally with rhodium-plated steel or white-gold nib. In 1980/81, while keeping the model number, the change to the Noblesse II followed, which is why Montblanc partly states the production time extendedly. A white-gold nib is unusual in this line; mostly a rhodium-plated gold nib is present. The Carrera line was also made in the 1970s, typically had only a steel nib, was at the time very inexpensive (the three-piece set barely above 50 DM) and is today classified as inexpensive collector ware.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does a non-closing gap on the turning knob of a Montblanc Meisterstück No. 14 mean, and how can it be remedied?", "a": "An open gap on the turning knob is not normal and mostly indicates a torn spindle or an over-turned or pulled-out mechanism. A repair requires special tools for disassembly; without these one rather causes additional damage. Such tools are made by some northern German professional restorers as replicas; with some skill an own tool with matching diameter can also be made. As an expert in southern Germany, Sandro Rudolf (Dr.Ink) near Heidelberg is recommended.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are there official screen wallpapers around Montblanc?", "a": "Official Montblanc wallpapers do not exist; available are only Montblanc screensavers on CD that can be obtained via Montblanc specialist dealers. Collectors have put together their own desktop wallpapers and slideshows from existing product photos (e.g. from fountainpen.de), e.g. with image-editing programs like Photoshop. Own shots of individual writing instruments like the Meisterstück 169 Leonardo Sketch Pen are also used for this purpose.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What is known about the Montblanc Writers Edition 2013 Honoré de Balzac?", "a": "The Writers Edition 2013 is dedicated to Honoré de Balzac and, corresponding to the corpulent stature of the author, conspicuously voluminously designed. First pictures appeared early in the duty-free shop assortment (Heinemann Frankfurt); the price range was between around 630 and 810 euros for the various writing-instrument variants. Collectors judge the model as very special and agree that a final assessment is only possible on direct view in the boutique.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is the nib designation MO or OM on Montblanc nibs of the 1950s for left-handers to be interpreted?", "a": "On classic lettering: if the O stands left of the nib width (e.g. OM), it is a left-bevelled nib; if the O stands right (MO), it is right-bevelled. Left-bevelled nibs were in practice primarily intended for right-handers with certain writing posture; the terms left- and right-hander nibs are, however, often used inconsistently in advertising and packaging, leading e.g. on a Sheaffer calligraphy pen to contradictory statements. Left-handers cope in practice with both MO and OM nibs, depending on individual writing posture.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What is the SuperCleaner SC21 in Montblanc inks, and what does it do?", "a": "SC21 is a cleaning additive blended in by Montblanc that ensures the ink crusts the feed and piston less strongly than other inks. By that, converters and pens can be flushed and cleaned more easily. Comparable additives partly exist in other inks too, but Montblanc explicitly emphasises this cleaning effect as a product feature.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How do collectors rate the younger Pelikan Limited Editions like the Blue Planet?", "a": "The younger Pelikan Limited Editions, including the Blue Planet, are felt by many collectors as taking getting used to and design-wise too similar to the Hercules. Classics like Gaudi or Daedalus-Icarus count as more successful and are partly still available via stocks, while newer models are deliberately no longer taken into stock by dealers. Pelikan finds it harder than Montblanc in distributing the Limiteds internationally. Criticised are above all the high prices, often regarded as excessive in relation to what is offered; some older LEs like Pyramids of Giza or Hercules find approval, however.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What was the reason for the one-day outage of fountainpen.de?", "a": "The outage was caused by a so-called flooding attack: from numerous IP addresses non-existent files were called millions of times, which overloaded the web space. Such attacks can hardly be repelled in the short term; the provider blocked the most active IP addresses, after which traffic slowly normalised. Through the attack the operator's free quota was exceeded, which caused additional costs. Within the forum community a donation option was discussed to support the admin's effort.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What is known about the UNICEF special edition of the Montblanc 149?", "a": "Within a UNICEF donation campaign three different special editions of the Montblanc 149 were released, designed by André Putman, Helmut Jahn and Tom Sachs. Each of the three editions is limited to 4,810 pieces. They are factually regular 149s delivered, however, in specially designed boxes; the writing instruments themselves carry no limitation marks, which meets with mixed echo among collectors. The boxes appeared first in French Montblanc boutiques.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is the book 'Der Füllfederhalter des Grauens' about, and in which publisher did it appear?", "a": "'Der Füllfederhalter des Grauens', edited by Jörg Sprave, appeared from Dr. Ronald Henss Verlag under ISBN 978-3-939937-05-0 as a paperback with about 148 pages. The book arose from a project of writing-enthusiastic participants of a short-story forum and gathers 14 stories around the fountain pen. The thematic starting point is the thought that with a fountain pen not only entire books are written but also signatures are made with which wars are declared, judgements pronounced, wills written or weapon and drug-money transfers initiated, by which the pen becomes a tool of power. The short stories play in different times and plot situations and range stylistically from humour and black humour through tragedy to horror and chills. To be highlighted is the variety of writing styles and the different ideas with which the common motif of a fountain pen is varied. The publisher offers reading samples of the title on its website.", "board": "Articles", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "Which literature and sources explain construction and function of a fountain pen?", "a": "As a basic work the volume 'Fountain Pens, Repair and Restoration' by Frank Dubiel is recommended, available via eBay or Penboard.de. Supplementary online sources like maxpens.de with a disassembly depiction of the 146, the OMAS guide for piston pens and penexchange.de offer detailed information on construction, components and function. Cautious own disassembly of individual models (e.g. a Bohème with glued thread sleeve) grants additional insights but is, due to partly very fine threads and adhesive joints, associated with risk.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which tips are there for photographing fountain pens with a DSLR?", "a": "Decisive is not primarily the camera model but sufficient and above all indirect lighting. Recommended are daylight lamps that produce diffuse light and avoid hard shadows and strong gleam points on metal and lacquer surfaces. A built-in flash is mostly too hard and should be avoided; halogen lamps or daylight work better. As underground and background, white paper is suitable, also arranged laterally as an improvised lightbox. Even compact cameras with macro mode deliver usable results, so lighting remains the essential factor.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How is the Montblanc Meisterstück Le Petit Prince II edition designed?", "a": "The second Petit Prince edition comes on the market in April. The standard version in dark-brown resin counts as rather plain, without engravings, with a sheep on the nib and without aviator motif, which causes disappointment to some collectors. Doué and Solitaire versions are more elaborately designed, with wave pattern on metal (Doué) or leather (Solitaire), although the Solitaires are partly felt as too heavy for longer writing. The ink appears in dark brown; added is a matching brown notebook in 146 format. Prices lie at the level of the first edition.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which ingredients does the Montblanc Blue-Black iron-gall ink contain?", "a": "It is a classic iron-gall ink in which iron(II) salt is initially present, oxidising through atmospheric oxygen to iron(III) and forming with tannic acids the lasting dark colour tone. Detailed explanations are provided by the Wikipedia entries on ink and iron-gall ink and chemical specialist pages. Phenol as preservative is today, for toxicological reasons, unusual and presumably no longer contained; the use would in any case be subject to declaration under the Hazardous Substances Ordinance. More likely are modern, less toxic preservatives like salicylic-acid derivatives; an exact composition Montblanc gives on enquiry.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What variants exist of the Montblanc 75 Years of Passion and Soul Anniversary Edition, and how should value and counterfeit risk be assessed?", "a": "The 75 Years edition comprises four variants, including skeleton models and various white-gold writing instruments as well as a 146 Le Grand as a Special Anniversary Edition (1999) with a characteristic ring on the cap. The individual editions differ considerably in features and value; an overview is provided at fountainpen.de/anniversary.htm. Current collector prices can best be determined via the closing prices of completed eBay auctions; former retail prices are no longer officially published. Guidance on identifying Meisterstück counterfeits can be found at fountainpen.de/fakes.htm.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the Montblanc Florence etui cost and is it still available?", "a": "The Florence etuis were last priced at 150 euros for the one-pen and 160 euros for the two- to three-pen variant. They are no longer in Montblanc's official line-up and are only available through old dealer stock. Many find the successor Siena too small, since larger Limited or Writers Editions like the Dickens or a 149 do not fit. The remaining alternative is then the Oblong etui.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What is the small plastic part with two tongues that fell out of a fountain pen's cap after a fall?", "a": "It is not merely a transport safety part but a functional inner-cap cover that prevents the feed from drying out. If the cover is damaged or missing, the fountain pen should be sent in for repair, since Montblanc does not release spare parts in order to prevent assemblies cobbled together from original parts. On some models like the StarWalker the part is sometimes declared as merely a design element, because the model is operated with cartridges; on classic piston fillers, however, it is functionally necessary. Besides direct shipping, private workshops also offer repairs.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is the name of a slim Montblanc fountain pen from the 1980s with a polished centre section?", "a": "The fountain pen described is unmistakably a Montblanc Slim Line. In the English-speaking world, the Slim Line range is often mistakenly assigned to the Noblesse series, which stems from a lack of familiarity with the model history. Characteristic is the polished decorative surface on the centre section, which consists not of a separate ring but of the polished surface of the barrel itself. Detailed model overviews can be found in the vintage section of fountainpen.de.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How should one deal with eBay listings of counterfeit Montblanc writing instruments (StarWalker, 75 Years of Passion and Soul)?", "a": "A direct report to eBay does little, because only the trademark holder can have auctions stopped there; it is more effective to alert Montblanc itself to the counterfeits. Directly addressing the sellers often has no effect, since many are either uncooperative or do not themselves recognize that the items are counterfeits. The collector community discusses a more consistent banning of relevant sellers by eBay, but this is not yet enforceable. Collectors therefore exchange typical fake characteristics among themselves to protect buyers.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is the Collegium Ars Scribendi (CAS), and what role does it play for Pelikan collectors of the Originals of their Time series?", "a": "The Collegium Ars Scribendi (CAS) is a collectors' association founded in 1996 around high-quality writing instruments, whose members receive preferred access to special editions and joint edition sets. Information about the association can be found at cas1996.de. The Pelikan Originals of their Time series comprises several models issued in parallel (1931 with 18-carat gold band, 1935 in green and blue celluloid, 1931 in white gold doublé, 1931 with Toledo band) with different limitations, which can especially be collected as a set with identical edition numbers.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How does one change the ink in a fountain pen when several ink colours are to be used?", "a": "Collectors pursue different strategies: some permanently reserve individual fountain pens for one colour, others switch as needed. When changing, Montblanc recommends thorough rinsing with water, especially when switching between very different colours. Cartridge users can also write the old cartridge empty and insert the new one, but must then accept a brief phase of mixed colour until only the new ink flows. Royal blue is considered unproblematic because it hardly dries out even with infrequent use.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Where can one find used vintage Montblancs in Germany, especially from before 1950?", "a": "Regular retail shops with vintage Montblancs practically do not exist in Germany. The best source for collectors is pen shows, especially the Pen Port Hamburg (in October), at which numerous dealers offer historical Montblanc models. Information can be found at marktundkultur.de. Anyone in Munich should therefore consider the trip to Hamburg in order to find pre-war models.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What did the Montblanc ostrich-leather collection for the 75-year edition (1999) originally cost, and which pieces did it include?", "a": "The ostrich-leather Anniversary collection comprised at least a notepad, a wallet, a timer, and two similar bag variants (one with two document compartments, one undivided). Owing to the high material quality and limitation, the pieces are sought-after today; on eBay, bags fetched prices of around 750 euros. The former original retail prices are not publicly documented and can in part only be traced via collectors with original receipts. Current market prices can best be assessed via the closing prices of relevant auctions.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is known about the Montblanc StarWalker Special Edition for the 100th anniversary of the company's founding?", "a": "The StarWalker Special Edition for the 100th founding year was officially launched in April; the fountain pen was to retail at 495 euros, the ballpoint at 395 euros. However, the first pieces had already appeared on eBay in advance at significantly inflated prices. The design polarises the collector scene: some find it cheap-looking, others appreciate the line and deliberately collect various StarWalker variants such as the RubberLine. Overall, the 100-year anniversary edition is visually placed behind the 75-year edition, whose 1924 and 75 limiteds are regarded as more convincing in design.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What experiences exist with Lamy ink regarding ink flow, and should inks of different makers be mixed?", "a": "Lamy ink is generally regarded as reliable, but is in experience somewhat thinner than Pelikan or Montblanc. Reports of failing ink flow, where the converter has to be turned a little, are known with some fountain pen / feed combinations; Pelikan 4001 generally does not show such behaviour. Different ink brands should not be mixed, since chemical reactions and flocculation can occur. Comparative measurements of viscosity and surface tension of common branded inks provide insight.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What causes blue fingers when writing with a Montblanc 146 or 149, and does the problem also occur with current models?", "a": "Current Montblanc 146 and 149 usually do not show the problem of blue fingers. With older models, especially from the 1980s and 1990s, a leaking grip section or feed can be responsible; a repair by the dealer sometimes brings only short-term improvement. The causes are varied (microscopic cracks, aged seals, unsuitable ink). 50s models are considered more pleasant by heavy writers, but are mostly more expensive than the current versions.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How are various vintage Montblanc models (including 138, 146, safety pens, No. 2 lever fillers) to be classified, and should they be restored?", "a": "The pieces mentioned are partly very rare vintage models; a No. 2 lever filler is regarded as a particular highlight. Hard-rubber pens and old safety pens are basically still usable for writing, but are too precious for daily use. Restorations such as fitting new seals are possible, but not mandatory; many collectors deliberately leave old writing instruments their patina and intervene only minimally. Loose cap rings on a 146 do not necessarily have to be tightened; interventions should be restrained to preserve originality.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can one find information on an old Kaweco Colleg (model 55A SM, around 1930)?", "a": "A comprehensive source of information on Kaweco models is the publication on gutberlet.com (KAWECO_history). For direct exchange with specialists and viewing of comparable pieces, a visit to the Hamburg collectors' fair is recommended, where experienced Kaweco connoisseurs are present. In addition, special CDs with model overviews exist for further research.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Does the Montblanc 168 Fineliner Classique exist, and what distinguishes a fineliner from a rollerball?", "a": "The Montblanc 168 Fineliner Classique has been on the market for about two years, both as the 168 and the P168, and differs externally from the rollerball only by a small black dot on the clip. Technically the fineliner has a spring-loaded writing tip (spring mechanism at the tip) that writes similarly to a felt-tip pen, while the rollerball works with a rolling ball mechanism on a liquid-ink refill. The fineliner thus writes harder and less wet, the rollerball softer and with stronger ink delivery.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is there an original Montblanc model for a Noblesse-like ballpoint pen of Chinese production?", "a": "The writing instrument from Shenzhen is a fantasy product that imitates the look of a Montblanc Noblesse without being a licensed product. Genuine originals with identical form are not known; similar, likewise unauthorised variants exist in gold and gold/silver versions. Interesting is the question of the refill, since Parker-system refills with a subsequent Montblanc imprint are often used. The price difference compared to an original is typically a factor of around 50.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is the straight line that remains visible in the ink window of a Montblanc 146 when the piston is screwed in?", "a": "The straight line is an original wall transition, that is, the material-induced change from the transparent ink window to the black area of the barrel. At this point the piston also strikes in its uppermost position. It is thus neither an ink residue nor a seal, but a structurally intended feature of such barrels; comparable pieces are found in many collections.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What are the special features of the Montblanc models No. 31, 32 and 34, and are counterfeits known?", "a": "The models No. 31, 32 and 34 are similar to the 43 and have so far hardly been covered on the main fountainpen.de pages; collectors are dependent here on contributions from other owners with photos. Counterfeits of these specific models are not known; with other vintage Montblancs (e.g. MonteRosa) fakes can usually be recognised by the nib. Montblanc Blue-Black ink is generally considered unproblematic; regular cleaning with filtered water after emptying the piston is sufficient, since the additive contained in the ink counteracts the more aggressive effects of iron-gall ink.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How old is a green-black marbled Reform fountain pen with cartridge filling?", "a": "A cartridge-capable Reform fountain pen cannot date from the 1950s, since cartridges only became standard later; the model is therefore to be classified as later. For more precise dating and model identification, an enquiry to specialised dealers like penexchange.de is recommended. A not quite fitting cartridge type indicates manufacturer-specific cartridge formats, which may need to be checked.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "From what period does a Montblanc Meisterstück 12 and the matching ballpoint date, and can one obtain a certificate of authenticity?", "a": "The Meisterstück 12 was produced between 1960 and 1970, the matching ballpoint between 1961 and 1970. Both writing instruments are easy to maintain and were made in larger numbers, hence not particularly rare. Montblanc generally does not issue certificates of authenticity for such models, which is also unusual. The 12s and 14s of the 1960s usually have an 18-carat gold nib whose hallmark only becomes visible after disassembly; the 22s and 24s, on the other hand, had 14-carat gold nibs.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How has the market value of the Montblanc Writers Edition Franz Kafka developed, and is the fountain pen available individually from the set?", "a": "The Kafka fountain pen was originally offered for around 650 euros; current collector prices are about 800 euros, corresponding to a moderate increase in value of around 150 euros over seven years. Writers Editions are generally delivered in special book packaging. Acquiring the fountain pen individually from the three-piece set is officially not provided for; boutiques and dealers usually only sell the complete set. Through collectors or dealer relationships, individual pieces can occasionally be obtained by passing on the unwanted parts within the collector community.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it worth buying a new Montblanc Leonardo Da Vinci for 2,500 euros with a view to a possible increase in value?", "a": "Increases in value with Montblanc Limited Editions are not guaranteed; even experienced collectors have had luck and losses over 20 years. Individual pieces offered on eBay beyond 5,000 euros do not necessarily reflect actual sales prices. It is recommended to look at actually realised closing prices of completed auctions before any purchase decision and not to rush into anything. A purchase should be made primarily out of collector interest, not as a pure investment.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What distinguishes the Graf von Faber-Castell Pen of the Year 2004, and how are the amber rings to be assessed?", "a": "The Pen of the Year 2004 is the third limited fountain pen of the series and has a platinum-plated barrel with five amber rings over translucent brass, an amber cabochon in the cap top and an 18-carat bicolour gold nib. With the amber colour there are strong natural variations: very light, almost milky-white amber is often used, while darker, yellowish stones are regarded as particularly noble; the customer generally has no influence on this. The retail price was around 2,200 euros. Predecessors were the olive-wood pen of 1991 (230th company anniversary) and the snakewood Pen of the Year 2003.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a fountain pen with retractable nib and Montblanc stars an original?", "a": "The writing instrument offered is definitely not a Montblanc product but a tinkerer's piece on which stars have subsequently been mounted. A retractable nib in this form does not exist in the Montblanc model range. One should not be unsettled by such offers; an expert assessment in the forum helps to reliably identify such counterfeits.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does Montblanc offer special left-handed nibs?", "a": "Special left-handed nibs are no longer made by Montblanc since the 1950s. Left-handers can however use the regular nib widths from EF, F, M, B to BB without any problem, since most modern nibs are anyway designed in such a way that they function regardless of writing posture. Anyone wanting a particularly tuned nib can specifically search for obliquely ground nibs from older stock or have an individual adjustment carried out by a nib specialist.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Will a blue Montblanc StarWalker appear, and is the StarWalker converter-compatible?", "a": "A blue StarWalker with a similar surface to the Jules Verne was announced; the launch has, however, been postponed indefinitely because the existing StarWalker variants are selling successfully. The StarWalker is officially not designed for converter operation and is constructed accordingly; matching Rotring converters do work mechanically, but writing problems are said to occur during permanent operation with a converter. Collectors also complain that the StarWalker is too thin, light and small for their taste; an attractively designed blue StarWalker would be a buying incentive for many.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can one obtain spare parts, in particular clip springs, for the old Montblanc PIX 172 propelling pencil?", "a": "Replacement clip springs and similar small parts for the PIX 172 are officially not available from Montblanc, since Montblanc generally does not release spare parts. Collectors swap or sell such parts from their stock or scrap damaged pencils as parts donors. Important to know: the narrow longitudinal slot in the metal tip area of old pencils is structurally present and not a defect. A hairline crack in the black plastic body, especially at the transition to the metal tip, is, on the other hand, a real damage and reduces the collector value.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is a Montblanc LeGrand 146 with transparent body, and which editions exist?", "a": "A 146 with a transparent body is either a Skeleton Edition (with skeletonised metal surface and translucent background) or a demonstrator (demo fountain pen). Demonstrators were originally produced for training and demonstration purposes in boutiques and are only available in very limited numbers, accordingly sought-after and expensive. They differ from the regular model only by the transparent body; all other components (nib, mechanism, cap) are original Montblanc. An overview of the Skeleton Editions can be found at fountainpen.de/skeleton.htm.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which brand and which manufacturer are behind the DUROLL fountain pen, which resembles a Parker Duofold of the 1920s?", "a": "DUROLL is a Parker Duofold licensed replica, comparable to numerous similar models that were produced in the 1920s and 1930s in Germany, England and Italy. In Germany, for example, Osmia in Heidelberg held a corresponding licence. Research has shown that DUROLL was manufactured under the FABULA brand by the company AURA GmbH in Munich. Munich was at that time a centre for several smaller fountain pen manufacturers.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a white Montblanc Noblesse offered on eBay genuine, and is the Noblesse series still produced?", "a": "After comparison with the seller's offer, the piece offered is a Montblanc Noblesse Oblige, whose last regular retail price was 265 euros; in the 2004 clearance the models were sold off for around 130 to 135 euros. The Noblesse Oblige is no longer in the current range. Different arrangements of the 585 and 14 ct hallmarks on the nib are not in themselves a sign of forgery, but should in case of doubt be compared with further original features.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a set of Coronation writing instruments in red, white and blue offered on eBay an authentic historical piece?", "a": "The offer appears repeatedly and is classified by experienced collectors as doubtful, especially because the modern Cartier box included does not match the supposed historical provenance. Comparable authentic Coronation sets from 1953 (e.g. listed at fountainpenemporium.com) show the colours red-white-blue in reference to the Union Jack. A bargain price of around 200 euros would only be justified if authenticity is beyond doubt; the make-up of the specific offer rather suggests scepticism.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How does one deal with an S.T. Dupont fountain pen in which dried ink has caused longer storage problems?", "a": "With ink that has not dried for too long, thorough rinsing under running water helps, possibly soaking overnight in lukewarm water. More practical in the long run is the use of a piston converter instead of cartridges: with this, bottled ink can be used, the ink level is visible, and cleaning and ink changes are much easier. Before longer storage phases, the fountain pen should generally be emptied and cleaned to avoid drying out in the feed.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Can the nib width of a Montblanc fountain pen be recognised from the engravings, e.g. when buying on eBay?", "a": "Collectors report that a layperson can hardly reliably determine the nib width from photos alone. There are indeed engravings on the nib, but these usually do not provide information about the nib width. It is therefore recommended to buy from specialist retailers, where one can extensively test-write the fountain pen with one's own paper, or from eBay sellers whose information about the nib width is demonstrably reliable. Detail photos can, as a fallback, be compared with the examples on the Fountainpen.de page on nib widths.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What are the causes of a piston mechanism in Montblanc fountain pens that becomes stiff over time, and how can this be remedied?", "a": "With piston fillers, ink residues, dried-out seals or limescale deposits can make the piston stiff over time. Cleaning with distilled or deionised water is partly viewed critically; some collectors recommend normal tap water or a brief bath in an ultrasonic cleaner. Inks used should be water-soluble where possible, since non-water-soluble inks can leave residues inside the piston. If cleaning does not help, servicing by the manufacturer or a specialist (e.g. Horst Schrage / maxpens) is sensible, since the seal or piston has to be replaced.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can a small hole on a Pelikan nib be recognised, and which Pelikan Souverän is recommended for a new purchase?", "a": "The model described is likely to be the grey marbled M200; replacement nibs for this are easily available from specialist retailers or from specialists like Rolf Thiel (missing-pen). Small worn spots on the nib usually arise mechanically, e.g. from frequent use with a steel ruler; a localised rust spot is regarded as very unusual. Among the Souveräns, M405, M605, M625 and M805 differ mainly in size and price, with the M405 being too small for many, while the M805 is very well manageable. Since the nibs are hand-ground, an extensive test write in the shop with one's own paper is strongly recommended.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How does a considerable amount of dried ink end up accumulating in the cap of an older Montblanc Classic?", "a": "Collectors report that over long idle periods, ink residues accumulate in the cap and dry into a concentrate, since ink consists predominantly of water and the remaining pigment sinks to the bottom when cleaning. When cleaning, one should be careful: with some old celluloid models, black ink in particular attacks the material from inside, so that the cap can even break in a water bath. Careful rinsing under running water, followed by a water bath, is usually sufficient to clean the cap without damaging the pen.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc Meisterstück model is a black fountain pen with Pix engraving, 14K/585 nib, screw closure and serial number beginning with VU?", "a": "Based on the description alone, the model cannot be unambiguously assigned, since the features mentioned apply to all Meisterstücks. With additional photos, collectors identify the pen as a Meisterstück 145, which has been produced for around 15 years and is therefore not considered old. The small additional spring in the piston converter is structurally present in order to overcome adhesion forces in new converters and to ensure continuous ink flow to the feed. Before first filling, a water rinse is possible but not strictly necessary.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What can one do if a used Montblanc Marcel Proust loses ink at the threads, and what service costs are to be expected for Limited Editions?", "a": "With ink leakage at the threads, either a leaking screw connection between grip section and barrel or a crack in the reservoir is to be considered. Limited Editions are only repairable to a limited extent: Montblanc does have spare parts, but their availability is limited, and repair flat rates for LEs are significantly higher than for regular models. In the case described, a cracked ink reservoir was indeed diagnosed; the repair cost around 403 euros. A direct telephone clarification with Montblanc service is recommended; shipping should always be insured.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is it worth buying the volume \"Schriftstücke\" by Pedro Corrêa do Lago from Gerstenberg Verlag?", "a": "Collectors judge the large-format book as extremely informative and impressive; it contains autographs from seven centuries and gives a good overview of handwritings of famous personalities. The book, weighing more than two kilograms, is a heavy illustrated volume. While the original price of around 59 euros was felt to be high, the work has meanwhile been significantly reduced by the publisher and is available second-hand from about 39 euros in as-new condition antiquarian. As supplementary reading on the same subject, the work \"... mit Brief und Siegel\" by the State Archive Administration of the GDR is mentioned.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Was the Montblanc Jules Verne available as a rollerball and in red, and how should the offers of a particular eBay seller be assessed?", "a": "The Montblanc Jules Verne was only available as a fountain pen and ballpoint; a rollerball never existed. The model was furthermore only delivered in blue, since other colours would not have made thematic sense (reference to the sea); the original also has a larger diameter than the counterfeits. The pieces shown in the auction in question are clearly to be classified as counterfeits; the etui can be recognised as forged by its too-short flap. With the Bohème, authenticity is harder to assess from the pictures, but the included etui is also a fake.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What experiences are there with Montblanc ladies' watches with automatic movement regarding robustness and maintenance?", "a": "Automatic watches have a rotor that can heavily strain the axles during sporting activity; they are therefore basically more sensitive than quartz watches or hand-wound watches. For everyday use, however, they are sufficiently robust. Regular wearing or occasional winding is important so that the oil does not gum up; professional servicing with cleaning and oiling is recommended after several years. Anyone wanting to save costs can check authorised repair centres abroad. For sporting activities, a quartz watch is more advisable.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc model is an older fountain pen offered on eBay, and is the price reasonable?", "a": "Collectors identify the piece offered as a Bastard, that is, a pen assembled from parts of various models and eras. The cap probably comes from a 234 of the pre-war period (celluloid with a hard-rubber cap top), the barrel, however, from a post-war 244. Owing to the poor image quality and the meagre description, a more precise determination is not possible. The piece is at most suitable as a parts donor and is to be valued at no more than 50 euros; the asking price is significantly excessive. For serious purchases, established dealers such as Horst-Max Schrage (maxpens.de) are recommended.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Who is invited to the official opening of the Montblanc boutique in Düsseldorf, and how do boutique events usually proceed?", "a": "Invited are usually regular customers whose addresses are on file with the boutique, as well as celebrities from politics, culture and business. Collectors report consistently positive experiences with advice in the boutiques, e.g. in Bremen, Hamburg, Munich or Cologne, where special requests are also fulfilled without complication. Anyone who has lodged address data or buys regularly is also frequently invited to private sales or other special events. The new Düsseldorf boutique is located directly on Königsallee.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a Montblanc Meisterstück L129 be sold and realistically valued, and is restoration sensible?", "a": "Quoted asking prices of up to 8000 USD are only asking prices and say nothing about actual sales prices, since the target group for such rare pieces is small and well-funded collectors are predominantly outside Germany. A restoration is not cheap; many collectors prefer the unrestored original condition, others a near-mint appearance — that is a matter of taste. For serious mediation and valuation, renowned experts such as Horst-Max Schrage (maxpens.de) and Lutz Fiebig (interpens) are recommended, who can be reached personally on the Pen*Port in Hamburg, among other places. A first bid of 2500 euros was assessed in the specific case as a good offer.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the authenticity of a Montblanc StarWalker Resin ballpoint pen acquired on eBay be checked?", "a": "For authenticity checking, comparison with the fake articles on StarWalkers published on Fountainpen.de is recommended, e.g. the PDF guides there to typical counterfeit features. Indications of an original are a clean star, the imprint \"Germany metal Pix\" on the clip, clean workmanship and the serial number engraved directly on the clip (usual on the first series). With the original disassembled, threads on the front part, a removable coil spring and three rings can be found. In general, it is advised to buy high-quality writing instruments from specialist retailers in order to avoid problems of this kind.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can one distinguish on eBay between genuine and counterfeit Montblanc writing instruments, especially with a known seller of mixed assortment?", "a": "Some sellers deliberately mix originals (e.g. a Mozart, a Montblanc 24 or a green etui) with counterfeits in order to appear reputable. Conspicuous features for fakes are forged packaging, wrong proportions (rollerballs often have to have a larger diameter) and implausible model variants. Notes to the sellers usually have no consequence; Montblanc itself, however, gratefully receives such reports. Buyers are advised to consistently compare with the fake overviews on Fountainpen.de before bidding.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do the Montblanc Safety models No. 12 and No. 12 1/2 differ?", "a": "Contrary to appearances, the 12 is significantly larger than the 12 1/2. The early Safeties from 1920 to 1929 bore the designations 00, 0, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12, with 00 (Baby) being the smallest and 12 the largest. From 1930 the models were renamed: 1 became 12 1/2, 2 became 15, 4 became 17 1/2 and 6 became 19 3/4, without the form changing; on the nib the M replaced the number. The 12 1/2 thus corresponds to the original size 1 and is a very small Safety. From photos without scale, the sizes cannot be reliably recognised, since the proportions are similar.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can scratches on a Montblanc Meisterstück Stainless Steel ballpoint be polished out and removed?", "a": "Hand polishing alone is not enough on stainless steel; some collectors report that polishing with products like Wenol has even worsened the result. More effective is processing with a polishing machine at sufficient speed and pressure, possibly combined with a final polish using a Venol-water mixture and an old leather belt as a polishing carrier. Deeper scratches must be ground out beforehand. For professional refurbishment, knife makers or goldsmiths in the area are suitable contacts. The material properties of the stainless steel are overall rather critically assessed.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is the cap of a Montblanc 333 1/2 from 1938 actually made of malachite or of another material?", "a": "The green cap is not malachite (a real mineral) but celluloid with the Montblanc-internal designation \"PL\". This variant was used in the simpler 3-series only very rarely and at the start of the war, since PL had until then been reserved for the Meisterstücks. In Jens Rösler's book, designations such as malachite, lapis or citrine are used throughout for the celluloid colours, not for the materials themselves; real mineral materials were only used in the Solitaire models through modern grinding and binding techniques. A combination of coloured and black celluloid on one writing instrument was unusual at Montblanc; metal/celluloid or metal/plastic combinations only exist after the Second World War.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is known about a gold nib of an Esterbrook lever filler labelled \"14\" and \"COLDIN\"?", "a": "Esterbrook was a widespread, rather inexpensive fountain pen (\"one-dollar pen\") in the USA in the 1940s and 1950s, with easily exchangeable steel nibs; a real gold nib is a rarity, especially in Germany. Reliable information about the specific designation \"14 / COLDIN\" could not be obtained either via the specialist sites ramblingsnail.net or vintagepens.com/Esterbrook.shtml. Generally, gold designations are regulated country-specifically and not standardised throughout Europe. The Esterbrook is still regarded as a thoroughly solid everyday fountain pen even after 50 years.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What is known about a Safety No. 00 long (Baby) in Email Rose in a red Osmia case, and is it a Montblanc piece?", "a": "The Montblanc Safety \"00\" or Baby is the smallest Montblanc model and was offered in various filling variants (eyedropper, safety) and with different overlays; email overlays are among the most beautiful and rarest versions. An original piece should bear a star with six points (symbol of the snow-capped Montblanc summit with six valleys). If the nib has only four points and the inscription \"Warrantel 14 ct\", it is not Montblanc but most likely Osmia, which also produced Babies and is occasionally confused with Montblanc. The accompanying Osmia case does not match a Montblanc original.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is there an overview of Montblanc Special Editions like the Willy Brandt Edition, and by what criteria are such special editions issued?", "a": "A complete listing of these Special Editions does not exist. In the Corporate Gifts area, Montblanc offers possibilities to individualise Meisterstücks with company logos, engravings or special nibs; from a corresponding minimum order quantity, customers can have their own special editions issued. Packaging and inserts are designed partly directly by Montblanc, partly by external providers. Since the conditions are not communicated publicly, such editions can hardly be catalogued systematically.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What can be said about a Montblanc 246G in marbled brown tigers-eye decor with a Boehler steel engraving?", "a": "It is the then top model of Montblanc from the late 1950s, sold in a period when Meisterstücks 142, 144 and 146 were also being produced in striped celluloid. The colour designation is tigers eye; another rare variant is PL (platinum-lined). The model also comes in the smaller sizes 242G and 244G; the size-6 in particular is regarded as very sought-after. The pen mentioned was made between 1950 and 1954. A Boehler steel engraving indicates a special-order piece.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are scented inks and high-quality inks also available as cartridges or only in ink bottles?", "a": "High-quality inks are also available as cartridges, e.g. from J. Herbin in various colours, as well as the Montblanc Seasons Greetings Ink. Sources are online dealers like Captain-Office or specialised providers like Rolf Thiel (missing-pen.de). At missing-pen, a direct enquiry about cartridge types not listed in the online shop is also worthwhile.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can a Montblanc 146 be made workable again when the ink has dried up and the piston is blocked?", "a": "It is recommended to place the fountain pen without the cap with the nib pointing down in a glass and fill with lukewarm water (about 40 degrees) up to just below the turning knob. By the capillary action of the feed, the water is slowly drawn into the tank over several days; daily, the pen should be turned over once so that the water also reaches the piston. This method requires patience but usually succeeds. It is faster if the cone is unscrewed from the barrel with a special key and the barrel cleaned directly.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is there a separate certificate of authenticity for insurance purposes for the Montblanc Limited Anniversary Edition 1924 (146 Solitaire LeGrand)?", "a": "For the Limited Anniversary Edition 1924 as well as many other high-priced Special Editions, Montblanc does not issue a separate certificate of authenticity; only the usual warranty card and the standard service guide are supplied. Some editions like Writers, Patron of Arts or Asia editions do have special packaging and service guides, but a separate certificate is unusual. For household contents insurance, in the case of damage, a proof through purchase invoice and photo is usually sufficient; the precise requirements should be clarified with the insurer. Additionally, household-contents documentation on a CD at an external storage location is recommended.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How greatly do the nib widths of various manufacturers differ, and are there experiences comparing Montblanc, Cross, Pelikan and others?", "a": "Nib widths are not standardised across manufacturers and differ considerably. A Montblanc M nib writes significantly broader than a Cross M; a Waterman F roughly corresponds to a Montblanc EF; with Pelikan, the M is between Montblanc F and M. With Aurora, an M nib can write like a Montblanc EF; Faber-Castell is comparatively closer to Montblanc. Since Montblanc nibs are hand-ground, even two nibs of the same width write slightly differently; the thinner the nib, the stronger the variation. Even with old nibs from the 1950s, considerable variations are common, which makes buying used pieces without test writing a lucky dip.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How is the book \"Füllfederhalter\" by Juan M. Clark to be evaluated, and is it suitable as a reference work?", "a": "The book is the German translation of a French original from 2001 and has the unusual format 14.5 x 14.5 cm. As a reference work, it is predominantly judged critically: the descriptions remain superficial, the sorting of the models is inconsistent (modern and 1920s models stand unordered next to each other), and on the photos the nib imprints are not recognisable. Anyone, on the other hand, looking for a pure picture book to leaf through and to orient oneself about classics like the Waterman Patrician will find usable material here. The original price was high, but the book is much more cheaply available second-hand and in the remainder section.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How old is a writing instrument of the brand Melbi with a screw-out 14-carat nib, and are all gold-coloured parts made of gold?", "a": "Melbi was a writing-instrument brand introduced by Friedrich Merz (Merz & Krell) in the 1920s; the name is a coinage from the initial letters of the family name Merz and the place name Bieberau. Pen holders, steel nibs, fountain pens and propelling pencils made of wood, metal, hard rubber and plastic were produced. Melbi was positioned as an inexpensive brand; in general, only the nib is made of gold, while the clip and rings are usually only gold-plated. A more precise dating of the model is hardly possible based on mere descriptions.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Meisterstück 149 with clip imprint \"W-Germany\" without serial number genuine, and from what period does it date?", "a": "The imprint \"W-Germany\" on the clip indicates production before 1989 (pre-reunification period) and matches a white-gold nib with yellow-gold rim. Earlier Meisterstücks did not yet bear a serial number; this was only introduced later. Since counterfeits often also bear serial numbers, their presence is in any case not a reliable authenticity criterion. A definitive authenticity check is most safely carried out at an authorised dealer on the spot. Based on additional photos, the piece described looks genuine.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc is more suitable for taking notes at university — the Mozart or the Classique — especially with small hands?", "a": "Both the Mozart ballpoint and the Mozart fountain pen are primarily stylish note-taking devices and are not suitable for prolonged writing; the narrow grip section leads to cramping when held for longer. The Classique ballpoint is also at most suitable for shorter notes, since ballpoints generally require high writing pressure. For intensive note-taking in lectures, a fountain pen like the Montblanc Chopin or, with a higher budget, the Meisterstück 146 LeGrand with a suitable nib width (often F) is recommended. Rollerballs are not recommended because of smearing ink and lack of writing control.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why does Montblanc Permanent Blue stop flowing in a 146P after a short time, and is a service flat rate necessary?", "a": "Collectors report similar ink-flow problems with Montblanc Permanent Blue, which also occur in other normally wet-writing fountain pens; this points more to an ink problem than to a defect in the fountain pen. In the specific case, however, a hairline crack in the ink reservoir was additionally found, so that the service flat rate (around 88 euros) covers cleaning, reservoir replacement and other small parts; Montblanc gives a guarantee on the repair. Hairline cracks do not arise on their own but mostly through a fall. Shipping should always be insured, since shipments have already been lost.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What experiences are there with writing instruments of the brand Montegrappa?", "a": "Collectors report predominantly positively about Montegrappa: the writing image is praised, the writing instruments lie pleasantly in the hand, and the 18-carat nibs initially require a short break-in phase. A complete renovation of a silver case including a new nib was carried out without complication by Montegrappa itself. Models like Reminiscenz, Sophia or Roma Aeterna are regarded as high-quality; concrete statements about the quality of more recent models were not possible. For sourcing, reference is made to the forum penexchange.de.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What value does an inherited Montblanc Meisterstück L 139 G - M with 14-carat gold nib have, and is it a collector's piece?", "a": "The 139 was produced from 1939 to 1951 and is highly sought-after among collectors. Pure asking prices on eBay (e.g. 4600 USD) are not meaningful, since what matters are the actually realised sales prices, which fluctuate strongly depending on condition. Decisive for the value are in particular the colour of the ink window (as light as possible, the darker the lower the value), scratches and cracks, the condition of the cork, the nib type (e.g. ball nib, KOB imprint), the presence of packaging and papers, as well as whether the piece is NOS (never used). eBay reaches the largest collector target group for the sale.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How many pieces are produced per design of a Montblanc Annual Edition (Meissen porcelain), and are official figures available?", "a": "Annual Editions are Special Editions whose number is not officially published, since the limitation refers to the production period and not to a fixed number; Montblanc does know the produced quantities but deliberately does not disclose them. The assumption of around 7500 pieces per design (i.e. 22,500 per year) can therefore not be officially confirmed. Pictures of all three editions per year can be found in the catalogue \"Montblanc Collectables, Creations of Passion\" (autumn 2004), which is available in all boutiques worldwide. The official price per pen was 1350 euros in 2005; special offers can be requested from Scription (info@scription.de).", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which official Authors Sets of the Montblanc Writers Edition exist, and what status do the pieces offered in picture frames have?", "a": "The following Authors Sets were officially issued: Oscar Wilde pencil (09051), Voltaire pencil (09052), Dumas fountain pen (09053), pencil (09054) and 3-piece set (09055), Dostoyevsky fountain pen (09104 M and 09105 B) as well as Schiller fountain pen (09108 M and 09109 B). They were issued mainly in order to sell off remaining stock more quickly; a marketing strategy in the narrower sense did not lie behind it, and the edition sizes are not known. Writing instruments framed in picture frames are not official, but were partly produced by Montblanc for promotional purposes and never regularly sold; partly such frames are also home-made.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can the nib of a Montblanc Masterpiece 142G still be exchanged today or replaced with another nib width?", "a": "Original replacement nibs for the 142G have not been produced for decades and are not available in normal specialist trade. Practical is only using another old 142 as a parts donor, which usually requires the beloved original pen as a donor. It is therefore often worthwhile having the damaged nib repaired by a specialist like HMS; nibs with not too severe damage can often be restored. A change to another nib width (e.g. from M to B) is practically not possible with the 142.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Can cracks in the plexiglass of a Montblanc 146 cap be filled in oneself, or is a replacement at the service centre necessary?", "a": "Cracks, unlike fine scratches, cannot be filled in by polishing with products like Displex. A new cap from service costs about 49 euros; however, today's 146 caps are not compatible with those from the 1990s. In 2000, the LeGrand was changed: the diameter was enlarged, the blue ink window replaced by a corrugated one, and the bicolour nib introduced. Anyone who sends in the pen effectively gets back a completely new body (except for their own nib). Alternatives are the targeted search for an old cap (eBay, forums) or accepting the crack as long as the pen writes flawlessly.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How does Montblanc appear on the internet within the Signature For Good campaign as well as on social-media channels?", "a": "Montblanc is involved with the Signature For Good Edition (with blue sapphire and gold-coated UNICEF leaf in the cap, in a limited and a regular variant) for UNICEF and uses a Facebook widget campaign in which users can enter their signature. Accompanying this, there is a Twitter account (twitter.com/mysignature) as well as an official Facebook channel (facebook.com/montblanc), on which exclusive product announcements and campaigns are also announced. In addition, customers are occasionally invited to auction events (e.g. LE 1/1 in Los Angeles with pens of money gold and brilliant rings, starting prices 18,000 to 20,000 USD); invitation criteria are not public but are presumably based on purchase history.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which ink cartridges and converters fit into an Elysee fountain pen?", "a": "Elysee fountain pens use standard cartridges; therefore all commercially available standard cartridges and corresponding standard converters fit without problem. Only Lamy, Parker, Sheaffer, Dupont and Cross have their own proprietary sizes. Montblanc cartridges have a slightly different shape but also fit into all fountain pens with standard cartridge intake. Today's Montblanc converters, on the other hand, have had a thread for a good ten years, which is why their suitability for other brands is restricted.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What writing instrument is an approximately 15 cm long combination of fountain pen and ballpoint without manufacturer's marking apart from a tiny \"Germany\" on the cap?", "a": "Such combo writing instruments with fountain pen and ballpoint were already available before the First World War, e.g. from Waterman; currently Diplomat or Visconti offer comparable models. The piece described comes design-wise from the 1970s and was probably made by Mutschler in Heidelberg; visually appealing, quality rather inferior. To change the ballpoint refill, this can usually be pulled out from the front, if necessary with pliers; with some models, a screw closure also had to be released from the inside, e.g. with the then popular combinations with digital watch in the upper part.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is it worth swapping a Montblanc Meisterstück Classic 165 propelling pencil for a Meisterstück 144 fountain pen in Bordeaux?", "a": "The 144 has not been produced since the late 1990s; its new price was around 200 euros, a 165 propelling pencil about 180 euros, so the swap is reasonable in terms of price. The 144 uses cartridges or a converter and has no rotary closure on the cap — anyone who finds a rotary closure is in fact holding a LeGrand 146. Adding to the value is original packaging with warranty card (serial number and dealer's stamp are entered there); its absence reduces the collector value. Before the swap, authenticity, nib condition, piston mechanism and cracks should be checked; an assessment in the boutique or at an authorised dealer is the safest option.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is the redesigned Montblanc website to be evaluated from a collector's perspective?", "a": "The new website is regarded as a clear improvement over the old one: it loads faster, products are easier to find, descriptions more detailed, and thanks to better search-engine friendliness, deep links to individual products are possible. Criticised are a still inadequate internal search, the missing German language version and the absence of individual editions like the \"75th Anniversary Meisterstück Edition\" and particularly small editions (88 to 333 pieces) in the Limited Editions area. The auction prices stated under \"Collector's Information\" (Patron of Arts) are not fantasy figures but average prices from three documented hammer prices of renowned auction houses such as Christie's and Sotheby's, but partly several years old. Factually wrong is the dating of the 149 to 1924 in the History section.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one gently remove the nib-width sticker (e.g. \"M\") from a new Montblanc 145 without scratching it?", "a": "The sticker can simply be peeled off without problem. Any adhesive residues are then removed with a microfibre cloth without damaging the material.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why is the engraving \"Made in Germany\" on a new Montblanc 163P located under the clip instead of \"GERMANY\" on the clip ring?", "a": "According to information from Montblanc customer service, this is a deliberate change: on all writing instruments the engraving \"Made in Germany\" is now placed on the inside of the clip, no longer on the clip ring. This change was initially also unfamiliar to customer service and had to be coordinated with the specialist department. With repairs, however, it can happen that \"old\" clips with serial number and \"Germany\" engraving on the clip ring are still fitted. A counterfeit can thus not be deduced from the changed engraving location alone.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do the Montblanc Meisterstücks 146, 147 and 149 differ in size, mechanism and nib colour?", "a": "The 149 is the largest Meisterstück and is available exclusively with piston mechanism and only in black. The 146 and the 147 are identical in size and diameter and differ solely in their filling: the 146 has a piston mechanism, the 147 takes cartridges. The 146 is additionally available in Bordeaux as well as as a Platinum version, while the 149 is not. Detailed pictures and further variants are documented on fountainpen.de under the corresponding model pages.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does Montblanc offer factory tours in Hamburg, and how can these be booked?", "a": "There is no open day, but group tours are basically possible. The so-called Factory Tours now take place exclusively from May to July, on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:30 and 17:00; a maximum of eight people can participate. Enquiries should be directed directly to Montblanc from March onwards, with at least four people required. Between Christmas and New Year (from 23.12.) the factory is regularly closed.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc offered for direct purchase on eBay genuine, and is the parallel offer for auction and direct purchase admissible?", "a": "The Montblanc offered looks authentic in the pictures; a definitive judgement is, however, only possible with the piece in hand, so a written authenticity confirmation before purchase can be sensible. eBay auctions may not be ended prematurely at will but only for a valid reason (e.g. damage, theft or error in the description); otherwise the highest bidder has a court-confirmed right to the article at the last bid price. In case of a description error, a contestation on grounds of error is possible; instead of ending the auction completely, the seller can also delete individual bids and correct the text. Against joke bidders, several legally binding judgments exist in favour of sellers (e.g. AG Bremen 16 C 168/05, LG Aurich 1 S 244/08), so a lawsuit can be quite promising.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc 146 with ink-view window offered on eBay genuine, or is it a counterfeit or an older model?", "a": "What was initially taken for a viewing window was, in the specific case, the golden nib-width sticker. The 146 has been available with an ink-view window since the 1980s; a 146 without a viewing window is in fact a 147 Traveller. The shape of the sticker has changed over time (in the 1970s small and round); at the same time, earlier the nib width was additionally engraved on the cap ring or at the cap end. A combination of sticker and 146 engraving at the cap end is unusual. Older 146s from the late 1980s have a viewing window without ribbing and a full-gold nib without platinum inlays.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Meisterstück LeGrand Ballpoint Pen Gold offered on eBay genuine, and how is the material to be interpreted?", "a": "The piece offered is genuine, but is neither a \"Parker original\" nor a classic LeGrand. It is the Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire Vermeil Classique in Faden Guilloche, manufactured from 1992. Vermeil means solid sterling silver (925) with gilding, hence the differently appearing colour tones and the stamped 925 mark. A central, maintained overview of current fake indicators is no longer regularly kept in the forum.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is there a website that fully documents all limited Montblanc editions such as Patron of Art, Writers Edition and Donations Pens?", "a": "A complete online overview of all editions since 1991 does not exist; the official Montblanc books and brochures list editions from a run of 333 pieces with text, pictures and launch prices, but are no longer being reprinted. An extensive, although not exhaustive, picture source is www.cruzaltpens.com (Paco Cruz), although predominantly in Spanish and only partly translated into English; the provider is regarded as serious. An older list maintained by Axel and Michael (up to 2006, available as a newsletter PDF on fountainpen.de) also shows that many editions with small runs (sometimes only four pieces) are publicly hardly documented. A central, current source thus remains a desideratum.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "From what years does the Montblanc 215 ballpoint date, in which colours was it produced and which writing instruments fit as a set with it?", "a": "The Montblanc 215 dates from 1957 to 1959 and was produced in black, green, grey and red; the black examples in particular appear comparatively often on collector platforms like eBay or with specialised dealers (e.g. penboard.de), so that with patience working pieces can be found. Suitable pencils are the models 275 and 276; the matching piston fountain pens are the models 252, 254 and 256, which differ mainly in size and diameter (the higher the model number, the larger the writing instrument). Concrete value statements are difficult, since the price depends decisively on the state of preservation; flat-rate market values do not exist.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does an unusual marking (a zero with a propeller- or gamma-like sign over it) on the turning knob of a Montblanc 144 Meisterstück from the 1950s mean?", "a": "An engraving in this arrangement and form on the blind cap of a Meisterstück is unfamiliar to collectors and is not described in the relevant literature (Rösler, newsletter). An unambiguous assignment of the imprint to a specific nib variant (e.g. nozzle or ball nib) does not succeed in the thread. It is recommended to post a photo of the turning knob and of the nib, since the unusual stamp could possibly be assigned to a special nib version.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a restored Montblanc 134 with steel nib suitable as an everyday fountain pen, and what must be considered with cork seal and ink?", "a": "A restored 134 is well usable as an everyday fountain pen, provided cap and barrel are undamaged; one should write a little more carefully than with modern models. With writing instruments made of celluloid, only water-soluble blue ink (e.g. Pelikan 4001 royal blue) is recommended, since other inks can attack the material. The cork seal must not dry out: with regular use this is unproblematic; with longer non-use, the fountain pen can be filled with water or ink so that the cork swells; new corks boiled in paraffin are largely insensitive to shrinkage. When carrying it, ink can occasionally leak at the grip section (more strongly with the 124 than with the 134). Compared to gold nibs, there are no special care instructions for the steel nib.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Solitaire Vermeil ballpoint with clip inscription only \"GERMANY\" without serial number genuine, and what price is reasonable for the matching set?", "a": "On older writing instruments, only \"Germany\" is engraved; a laser engraving with serial number was only added later, so the absence of the serial number does not speak against authenticity. Solitaire sets of this kind are typically to be assigned to the 1980s. A price of 150 to 200 euros for the gold-plated 144 fountain pen alone is a clear bargain, since realistic market prices are rather around 240 to 280 euros. The 144, however, is for many too thin for prolonged writing and is more suitable for signatures; the collectability of a set is determined by the original packaging and impeccable condition (no dents, engravings or scratches).", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are the sets of Pelikan and Cross (Cross Verve Platinum, Pelikan 250) offered in the Karstadt anniversary brochure for \"125 Years Karstadt\" really bargains?", "a": "Both sets are discontinued models: the Cross Verve Platinum is a higher-quality model with 18-carat bicolour nib, with an RRP of around 435 euros (fountain pen) or 185 euros (ballpoint); the former retail price of 620 euros stated by Karstadt, on the other hand, is not comprehensible and problematic under competition law. The Pelikan 250 set in dark blue was discontinued by Pelikan. The price reduction to 199 euros (Cross) or 99 euros (Pelikan) appears plausible considering the RRP, but the stated crossed-out prices are partly misleading.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What edition sizes, prices and background does the Montblanc Limited Edition Mahatma Gandhi have?", "a": "The Mahatma Gandhi edition appears in two variants from the Artisan workshop: a run of 3,000 fountain pens each (price approx. 2,500 euros) and 3,000 rollerballs (approx. 2,200 euros) as well as a small Artisan edition with only 241 fountain pens at 17,000 euros each. The numbers refer to Gandhi's famous Salt March of 241 miles, on which 3,000 companions are said to have walked. Collectors criticise the edition of 241 pieces at this price level as too high for a really exclusive collector's piece and see it more as a marketing strategy. The look of the 241 variant, however, is described as very noble.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the red saffron ink from the Mahatma Gandhi series limited, and why do market prices fluctuate so strongly?", "a": "The saffron ink is a regular accompanying ink for the Gandhi edition and not an officially limited edition. After a phase of clearance sales, it was meanwhile again offered in regular trade, which is why partly very high resale prices on the internet do not reflect the real market value. Since the Hitchcock edition has meanwhile appeared as the successor, worse availability is to be expected in the long term; at the current time, however, the ink is still obtainable, depending on the boutique.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can one tell that a Montblanc wallet offered in an online auction is a counterfeit?", "a": "Typical recognition features of a counterfeit are inconsistent packaging (Montblanc uses certain original packaging) and non-existent product lines such as a supposed \"Solitaire Leather Collection\" — the designation Solitaire at Montblanc refers exclusively to writing instruments with metal overlay. The logo on originals is not jagged, the star is always white (for the snow-capped mountain peak) and never gold-coloured or set off darker. Embossings, leather structure (too \"wrinkly\") and inaccurate typography also betray counterfeits. With auctions with notes like \"illustration similar\" or without PayPal payment, particular caution is required, since one then does not receive the article shown and buyer protection is restricted.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which blue ink is particularly suitable for a Montblanc Jules Verne?", "a": "Recommended above all are the Montblanc inks Royal Blue and Turquoise — the latter is described as fitting the character of the writing instrument and is not too garish. Anyone looking for a more special variant can fall back on the ink named \"Jules Verne\" from De Atramentis (Jansen). The choice ultimately remains a matter of taste; many boutiques offer matching turquoise ink directly with the fountain pen.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is it normal that on a Montblanc 149, after turning the piston down, ink residues are still visible at the ink-view window?", "a": "The behaviour is normal: ink residues always remain in the tank and on the piston seal; when turning up, the seal pulls these residues with it, which makes the viewing window appear stained. As long as the same ink colour continues to be used, nothing needs to be done. With an ink change, rinsing should be carried out with water until the viewing window is clear; the same applies before longer writing breaks to avoid drying out. A professional cleaning is only necessary with stubborn deposits or problems with the ink flow; with frequent writing with water-soluble (royal blue) ink, the problem occurs less often.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Why does the ink flow on a Montblanc 149 repeatedly diminish despite using Montblanc ink and regular cleaning, and which repairs are sensible?", "a": "Most frequent causes are deposits from not fully water-soluble inks or writing with too much pressure, which can shift the nib tines. Once the ink is dried up, simply topping up with new ink does not help; saturation rises and the feed clogs. Recommended are exclusively royal-blue, water-soluble Montblanc ink, regular and thorough cleaning as well as light writing pressure. With repeated nib problems, a workshop repair by Montblanc is justified; an annual repair necessity, however, is not the rule.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are a stiff piston mechanism, slight wobble of the turning section and water behind the piston on the Montblanc 146 normal?", "a": "A slight wobble of the turning section and a somewhat stiff extension are known on many 146s and 149s, more pronounced on one example, less on another — not a defect, but generally disliked. Stiffness often arises from dried ink residues; these can be loosened by an ultrasonic bath or by rinsing. Water or ink behind the piston does not belong there: it is mostly the result of solid ink deposits that produce a gap between piston and barrel. With modern writing instruments with a plastic mechanism, this is mostly uncritical; with older writing instruments with brass mechanism, this can rust. Hot water or DIY attempts should be avoided with celluloid models; in case of doubt, repair by professionals or with special tools (e.g. from penboard.de) is advisable.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one choose the right nib width (EF, F, M, B, BB) for a Montblanc 146 LeGrand when different boutiques give contradictory recommendations?", "a": "The choice of nib width depends on writing pressure, handwriting size and above all on the paper used; the broader the nib, the lower the surface pressure and the softer the writing feel. Tests in the shop should therefore always be carried out with one's own frequently used paper; ideal are smooth, satinated papers with about 90 g/m², unsuitable are laid and recycled papers. With Montblanc, the nibs EF, F and M are round-ground, B and BB on the other hand straight, which leads to a clearly different writing image — this can explain why a B nib is felt to be more pleasant. Blanket recommendations are impossible; many collectors use different nib widths for different applications (e.g. EF/F for notes, M/B for letters, BB for signatures) and therefore reach for second or third fountain pens.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is a fully transparent Pelikan 400 worth, and when was it produced?", "a": "It is a demonstrator of the Pelikan 400NN from around 1956 to 1962, originally produced only in small numbers for demonstration and advertising purposes — in contrast to demonstrators issued today in larger series. There was also a green-transparent variant. Demonstrators are sought-after collector pieces today and achieve higher prices in good condition than the regular green-striped or tortoise-coloured 400NN. Reliable values, however, only result from realised auction prices, not from desired or asking prices of individual sellers.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which carrier material lies under the platinum coating of the Montblanc Meisterstück Platinum Edition, e.g. on model 161?", "a": "On the Platinum writing instruments, the basic material consists, depending on the component, of different materials: the tip is copper-plated brass with platinum plating, the rings are made of rolled gold (thick gold layer on brass) and additionally platinum-plated, the clip is made of nickel silver (Alpacca, copper-nickel-zinc alloy). With extremely heavy use and frequent polishing, the coating can wear off; with normal use, however, no problems are to be expected even after years. Anyone wishing for a continuously metallic construction can reach for the stainless steel variant.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What experiences are there with the handmade fountain pens by Stefan Fink from Hamburg?", "a": "The writing instruments by Stefan Fink are handmade unique pieces that could be assessed during a visit to the workshop at the Hamburg fountain pen fair. They lie very well in the hand, feel like worry stones and have an exclusive gold nib. As expected, these pieces are correspondingly high-priced. The fountain pens are commercially available, among others, from Tom Westerich (penboard.de).", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is there information on the French fountain pen manufacturer Mor (or Mor's) from Paris?", "a": "The brand Mor or Mor's from Paris is not listed in standard literature (e.g. in the Lambrou book). It can be assumed to be a smaller French manufacturer; in the early 20th century (around 1925) many small workshops existed whose brand names are hardly documented today. Detailed historical information about the manufacturer cannot be ascertained in the forum.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is it more worthwhile when collecting Montblanc Limited Editions (Writers Edition) to complete existing LEs, fill gaps in the year sequence or buy exclusively according to taste?", "a": "Increase in value should not be the primary goal in collecting, since writing instruments — similarly to wine, classic cars or watches — usually do not represent a reliable investment; one should buy primarily according to personal liking. Fountain pens are basically easier to resell than ballpoints or pencils. Anyone who nevertheless collects in a structured manner should first complete the fountain pen series and not put themselves under time pressure but rather observe the market and have patience. As a supplement, the Patron of Art editions with a quantity of 1,000 or 4,810 also come into question.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can the worn silver or platinum coating of an old Meisterstück nib from the 1950s be restored?", "a": "A complete restoration of the original coating is only possible at disproportionate effort and is hardly economically justifiable. However, a new rhodium coating (alternatively palladium or platinum) can be applied through professional electroplating: for this, the nib is disassembled, cleaned, the gold parts not to be coated are masked with lacquer, then rhodium-plated and the lacquer removed again. Earlier nibs were, incidentally, never coated with silver but with metals of the platinum group (rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, platinum); commonly rhodium is used, which is particularly scratch-resistant and hard. Collectors disagree as to whether a restoration is sensible — traces of use are partly seen as part of the value.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "From what period does a Montblanc safety fountain pen with stamp \"Simplo – Original Montblanc\", nib engraving \"4 / 14 K\" and greenish-discoloured barrel date?", "a": "These Safety models typically come from the mid- to late 1920s. The barrel is made of hard rubber, which turns greenish over time; originally the writing instrument was black. The cap top is usually made of casein. If a cap part, on the other hand, still appears deep black, this points to a later replacement. Clips were an extra on these models, which is why many Safeties were delivered without a clip. A definitive evaluation only succeeds through an expert like Horst Schrage (maxpens.de), who can restore the device.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why do fountain pens often drip at the grip section in everyday use, and what can the cause be?", "a": "Dripping can have various causes: temperature fluctuations, a clogged feed, surfactant residues in the system after cleaning as well as low air pressure (e.g. when flying). Current writing instruments are tested in climatic chambers and under varying pressure conditions, so that modern models do not blot under normal use as a rule; with vintage writing instruments from the 1950s it occurs more often. Often the problem also lies in improper handling or wrong filling technique — instruction at the specialist retailer can help here. For frequent flying, the StarWalker is regarded as particularly insensitive.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How old is a Montblanc Monte Rosa 042 (G), and what value does it have together with original packaging from Simplo Hamburg?", "a": "The Monte Rosa 042 (G) was an inexpensive school fountain pen sold with or without a gold nib. With missing cap top and clip, the value of the pen itself is only around 15 to 20 euros. The accompanying original box with Simplo Hamburg imprint dates from the 1920s to 1930s and is quite interesting for collectors: boxes of this kind can fetch around 90 euros or more. It was further discussed that sellers might first offer their pieces to the forum community before an eBay auction in order to keep originals within the German-speaking area.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which dark-blue, document-proof ink is suitable for an old Montblanc 342, and what should one look out for when buying ink for old fountain pens?", "a": "Basically, every fountain-pen ink from established manufacturers like Pelikan, Montblanc, Lamy or Sheaffer is suitable; exotic US inks should be avoided, since these are partly aggressive. Important is that the ink does not dry out in the fountain pen: rinse with water before longer breaks. Water-soluble inks are the safest, while document-proof or strongly pigmented inks can form deposits, eat into the material and discolour it. Since the 342 is not a high-priced model, a moderate risk with a dark-blue ink (e.g. Pelikan Sapphire) can be taken — regular rinsing is then particularly important.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can one tell whether a Montblanc 144 or 164 is genuine, especially if no serial number is present on the clip ring?", "a": "A missing serial number is no proof of a counterfeit: only newer writing instruments bear a serial number; pieces from the 1980s and earlier have none, and some more recent special models (early Scenium, Rouge-et-Noir, Noir-et-Noir) too come without a serial number. A practical authenticity feature on Meisterstücks made of precious resin: when shining through the barrel or cap with a halogen spot, a reddish shimmer becomes visible. Detailed identifying features together with picture comparisons can be found on the fakes page of fountainpen.de; in case of doubt, photos should be posted in the forum.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Did the Montblanc 333 1/2 already exist in the 1930s, and what does the \"1/2\" designation mean in the model numbers?", "a": "The 333 1/2 actually existed in the 1930s (according to Rösler produced 1937–1948, already included in the 1936 catalogue); it was made in black, blue and green and often has a flat cap top with engraved star. The model designation should be stamped on the turning knob. Distinction from the 334 1/2 succeeds primarily via the nib size (3 1/2 or 4 1/2). The \"1/2\" ending was originally a price indication: with Safety models the model number corresponded to the retail price in Reichsmark (e.g. Safety No. 12 1/2 = 12.50 RM). In the 1930s the designation was then continued in marketing as a hint at a half-step better; models with intermediate steps are particularly rare today and accordingly in demand. Especially coloured 333 1/2 variants achieve high prices and should be assessed before purchase by an experienced collector.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which manufacturer is behind writing instruments with the inscription \"STANDARD 18. KR.\" and richly decorated gold overlay?", "a": "The brand designation \"(Standard)\" in brackets was used by a company that produced safety fountain pens; possibly it was a predecessor company of Standard-Matador in Wuppertal-Elberfeld. The construction with the designation \"18 KR\" alternatively points to an Italian origin — unusual are e.g. two eyelets, one on the cap and one on the rotatable barrel end, which is atypical. The gold overlays could come from an Italian jeweller; the basic body can come from any manufacturer. Without nib engraving and further clues, the brand cannot be unambiguously assigned.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can offered Montblanc writing instruments be checked for authenticity when only photos are available?", "a": "Some of the pieces shown are clearly counterfeits, because the depicted models do not exist as such (fantasy products) or are only roughly modelled on original models (e.g. Copernicus). Telling are nib engraving, sharpness of the contours (e.g. between star and black border) and the nature of the rings and clip; a two-step constructed cap must show a sharp-edged contour. A nib engraving \"Iridium Point Germany\" on imitation Montblancs is a clear counterfeit feature, while with other manufacturers it is common. With unsharp photos, a definitive statement is not possible; in case of doubt, a purchase is to be advised against and the post is to be placed in the matching forum section.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Did the Pelikan 400 from the 1950s really come with grey caps, or are these faded black examples?", "a": "In the standard literature (Dittmer & Lehmann, \"Pelikan Schreibgeräte\", p. 67) no grey caps are documented for the 400, which is why it is plausible that it is a faded, originally black cap. A special edition in grey is not documented. For more precise assessment, a Pelikan expert (e.g. Werner) can be consulted.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Where can one obtain spare parts for the missing black logo border on the cap top of a Montblanc 264 from the 1950s?", "a": "A professional restoration quickly exceeds the value of the 264 (depending on condition between 50 and 150 euros). It is more sensible to acquire on eBay another 264 or a damaged cap top as a parts donor, since this model is regularly offered. In everyday use, attention should be paid to the cork seal: with longer non-use, flush out the ink and fill with water; in operation use water-soluble, royal blue ink as far as possible and rinse at least once a month with lukewarm water, since aggressive inks can damage the fountain pen.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can one find lists with the original retail prices of old Montblanc fountain pens from the period 1945 to 1980?", "a": "Comprehensive public lists for this period hardly exist; reliable sources are old original catalogues with price lists, which are occasionally offered on eBay. Online, only a few catalogues can be found, e.g. a Montblanc price list from 1973 on caprafico.com or in discussions on fountainpennetwork.com. A complete collection has so far not existed; the formation of a working group for systematic recording was suggested in the forum but not implemented.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the hallmark below the \"750\" engraving on a Montblanc 149 gold nib mean?", "a": "The hallmark relates to the gold content of the nib and is also found on other 18-carat gold parts of Montblanc, e.g. on the solid-gold fountain pen. It stands in the context of export regulations: for example, in France, fountain pens may only be sold as \"with gold nib\" if the gold nib has 18 carat and is correspondingly hallmarked. The nib is thus exportable without further adjustment. \"Export nibs\" therefore frequently have 18 instead of 14 carat as well as this additional hallmark.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How does a nib exchange on a new Montblanc 149 proceed, and what costs are to be expected?", "a": "Within the first weeks after purchase, a nib exchange at the specialist retailer is possible free of charge — the easiest is to make the complaint there. Alternatively, one can send the fountain pen oneself (insured!) to Montblanc Hamburg, but should coordinate everything by telephone beforehand. After the exchange period has expired, an official exchange is no longer financially worthwhile; cheaper is then to acquire a used model with the desired nib and to resell one's own. For individual adjustments or refinement, specialists like Horst Schrage (max@maxpens.de) come into question.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What advantages does the fitting of an individually made (customized) nib, e.g. by John Mottishaw, bring compared to a standard nib?", "a": "Customized nibs deliver perfectly tuned ink flow, no start-up problems and a clearly softer writing feel than series-produced standard nibs. A flexified EF nib too can noticeably change the writing character; writing an EF thereby feels more pleasant than one is used to from hard modern nibs. Providers are e.g. nibs.com (John Mottishaw); to be noted, however, are customs procedures with US orders, which require personal effort.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How does one classify an old Montblanc Safety with imprint \"4M\", octagonal overlay (585 hallmark) and heart nib?", "a": "The engraving \"4\" on the turning knob identifies the model as Safety No. 4; the trailing \"M\" denotes the original nib width. A nib with the designation \"20\" actually originates from the 20 Meisterstück and corresponds to nib size 2, so on model 4 with this nib there can be an inconsistency — possibly it was subsequently exchanged or the nib visually fitted afterwards. For unambiguous identification, dimensions (diameter at the grip section, length without cap with retracted nib) and any hallmarks on the overlay (e.g. \"S\" for Sarastro) are decisive. For maintenance and restoration, Horst Schrage (maxpens.de) is recommended.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does a Montblanc pen stand with plug-on cap cause abrasion marks on the barrel of the 149, and how does one best store the fountain pen in it?", "a": "With plug-on cap pen stands, slight abrasion marks on the barrel cannot be avoided over time, since the rim of the plug rubs on the barrel. The previously usual thread solution was abolished because many users damaged the fountain pen when unscrewing it. Recommended is to place the 149 nib down in the pen stand and put the cap loosely on the back; this avoids friction on the polished barrel and saves a step. Frequent polishing of the barrel is not advisable, since the material thickness decreases and predetermined breaking points can develop.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Should one use various ink colours one after the other in the same fountain pen, or rather use a separate fountain pen for each colour?", "a": "The practice varies; common is the use of several fountain pens with different colours in parallel, because then one can switch as desired. Light inks come better into their own with broader nibs (B or larger) than with EF/F. Certain aggressive or strong inks — e.g. red, Pelikan brown or Montblanc burgundy — can especially in Pelikan demonstrators or celluloid models eat into the material and should as far as possible permanently be assigned to the same (possibly cheaper) fountain pen. Important are regular cleaning and trying out new inks first in less expensive writing instruments.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How does one tell whether a Montblanc Meisterstück 146 with gold nib M from the 1980s is genuine if no serial number is visible on the clip ring?", "a": "On a 146 from the 1980s, a missing clip engraving is normal; serial numbers were only introduced later. The typical reddish shimmer of the precious resin against the light is a good authenticity feature — if it is missing, that points to a counterfeit. An official, free nib exchange is only possible on new nibs with an invoice; a subsequent nib purchase from Montblanc typically costs at least 100 euros. If applicable, a swap among collectors offers itself. When posting pictures, the size and file-name guidelines of the forum (max. 499 × 499 pixels, 50 KB, no special characters in the file name) are to be observed.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Solid Gold 146 genuine that is stamped only on the cap with \"750\" and on the clip with a serial number?", "a": "Original solid-gold writing instruments typically bear the 750 stamp in several places: on the crown, on the cap, on the barrel, under the clip and on the nib; each of these parts is individually hallmarked, since otherwise an exchange would not be traceable. With early solid-gold pieces, however, partly only barrel and cap are hallmarked, and some early models still have the normal (non-gold) clip fitted, because the pure gold clip was mechanically unsuitable — the marking helps with classification here. Vermeil writing instruments, on the other hand, are marked with \"925\" (sterling silver) and partly the \"StO\" stamp. If both \"750\" and \"925\" appear on a piece, one should keep one's distance.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does the Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire Ramses II also come without a silver hallmark, and does the weight distribution of the vermeil and brass variants differ?", "a": "Of the Ramses II there are two variants: an older one of vermeil (gilded sterling silver) with 925 hallmark and a later one of gilded brass without silver hallmark. Vermeil pieces tarnish unattractively over time and can become spotted; the brass variant does not show this problem and is even partly preferred. A Ramses without silver hallmark is therefore not necessarily a counterfeit. The material has hardly any influence on the weight; overall, however, all Solitaire writing instruments are heavier than the regular Meisterstücks made of precious resin.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc inks are currently and were formerly in the range, in particular Permanent Blue-Black and Emerald Green?", "a": "In the ink-bottle range one finds, among others, the colours Black, Royal Blue (washable), Turquoise, Blue-Black (permanent, document-proof), Burgundy Red, Sepia Brown and Emerald Green (dark green); discontinued are, among others, Ruby Red, Smaragd Green, Love Letters and Season's Greetings (chocolate, scented). The cartridges largely correspond to the bottled range, without Turquoise. Permanent Blue-Black and the dark Emerald Green are regular components of the current range, even if availability in individual boutiques can vary.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What can one do if a Montblanc 320 no longer delivers ink despite cleaning?", "a": "Before a complete disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning is the most productive step; on many 320 models, dried ink residues are the cause of a blocked ink flow. On model 320, nib and feed cannot, as on the 22 or 24, be pressed out backwards, since grip section and feed are made of one piece. If when filling rattling noises occur and bubbles form on the piston shaft, this points to a hairline crack on the body — in this case no further cleaning helps; the writing instrument should be carefully examined for cracks before purchase.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What information is there on the Montblanc Limited Edition \"Meisterstück 149 – 25 Years Fall of the Wall\"?", "a": "The Special Edition celebrates the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and is based on the Meisterstück 149. The hand-finished 18-carat gold nib shows an engraving of the Quadriga of the Brandenburg Gate; the fountain pen is delivered in individually designed packaging with a black ink bottle. A more precise figure on the run was not given in the thread; further pictures and discussions can be found in the Fountain Pen Network. The edition is regarded by some collectors critically as a commercially motivated extension of the LE programme.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can one obtain a replacement nib for a Montblanc 32?", "a": "Montblanc usually still keeps spare parts for models of this series; an original replacement nib, however, costs almost as much as a used complete fountain pen. It is therefore more economical to bid on a complete 32 on eBay (rough guide: at most 25 euros for well-preserved pieces; defective examples with good nib can be had for as little as 20–30 euros) or to buy from a collector. Since this model is frequently offered, with some patience almost any nib width is available.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which metal (yellow gold or platinum/silver/white gold) do collectors prefer for the trim of their fountain pens?", "a": "The choice is predominantly a matter of taste and is closely connected with personal colour type: spring and autumn types tend to warm gold tones, summer and winter types to cool white metals. With black Meisterstücks, yellow-gold trim is often preferred; with silver-heavy models like the Kafka, gold elements would seem out of place. Writing behaviour also influences the choice: heavy writing instruments with massive metal sleeves tire faster during long writing, which is why lighter models like the Doerrbecker Quintessenz or the StarWalker RubberLine are regarded as more everyday-suitable. Heavy devices like the ST Dupont Olympio Large are more suitable for signatures.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Is it normal that black ink (Cross/Pelikan) loses gas in the bottle and the colour particles flocculate?", "a": "A change in this form cannot be reproduced in own comparison samples; usual black inks from Montblanc, Visconti or Pelikan remain stable even after long storage. Possible is spoilage by microorganisms (mould) or a chemical process through contamination. Sometimes light shaking before opening helps, since movement reincorporates the particles. Anyone who writes little should rather buy smaller ink quantities so as not to store whole large bottles; with ink from Made-in-Germany glass (Cross ink presumably comes from Pelikan) it is worthwhile checking whether the second bottle shows the same problem.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What experiences are there with the online dealer www.fuellhalter.de (Blankenhorn, Frankenthal), especially as an official Montblanc dealer?", "a": "Experiences with Blankenhorn/fuellhalter.de are consistently positive: fast, well-packed shipping, friendly telephone and e-mail contact as well as proper service in the shop in Frankenthal too. The company is an official Montblanc dealer, so the warranty papers are delivered fully filled in. In individual cases there can be typing errors with the serial number on the warranty papers — in case of warranty it is therefore important to check the entry immediately to avoid later problems.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are the nibs of the Montblanc models 12, 22 and 32 interchangeable, and how does one repair a damaged nib on a 32 with the appearance of a 12?", "a": "The nibs of models 12, 22 and 32 are largely identical in form and largely compatible; they differ, however, in material: the 12 has 18-carat, the 22 14-carat gold nibs, the 32 generally gilded steel nibs. A repair of a damaged nib seldom pays off financially — cheaper is the purchase of another 32 as a parts donor. Fitting a gold nib from a 12 or 22 into a 32 is also possible. The first port of call for used nibs is Maxpens (Horst Schrage).", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which fountain pens under 350 euros are suitable as a poppy, monochrome red or yellow second pen with piston filling alongside a Montblanc 146?", "a": "Collectors point to colourful models like the Kaweco range Blues, Tango, Samba and Mambo, which, however, only offer converter systems with low ink capacity and are placed below a Meisterstück 146 in quality. As a high-quality alternative with striking colours, Conway Stewart is mentioned, whose revived English models are available in many special colours. The Faber-Castell Pen of the Year 2008 in satinwood is also brought into play as a yellowish, high-quality candidate. With the desired brands Omas and Aurora, one has to reckon with significant price differences depending on the model.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can an inherited Montblanc safety pen from the 1920s with overlay and heart-shaped hole in the nib be identified and classified?", "a": "A serious evaluation is not possible without inspection or meaningful photos, so collectors always ask for pictures by e-mail or in the forum. For uploading photos, there is a separate guide in the help area of the forum. Safety pens by Montblanc from the 20s with a gold overlay are well known as jeweller's commissions and can be valuable, but an assignment to specific designations like Sarastro requires reliable image material.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc Limited Edition is a hard-to-recognise skeleton fountain pen depicted in a magazine?", "a": "Collectors discuss as candidates the Asia Golden Dragon 888, the Beethoven & Bernstein, the Max Reinhardt as well as the Sakura 333. The Golden Dragon is excluded because of the missing flames on the body, the Max Reinhardt because of differing cap motifs and stronger body images. A certain similarity to the Annual Edition 2006 Pantalone is perceived as motivic resemblance. Because of the unsharp source, the determination remains speculative; a better source would be needed.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a Montblanc click ballpoint be identified that is said to come from the early 1950s and was presented together with a 142 fountain pen in a leather case?", "a": "Push-button ballpoints were only produced at Montblanc from the late 1960s; a model from the early 1950s is therefore ruled out, even if the accompanying 142 fountain pen actually comes from the 50s. An overview of the numerous later models can be found in the book Collectible Stars. For a concrete determination, a visit to a writing-instrument get-together is recommended, e.g. the monthly meeting in Hamburg, where collectors keep corresponding folders with comparison pieces ready.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which manufacturer is behind a colourful ballpoint, bought in the 1980s, with a striking pattern whose cross-section is reminiscent of the Montblanc logo?", "a": "It is not a Montblanc, but the Parafernalia Flirt from the family of the Italian brand Parafernalia. Montblanc writing instruments in the 70s and 80s, even in the entry class, always bore classic forms as well as the logo and brand name; if these markings are missing, the writing instrument is not a Montblanc. Further information can be found on the manufacturer's site parafernalia.com.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which leads fit into an old Welt Pen 4-colour pencil and how does its lead feed work?", "a": "For the Welt Pen 4-colour pencil, lead and coloured-pencil leads with 1.8 mm diameter are most likely required. Ballpoint refills are unlikely, since Welt Pen disappeared from the market before the spread of 4-colour ballpoints. The pen should under no circumstances be opened, since reassembly hardly succeeds. Coloured leads in 1.8 or 1.9 mm are practically no longer regularly available today; only pencil leads in this thickness are still available from some manufacturers.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can it be recognised on a Montblanc Writers Edition Jules Verne from an eBay auction whether it is an original or a counterfeit?", "a": "Important authenticity features are the black (not metal) thread on the cap as well as the correct platinum-trim colour instead of an overly yellow-gold tone. The warranty card of the Verne is typically issued for a set, which is why this point alone is not yet a counterfeit indicator. A stamp of the responsible Köln fountain pen office speaks for an original, as does a long-standing reputable seller history. Picture displays can appear distorted depending on the monitor, so reputable sellers and complete papers are more meaningful than pure colour impressions.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can one tell on an auctioned Montblanc Meisterstück Classique rollerball whether it is a counterfeit, and are the matching refills also susceptible to forgery?", "a": "By now, very well-made counterfeit Montblanc refills also exist, so the previously common statement that original refills only fit into original pens is no longer reliable. With some editions, e.g. Bohème rollerballs, original and counterfeit can hardly be distinguished from photos alone. Only an assessment at a specialist retailer on the spot brings certainty, where the refills can also be obtained as originals. Service guide, original packaging and a specialist retailer's stamp increase the probability of an original.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a bent OB nib on the Montblanc Le Grand arise and what can be done about it?", "a": "Modern Montblanc nibs are very stiff and hardly bend by themselves during normal writing-in, so it is more likely that the nib was not optimally set up at the factory or that there was transport damage. With obliquely ground nibs (O nibs) like OB or OBB, the nib angle to the paper is particularly critical; if they are not held at the right angle, they scratch and only deliver their typical incisive writing image when held correctly. A slight correction can be made oneself with experience; otherwise the piece should be returned via the dealer to Montblanc.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is the first impression of the Montblanc Writers Edition 2012 Jonathan Swift and from when is it commercially available?", "a": "The Jonathan Swift is regarded as a visually very successful edition with an impressive triangular cap and finely worked nib. Despite its large appearance, it lies well in the hand thanks to a surprisingly pleasant weight and is comparable in size roughly to the Toscanini. The precious resin appears slightly reddish-translucent in the light. Delivery to dealers occurred, depending on region, between August and September 2012; the matching green ink was at the time of the first sightings partly not yet available.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why does the ink of a Montblanc 145 dry up significantly faster after a warranty repair of the grip section, and how can the writing flow be restored?", "a": "The cause typically lies in the fact that the nib was not correctly seated on the feed after the repair and the nib slit is therefore too narrow or too tight. A complaint at the dealer is the right path; an experienced specialist retailer can loosen the nib tension and remove any foreign bodies, e.g. a hair between the tines. Today many repairs have to be sent directly to Montblanc, since only few dealers from the old guard are still allowed to carry out such nib work themselves.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How does one change the refill in the Montblanc Leonardo da Vinci click ballpoint and which refill fits?", "a": "On the back, beneath the engraving, there is a small button that is pressed in together with the new refill; this allows the click button together with the mechanism to be removed upwards and the old refill pulled out. The new refill must necessarily be fitted with an extension adapter, otherwise it does not fit. The usual Montblanc Ball Pen Refill is used, provided the adapter is present. If no adapter is left in the pen, it must be obtained separately.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one tell on a blindly auctioned Montblanc whether it is a 146 Le Grand with M nib, and what costs arise for a later nib exchange?", "a": "The 146 Le Grand is identified, among other things, by the viewing window, which is missing on the 144. When buying at a specialist retailer, there is the possibility, within a certain period, to have the nib width exchanged free of charge. A subsequent nib exchange outside this period is significantly more expensive; currently the costs are around 187 euros, earlier lower amounts in the region of 50 euros are no longer current. On the nib itself, the nib size is usually stamped as a small letter.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How long does a piston filling on the Pelikan Souverän M600 last for everyday student use with longer exam papers?", "a": "A piston fountain pen like the Pelikan Souverän is basically well suited for studying, since fountain pens deliver a more legible writing image than ballpoints or rollerballs. The exact writing duration varies; a viewing window as some models offer makes monitoring the ink level considerably easier. For longer examinations, it is generally recommended to carry a second writing instrument as an emergency reserve.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Can a rollerball from the Montblanc Masters for Meisterstück Porcelain Black & White series be converted to a ballpoint, and what is the availability of the pieces?", "a": "A conversion of the rollerball to ballpoint mechanism is not possible. The black models of the series were quickly removed from the programme by Montblanc due to repeated cracks and are hardly available any more. The white variants are likewise scarce; the white fountain pen is offered, among others, by the Meissen online shop, list prices are around 2050 euros for the fountain pen and 1940 euros for the rollerball. Anyone wishing for a ballpoint of this design must turn to another edition.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "In which colours were the Montblanc Carrera ballpoints with stainless-steel tip produced between 1971 and 1979?", "a": "Known are, among others, yellow-orange, blood-orange, red, purple, turquoise, light green, green, dark green, olive, brown and black. According to references from former Montblanc employees, a wine-red variant additionally exists. About the existence of further blue tones such as light, medium or dark blue, there are no confirmed sightings in the forum, so the collecting series overall apparently comprises significantly more than ten colours. The writing instruments from the 1970s are regarded among collectors as underestimated.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which early Montblanc safety pens, lever fillers, compressor fillers and eyedroppers are regarded as particularly rare and where can they be obtained?", "a": "In the collecting focus are old pieces such as Safeties with overlay (outside Italian production), lever fillers, compressor fillers, eyedroppers as well as coloured Meisterstücks from the years 1924 to 1938. Particularly sought-after and hardly offered are the rare coloured 23x and 33x models from the 1930s, while the 12x Meisterstücks are mostly not for sale. Trading among collectors is common in this segment. Pictures and background can be found in the book Fountain Pens of the World by Andreas Lambrou.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc Solitaire model numbers exist in fine-grain (Feinkorn) version and since when have these been produced?", "a": "The Solitaire Meisterstücks of the newer construction were only produced from 1987; the model numbers 1443 (fountain pen) and 1633 (rollerball) in vermeil fine grain fall in this phase. In 1999, the fine-grain models were discontinued, and later, on the Faden models, the vermeil version was replaced by gilded brass. Gilded fine-grain writing instruments without 925 stamp would be untypical for the 1970s and must be examined more closely on photos in order to rule out confusion or later modifications.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where on the Montblanc StarWalker Soulmakers for 100 Years fountain pen from 2006 is the individual limitation number located?", "a": "On the Special Edition of this series, the serial number is engraved on the clip ring, while on the Limited Edition variants it is mostly placed at the end of the pen. The rollerball also bears its number at the end of the pen. A complete absence of the number would be untypical; usually the supposed absence is simply an overlooked engraving. The 1906 edition comprises correspondingly numbered examples, which secures the authenticity check via the correct numbering.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc fountain pen is regarded as the most expensive and what distinguishes it?", "a": "Regarded as the most expensive series model so far is the Mystery Masterpiece, a cooperation with Van Cleef & Arpels, of which there are three examples each in red, blue and green; the price stated was around 558,000 euros. The piece is set with numerous diamonds and coloured precious stones. Upwards, however, individual pieces or later editions are basically open, so this price does not represent a final upper limit. Further details can be found on the official Montblanc page for the model.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which high-quality fountain pens with a wooden barrel are recommended as a first acquisition and how easy to care for are the woods used?", "a": "Frequently mentioned are Faber-Castell models with Pernambuco or ebony, the Caran d'Ache with rosewood, the Waterman Sérénité Wood, newer wooden fountain pens by Omas as well as writing instruments by Cartier and Stefan Fink. Manufacturers usually use specially selected wood that is largely insensitive to sweat and stains. Price-wise, Faber-Castell is the cheapest entry, while Omas and especially the models by H. Fink, with prices from around 700 euros, are significantly higher. For targeted advice on Omas, the dealer Tom Westerich (penboard.de) is recommended.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which scent characterises the Montblanc Seasons Greetings ink 2007 and how can the aroma be classified?", "a": "The red Seasons Greetings ink 2007 contains, according to the American refill page of Montblanc, a vanilla note. Collectors describe the scent as floral-warm with a recognisable cinnamon note and thus overall Christmassy, but significantly less aggressively cinnamon-heavy than the previous year's ink. The perception of the individual components is subjective and varies between floral, vanilla and cinnamon-like impressions.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How does one filter an old Pelikan iron-gall ink from the 1950s of small clumps without impairing the writing flow of an M800?", "a": "Suitable for filtering are common coffee filters or blotting paper, which reliably retain the solid clumps. A light powder sediment of pigments may well remain desirable after filtering. In general, manufacturers advise against mixing different inks, since chemical reactions can occur; with old iron-gall inks, the deposits are typical components that have thickened over time and are usually not mould. With filtered old IG ink, good writing results can still be achieved on suitable paper.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can one check on the basis of pictures and seller information whether a Montblanc StarWalker Doué offered on eBay is genuine?", "a": "On the Doué, the characteristic feature is the multitude of fine notches on the doué element, similar to the Lennon, but not as thin; if these notches are missing or upper and lower part appear too plain, that is a clear counterfeit indicator. A serious purchase decision requires high-resolution photos as well as concrete information on the serial number in the clip and engravings on the upper part. With a sparse description and evasive seller answers, a purchase is to be advised against. With the StarWalker series, high-quality fakes are also in circulation by now, which is why caution is warranted.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "To what extent does a collectors' forum risk losing its character through increasing sales offers from outsiders, and how could this be curbed?", "a": "Forums are only of limited suitability as a sales platform, since regular collectors know the market prices well, and exorbitant prices are hardly achieved here. In other forums, sales are only allowed from a certain number of posts or after manual approval, which is an effective measure against purely sales-oriented new registrations. Overall, the impression prevails that brazen offers do attract attention but are rarely successful in the collector environment.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What are the causes when a Parker Sonnet smears at the front gold ring and the cartridge loses leaking ink during non-use?", "a": "A blanket remote diagnosis is not possible without inspection; a visit to a renowned specialist shop is recommended. Generally, every cartridge and piston filling condenses during longer storage, which can lead to ink emerging at the grip section, without there being a defect. Truly remaining residual ink quantities can often only be determined when rinsing. Specialised help on Parker is additionally offered by the Penexchange forum with its own Parker section.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which features speak in favour of a counterfeit on an eBay auction of a Montblanc Star 4810 watch?", "a": "Several detail features identify the watch in question as a counterfeit: the case back is screwed with cross-head screws instead of the slotted screws usual at Montblanc; the rotor is simply semi-circular instead of the typical Montblanc form and additionally bears no manufacturer's engraving. The reference number 7069 stated also belongs to the Timewalker line, while the Star 4810 carries reference 7102; the serial number additionally appears inconsistent. In sum, it is a comparatively easily recognisable counterfeit.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Who still repairs Elysee fountain pens after the brand was taken over by Staedtler about ten years ago and production discontinued?", "a": "Since Elysee has not been produced for about ten years, the legal successor Staedtler usually no longer keeps spare parts; a direct enquiry to Staedtler is nevertheless worth a try. Alternatively, the path to specialised independent fountain-pen repairers is worthwhile, who also work outside the manufacturer's service chain with old parts and self-made fabrications.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What is behind the article on writing culture in the Rheinischer Merkur and which materials such as galalith are mentioned therein?", "a": "The article in the Rheinischer Merkur arose after a detailed conversation with a collector during the Landpartie exhibition at Burg Adendorf near Bonn and is aimed at the more discerning readership of the paper. Background information on fountain-pen materials including galalith is provided by the book Schreibgeräte sammeln by Dietmar Geyer on pages 127 to 131. Galalith is a historical plastic made of casein, which was used in the construction of writing instruments before the spread of celluloid and modern resins.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How do the nib widths M and B compare with each other at Montblanc, Pelikan and Caran d'Ache?", "a": "With gold nibs, test writing is indispensable, since these are individually hand-ground and show recognisable differences even within the same nib width of one manufacturer. Tendentially, Montblanc nibs write somewhat thicker than Pelikan nibs of the same designation. The B nib of a Caran d'Ache Ecridor writes considerably finer than the B nib of a Montblanc Meisterstück Classique, which makes clear the manufacturer-specific character of nib widths.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Where can the Montblanc Donation Pen Leonard Bernstein still be obtained?", "a": "The Leonard Bernstein is occasionally offered on the private collector market, but is no longer regularly available in normal trade. Forum members occasionally arrange contacts to collectors who are giving up a complete Bernstein set including original packaging and papers, both as fountain pen and as ballpoint. Direct contact with the webmaster of the collector site or enquiries in collector circles are the usual source.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc model is a fountain pen with satinated grip section, silver-shiny barrel, relief-like star and 585 gold nib?", "a": "The writing instrument corresponds to the Montblanc Noblesse 1128, which was made from 1976 to 1980. It is a comparatively low-priced model of that time; the last shop price was around 98 DM, before that around 120 to 125 DM. Owing to the high production numbers, the collector value has not significantly increased today. A 585 hallmark on the nib confirms the gold material of the nib tip.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can ink from small ink bottles like the Montblanc Collodi or Ink of Joy be drawn as completely as possible into a large fountain pen like the 149?", "a": "Practicable options are: pour residues into another bottle of the same ink, transfer them to a smaller container, or tilt the ink bottle strongly when filling so that the ink can be taken up directly at the back of the nib instead of at the feed. With this, the loss of residual ink can be significantly reduced without special tools being necessary.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Safety pen No. 25 with a golden snake on the clip an original piece?", "a": "The Montblanc No. 25 is a common safety pen from the 1920s and 1930s in two variants: an early one without and a later one with cap bands. Golden snakes on the clip are not entirely unknown, but extremely rare and, in the specific case discussed, very probably a later jeweller's addition; the seller himself accordingly designates the element as an add-on clip. The claim that the No. 25 is the largest Montblanc Safety ever built is incorrect. With safety pens, a personal inspection is essential, since only that allows the tightness to be checked.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can small scratches and dull surfaces on modern Montblanc precious-resin writing instruments be polished up again?", "a": "A polishing wheel of about 300 mm diameter and 80 mm width at around 500 revolutions per minute, combined with various polishing and shine pastes, is recommended. With deeper scratches from about 0.12 mm depth, fine polishing paper of 1000 to 2000 grit should be used as preparation before machine polishing. With this, precious-resin surfaces can largely be returned to a near-mint condition.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How does one identify an old Parker Vacumatic nib as Oblique, and which modern fountain pens and nib widths come into question as a replacement for a Gothic handwriting?", "a": "A visibly obliquely ground Parker Vacumatic nib is most likely an Oblique variant, presumably OM. Gold nibs are individually ground in, which is why with a replacement only extensive test writing provides meaningful insights. Pocket-suitable models are basically all modern fountain pens, preferably not made of metal in order to avoid scratches from keys; as a smaller classic, the Montblanc Mozart 116 is suitable. Special grinds such as Italic Oblique or Fine Italic, e.g. via mrpen.co.uk, offer interesting options especially for tabular and mixed-script needs; further explanations can be found at nibs.com.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How is the Parker IM Blue to be evaluated as a beginner's fountain pen and which alternatives exist under 40 euros?", "a": "Today's fountain pens generally write reliably across brands, so individual feel, weight and ink flow are more important than the brand. In the area below 40 euros, Pelikan, Lamy, Faber-Castell Loom, Kaweco and Online are recommended; complementarily, a look at used writing instruments on eBay is worthwhile. From online buying without test writing it is advised, since the writing feel should be judged personally; for example, a metal grip section with sweaty hands can be unpleasantly slippery.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which leads fit the Montblanc Pix 72 propelling pencil and how can the poorly working press mechanism be made workable again?", "a": "The Pix 72 needs pencil leads of 1.18 mm diameter; these are still available today from Yard-o-Lead via the Filofax trade or from Caran d'Ache; an inexpensive offer also exists at memo.de. Coloured leads in this thickness are de facto only obtainable via collector exchanges. With a finicky ejector, the centring claw can be carefully cleaned with a bent-open small paperclip, since abrasion accumulates in the grooves of the claw over time. Spare parts for defective mechanisms are no longer kept by Montblanc.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it worth buying a Montblanc Artisan Edition Picasso when only a particular individual number out of 91 examples is available?", "a": "The buying decision should depend primarily on personal liking, not on investment considerations. Only a few Limited Editions have actually risen in value; at the same time, the sheer quantity of Limited and Artisan editions is now so large that the term limited has lost meaning. If the piece is subjectively worth the price to one, nothing speaks against the purchase; as a pure investment, however, it is not to be recommended.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a supposedly golden Kaweco fountain pen from the 1940s with 585 stamp and WARRANTED nib be classified and evaluated?", "a": "Kaweco collecting is a niche field, which is why information is best obtained directly from today's manufacturer Gutberlet. The expert answer from there points to inconsistencies between the clip outer diameter and housing, which should not normally occur on a high-quality gold housing, which can indicate a later clip exchange. Gold overlays of such pens generally did not come from Kaweco itself but from jewellers, often from Pforzheim. A serious evaluation requires sharp, detail-rich photos; a general guide for value determination is available in the forum.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What distinguishes the new Kaweco AL Sport Roh model, what does it cost, and is it recommendable despite the smooth grip section?", "a": "The Kaweco AL Sport Roh is in the trade from 1 October 2012 and costs about 67 euros; due to high demand the delivery time was initially seven to ten working days. The raw aluminium surface proves pleasingly scratch-resistant, even when carried together with keys in trouser pockets. As a point of criticism, users mention the very smooth grip section, which can be uncomfortable during longer writing but is unproblematic for short writing. Overall, the fountain pen is regarded as a recommendable model of the AL Sport range.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How suitable is the Pelikan M205 Duo with marker ink as a highlighter substitute and what alternatives exist?", "a": "The Pelikan M205 Duo is known as a concept and quite usable for marking purposes. Anyone who already owns several M200 models can fall back on alternative luminous inks, e.g. the Namiki Pilot fuyu-gaki mandarin ink. Special marker inks from the ink booklets by Michael Richter (available on Penexchange and Fountainpennetwork) are also an option. Thus it can be prevented that other valuable fountain pens have to be loaded with aggressive marker ink.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Are proprietary ink-cartridge formats sensible or do they harm the consumer and writing culture?", "a": "The position of the proprietary advocates argues that manufacturers are entitled to sell their own accessories for their products, and that standard formats can lead to quality problems. Counter-positions see proprietary cartridges as a declaration of war on the customer that unnecessarily restricts the choice of ink; piston fillers or converter systems that allow free choice of ink are therefore preferred. A pragmatic stopgap was formerly the refilling of empty cartridges with syringe and cannula, as was usual e.g. with Geha pens.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How does one recognise a counterfeit Montblanc briefcase made of calfskin?", "a": "Several indications speak against authenticity: an RRP of around 679 euros, untypically low for Montblanc; an unusual leather appearance and unusual fittings; a Montblanc embossing that appears qualitatively inferior; as well as untidy seams with uneven distances to the edge. Reputable comparable offers of genuine Montblanc bags are rather around 800 euros and more. With these striking features, a purchase is to be advised against; a comparison with genuine Montblanc leather goods like a Meisterstück case shows clear differences in workmanship.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it normal that on the Montblanc Jules Verne the cap shows a different colour tone with a reddish tint than the barrel?", "a": "The Jules Verne has a special lacquer coating that produces strongly varying colour impressions under different light, partly even up to a purple shimmer. Slight colour differences between cap and barrel are therefore frequently due to lighting; a clear reddish tint independent of lighting only on the cap, on the other hand, is untypical and suggests a later exchange of a component. Original packaging with intact seal makes a subsequent exchange unlikely but does not necessarily rule it out. Recommended is a comparison with further Verne examples in very bright daylight or white lamp light.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does the lead loading on the Montblanc Oscar Wilde mechanical pencil work and where does the rattling inside come from?", "a": "Operation is exclusively via rotation; an additional lead is not drawn in by the rotary mechanism but introduced from the front via the removable cap. The audible rattling comes from spare leads that lie loosely in the mechanism and can be taken out and reinserted as required. The mechanism is therefore, due to its function, not entirely silent acoustically.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Are a Montblanc Meisterstück 164 ballpoint and a 165 propelling pencil with the markings mentioned originals, and what does the pearl on the clip mean?", "a": "Both writing instruments are most likely genuine; matching original refills as well as a correctly executed clip construction are central indications, since counterfeiters often use Parker mechanisms on the ballpoint. The pearl is the small spherical thickening at the lower clip end, which fixes the pen in pocket or case. At Montblanc this pearl is soldered on as a separate component, while on cheap writing instruments it is merely punched or pressed out of the clip metal.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What features, edition size and availability characterise the Montblanc Limited Edition Brandenburg 89?", "a": "The Brandenburg 89 is the first Montblanc Limited Edition produced exclusively for German boutiques, with a total run of 89 examples. The skeleton of transparent dark-blue precious resin carries an 18-carat solid-gold overlay reminiscent of the Brandenburg Gate, is set with 108 brilliant-cut diamonds (total approx. 0.75 carat) and shows the Quadriga in relief on the cap as well as the Victoria on the 18-carat nib. The piece was exhibited, among other places, in Heidelberg and Hannover; due to the high price, it is not affordable for most collectors. A picture appeared in the magazine Kult am Pult No. 4-2004 on page 25.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a Swan Self Filler in Grey Marbled be classified by age?", "a": "The Swan Self Filler in Grey Marbled dates temporally from around 1940. Often the section on these models does not sit correctly in the housing, which can usually be corrected without intervention on the fountain pen itself. Swan fountain pens of this era are characterised by striking designs and particularly pleasantly flexible nibs, which makes them popular among collectors.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How does one polish precious-resin surfaces of Montblanc fountain pens without damaging them?", "a": "For current Meisterstücks made of precious resin, Xerapol and Displex have proven themselves; both deliver comparable results, Xerapol is cheaper. Polywatch (actually for plastic watch glasses) is also successfully used. With the corrugated ink windows of newer 146s and 149s, caution is advised, since the polish slightly attacks the surface and the window can darken slightly. Important: never apply these polishes to writing instruments made of celluloid; there they are not suitable.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Where can one obtain the book \"Der Kugelschreiber – Prêt-à-porter der Schreibgeräte\" by Werner Meier?", "a": "The book apparently contains no publisher's reference in the imprint and is not easy to find either via Amazon or via usual antiquarian booksellers. More promising is the search in specialised internet antiquarian booksellers like ZVAB or Eurobuch. Even there, however, the hit rate is not certain; some collectors have struck lucky, others not.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can an inherited A.W. Faber pen 922 EF and a Faber-Castell pencil be classified and dated?", "a": "The Faber model series 922 was produced in various variants and colours; grey is rather rare, black the more common version, and there were size variants like the 994. The plastic housing speaks for production from the mid-1950s onwards. Clip and rings are gilded, not solid, since no hallmark stamp like 585 is present; the gold nib, on the other hand, is real gold, the material value, however, low. Special collector literature on Faber-Castell is hardly available; a direct enquiry to Faber-Castell customer service is recommended.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How does one change the nib of a Parker 75 Sterling Cisele and where does one get replacement nibs?", "a": "The nib of the Parker 75 is only plugged into the grip section and can be removed without problem by simultaneous pulling and turning along the longitudinal axis, without anything being damaged. Replacement nibs are difficult to obtain today; common standard widths are often sold out, and one frequently only finds exotic widths at high prices, e.g. via US eBay. An alternative is the purchase of a defective 75 for cannibalisation; here attention must be paid to the matching feed, since various variants existed. Repairs and nib exchange are offered, among others, by Thomas Watkinson as well as the Kontor SchreibTischKultur in Münster.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which model is a Montblanc fountain pen with plug-on cap, gold ring with \"Mont Blanc Germany\" and a plain 585 nib engraving?", "a": "It is a Montblanc Classic from the 1980s. On these older nibs, the inscription \"Montblanc\" was not necessarily engraved, only the gold alloy 585. During the production period, smaller model changes occurred, e.g. variants with only one instead of two cap rings, which strictly speaking belong to an earlier series.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one restore and repair a Montblanc 146 from the 1950s with a celluloid body, damaged clip and broken screw thread?", "a": "The narrow cap ring of the 50s models is correct by design. For gilding the clip and refurbishing old writing instruments, Tom Westerich (penboard.de) and Lutz Fiebig (interpens.de) are tried-and-tested points of contact; local goldsmiths can also gild clips. When polishing the body, restraint is required, since only a thin black layer is applied to the celluloid and excessive polishing causes the yellowish celluloid to show through. With a break of the body at the screw thread, one should not undertake one's own glue attempts but contact specialists like Horst Schrage (maxpens.de), who can also renew defective cork seals. On planes, old pens with lamellar feeds are problematic, since they easily leak.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it worth redeeming a Montblanc Meisterstück Platinum 145 via the Lufthansa Miles & More programme, and is the model designation correct?", "a": "It is the Montblanc Meisterstück Platinum-Line Classique 145 with platinum-plated trim, which appears more modern and discreet compared to the classic gold variant. The designation \"Platinium\" on the Lufthansa page is a typo; correctly the model is called \"Platinum\". Collectors often advise against redeeming via the Lufthansa Worldshop, since the mileage conversion is economically unfavourable; anyone who has surplus miles anyway can however use the offer. A purchase from a specialist retailer has the advantage that the nib width can be tried out and individually selected there.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are there now also counterfeits of the Montblanc Limited Edition Imperial Dragon?", "a": "There are indeed plagiarisms of the Imperial Dragon Limited Edition. The counterfeits are, however, generally very crudely executed and can be recognised already from obvious errors such as the wrong spelling of \"Montblanc\" as two words. Attentive collectors should hardly fall for them.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can a company engraving be removed from the clip of a Montblanc StarWalker or polished out?", "a": "Polishing out a clip engraving is advised against, since the coating of the clip is very likely damaged in the process and the clip then has to be exchanged anyway. It is more sensible to ask Montblanc directly about the costs of a clip exchange. Alternatively, leftovers of defective writing instruments including clips are occasionally offered on eBay, which can serve as parts donors.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it normal that the spiral or spring in the converter of a Montblanc 145 rattles loose after cleaning?", "a": "Yes, the spiral in the converter is, by design, loose and must be freely movable; that is not a defect. It serves to support the ink flow at low fill levels through movement and to mix ink residues in the chamber.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one store fountain pens with cork seals over a longer period so that the seal does not become porous?", "a": "Writing instruments with cork seals should be stored permanently moist, ideally filled with distilled water to avoid limescale deposits. Storage can be lying flat; with piston fillers also upright, but with the nib up, so that the seal remains wetted; the feed does not have to be kept moist. With fountain pens with rubber sac, it is recommended to remove the sac and only renew it when needed, since the plasticiser can cause discolouration on the material. Independent repairs should be avoided; defective seals are best renewed by specialists.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Were there genuine demonstrator models of the Montblanc 244, and can celluloid be deliberately lightened or made transparent through sun exposure?", "a": "Real demonstrators of the 244 looked different: a piece had been milled out of the body so that one could look directly inside. Examples that have become transparent arise through excessive polishing, which removes the black outer layer. The two-colour appearance of some bodies comes from ink-induced discolouration of the celluloid; originally the material at undiscoloured spots was yellow. Ink windows of the 50s and 60s Meisterstücks were originally striped with internal stripes and a yellowish base tone; the lighter the window, the less the pen was used, which significantly increases the collector value. Wilfully altering old pieces is advised against, since the vintage character is thereby lost.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the illustrated volume \"Im Schreiben zu Haus. Wie Schriftsteller zu Werke gehen\" by Herlinde Koelbl offer in terms of content on writing habits and writing instruments?", "a": "The large-format volume \"Im Schreiben zu Haus. Wie Schriftsteller zu Werke gehen\" by Herlinde Koelbl weighs over 1,600 grams and has a format of about 24.5 by 29.5 centimetres. The book appeared in 1998 from Knesebeck GmbH und Co. Verlags KG in Munich, comprises around 260 pages and bears ISBN 3-89660-041-9. The author documents in interviews with 42 writers their writing habits and places of work, whether study, atelier, train or café, and which tools — pencil, fountain pen, typewriter or computer and laptop — are used. The interviews were partly conducted shortly before the death of individual authors and give insights into the inner emotional life of the interviewees. The text is accompanied by numerous black-and-white photographs of writing samples, workplaces and writing instruments. Thus a picture shows Sarah Kirsch, who is holding her seven pens in both hands above a handwritten manuscript. The various working methods are also described: some workplaces are meticulously ordered, others, like that of Friederike Mayröcker, chaotic; individual authors let no one into their study or separate private apartment and work apartment.", "board": "Articles", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}
{"q": "How does one make a stuck rotary mechanism of a Montblanc 334 1/2 or 332 workable again?", "a": "With a dried-up or stuck piston mechanism, prolonged soaking helps in many cases: place the fountain pen with the nib part for several hours to days in lukewarm water, so that dried ink and resinified residues dissolve. In the \"Care/Repair\" section of the forum site, a detailed guide on this can be found under the keyword \"Tipp bei eingetrocknetem Kolbenmechanismus\". Force should under all circumstances be avoided, since otherwise the mechanism breaks; if the soaking is unsuccessful, a visit to a specialised repairer is worthwhile.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What to do with a new Pelikan Souverän M600 with M nib that shows writing problems despite good ink flow?", "a": "The problem is mostly to be assigned to the nib itself, not to the fountain pen as a whole. At the specialist shop where the M600 was bought, the nib can be exchanged without complication; a return or complete exchange of the writing instrument is not necessary. The M600 is generally regarded as a recommendable writing instrument.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which letter paper is suitable for fountain pens with a broad nib if the writing image on structured laid paper is unsatisfactory?", "a": "There is not the one ideal letter paper; writing feel and writing image depend on nib width, writing angle, pressure, ink and writing direction. Tried and tested are Gohrsmühle Bütten as well as Conqueror in the variant Smooth Satin CX22, ideally in cream; on these papers the pen glides silently and the writing image remains clean. Structured laid paper can be problematic with broad nibs. Conqueror bright white seems to some collectors too much like copy paper; ribbed variants can again cause writing problems.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Are vintage Montblancs like the 344 also counterfeited, and what should one heed with suspicious eBay offers from China?", "a": "There are indeed counterfeits of older Montblanc models that crop up at irregular intervals on Penbid and eBay. In the specific case, the photos had been stolen from another auction; what would have been delivered would presumably have been a StarWalker counterfeit. Warning signs are seller accounts with lots of \"zero\" ratings collected within a few hours, as well as sellers from China. PayPal does refund the purchase price in the case of a dispute, but not the often artificially inflated shipping costs through which the fraudsters profit. Collectors generally advise to be especially careful with Chinese sellers.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are a Montblanc fountain pen and ballpoint with a striking silver ring under the cap thread genuine?", "a": "The writing instruments are genuine at their core but appear to be assembled from various parts; a silver ring under the thread could indicate a front part of a 145 Platinum that has been combined with other components. The nib tip seems asymmetrical and is presumably damaged; a blind engraving that was not mentioned in the auction description is also recognisable. The clip of the ballpoint is visibly bent. In combination with an inexperienced seller without a rating profile, collectors advise against the purchase and recommend waiting for a better offer.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "In which original packaging was the Montblanc 149 with silver rings from the 1950s delivered?", "a": "The 149 with silver rings, produced from 1952 onwards, was delivered in various cardboard boxes (presentation boxes), typically in the largest variant used at the time. In the 30s and 40s Bakelite boxes were still common; in the late 50s, boxes of celluloid and covered hinged boxes followed. In the early 50s, that is, fitting the early 149 with flat feed, simple cardboard boxes were used, which were primarily intended as gift packaging and one-time transport. Anyone who valued a more exclusive case could acquire separately available leather etuis; proper presentation cases by Montblanc only came up later, when the 149 already had lamellar feeds.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is the background story of the Montblanc edition limited to 5 pieces, presented in 2011 in the Paris fashion shop Colette?", "a": "The correct name of the edition is not \"Montblanc Nike\" but \"Montblanc Marinière for Colette\". The striped pattern quotes the then jersey of the French national football team, and the blue corresponds to the colour of the Colette logo. As part of the campaign, the Paris fashion boutique Colette invited several brands (e.g. Longchamp, Montblanc) to reinterpret one of their leading products. The fountain pen was made of white Meissen porcelain and limited to 5 pieces at 2500 euros each.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can one tell whether a silvery-looking vintage pen is actually made of silver?", "a": "Decisive is the hallmark on the clip or barrel: if it says \"900\" (or another common silver hallmark), it is real silver. If, on the other hand, \"Alpaka\" is stamped, it is silver-plated nickel-silver alloy (copper-nickel-zinc) and not a precious metal. A more precise determination is only possible with knowledge of the concrete hallmark.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How does one prevent the barrel of a plug-on cap fountain pen like the Aurora Optima from coming loose by itself in the inside jacket pocket?", "a": "Collectors report that the problem occurs especially when driving, through repeated movement, fastening the seat belt and getting out. It has proven helpful to carry the pen by clip exclusively in the narrow, shorter left inside pocket of the jacket, not in the wallet pocket. With plug-on cap constructions, the risk is basically higher; models like the Bohème or a Pilot Capless are safer here. Bent clips can in many cases be bent back without disassembly.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How does one recognise counterfeits of the Montblanc Writers Edition Jules Verne?", "a": "Counterfeits exist on a larger scale of both the rollerball and the fountain pen Jules Verne, in the colours black, red, green and blue, and also of vermeil and StarWalker rubber variants. Recognition features: the nibs of the counterfeits bear the mark \"Iridium-Point Germany\". All fakes have the same serial number 14873 as well as an etched, blurred-looking, mattly shimmering Jules Verne inscription. The fountain pen is also delivered only with cartridge converter; the clip, on the other hand, looks relatively convincing. On relevant Chinese sites, the counterfeits are offered for about 60 US dollars.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can one find a Montblanc ballpoint from the \"Eleventh Finger\" series as a replacement for a stolen heirloom?", "a": "The \"Eleventh Finger\" series was an advertising claim by Montblanc for ballpoints whose centre of gravity was clearly at the tip and which therefore lay particularly well in the hand. They existed exclusively as ballpoints in gilded version in price ranges from about 4.95 to 30 DM; solid-gold variants did not exist. Since ballpoints are usually used as utility objects until end of life, the search is difficult; the best chances are offered by collectors' meet-ups and fairs, where ballpoints are often offered along at low prices.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How old is a Montblanc ballpoint whose refill is extended via a side lever in the clip?", "a": "It is presumably the Montblanc 215, which was produced between 1957 and 1959. The model number is usually stamped on the barrel band and should be checked for confirmation. As a refill, a Ballograf refill is also suitable. For value determination, reference is made to Axel's forum article on the value determination of Montblanc writing instruments; as a market price around 30 euros is mentioned, comparable to the Pix 276.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the nib width \"S\" mean on Montblanc fountain pens?", "a": "The designation \"S\" stands at Montblanc for \"Special\" and was offered only briefly and exclusively on the fountain pen 145 \"Chopin\". The nib is characterised by an extremely broad and absolutely spherical writing tipping, which makes writing easier for left-handers and writers who need a broad writing contact. The S nib has not been produced for some time.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How is the ink line of Scribal Work Shop, e.g. the variant Nessie, to be classified?", "a": "Scribal Work Shop is an American ink manufactory of the chemist Lucas Tucker, which has specialised in historical writing inks and places particular emphasis on non-toxic ingredients; even a child-friendly ink line exists. In the forum thread, no further technical details are exchanged about the ink itself. Generally, regarding scented inks, it is noted that the scent can concentrate strongly in the cap and is intensively released when opened, which is why some collectors prefer scent-free inks.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which stationery shops and addresses for high-quality writing instruments are there in Budapest?", "a": "The first address in Budapest is Váci Utca; further points of contact are Kossuth Lajos Utca, Rákóczi Út and Múzeum Körút. Specific shops change frequently, since many long-established shops give way to trend shops. When asking, the Hungarian terms \"írószer\" (stationery) and \"töltőtoll\" (fountain pen) help. A Montblanc boutique was at the time of the discussion in planning near the opera.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "When and with which writing instruments was the Montblanc tin box delivered, and how high is its rarity value?", "a": "These are praline or gift tins that Montblanc handed out to employees and good customers at Christmas; the tins are regularly in circulation and have no special rarity value. There were tins specifically tuned to the 164 ballpoint with matching pen insert, Montblanc paper and a service-guide compartment. In total, about 14 special Christmas tins as well as 2 boxes for 164 ballpoints are known. Such tins are also partly being remade and are occasionally available for around 10 euros.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is to be made of the own writing instruments that Degussa today offers under their name?", "a": "Degussa, historically known as a nib manufacturer, today has writing instruments produced under its own name. The pieces are regarded as visually appealing but quite expensive. Comparable solid-silver models like the Waldmann Commander made of 925 sterling silver are even higher in price. Collectors point out that such silver fountain pens are often too heavy for prolonged writing and therefore do not suit every writer.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is ink leakage on the underside of the nib of a new Lamy 2000 normal?", "a": "Ink leakage on the underside of the nib is not typical on the Lamy 2000; mostly the problem does not occur. It is recommended to turn directly to Lamy customer service in Heidelberg, which is predominantly judged positively. More common, on the other hand, are ink deposits at the tip, against which regular cleaning of the cap helps. On planes, the Lamy 2000 is unproblematically usable.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Who can repair an old Eversharp fountain pen with a defective ink sac in the Paderborn area?", "a": "Specific repairers in the Paderborn area are not known among collectors. The first port of call should be a local writing-instrument specialist shop, which usually forwards to a specialised repairer; the writing instrument then mostly has to be sent in. The collector pages refer under \"Web links – Repair\" to further addresses. Horst Schrage of maxpens.de is also recommended, who, although specialised in Montblanc, generally also works on other historical fountain pens.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Why does one not get along with Montblanc Meisterstücks (149, 146) despite repeated nib exchanges, and glide better with other brands?", "a": "Frequent causes are writing posture and pressure behaviour: left-handers and writers with an untypical posture angle or high contact pressure often do not get along with Montblanc nibs from OM upwards. Every nib is individually ground and written in, which is why the usual nib width of other manufacturers cannot be directly transferred; in a boutique the after-sales service can re-grind nibs or exchange them. The choice of ink also plays a role, since some inks harmonise poorly with Montblanc's feed system; Montblanc ink in Montblanc pens reduces problems. Generally, manufacturers like Omas with ebonite feeds offer a more saturated ink flow, but they dry out faster and tend more to leak.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does fountain-pen ink have a use-by date, and can decades-old ink from eBay offers still be used?", "a": "Ink has no categorical use-by limit; in collector circles, Pelikan and Montblanc inks from the 1950s and 1960s are also successfully used in writing instruments without problems occurring. Older blue inks are partly even appreciated colour-wise. Nevertheless, caution is in order, and one should not fill old ink into particularly valuable fountain pens, since drying-out and contamination risks exist. Earlier forum posts on this subject contain further experiences.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How are the gilded desk accessories of the Spanish brand El Casco to be classified?", "a": "El Casco accessories consist of steel that, after polishing, is coated with two layers of nickel, two layers of copper and finally two or five layers of 23.4-carat gold. Stapler and hole punch are regarded as classic and harmonious in design; on dark desks they look particularly attractive. The tape dispenser, on the other hand, is felt to be stylistically not quite fitting, since it appears more angular and modern than the otherwise rather rounded pieces. Since November 2003, El Casco has additionally distributed two leather collections. In Germany, distribution is via Dr. Gold KG, whose website offers extensive product views.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What information is there on the Lamy 67P, and what is it worth today?", "a": "According to information from the manufacturer, the Lamy 67P was produced in the 1970s, presumably between 1971 and 1976, with a then retail price of about 10 DM; an alternative Lamy statement dates it to the 1960s, which is not unambiguously clarified. It takes standard cartridges; earlier, Pelikan and Montblanc cartridges also fitted, but the connection was changed later. The model has hardly any collector value; it was a simple school or utility pen.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How is a Montblanc 134 with a foreign stainless-steel nib and imprint \"DRP 652405\" to be classified in time?", "a": "It is not a fountain pen from wartime production; the short cap top of celluloid as well as the refurbishment by Lutz Fiebig speak for a dating around 1950 to 1952. The stainless-steel nib found is definitely not a Montblanc original, since Montblanc always fitted its own nibs; it was subsequently exchanged. The rear engraving \"OBB\" actually points to a broad oblique gold nib, which confirms the later nib alteration. With very good condition one should be critical: a yellowish, striped ink window is a more reliable sign of low use than a polish-shiny body. Repairs including new cork seal are reliably carried out by Lutz Fiebig.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which model is an unknown older fountain pen from family possessions?", "a": "The piece depicted is an original from the Montblanc range 252, 254 or 256, depending on size; the exact model number typically stands at the rear on the turning knob. If this number is missing entirely, a sure assignment is difficult. The basic nib form fits this model range; whether the nib is bent or the iridium tipping is intact can only be judged with better photos. For value determination, reference is made to Axel's forum article on valuation principles.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the serial-number marking \"S/0503\" on a Montblanc Agatha Christie mean?", "a": "The leading \"S\" stands for \"Service\" and indicates that the writing instrument has already been at Montblanc for repair once. Since for every limited edition a complete spare-parts inventory cannot be kept, exchanged parts receive this special S marking. Specifically, only caps are given S numbers, since the limitation number is engraved there; on non-limited writing instruments no such limit number exists, only the production coding.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the \"Perfect Pencil\" by Graf von Faber-Castell, limited to 99 pieces, worth the asking collector's price?", "a": "The list price was then around 9,000 euros; the high value results from the cap of solid white gold with three larger diamonds. Collectors evaluate the price-performance ratio critically and prefer, for comparable money, several Montblanc Limited Editions instead. The regular, non-limited \"Perfect Pencil\" with or without integrated sharpener, on the other hand, is appreciated as a pleasant and successful collector's piece.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is it worth bidding on the rare Montblanc 162 rollerball from the 75th Anniversary Edition on eBay?", "a": "With the seller specifically discussed, caution is advised; despite a high rating count, individual collectors after payment have received neither the goods nor their money back in full. More reliable are other providers like pekebuddy. The 75th Anniversary Edition is regarded as exceptionally desirable; the 144 and the Mozart sizes of this edition can be viewed e.g. in the Düsseldorf Montblanc boutique; a 146 of this range is extremely rare. Before bidding, it is recommended to have the auction evaluated by experienced collectors and, if appropriate, to consider direct offers from private collectors.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Do two nib variants in 14kt and 18kt gold actually exist on the Montblanc 147 of the Special Anniversary Edition, and how does that come about?", "a": "Both variants are original. Montblanc traditionally delivers writing instruments for the French and Swiss markets with 18kt nibs, since French law only speaks of \"gold\" from 750/1000 gold content; in the rest of the market, 14kt nibs (585) are fitted. For the respective variants, Montblanc has different ID numbers. Since Montblanc writing instruments are internally identified primarily via the clip-ring numbers, it can also happen with a mix-up that, e.g., the body of a Solitaire Doué (with 18kt nib) is combined with other components. Montblanc customer service is sometimes not informed about this 18kt variant and wrongly classifies such pieces as fakes.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can one obtain acrylic or plexiglass blocks for presenting a Montblanc collection in the showcase?", "a": "The typical acrylic or plexiglass presentation blocks from stationery trade are hardly available in retail but occasionally crop up on eBay. An alternative are Visconti boxes with transparent lid, which do not allow a 360-degree view but show writing instruments very appealingly; enquiries directly to Visconti are mostly not answered; sources are e.g. Mrs. Blankenhorn (fuellhalter.de) and scription.de.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Until when were Montblanc 144s with a flat feed produced?", "a": "By \"flat\" are meant the hard-rubber feeds with small longitudinal lamellas, which were fitted in the pre-war series as well as in the 14X celluloid fountain pens until about 1955. In the mid-1950s they were replaced by the more rounded feeds with transverse lamellas, which are used to this day in slightly modified variants. The Wedding Pens of the early 1990s, contrary to a widespread view, also already have the rounded transverse-lamella feeds, not the flat ones.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the peeling of the rubber coating on a Montblanc StarWalker Rubber a normal sign of wear or a counterfeit indicator?", "a": "A peeling colour or rubber coating is not normal and does not usually occur on originals; comparable defects are rather known from counterfeits. With an original piece, the pen can be exchanged within the warranty, although the exchange often only takes place after assessment by Montblanc customer service. Collectors advise having the writing instrument complained about and replaced.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What information, factory and ID numbers as well as prices are known about the Montblanc Meisterstuck watch (Quartz and Solid Gold Automatic)?", "a": "The number 49392 mentioned does not correspond to any official Montblanc ID number; an unambiguous assignment only succeeds with a photo. The Quartz variant \"Star Gilt\" with silver dial, ETA movement 955.112, 36 mm stainless-steel case with PVD gold coating, sapphire glass and 30 m water resistance, was offered at a boutique price of 765 EUR. Solid-gold watches appeared as Reserve du Marche, Automatic, Automatic Chronograph, DualTime, Quartz as well as two ladies' Quartz models, each with alligator strap. The solid-gold variant discussed here was the \"Large Automatic\" with ID number 18602, former RRP 2,750 EUR, which is no longer being produced. A solid-gold execution can already be recognised by the dial.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one rinse a Montblanc 146 piston filler in order to remove blue ink completely?", "a": "The fountain pen is filled and emptied several times with clear water; usually this is sufficient in less than a minute, until the water remains clear. With stubborn residues, one can place the pen overnight nib-down in a glass of water or shake it vigorously with water plus a little air, in order to loosen ink from the tank. Then push out residual water with the piston and dry the nib with a cloth. As a last resort, an ultrasonic bath with distilled water helps, into which, however, only the nib and at most 0.5 cm of the barrel should be immersed.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What do the additional characters instead of a hyphen between \"Montblanc\" and the model number on the cap ring of a Montblanc 344 mean?", "a": "Such additional characters are not engraving errors but were factory-present and are also found on further models of the 3 series from the same production period. The reference to the \"white star\" in collector literature does not relate to the cap ring but to the fact that the 3 series, in contrast to its predecessors, bears a white star instead of an engraved star in the cap top. There were also variants entirely without a star, which were produced for the Islamic market because Montblanc at that time feared confusion with the Star of David. These models are otherwise identical in construction and bear the regular model numbers in the usual places.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can one obtain high-quality collector's boxes for fountain pens, and do larger models like Charles Dickens or Jules Verne fit inside?", "a": "Collector's boxes are offered outside Montblanc boutiques by, among others, penboard.de and maxpens.de. Larger limited editions like Charles Dickens or Jules Verne do not fit into every box; before purchase, an enquiry with the dealer is recommended. For embedding pictures in the forum, photos must beforehand be reduced in resolution and file size with an image-editing program like Gimp or Photoshop, since the forum only accepts small files.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is to be made of the Montblanc Heritage Collection 1912 Limited Edition, and which variants are announced?", "a": "Alongside the titanium version limited to 333 pieces, a cheaper regular variant of precious resin is also appearing; the black version is felt by collectors to be more in keeping with the classical design of 1912. The exchangeable rings are regarded as a nice but rarely used detail in everyday life. The combination of machined titanium and the classic safety design is partly criticised as ill-fitting. Further pictures and discussions can be found in relevant collectors' forums like the Fountain Pen Network.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why do some Montblanc writing instruments bear a model number on the cap ring and others not, and what is normal on the Generation rollerball?", "a": "Model numbers like 146 or 161 are only engraved on the middle cap ring of Meisterstücks until the end of the 1990s; after that this practice was abandoned. On smaller writing instruments like Mozart (114) or the Generation, the number is also missing; there mostly only \"Montblanc\" or \"Montblanc Generation\" as well as \"Made in Germany\" stands under the clip. A missing model number is therefore no indication of a counterfeit. A serial number in the clip is found only on Meisterstücks, and there too not consistently in all production years.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does a separate customer card with services exist for Richemont or Montblanc collectors, and what advantages does it offer?", "a": "Montblanc had the \"Club 4810\" with a VIP club card, which granted members, among other things, an annual welcome gift, a free maintenance or cleaning of a writing instrument, a replacement leather strap or a battery change for a Montblanc watch as well as a free engraving. Admission was not open to everyone; the club has been on hold and was to be continued in revised form, with new admissions suspended. A group-wide Richemont Owners Card does not yet exist; an introduction would conflict with existing brand-specific club programmes. Handwritten Christmas greetings Montblanc only sends to selected persons, not generally to club members.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What advantages do inks of other manufacturers (Private Reserve, Noodler, Pelikan, Waterman, Lamy) offer over Montblanc ink for Montblanc fountain pens?", "a": "The main motive for third-party inks is the significantly larger colour palette, e.g. Private Reserve \"Sherwood Green\" or special black tones from Noodler. Waterman inks are subjectively regarded as particularly free-flowing, Lamy royal blue as a problem-free, somewhat darker standard blue. Private Reserve inks have the disadvantage of longer drying times and can smear. Pelikan ink is a classic standard, but taste preferences vary widely. Technically these inks can be filled into Montblanc fountain pens without problems.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How does one identify a Montblanc lever filler without clear type designation, with a striped green ink window and nib reading \"4810 14 CT\"?", "a": "The features described point, depending on size, to a Meisterstück 132 or 134, not to a 234 1/2. The window colour is originally yellow; green, orange or red discolouration arises through ink and use of the cellulose window. The imprint inscription \"Montblanc Meisterstück\" is typical of post-war models, while pre-war and wartime models partly bore no imprint at all. Ventilation holes in the cap are found on all pens up to the 50s and are not a distinguishing feature. A reliable identification requires photos and dimensions.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Solitaire versions existed of the LeGrand rollerball 162, and is the sterling-silver variant genuine?", "a": "The LeGrand rollerball was previously available in several Solitaire series: Sterling Doué, Sterling Faden Guilloche, Vermeil Faden Guilloche, Vermeil Doué (with Bordeaux-red barrel), Ramses, Nikolai as well as in the Anniversary editions 1924 and 75 Years (white gold). The Sterling Silver LeGrand version depicted is authentic; the ID number 20162 is officially assigned. A stainless-steel variant as a LeGrand rollerball was indeed shown in brochures, but actual production cannot be substantiated. With current Solitaire series, the rollerball is anyway no longer offered in LeGrand size.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What collector value does a Montblanc Writers Edition Alexandre Dumas ballpoint with the \"wrong\" signature have, and what should one watch out for when buying?", "a": "The Dumas writing instruments with the inadvertently applied signature of the son (Lady of the Camellias) are rare because Montblanc had them recalled worldwide; only about 15 to 20 percent compared to the later correct edition with the father's signature remained on the market. They were sold mainly through dealers who kept their stock. From this, a certain premium results for collectors compared to the regular variant, while ballpoints are generally less sought-after than fountain pens. When buying, the signature engraving should be unambiguously attributable to the son and the piece in original condition.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Of what material is a Montblanc 149 from the 1970s made, and which polishing and cleaning method is suitable?", "a": "A 149 from the 1970s is made neither of celluloid nor of modern acrylic resin, but of a plastic mixed with plasticisers, as also used in the 12x and 22x series of this period. For polishing, Wenol has long been a tried and tested means; Displex is advised against. An ultrasonic cleaning is possible but should only be carried out with disassembled individual parts, at most 15 minutes at around 50 degrees and exclusively for internal cleaning, with the ink tank necessarily filled with water. Celluloid pens must not be put in an ultrasonic bath, since colour is leached out.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What contents and highlights does the new Montblanc writing-instrument brochure offer, and what does the UNICEF special packaging of the 149 cost?", "a": "The brochure shows all standard models including Stainless Steel II, both variants of the Meisterstück Royal 146, Karajan, Bohème (also with leather surface and gemstone), Scenium and StarWalker, but without prices. The highlight is the UNICEF cooperation with elaborate special packaging, including a plexiglass case with engraved Goethe verses in his handwriting. The 149 in special packaging costs about 690 EUR, which means a surcharge of around 230 EUR. How high the donation share paid to UNICEF is not communicated in the brochure; with earlier Donation Pens, this was openly disclosed.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Where can one have a used Montblanc Charles Dickens cleaned and signs of use on the precious resin polished out?", "a": "A professional ultrasonic cleaning is offered by competent specialist retailers as well as specialised providers like scription.de. The polishing out of scratches and signs of use, on the other hand, is carried out neither by Montblanc nor by most specialist retailers, because the surface material is thereby weakened and wall thicknesses are reduced; with newer writing instruments, the warranty also lapses. Specialised restorers like Dr. Ink Thomas Watkinson polish older pieces case by case. Polishing oneself is possible with Wenol; in doing so, coated metal parts are sensitive, since gold platings are quickly worn off.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Where can one currently acquire a Montblanc Jules Verne fountain pen or pencil, and at what price level?", "a": "At a concessionaire in the Ruhr area (Oberhausen), a disassembled set with the fountain pen for 650 EUR and the pencil for 350 EUR was offered; the pencil was already sold at the time of the discussion. The address will be passed on by private message on request. Since limited editions sold individually are usually quickly sold out, prompt contact is worthwhile.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which model and production period is an old Montblanc with lever-fill mechanism, imprint \"Simplo Original Montblanc 4FF\" and heart shape on the nib?", "a": "It is not a Safety, but a Montblanc Lever Filler model No. 4, produced between 1922 and 1929. With the Safety, the nib is extended and retracted via a turning knob at the barrel end; with the lever filler, the lateral lever presses via a small plate on a rubber sac. It is not a Meisterstück, since this series carries 18-carat nibs and the cap engraving \"Meisterstück\" or \"Masterpiece\" as well as model numbers from the 20/25-45 range. A detailed description can be found in the book \"Fountain Pens of the World\" on page VII of the appendix.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Meisterstück 146 or 147 suitable for exams with twenty to twenty-five pages of writing, and which nib width is sensible?", "a": "Both models are basically suitable; the 147 (cartridge filler, \"Traveller\") has practical advantages on the road, because a cartridge change is faster, cleaner and less stressful than drawing up from the ink bottle. A 146 piston filler usually suffices for 25 pages and avoids carrying an ink bottle. With the nib width, many collectors advise against OBB for exams; F or M are usually more favourable under time pressure and for the legibility for examiners, although individual handwriting also matters. A pragmatic solution is the combination of a 146 with OBB for representative purposes and a 147 with F for exams, supplemented with backup writing instruments.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are unusually cheap Montblanc leather goods (wallets) on eBay reputable, and does a national identity card fit into the Meisterstück wallet?", "a": "Price reductions clearly above the VAT rate are regarded as untrustworthy, since they can indicate stolen goods or counterfeits; in addition, filled-in warranty papers are often missing, which is why later repairs would have to be paid for in full. A purchase in the boutique or at authorised specialist retailers (e.g. Haufler in Stuttgart) is therefore preferable, also for trying on wallets. Not all Meisterstück wallets have a slot for the German national identity card; models with an ID slot are, however, in the range, which is why a personal selection is recommended. Individual buyers do however report satisfactory experiences with the eBay seller mentioned.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Meisterstück 146 LeGrand without model number on the cap ring an original, and how can a stiff piston be treated?", "a": "Even without a model number on the cap ring, a 146 is most likely genuine; counterfeits of the 146 are hardly known, presumably because the piston mechanism is too elaborate for counterfeiters. There are simply two variants: with and without printed model number. A somewhat stiff piston often comes from dried ink and becomes smoother again with regular use; a smooth-running piston as on some other brands is, however, structurally not to be expected on the 146.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is a Parker Jack-Knife Safety 20 Lucky Curve made of hard rubber with button filling classified and assessed in the collector market?", "a": "Old Parker models are only collected to a limited extent in Germany; more specialised information sources and collectors can be found at fountainpennetwork.com. With a button filler with hardened button, the ink sac is typically also destroyed and should be replaced before renewed use. A reliable value statement is not possible without a sound market comparison; the piece is in any case worth collecting.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What value can be set for a rare Montblanc L129 (Meisterstück, ca. 1936), and which cap-ring configuration is original?", "a": "The L129 is very rare and difficult to value because of missing comparison sales; estimates in the four- to low five-figure range are only vague benchmarks, since serious collector price lists for historical Montblancs do not exist. The correct L129 carries three cap rings: a wide, gilded middle ring as well as two narrow silver rings above and below. The narrow rings were not gilded. A known earlier auction with closing price 5,520 DM (not euros) was reversed; the example in the Montblanc museum is regarded as a reference. eBay as a sales platform is disputed, since rare pieces do not necessarily achieve their actual collector value there.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which new StarWalker counterfeits are currently appearing?", "a": "StarWalker fakes circulate in untypical colours like red/metal, orange and white, partly also with inserted white middle parts from cobbled-together parts. The white variants are occasionally falsely offered as a limited Scott Fitzgerald. Such colour variants do not exist in the official StarWalker programme and are thus a clear counterfeit indicator.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc model is a twist-action ballpoint with two rings at the cap end, and what value is appropriate?", "a": "Owing to unsharp pictures, an unambiguous identification is difficult; in question come a Generation or models of the 28 or 281 series. The Generation was Montblanc's former entry-level series, has not been in production for years but can be obtained from remaining stock via dealers. The new price was, according to the Corporate Gift catalogue 2004/2005, around 145 EUR; used, the value is significantly lower. An auction price of around 50 EUR is in the normal range; a real bargain it is not, in the case of a Generation or 28 model.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are pressure and scratch marks on the barrel of a Montblanc Hommage à Chopin from putting on the cap a reason for complaint?", "a": "Marks from putting on the cap are unfortunately regarded as use-related and are hardly subject to complaint, even with higher-priced writing instruments. Anyone wanting to avoid this should choose models with screw-on instead of plug-on caps like the StarWalker. Polishing is possible oneself with Wenol; however, material is removed in the process, and coated metal parts are particularly sensitive. Boutique staff are not everywhere expertly trained; specialised retailers are often more competent and accommodating. Detailed instructions for polishing can be found in the newsletter on fountainpen.de.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Who knows or owns fountain pens of the brand Helina (Breslau or GDR period)?", "a": "Helina is known only to a small collector circle; a collector from Dresden owns a Helina fountain pen as well as several classical two-colour ballpoints, but does not have the pen for sale, since GDR writing instruments are his primary collecting area. For a targeted search for GDR fountain pens and also for the older Breslau Helina models, the forum penexchange.de is recommended, which has an active circle of GDR writing-instrument collectors. The Breslau predecessors are very rare; a photo of such a model is known, although the piece is in the USA.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which aid is best suited for drying ink: roller with blotting-paper roll or rocker?", "a": "The classic blotting rocker avoids the typical problems of the roller, whose blotting-paper roll often comes loose and adheres poorly. With the rocker, only the inserted blotting paper has to be changed from time to time, which is uncomplicated in everyday use.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Is it normal that a Montblanc Bohème Marron dries up quickly, and are there special care notes?", "a": "A Bohème Marron should write without problems like any other Montblanc; repeated drying out is not normal. In such cases, the pen should be presented to an authorised specialist retailer or to service. Visible gold deposits at the barrel end or spots with peeling gilding are also not a known series problem and belong in expert assessment. Special home care is not necessary.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What should be considered when changing the nib of a Lamy 2000 to an M nib?", "a": "The Lamy 2000 has to be disassembled for the nib change; with improper assembly there is a high risk that the pen leaks. The change should therefore be left to a specialist or to Lamy service.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What contents does the new ink-writing-sample booklet IV offer, and what information does it provide on lightfastness and water resistance?", "a": "The booklet contains 81 writing samples on 14 DIN A5 cards, all written with the same nib, with a total ink value of over 450 EUR; the price is 25 EUR or 30 USD including worldwide shipping. Booklets 1-3 are still available. On water resistance there is an extra page with permanent inks for self-testing; general notes on lightfastness and water resistance are provided by the competing product by Greg Clark. Notable points on flow behaviour are documented in the ink reports on the related website (in English).", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc model is a writing set with engraving \"Montblanc 246\" and pencil number 272, and what value is to be set?", "a": "The set corresponds, according to collector literature (\"Collectible Stars\"), to a Montblanc 246 combined with the matching pencil 272. The Tiger Eye variant in black is a known version. Such sets are regarded as worth collecting and well worth preserving. A concrete value statement is, with collector pieces, strongly dependent on condition and demand and is deliberately not answered flat-rate in the forum; storage in a protected area is sensible.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How did the seizure value of counterfeit branded articles develop between 2002 and 2003, and what factors explain the rise?", "a": "The value of counterfeit branded articles seized by German customs rose, according to Wirtschaftswoche (No. 29), from 76 million EUR in 2002 to 178 million EUR in 2003. As reasons, increasing import quantities (especially through the internet) and grown buyer demand for apparently cheap luxury articles are discussed. Affected are not only luxury goods but also safety-relevant products like car parts. The worldwide damage from brand piracy is estimated at around 500 billion USD (Wiwo No. 30).", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one recognise an original Meisterstück 146 from the 1980s, and what is the significance of the single-colour gold nib, the corrugated ink window and an additional perforated ring at the barrel end?", "a": "It is an original 146 (LeGrand) from the 1980s: models of that period had monochrome yellow-gold nibs, no clip-ring number yet and only \"Germany\" as origin indication. The corrugated (instead of monochrome grey) ink-view window points to the late 1980s or a later barrel with an older nib. The additional perforated ring at the barrel end is a defect — the blind cap was not pushed fully forward — and should be addressed with the seller before purchase. An adjustment Montblanc charges via the service flat rate 2 with reservoir exchange; cheaper is a repair via specialised workshops like Maxpens, provided they cover the production period.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one identify the nib width of a Montblanc Noblesse cartridge filler from the nib tip?", "a": "A round-tipped nib typically corresponds to M, F or EF; a flat, straight tip points to B or BB. The form is best checked in comparison with a known nib (e.g. of a Pelikan 200 in M). High-resolution photos are often deceptive because of reflections and overexposure. With the Noblesse described here with clearly flattened, broad tip, it is therefore a B or BB nib. The Noblesse with stamp \"750 16/18K\" was offered until into the 2000s.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one distinguish original from counterfeit on Montblanc ballpoints and cases from eBay auctions?", "a": "A Montblanc ballpoint into which a Parker refill fits and on which the black separators between the cap rings are missing is unambiguously a counterfeit; further indications are inconsistent proportions and untidily worked cap rings. With the case, material quality and workmanship speak for authenticity; older models from the 1980s are regular. Trade in counterfeits is forbidden; buyers can insist on reversal and, in case of difficulties, turn to the eBay forums or the trust and safety area there.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one recognise counterfeits of a Montblanc Bohème Silver in eBay auctions?", "a": "A typical feature of such fakes is the simple iridium nib instead of the filigree original nib as well as a clearly coarser surface treatment. With the original, no smooth, non-guilloched piece of the barrel is visible when the cap is screwed on — with the counterfeit, it is. Some sellers mark the pieces as \"deceptively similar to the original\"; others deliberately omit the note. In hand, even a layperson usually immediately recognises the difference by feel and weight; Hong Kong sources are an additional indicator.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the Omas Cinema Limited Edition worthwhile as a collector's piece, and how is its market price to be evaluated?", "a": "The Omas Cinema is formally similar to the regularly available Arte Italiana Celluloid Pearl Grey, whose new price was around 800 EUR. Measured against this, typical eBay auction prices in a comparable range can be reasonable. With limited editions by Omas, an increase in value is less certain than with some Montblanc Limited Editions, since there are significantly fewer Omas collectors. A general guarantee of value stability for limited writing instruments does not exist.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Does the clip of a Montblanc Bohème necessarily lie in line with the nib, and what is to be done if it is twisted?", "a": "On every Bohème, StarWalker and Mozart, it is manually and individually adjusted in the final assembly that the clip stands aligned with the nib after screwing on; each cap belongs only to its barrel. A deviation is a service case, e.g. with a swapped cap after engraving or through over-tightening. With the Bohème Big Size, careful manual rotation of the nib with a cloth into the right position is structurally possible because the mechanism has some play. Otherwise, Montblanc service adjusts the clip flat-rate (e.g. around 52 EUR), with further inspection services included in the flat rate.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one distinguish a real Montblanc Donation Pen \"Menuhin\" from a counterfeit, especially based on cap ring and inscription?", "a": "A reliable indication is the spelling \"PHILHARMONIA OF THE NATIONS\" on the rear ring; the official counterfeit notes name deviating letter forms, e.g. an \"A\" without crossbar, as suspicious. On the original, the free area on the cap ring is not smooth but patterned. Since counterfeits with high-quality nibs and well-imitated clips exist, the pen should in case of doubt be presented in the original to a specialist retailer or boutique; photos alone do not allow a sure judgement. Variants of the Menuhin are not known.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which versions, edition size and prices does the Montblanc Writers Edition 2016 William Shakespeare have?", "a": "The Writers Edition 2016 appears in two versions: a regular variant as well as a version limited to 1564 pieces with a price of about 3500 EUR. Accompanying this, a limited ink is offered, presumably in red. First pictures and impressions are documented in the Fountain Pen Network. The highly limited version is felt by collectors price-wise to be partly too expensive.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can one find information on Cartier writing instruments and their Limited Editions?", "a": "Reliable sources on Cartier writing instruments are scarce. Cartier is not an independent writing-instrument manufacturer but has various contract manufacturers produce, which is why model information is often missing or incomplete. Limited Editions do exist, but a systematic collector treatment as with Montblanc does not. Many pieces are sold rather as a sideline assortment in jewellers, which additionally narrows the source situation.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which letter paper and envelopes are suitable for high-quality fountain pens, without felting up the nib?", "a": "Tried and tested are papers like \"Zanders classic\", Gmund papers as well as the range of briefpapiere.de and atramentis.de (Jansen). Important is a closed, low-fibre surface, so that the nib is not clogged by detaching fibres. Since the suitability is subjective and writing-style-dependent, the rule is: try out instead of just reading. In the forum, numerous earlier discussions with recommendations can be found through the correct search in the forum search field.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Who was the manufacturer of the writing instruments with the clip inscription \"Partner\" from the 1920s?", "a": "The brand \"Partner\" is unknown in the relevant German collector environment; in the 1920s to 1940s, thousands of smaller manufacturers existed, of which today only a fraction is documented. Confusion with Parker is, with a \"Partner\" imprint with classic 20s typography, ruled out, especially since Parker eyedroppers were mostly clipless and provided with an additional patent note. Promising for further research are forums like penexchange.de or fountainpennetwork.com. Material collector values are with such unknown brands mostly low.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a freely movable small spring in the ink tank of the Montblanc Kafka normal, and what function does it have?", "a": "The Kafka has no converter but a fixed piston mechanism that merely looks similar to a converter. The freely movable coil spring in the ink tank is regular and can also be found in newer Montblanc converters. It prevents the ink from sticking at the tank end and the ink flow from breaking off. The component is therefore a simple but effective construction and no defect.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "From which period does the Montblanc ballpoint 315 date, and what value is realistic in heavily used condition?", "a": "The Montblanc 315 was made in 1958-1959. Value statements are basically relative and strongly dependent on the condition of preservation; with clear abrasion marks, the achievable price is only around 15-20 EUR, since unused pieces from the 1950s are also frequently available. Information on matching replacement refills can be found in the corresponding forum posts.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a cheap Montblanc ballpoint in silver look from eBay automatically a counterfeit?", "a": "No, often these are original models of the Slimline series from the 1980s, made of stainless steel — not of silver. At that time, Slimline was Montblanc's cheap mass series; the retail price in 1981 was 14.50 DM (around 7.50 EUR), the matching fountain pen cost 24.50 DM. Slimline pieces are not comparable to Meisterstücks but are authentic Montblanc writing instruments with their own history. A blanket conversion of historical DM prices to today's euro collector prices is, however, not sensible.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which model is an inherited Montblanc fountain pen with a blue, gold-glittering barrel, imprint \"METAL3\" and nib \"4810 18K 750\"?", "a": "It is a Montblanc Solitaire 144 Ramses. The nib consists of 18-carat gold (750 stamp); the silvery-looking areas inside are not a platinum inlay in the literal sense but a platinum or rhodium intarsia, which visually creates the bicolour effect. A flat-rate value statement for used writing instruments is not possible, since the price depends decisively on condition and market demand; eBay comparison sales are the usual orientation.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does Montblanc offer a nib exchange and repairs for the Limited Anniversary Edition 1924?", "a": "Montblanc has in the past carried out nib exchanges and repairs (e.g. of leather parts) of the Limited Anniversary Edition 1924 without problems; reported is, among others, a successful nib exchange in spring 2004. A direct, friendly telephone enquiry to Montblanc service is the recommended path, especially since these pieces have not been newly produced for some time. Warranty periods should be heeded; nevertheless, generous handling is possible.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which elegant fountain-pen models up to 150 EUR (cartridge, B or M nib) are recommendable?", "a": "In the forum the Cross Apogee is repeatedly recommended; it is available in many noble designs and has a white-gold nib. Cross nibs tend to come out somewhat finer than with other brands (F corresponds rather to EF of Montblanc) and write harder, which can bring advantages to experienced writers. The comparatively high weight is a matter of taste and should be tried out at the specialist retailer. Alternatively, comparison with Pelikan and Lamy at the stationery specialist shop is worthwhile. Warranty statements vary over the years and should be enquired about specifically when buying.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is it worth keeping unused Montblanc writing instruments for value increase or rather selling them?", "a": "Increases in value are realistic above all with limited editions and with vintage writing instruments up to the 1960s, especially in rarer colours like Bordeaux Meisterstücks; with standard writing instruments, a substantial value development is hardly to be expected. The market development remains uncertain, but a Bordeaux 146/167 set rather speaks for \"holding\" over 10 to 20 years. Collectors largely see writing instruments not as an investment but as objects of love for use; as an investment there are better alternatives. Hold back near-mint pieces before sale; sell used ones promptly when they are no longer used.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which special cleaning cartridges or rinse cartridges exist for cleaning cartridge fountain pens, especially for the Montblanc Bohème series?", "a": "Collectors report so-called bellows or rinse cartridges that function as a small rubber syringe similar to an ear syringe and pump water through the section. They existed e.g. as a GDR product under the brand name Heiko and in different neck lengths, so that long front parts (e.g. Montblanc Traveller and Bohème) can also be cleaned. Montblanc itself issued an extra-long variant with a glass body, since glass is more durable than plastic. In addition, a single-use cartridge by Montblanc was announced, filled with cleaning fluid and intended specifically for cleaning the Bohème cartridge fountain pens.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How does one tell whether a Montblanc Meisterstück LeGrand (ballpoint) is original or counterfeit, and which list prices are usual?", "a": "On the LeGrand, the black cap rings are relatively wide; the area between them shows no recess, and the knob at the clip end is, on the original, soldered or welded on invisibly, not folded inwards visibly. If ring spacings, a visible fold or a bulgy clip tip are present, this points to a counterfeit. Since counterfeits are getting better and better, a comparison with original photos and, in case of doubt, a check by an authorised dealer is worthwhile. As a guide to prices, for spring 2007 was given: LeGrand fountain pen approx. €435 (gold) or €465 (platinum), ballpoint/pencil approx. €235 or €270; at authorised dealers, a discount is possible on enquiry.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one fill an old Parker 51 with the engraving \"PLATINUM\" and how can the ink level be recognised with a discoloured sac?", "a": "The Parker 51 uses an ink sac that on old examples is often darkened, so that the ink level can no longer be read. Replacement sacs are available e.g. via cathedralpens.co.uk, but likewise consist of black material and therefore allow no viewing window. For detailed information on model variants, filling and repair of the Parker 51, reference is made to the Fountain Pen Network (fountainpennetwork.com), which has extensive articles on this model.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a cap without ring engraving a Montblanc 252, and what approximate value is to be set?", "a": "Collectors report that the model designation on the Montblanc 252 (small variant of the 25x series from the 1950s) is on the turning knob, while the cap ring then remains blank and only the Montblanc inscription stands on the cap. The models can be classified in time on the basis of engraving position (cap ring or turning knob) and ink-view window (blue or white); for this, the Montblanc Diary by Wallrafen/Rösler is a recommended reference. The value depends strongly on supply, demand and above all condition and cannot be flat-rate quantified. Serious research in the specialist literature obviates many direct value questions.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which fountain-pen model with rotary mechanism is a light, faded piece with imprint \"4M\", and how is such a fountain pen filled?", "a": "It is a so-called Safety fountain pen made of hard rubber, on which the nib is extended from the body via a rotary mechanism; the imprint \"4M\" means model size 4 with medium nib (M). The production period typically lies between 1920 and 1935. For filling, the fountain pen is held vertically, the nib turned out so far that it is about half visible, and the ink is filled in directly above the nib area; afterwards the nib is fully extended for writing or retracted again for closing. With old examples, the internal seals are often porous, so that the pen leaks; writing with such pieces is therefore often refrained from. Further details can be found at richardspens.com.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What characterises the Montblanc anniversary edition \"Meisterstück Solitaire Mammoth 100\" for the 100-year jubilee, and in what edition size or at what price does it appear?", "a": "The edition was issued on the occasion of the Montblanc 100-year anniversary in a run of 3 x 100 examples, 100 LeGrand piston fountain pens each in yellow gold, rose gold and white gold; the threefold 100 limitation refers to the three founders Voß, Nehemias and Eberstein. Barrel and cap show a guilloche of running-out Montblanc stars with inlays of mammoth ivory from the Siberian permafrost soil; the cap carries a specially designed 43-faceted diamond in star form, cast in acrylic. The 18-carat gold nib is colour-matched to the body with partly platinum-plated year number. The retail price is €15,000 per piece; further writing instruments (ballpoints etc.) do not exist; in Germany about 5 examples each are available.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one best photograph writing instruments (fountain pens, ballpoints) for appealing, high-resolution shots?", "a": "Collectors report that camera quality is secondary at small image formats; from about 5 megapixels a good compact camera suffices as well as an SLR (e.g. Canon EOS 400D with standard lens 17-55 mm). More important is a tripod, which allows high aperture values for depth of field without camera shake, as well as manual focus and a delayed shutter release, so that one is not reflected in the pen. The lighting should be indirect (daylight or energy-saving lamp on the ceiling), no flash, since this reflects and makes dust visible; table lamps produce a yellow cast, white paper in front of them a blue cast. As a base, structured white paper is suitable; for fixing the writing instruments, white tack.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Since when has the Montblanc Meisterstück 145 been produced, and why was the 144 discontinued in the classic variant but continued in special editions?", "a": "The 145 has been produced since 1998 and is essentially a variant of the Meisterstück (also marketed as Hommage à Chopin with CD); it is not to be understood as a direct successor of the 144, since there are no ballpoints and pencils in identical size to it. The 144 in the classic plug-on cap version was discontinued for reasons of product rationalisation, because the plug-on cap is regarded as a weak point and wears out over time; the replacement cap seal is not separately available and the service flat rate is comparatively high. In addition, the 144 had a screw thread metal on precious resin, which could lead to predetermined break points; on the 145, metal meets metal. In the Solitaire editions the 144 was retained, since these have a short screw thread between cap and reservoir and the range there continues to comprise ballpoint, pencil and rollerball.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can a 40-year-old, visually impeccable Geha ink (royal blue) still be used without hesitation in modern fountain pens?", "a": "Collectors report that old ink is unproblematic as long as it does not mould, no skin forms and no clouding or streaking occurs; even inks from the 1950s have been successfully tested and still used. Printed expiry dates serve mainly the trade's sales interest but are factually mostly not necessary. If the ink writes fluidly and remains inconspicuous, it can continue to be used. It does not hurt, however, to occasionally try out new inks too, in order to support local trade and have variety.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is the online shop \"montblancpens-shop.com\" with conspicuously low Montblanc prices reputable, and how can one determine the owner of a web domain?", "a": "It is a fraud site that is, according to whois enquiries, registered to an owner in China; the prices lie far below realistic market values, which is a clear warning sign. In the best case a counterfeit is delivered, in the worst case nothing at all. For checking domain owners, denic.de serves for .de domains and easywhois.com (or comparable services) for international domains; address, telephone and email data often give clues about the country of origin. Additionally, the Firefox add-on Flagfox helps, which displays the physical server location; for original Montblanc sites, the server is in Germany.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which variants of the Montblanc 149 existed in the course of production (materials, nibs, lettering), and over which periods?", "a": "The first 149s were equipped with silver rings; in the course of the decades, the body material was changed: first celluloid, later simple plastic and finally \"Montblanc precious resin\" on an acrylic basis. The nibs were initially made in 18 carat, in between reduced to 14 carat and later changed back to 18 carat; correspondingly, the inscription also changed from \"18 c\" to \"18 k\". A concrete overview with all data is difficult to compile; a helpful article can be found at pentrace.com (penbase, article id 405). For final clarification, a direct enquiry to Montblanc can also be useful.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are a Montblanc Pix ballpoint and its unusually simple packaging to be evaluated as original goods or counterfeit?", "a": "Collectors report that the ballpoint shown looks genuine and the apparently poorly finished packaging really comes from Montblanc: such packagings were used in the early to mid-1990s and were possibly intended as dealer packaging. They are not visually particularly appealing. Since counterfeits are increasingly better, a hundred-percent certainty can only be achieved through direct assessment at a specialist retailer.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What can the cause be when the forum system reports new private messages but the inbox shows none?", "a": "It was a technical problem on the side of the hosting provider: the server on which the forum database runs was briefly overloaded by traffic from other websites and unreachable for a fraction of a second, while a private message was just being sent. A safety mechanism reacted incorrectly, so that the message was apparently addressed to all users at once but could not be displayed correctly in the mailbox. After a manual intervention by the administrator, the system functioned normally again.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What information on dating, variant distinction and collector value of a Montblanc Meisterstück 254 (e.g. with advertising imprint like AEG or DüWAG) can be given?", "a": "Two variants of the 254 exist: with transparent ink window (1954-1956) and with blue ink window (1957-1959); the series comprises the sizes 252 (small), 254 (medium) and 256 (large). The 25x models are popular everyday fountain pens with a flexible nib but often suffer from cracks in the cap. Since Montblanc has only been positioned as a luxury-goods manufacturer since 1991 and the 25x were produced in large numbers as everyday writing instruments, the collector value is rather low; in the foreground stand the sentimental value and the good writing quality. With a crack-free cap and transparent ink window, a dating of 1954-1956 can be assumed.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one upload pictures in the right format to the forum, and are the eBay sellers pen-seller and 2nd.tom trustworthy for the purchase of a Montblanc 145P?", "a": "For shrinking and editing pictures for the forum, free programs like GIMP (gimp.org) or browser-based tools like pixenate.com are suitable; an instruction for embedding pictures can be found on the help page of the forum. Of the seller pen-seller on eBay, positive experiences exist: impeccable goods and friendly contact, so one can buy there without hesitation. Of 2nd.tom, no concrete experiences were contributed in the thread.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are auctioned Montblanc baseball caps (with MB logo) generally originals, and are they official advertising articles?", "a": "There were various variants of Montblanc baseball caps that are official promotion articles of the manufacturer. If the logo and inscription are embroidered, these are originals. At which event exactly they were originally distributed is not always documented; they are particularly suitable as a collector's item or for collector's meet-ups.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which model is a green-striped Montblanc fountain pen with 14C-585 nib, about 13 cm long and a cap band, presumably from Spain?", "a": "It is a rather rare piece from a series that the Spanish Montblanc distributor in the 1950s had produced in Spain in their own management with permission from Hamburg. The models existed grey-, brown- and green-striped in sizes 2 and 4, i.e. as 342 and 344. Background were high import duties and delivery difficulties from Germany; in some countries (also Denmark, Italy) complete in-house productions or assemblies from supplied spare parts were partly carried out. The quality of these Spanish Montblancs, however, did not correspond to the German minimum requirements.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it normal on a Montblanc Patron of the Arts Copernicus that the two middle sections and the cap ring sit loosely and are rotatable?", "a": "On comparison examples, the rings sit firmly and cannot be rotated, which suggests that loose rings represent a defect. It is recommended to contact Montblanc customer service (also by telephone in Germany) for an official assessment and, if applicable, repair, although Patron of Arts pieces are not in every case repairable.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which manufacturer or which model is behind an advertising fountain pen with the embossed designation \"solid 675\", presumably from the 1980s?", "a": "Presumably the fountain pen comes from the 1970s; in this period there was a comparable design from numerous manufacturers, mostly as inexpensive entry-level fountain pens. Since no manufacturer designation is present, it is a no-name product that cannot be unambiguously assigned. For further research, reference is made to the forum penexchange.de.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a flea-market find with Montblanc inscription a real Montblanc ballpoint or a counterfeit?", "a": "It is a counterfeit that apparently leans on the Limited Edition Jules Verne. Indications are a clip reminiscent of metal-processing components, an end piece not true to the original with a star placed on top, as well as a \"vapour-deposited\" MB inscription on the middle ring including \"Meisterstück\" — a combination that Montblanc never produced. More than 2-10 euros should not be spent on such a piece.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can one tell whether a Montblanc Meisterstück Classique 163 rollerball/fineliner is original or counterfeit?", "a": "Collectors report that typical recognition features are the three cap rings (especially the middle one, which on originals should not appear bulgy), the inscription \"Montblanc * Meisterstück * Pix *\" including inner imprint \"Pix\" on the clip, as well as the round, not angular, bend of the clip; the points of the star should not be too sharp, and the gold closure ring at the cap base must have the right width. On the website fountainpen.de, detailed comparison PDFs (\"Vergleich-Rollerball.pdf\") as well as a newsletter article with recognition features can be found. With a clear counterfeit, the following procedure is recommended: notify the seller, inform eBay, notify Montblanc and, in extreme cases, engage a lawyer or file a complaint.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which model is a red Montblanc fountain pen with small dimensions, and what price is to be expected today?", "a": "It is a Montblanc SlimLine from the 1980s with gilded steel nib; until the early 1990s, Montblanc also produced cheap everyday and school fountain pens. The original prices were low (rollerball at the time about 19.80 DM, fountain pen somewhat above). The matching white ballpoint (see fountainpen.de) was previously between 4.95 and 30 DM; a black ballpoint with the model number on the cap ring (presumably 380, 1971-1979) moves price-wise in a similar range. Current market prices can best be ascertained via eBay searches but are generally low.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a purchased Montblanc 144 with old feed and narrow nib an original, and which ink should be used to optimise writing feel and ink flow?", "a": "The fountain pen described is genuine; the older model has an early feed without the lamellas typical today, which absorb ink under air-pressure changes. Narrow nibs (e.g. EF) tend to scratch more strongly than broader nibs, which glide more smoothly over the paper. The choice of ink does not influence the actual writing feel but the amount of ink on the paper: Pelikan ink (e.g. 4001) is regarded as thinner, Montblanc ink as somewhat thicker, Waterman ink as very fluid and good for ink-flow problems. With very old writing instruments, Pelikan is recommended because of water solubility, in order not to damage the feed. A nib exchange via the seller is sensible, since later nib exchanges at Montblanc are often very expensive.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the English dealer penhome.co.uk trustworthy, and how can one remove sticky soiling from a Montblanc Madame Pompadour with porcelain cap?", "a": "Collectors report that the owners of penhome (Simon Gray and Sean Lovell) are regarded as absolutely reliable and do not sell counterfeits; of the Madame Pompadour, no counterfeits are also known. Sticky residues, e.g. label adhesive, can if necessary be removed with cleaning benzine; as a gentler alternative, solvent-based transparent car wax (\"paint protection\") serves, which simultaneously cares — but not water-based, since this variant is ineffective here. With painted-on gold applications (as on the Pompadour), caution is advised, since solvents can dissolve unsealed lacquers; the same applies to ebonite and celluloid. In case of doubt, the manufacturer or a Montblanc boutique should be consulted for cleaning; for precise application, brushes of size 0 or cotton swabs are suitable.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is an old Pelikan fountain pen with a golden body, 14C OF nib and Pelikan logo an original Pelikan or a jeweller's/goldsmith's work?", "a": "Collectors report that Pelikan in gold existed exclusively in the 100 variant, but not in model 100N; a golden 100N is therefore not pure factory production. If, however, the gold body bears the Pelikan logo, it is a licensed refinement that could not have taken place without permission from Pelikan. In the collector scene, such pieces appear under the designation \"Mä(e)nner overlay\", named after the goldsmith Mä(e)nner, who among other things made Pelikan overlays; analogously, Sarastro produced overlays for Montblanc. Despite the refinement, it remains a beautiful and usable Pelikan.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are Montblanc Meisterstück 146s with real piston mechanism (without converter) counterfeited, and how does one proceed with a stiff piston?", "a": "So far, no counterfeit 146s as real piston fountain pens are known; with a 146 with a working piston mechanism (without unscrewable end cap for a converter), an original is therefore most likely to be assumed. For final certainty, one can present the pen to a Montblanc boutique, which is mostly free; sending in to service entails a service flat rate. With a stiff piston, professional servicing is recommendable; self-removal of the piston is, with the matching key, possible but is advised against for beginners, since the damage in case of error is high.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which features currently help in recognising typical Montblanc counterfeits (StarWalker, Meisterstück, Scenium) on online platforms like eBay?", "a": "Typical hints of counterfeits are poorly imitated packaging (e.g. with a black instead of white Montblanc star on the mountain symbol) as well as a characteristic notch on the cap rings that does not occur on originals. A well-founded comparison can be found in the Vergleich-Rollerball PDF on fountainpen.de. Counterfeit briefcases as well as Meisterstück, StarWalker and Scenium imitations are frequently offered by a few professional sellers. In suspected cases, it is recommended to inform both the seller and eBay.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What are the qualitative differences between the Montblanc 144 Classique and the 145 Chopin, and which is rather to be recommended?", "a": "Both belong to the Classique series of Meisterstücks. The main difference lies in the cap construction: the 144 has a plug-on cap that wears out over time and leads to the cap unintentionally falling off; the 145, on the other hand, a screw cap; for this reason the 145 succeeded the 144. On the 144, additionally, the gilded ring between nib and grip section tends to corrode, and the body material is thinner and breaks more easily when dropped. The 145 is somewhat thicker, which many find more pleasant. For the final choice, however, the personal writing feel is decisive — the slim 144 appears too thin for some and leads to cramping during prolonged writing.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How are the properties and the market value of the Montblanc edition ink \"Carlo Collodi\" to be classified?", "a": "Collectors report that the ink is delivered in a 35 ml round bottle and was originally developed for the Writers Edition pen \"Carlo Collodi\"; in the boutique it cost about €15, on the current market about €40, which converted to 100 ml corresponds to between €42 and €114 and ranks it among the expensive inks. Colour-wise it is a warm, distinctly orange-tinted brown tone reminiscent of wood (allusion to Pinocchio); on yellowish paper (e.g. Moleskine) it appears particularly appealing and shows a beautiful shading even with an M nib. The flow properties are described as very good, without problems in various fountain pens.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Can model information and replacement caps be found for an Astoria safety pen with the marking \"Astoria 4 14 Karat\"?", "a": "Since Astoria fountain pens were never sold in large numbers, the procurement of spare parts — especially caps — is extremely difficult, significantly more difficult than even at Montblanc. An attempt is worthwhile with specialised dealers and repairers, e.g. Horst Schrage (maxpens.de), Lutz Fiebig (interpens.de) or Tom Westerich (penboard.de).", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it reputable when the Sparkasse, via mall4me or mastercard-exclusives, offers Montblanc writing instruments at high discount in the online shop?", "a": "Collectors report that the Sparkasse offers the Montblanc Meisterstück 164 together with leather case for about €160 (about 27 percent saving on the list price) within a time-limited campaign, without quantity restrictions. The online dealer mall4me additionally offers further Montblanc products with discounts of up to 38 percent (e.g. Platinum coin purse). Since the campaign runs via the Sparkasse, it is regarded as reputable; the Lufthansa Worldshop also carries writing instruments of the Classic series, but at full prices, redeemable against Miles & More. Such discounts on Montblanc products are unusual in any case.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one repair an old Montblanc Meisterstück 138 (seal, cap, star, nib determination), and how can the originality of the nib be ascertained?", "a": "The 138 is a rare and beautiful piece; a professional cleaning as well as a piston exchange are without problems possible via repair specialists (linked under the menu item \"Repair\" on fountainpen.de) and mostly priced reasonably. Cap and turning knob should originally be black, but the hard rubber oxidises over time and can appear brown-greenish; here too the repairer can restore the surfaces. The hole at the top of the cap prevents condensate formation and is structurally normal; the missing star can if applicable be remade, which is, however, elaborate. The 138 had three nib variants: 18-carat bicolour gold, monochrome steel and bicolour palladium; a two-tone nib with the markings 4810, Montblanc M star, curved P and 245 is most likely an original nib.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which information is there on the Asian Montblanc edition with the Han Wu Ti nib, especially on edition size, material and availability?", "a": "The \"Han Wu Ti\" was produced in 2003 in a run of only 88 examples exclusively for the Asian market. The base material is solid 18-carat gold with black lacquer coating; alongside, an 8-piece edition with yellow lacquer exists. As early as 2003 the edition was completely sold out and today belongs to the most coveted high-end collector's pieces, which are only traded under the table. Occasionally the model still appears in the trade, e.g. at pensinasia.com — but at very high prices.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How accommodating is Montblanc with the nib exchange of an unused fountain pen acquired on eBay, and what costs are to be reckoned with?", "a": "A nib exchange is basically possible; without proof of purchase from a boutique or from an authorised dealer, however, a service flat rate is charged, which depending on source lies at about €39-49. If the nib is not accepted by Montblanc as near-mint, a new nib can be required, whose costs can amount to up to half of the fountain-pen price (example value: about €190 on the 146). With a near-new piece including warranty booklet, an alternative is the direct exchange at the local stationery dealer for a model with the desired nib width, which is partly possible without bureaucracy and free of charge. The boutique mostly decides on the spot and additionally allows trying out various nibs.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is an avatar picture in the forum profile correctly uploaded and displayed beside the posts, if activation causes problems?", "a": "After selecting the image file via \"Browse\", the button \"Upload\" must necessarily be pressed in order for the avatar to be activated; the image is restricted to a maximum of 80x80 pixels and 80 kB. If too large an image is uploaded, it can happen that the original image is not overwritten when one tries to replace it, which appears as a bug in the system. In such cases, the image can be sent by email to the administrator, who then embeds it manually.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Is a BB nib on the Montblanc 149/146 suitable for everyday use as a heavy writer, or is it rather intended for signatures?", "a": "The suitability of a BB nib depends strongly on the individual handwriting; small writing fits BB worse than large writing. Collectors with large handwriting report that a BB on the 149 is very good for notebooks, letters and cards — that is, quite suitable for everyday use — and that Montblanc nibs tend to write broader than comparable nibs of other manufacturers (e.g. Kaweco, Lamy). For finer comments or marginal notes, narrower nibs (EF/F) or a rollerball are recommended. Before purchase one should bring one's own paper to the boutique and test extensively.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How are the market prices for the Montblanc Skeleton 333 (149 variant) to be classified, and is a mint-condition example for around €10,500 reasonably valued?", "a": "The Skeleton 333 had a former shop price of about €7,500; used pieces were temporarily offered for around €3,700 plus shipping, money-transfer fees, customs and import VAT, which gave a total final price of around €5,000 and was at the time regarded as a bargain. In mint condition the collector price is hardly under €10,000 any more, so an offer around €10,500 is to be regarded as market-appropriate.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the nib width of a Montblanc Meisterstück 144 be reliably determined, e.g. with a complaint about a mix-up of M and F?", "a": "An unambiguous determination of the nib width is practically impossible for laypersons and also difficult for experts, since the nibs are hand-ground and, e.g., a broad F can be very similar to a narrow M. An assessment based on photos is not feasible. With suspicion of a mix-up, the impression can be deceptive, because M nibs on the 144 appear too thin to many writers; a subsequently affixed nib-width sticker, however, that looks suspiciously over-stuck, can be a hint of manipulation by the seller.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one find the right nib width, how does one improve one's handwriting, and does a Montblanc writing instrument suit one's own style?", "a": "The right nib width can only be determined through extensive testing with one's own paper at the specialist retailer, since the writing feel is very individual; Montblanc additionally offers an acclimatisation or exchange period after purchase. Handwriting is mostly shaped at school and changes only to a limited extent later; through practice with calligraphy books, however, something can be specifically improved, although in the hectic everyday note-taking the effect remains limited. Whether a particular writing instrument suits one's own style is ultimately subjective and a question of personal taste.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Where can the current fountainpen.de newsletter (with Limited Editions list, ink reports etc.) be downloaded, and is the list complete?", "a": "The newsletter (no. 1/2007) is available in the newsletter archive of fountainpen.de in two resolutions (low resolution about 636 kB, high resolution about 1.37 MB) and has been downloaded over 2,300 times by now; older newsletters are also archived. The included Limited Editions list (\"The List\") is very extensive but can never be complete — e.g. the George Washington (50) from 2006 is missing. In terms of content, among others, the ink reports, Ribeiro, the Aurora visit and the Dortmund CAS get-together were highlighted positively.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How should an inherited Montblanc 149 (presumably from the 1950s) be prepared for longer storage, and what does an ink leak mean?", "a": "Collectors report that on a 149 without cork seal it suffices to flush the fountain pen with lukewarm water until no more ink residues come out; afterwards no further care is needed. Adding a few drops of ammonia water to the rinsing water removes last ink residues; the final rinse should be carried out with distilled water in order to avoid water spots. Ink leakage does not necessarily mean a piston defect — often the feed is clogged by carbon-black particles of black inks, so that the ink seeks another way. With a real piston problem or for professional cleaning, sending it to Montblanc is recommended; the service flat rate (max. about €49) is appropriate in relation to the value of the 149.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Did Montblanc pencils of the Writers Edition Dumas exist individually really only with son's signature, or also with father's signature?", "a": "The pencil of the Dumas edition existed, contrary to earlier statements, in both variants — with son's and with father's signature. The older information on fountainpen.de, according to which the father's variant was not separately available, is based on a then-reliable source and will be corrected accordingly on the website.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can one distinguish between original and counterfeit on inherited Montblanc writing instruments (Scott Fitzgerald, Cervantes, further Meisterstücks)?", "a": "Collectors report that a Scott Fitzgerald counterfeit can be recognised by the nib and discolouration, since the original is a piston filler, the fakes, on the other hand, cartridge fillers; a Cervantes fake stands out through non-gilded rings and clip of brass as well as a flaking surface. Pure fantasy products without a real model also occur. Writing instruments with the imprint \"West Germany\" on the cap ring come from the period before 1991 and are, provided no further oddities are present, generally genuine.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one recognise a counterfeit of the Montblanc 145 by nib, serial number and converter?", "a": "A counterfeit can be recognised by several details: the imprint on the nib is far too flatly stamped and only partially platinum-plated, the serial number is, on the original, laser-etched and executed in an unmistakably different font, and the converter differs clearly on originals from the converters used in counterfeits. These points alone allow an unambiguous identification in many cases. Filing a complaint with the prosecuting authority experience shows little — more sensible is the reversal of the purchase.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which ink cartridges are compatible with which fountain pens (e.g. Faber-Castell platinum-plated), and where does one find a corresponding overview?", "a": "A compatibility list for cartridges and converters can be found at giese-online.de (linked via penexchange.de, section \"Die Tinte und der Tintenfluss\"); additionally, in the Penexchange forum there is a corresponding discussion. A platinum-plated Faber-Castell additionally has a piston converter, so that instead of cartridges, ink from the bottle can be used, which allows significantly more colour choice. Occasionally there are reports that ink from the converter does not flow optimally because of the material; nevertheless, a test is worthwhile, since the cartridge range restricts in the long run.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How does the filling mechanism of old French fountain pens like \"Stylox Pulseuir M 190\" or \"Stylomine 303V\" work, and where can specialist information be found?", "a": "The model \"Stylox Pulseuir M 190\" largely corresponds to the Stylomine 303V described in the book \"Füllfederhalter\" by Andreas Lambrou (Heyne Verlag, translation Stefan Wallrafen) by the company Y. E. Zuber in Paris; a sectional drawing in the book serves for identification. The mechanism works with an internal rubber sac and an ink window in the barrel. Cleaning and disassembly take place via a water bath in which stuck parts are loosened. With old pieces from the 1950s, the rubber sac is often porous, which leads to leaks; spare parts, especially sacs, are generally no longer available, since the manufacturers no longer exist — such fountain pens are therefore in fact handled as one-off pieces. Talcum powder in the housing originally served to prevent the sac from sticking to the outer wall.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What market value does an S.T. Dupont Limited Edition Napoleon Gold (2003) fountain pen have, and how does one sell them sensibly?", "a": "S.T. Dupont is less in demand among collectors than strong brands like Montblanc, Pelikan or Nakaya, so that the achievable resale value is limited. Binding valuations are generally very expensive and often stand in no sensible relation to the market value; a guide to self-assessment can be found in the forum (Topic 2821). Generally, writing instruments lose much of their value already on leaving the shop; only a few gain value over time. Recommendation: either use yourself or, for value determination, list on an eBay auction starting at €1, since there the largest interested circle is reached.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Can a Montblanc Safety No. 1 in gold with unusually combined features (e.g. missing star on the cap and a fitted Astoria gold nib) count as an original mixed model or prototype?", "a": "Collectors do not classify such pieces as prototypes. More likely is either a subsequently inserted spare part (nibs frequently broke and were replaced by other contemporary nibs like an Astoria) or an assembled pen with barrel and cap from different models, since Montblanc never delivered writing instruments with mixed brand markings. A combination of round barrel form and octagonal cap also speaks against factory originality. A missing star and unknown model variants are, however, no unambiguous counterfeit indication, since before the Second World War many models existed and Montblanc's own pattern department was destroyed in the war. A reliable assessment is only possible through inspection in person.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the nibs be exchanged between the Montblanc 220 (cartridge pen) and 225 (piston pen)?", "a": "The exchange is basically feasible. With the piston filler 225, the front part is unscrewed and afterwards the nib together with feed is pressed out backwards. With the cartridge pen 220, one first removes the ink-view window and then likewise pushes nib with feed out. Then the nib can be changed. Caution is advised in the procedure.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How does the karma rating system work in the forum, and where does the term come from?", "a": "With the karma function, posts of other users can be rated by thumbs up or down, in order to highlight quality rather than mere post count. Per user only one rating is possible every six hours so that careful weighing takes place. Terms like Expert, Gold and Platinum Boarder were removed in the course of this. The designation karma comes from the forum software used and was not specifically chosen; a renaming would be programming-wise elaborate. In open-source environments, such Far-Eastern-leaning identifiers are anyway widespread.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Limited Edition John Lennon won at an online auction clearly under list price an original?", "a": "According to the assessment of several collectors, it is an original; the seller mentioned is known as reputable. Low prices are explained by the fact that non-specialist dealers can offer at calculatively cheaper prices. For transport, a suitable case is recommended in order to avoid scratches. Pros and cons of specialist trade compared to online purchase are widely discussed in the forum.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Should one choose the standard or the Putnam/UNICEF packaging for the Montblanc 149, and how can the nib widths F, EF and M be sensibly compared?", "a": "The choice of nib width is a matter of taste and should be tested in the specialist shop with the usually used paper, since the line width appears different depending on paper type; on smooth high-quality paper a nib appears broader than on absorbent copy paper. The differences between EF, F and M are clear, although some EF and F nibs overlap in practice. The Putnam/UNICEF packaging has additional charm and supports a charitable purpose. A supposedly identical serial number of fountain pen and case does not exist; a dealer can at any time deliver a new 149 to the existing box or have the nib exchanged free of charge by Montblanc within two weeks of purchase in the desired width.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What appeals to collectors about the Montblanc brand, and what motivations stand behind collecting writing instruments and accessories?", "a": "The motivations of collectors range from aesthetic appreciation of beautiful objects, through the cultivation of writing culture and interest in scripts, calligraphy and old books, to the idea of an investment in materialised form. Further mentioned are the connection of Montblanc with perfection and timelessness as well as belonging to a reference group that flirts with luxury brands. Some deliberately call themselves writing-instrument lovers instead of collectors, since they do not systematically complete an area but acquire individual beautiful or technically interesting pieces. Often the interest expands to peripheral areas like inks, paper, sealing wax and brand history. An unambiguous answer as to why precisely Montblanc does not exist; personality, environment and biographical coincidences play an essential role.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does Montblanc offer factory tours in Hamburg?", "a": "Montblanc does not offer routine individual factory tours; the annual contingents are usually quickly exhausted; a renewed enquiry is possible the following year. Background, in the assessment of collectors, is among other things that the museum currently manages without a curator and is in a rather neglected state; in addition, the effort for individual visitors is high. Enquiries are partly answered via the personnel department. In the forum there are at earlier times older threads with further hints.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are a Montblanc Meisterstück 146 fountain pen, a Meisterstück ballpoint, a Meisterstück pencil and a matching Sienna case to be checked for originality based on the inscriptions?", "a": "The writing instruments mentioned are classified by experienced collectors as originals. Until the end of the 1980s, the clip read W.-Germany, then only Germany; serial numbers were only laser-etched later. Writing instruments without a serial number and with the imprint Germany can therefore be classified into the 1990s. The case presented is presumably also original but does not belong to the Sienna series and rather comes from the 1980s in a fairly simple version.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Sheaffer model is a fountain pen with a gilded steel nib that seems to be neither a Targa nor another known line?", "a": "The Sheaffer described with gilded steel nib is not a Targa but a simpler model of the Sheaffer Fashion range, as a comparable piece from a Brussels sale of 1994 shows. An identification from memory is, however, only possible with reservation; a photo of the nib eases the determination considerably.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc briefcase auctioned at an online auction house with applied star, imitation-leather trim and unmatching pen loops an original?", "a": "Several assessments see the bag clearly as a counterfeit; indications are the applied star, the foreign design, the deficient finishing as well as the absence of typical Montblanc embossings. Such imitations crop up regularly in online auctions. Buyers should immediately demand a reversal and, in case of dispute, use buyer protection as well as inform the brand piracy department of Montblanc; in extreme cases a criminal complaint is also possible. Experience shows that even the threat of further steps often leads to refund of the purchase price.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can Montblanc models like the supposedly cartridge-fillable 149 or a supposed Solitaire Doué be identified, and how can pictures be posted in the forum?", "a": "A reliable identification without photos is not possible. The Montblanc 149 has never existed as a cartridge filler; with such a piece, it is presumably a Montblanc 147, which was delivered in French markets with an 18-carat gold nib. For embedding pictures, reference is made to the help pages of the forum; alternatively, pictures can be sent by email to the webmaster, who posts them. Dimensions and model overviews can be found on the page Meisterstücke of the forum website.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one open the lead reservoir of a Montblanc pencil 251 to refill leads?", "a": "The mechanism is opened by pulling at the rear end; alternatively, filling from the front is possible. Required here is somewhat more force, without thereby damaging the pencil.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Did Montblanc have a stylus variant of the push-knob model No. 15 without model-number engraving, and are unmarked pieces from this series usual?", "a": "This stylus version actually existed and was, according to current sources, made around 1934; in the Rösler Diary it is missing between positions 4 and 5 on page 79. Stylus pens of this early model line mostly bore no numbers on the blind cap, while the pen holders always had a model number; an unnumbered pen holder would accordingly be a converted stylus. Exceptions are, however, documented, e.g. a stylus No. 15 with engraving as well as an unnumbered 17.5 with silver overlay. Since end pieces were often interchangeable, individual mixed forms are not ruled out. A complete model listing of Montblanc does not exist; the Rösler Diary, too, has gaps.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which converters and cartridges fit a Sheaffer Targa Slim 1005 S, and where does one obtain replacements?", "a": "For the Sheaffer Targa Slim, original Sheaffer Slim cartridges are intended, of which remaining stock is partly still offered in online trade. A tried and tested point of contact for converters and matching spare parts is Rolf Thiel (missing-pen.de), who also stocks older Sheaffer items.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Can it be judged from photos whether a found Montblanc Jules Verne ballpoint of the Writers Edition is genuine?", "a": "On the pictures, no obvious counterfeit features are recognisable; however, of the Jules Verne there are very good counterfeits, which are hardly identifiable from photos. A reliable assessment is only possible through personal inspection, e.g. in a Montblanc boutique or via Montblanc customer service; there a chargeable authenticity check can be commissioned, with the writing instrument to be sent in. Market values should not be read from asking prices but from realised sale prices, e.g. eBay sales of completed auctions.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Friedrich Schiller (Writers Edition) won at an online auction most likely an original, and what liability does the forum bear with such assessments?", "a": "The Schiller shown looks, in the assessment of experienced collectors, authentic, since counterfeiters do not convincingly reproduce the typical design details of this edition. Generally, online remote diagnoses of authenticity can never be conclusive; in case of doubt, the specialist retailer or a boutique is the right point of contact. Forum operators are not liable for content of individual posts; an obligation of content review for communities does not exist according to relevant case law. Authors of individual posts can theoretically be held responsible for false statements, which, however, is practically difficult to enforce.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a supposed Montblanc offered at an online auction a counterfeit, and what value range is realistic for a MonteRosa?", "a": "The piece shown is not a fake but an original MonteRosa, the simpler sister brand of Montblanc, presumably from the 1960s; a nib exchange is no longer possible on this old model. Even with old Montblanc models there are by now many replicas, so that the warning about fakes also applies in the vintage area. Binding price lists for older Montblancs do not exist; the book Collectible Stars offers price and rarity classes; current market prices can best be derived at fountain-pen fairs or by observing online auctions. For a normal MonteRosa, depending on model variant, colour (export colours are rarer), preservation and nib material, a range of around 25 to 50 euros is realistic.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can it be said from photos whether a supposed Montblanc Solitaire Carbon Steel with Meisterstück imprint near the writing tip and a strikingly two-piece body is an original?", "a": "The features described clearly speak against an original; a Meisterstück imprint near the writing tip does not belong on the Solitaire Carbon Steel; the cap ring, the star and the form of the clip deviate, and the gap at the lower barrel end does not exist on the original model. Montblanc has never made such a model. Only the packaging could be original. A definitive assessment is only possible through a boutique or an authorised dealer on the spot.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What can be the cause of a new Omas MoMA nib in M scratching despite generous ink flow, and how does the model write generally?", "a": "A scratching nib is not typical of Omas models; collectors report that M nibs of this manufacturer generally write softly. Possible cause is a slight offset of the nib tines; in such cases, exchange at the dealer is recommended, which experience shows uncomplicatedly delivers a new nib. The typical ink flow of Omas fountain pens is, through the ebonite feed, very saturated, which can produce small ink puddles at line crossings at the start; after a few pages this usually settles. On some papers like Moleskine, the nib can additionally feather.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc offered at a US auction described as a Noblesse Oblige an original, and what distinguishes the series Noblesse and Noblesse Oblige?", "a": "In the specific case there is a faulty seller description: depicted is a real Montblanc Noblesse of the third series, not a Noblesse Oblige. Both lines are different writing instruments: the Noblesse is significantly slimmer and has a metal core; the Noblesse Oblige consists of plastic and lies below it in quality and price. The faulty description presumably affects the result negatively. For a Noblesse with lacquer surface and 18-carat gold nib, a price around 119 US dollars is market-customary. When buying from abroad, customs and shipping are to be added.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which online shops or manufacturers deliver high-quality desk accessories of leather like writing pad, quiver, bowl and note box?", "a": "Recommended are especially Lesny (schreibgeraeteaufderbruecke.de) because of its broad range and procurement possibilities, as well as the Swiss shop Landoldt Arbentz on Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse, which also delivers to Germany. For demanding handmade accessories of Arizona full-grain leather, the family business Ludwig Kopp in Offenbach (trademark LK) comes into question, which delivers via selected specialist retailers; a dealer directory is available on request. The latter pieces lie, however, in the upper price segment.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can discolouration on a Montblanc Meisterstück K 122 of hard rubber be treated, and how high is the collector value of this model?", "a": "On the K 122, the K stands for short; it is the smallest Meisterstück of this series. The steel nib is mostly a wartime replacement nib, since the original gold nib was often given to the so-called war donation. The filling system used a rubber sac behind a pressure spring; this is, after such a long time, hard or disintegrated and should necessarily be replaced; otherwise damage threatens. The brownish discolouration is a natural ageing of the hard rubber through escaped sulphur and can only be polished by significant material removal, e.g. with Wenol; a patina is regarded as appropriate. The 122 is significantly rarer than current models, but as a small Meisterstück not as valuable as the larger sister models; market guidelines are provided by observation of online auctions.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What can lead, when cleaning a Montblanc Hemingway, to black ink emerging at the turning knob and at connection points, and how should one further proceed?", "a": "The phenomenon typically occurs when the fountain pen has not been used for a longer time and ink has dried; residues are not completely removed when moving the piston and reach, with the rinsing water, the mechanism. Since the mechanism is today made of plastic, no damage is mostly to be feared. Because of the high value of the Hemingway, the writing instrument should be entrusted to Montblanc service; a complete cleaning with disassembly and replacement of small parts costs up to about €49. In contrast to private repairers, Montblanc can in case of damage provide a replacement.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Did Montblanc produce writing instruments under the sub-brand name Cyclop for the Berlin firm Ferd. Ashelm?", "a": "Ferd. Ashelm was a Berlin business-book factory that no longer appears in supplier directories after 1945. The writing instruments offered under the name Cyclop were presumably not made in-house but bought in; whether stemming from Montblanc production cannot be established from a catalogue alone, since many manufacturers at that time made extremely similar products. A reliable assignment requires the piece in hand and the inspection of the mechanism. Montblanc did not make comprehensive office articles like glue or stamps; the additional articles in the Ashelm catalogue stem from in-house production. A complete reliable list of Montblanc sub-brands does not exist; the listings circulating on the internet are to be used with reservation.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the engraving Use Montblanc ink only on a converter supplied with a Montblanc 145P mean, and how does one care for the fountain pen correctly?", "a": "Montblanc recommends its own ink because only with it can the specified flow properties of the ink-feed system be guaranteed. Other water-soluble premium inks often function similarly well, while strongly colour-saturated and especially blue-black as well as black inks are more viscous and can favour writing failures. Water-soluble inks are generally regarded as the best choice. When using non-water-soluble inks, the fountain pen should as a precaution be flushed with lukewarm water before every third filling; with diminishing ink flow or longer idle times (from about half a year), a thorough cleaning, e.g. by ultrasound, is indicated.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why is an uploaded avatar image displayed in the profile but not in the forum community?", "a": "The forum uses the software Mambo with modules from various third-party providers (forum SimpleBoard, MyPMS, member list), which do not consistently communicate with each other. Therefore the profile picture must be deposited separately for SimpleBoard and MyPMS. Beta versions of a unified profile module already exist, but a switch is only sensible with an established standard. Until then, the multiple creation of the avatar is the only solution.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What are the experiences with Montblanc specialist retailers compared to online buying, and is an online shop like uhrinstinkt.de a reputable source for a Meisterstück Doué Stainless Steel?", "a": "The forum majority defends the specialist trade but points out typical deficits in differentiated form: no dealer and no boutique can keep the entire Montblanc range in stock, because the capital tied up would be too high; ordering is the rule. Quality of advice varies considerably; in many stationery shops with only a few premium sales per year, expertise is hardly to be found. With online buying, the manufacturer's warranty typically falls away; instead, an in-house guarantee of the dealer applies, which brings advantages and disadvantages. Anyone without suitable specialist shops nearby understandably switches to online providers. On the concrete suitability of a particular online shop, the forum delivers no unambiguous evaluation.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What experiences do collectors make with the Montblanc service for repairs, nib exchanges and signature engravings?", "a": "Experiences range from lengthy procedures with multiple complaints (e.g. cap that does not stay attached after nib exchange, forgotten engraving on the replacement cap, crack on the body) to very accommodating handling, e.g. free replacement of defective piston mechanisms even on auction pieces without warranty papers. Repair turnaround times can take several weeks with shipping between boutique and Hamburg. Regular initial engravings are mostly carried out free of charge in the boutique on the spot; signature engravings cost regularly 25 euros, since scanning, post-processing and machine costs apply. A signature sample on paper can be handed in at the dealer; even small models like the Mozart are basically engravable.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can a vintage Montblanc 222 hard-rubber piston filler with a cap without inscription be original, or is the cap exchanged or counterfeit?", "a": "An early Chinese copy is unlikely. More likely is that the inscription has, through decades of use and the sulphur migration typical of hard rubber, completely disappeared; with a professional restoration, remains of the embossing might reappear. A cap exchange or an old repair is also not to be ruled out. Montblanc itself classified the pen in an email statement as a possible 204 with correction to 201 from the 1930s, but not as a 222; caps without engraving are not known there. Experienced collectors rather advise against sending in to Montblanc service with old pieces, since the competence for vintage models there is limited and repairs can be very expensive; specialists like Lutz (interpens.de) are better suited for restorations.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How resilient is the clip of a Montblanc Mozart 114, especially when the fountain pen is additionally carried in a thin leather case in the inside pocket?", "a": "The clip is not constructed for permanent further spreading beyond the factory gap between cap and clip foot. If it is regularly bent further, it can wear out over time. When carrying in the inside pocket together with a case, the total gap should therefore not be larger than the distance directly under the clip foot. Original Montblanc leather cases (e.g. Sienna) are designed for this but are high-priced. An alternative thin fabric or leather sleeve additionally protects the nib if the barrel comes loose from the cap in the pocket and ink leaks out.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How does one clean the ink window of a Pelikan 100N if it is discoloured by ink?", "a": "A complete cleaning does not succeed in every case; with ink that has remained in the pen for very long, the colour can eat into the material and is no longer to be removed. As a procedure, it is recommended to fill the fountain pen for a longer time with water and rinse regularly. Mechanical treatments with Wenol and cotton swabs experience shows mostly bring no significant improvement.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Did the Montblanc Meisterstück 164 ballpoints from 1980 to 2007 have the same length and what dimensions are documented?", "a": "Dimensions of various model generations, including cap and barrel diameter, are documented in an older forum thread. With the terms cap diameter and barrel diameter, it is simply the diameter of the cap or the barrel. A complete technical overview in picture form provides the simplest comparison possibility for lengths and diameters across the production years.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Were ballpoints and pencils also offered for the Montblanc VIP Pen series of the 1970s (models 1124/1324), and which converter fits?", "a": "The VIP series was sold from 1978 to 1984; according to further sources, it was already produced for Montblanc by Aurora from the mid-1970s. Available were exclusively fountain pens and rollerball (formerly called Quickpen); ballpoints or pencils did not belong to the programme. Market prices for the fountain pen are around 40 to 120 euros, for the rollerball 40 to 80 euros. Current Montblanc converters with thread do not fit; suitable are the old converters (market price about 5 to 20 euros) as well as, as a stopgap, Pelikan converters and cartridges. The Aurora converter of the Hastil 158 has a different fitting and is not compatible.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which problems occur with the private-messaging system (MyPMS Pro) in the forum, and is a system change planned?", "a": "With increasing database size, MyPMS Pro no longer functions reliably; problems arise especially when users want to delete old messages. There were already three larger incidents in which at least one message was lost. Because of the pop-up problems, some users prefer direct email communication; however, publishing clickable email addresses harbours spam risks. A switch to a Joomla-based environment is planned in the medium term; whether a PMS system will continue to be offered is open, since commercial solutions cause costs.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What possibilities for authenticity checking of a Montblanc does the manufacturer offer, and why does the question of originality nevertheless arise frequently in the forum?", "a": "Montblanc boutiques check standard models directly on the spot free of charge; a sending in to customer service with photos and serial number is alternatively possible. In the forum, the question is nevertheless asked frequently because boutiques are only located in cities with about 80,000 or more inhabitants, and a journey is in many cases disproportionate. In addition, sales staff in boutiques know mainly the current range, which is why their assessment is not always conclusive especially with older models. Forum answers remain in any case remote diagnoses with limited reliability.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Who currently makes the writing instruments of Davidoff (e.g. Velero collection), and where do the nibs come from?", "a": "Davidoff has, according to forum reports, parted from Omas about two years ago, since the quality did not correspond to its requirements. The current writing instruments are made in France; the concrete manufacturer is not publicly named. The 18-carat nibs come from a German nib manufacturer and are regarded as very soft and pleasant in writing behaviour. In German premium specialist trade, the new Davidoff models are selling well.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Can a Montblanc Hemingway ballpoint be converted to a Hemingway mechanical pencil?", "a": "A clean conversion is technically very elaborate, since among other things an internal thread would have to be removed and pencils of the range are plug-in; in addition, a LeGrand pencil would be needed as a parts donor. Possible would be a variant via an adapter made on the lathe with subsequent press fitting; in this solution, however, the eraser on the mechanism is omitted. An original mechanical pencil in Hemingway look is thus not to be made, only a technically functioning pencil in the Hemingway body.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which current counterfeits crop up in online auctions around Montblanc models like Meisterstück, Scenium, Star Walker, Menuhin and Asian sellers, and is their sale in Germany permitted?", "a": "Collectors observe increasing fake activities of Chinese and other Asian providers; affected are Meisterstück, Scenium, Star Walker and the Menuhin, the latter of which appeared in the original only as a fountain pen and ballpoint and never as a rollerball. Even self-labelled replicas may not be sold in Germany; distribution is generally forbidden. Recommended is purchase from a specialist retailer, since fakes are increasingly elaborately designed and even packaging with Montblanc stars is by now imitated, which complicates recognition.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which matt-black Montblanc ballpoint with click mechanism is meant, and is the model still being produced?", "a": "It is the Montblanc Scenium, which continues to be produced as ballpoint, rollerball and fineliner with gilded or platinum-plated rings. Quality and design of the model do not, in the assessment of experienced collectors, reach the usual Montblanc level. Further information on the model is linked on the model page of the forum. For the identification of significantly older models (e.g. from the 1980s), detailed descriptions or photos are necessary; the search in the forum and on the related website helps with comparison.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc 32 with a striking nib and grip section original, or has it been assembled from parts of other models?", "a": "With the piece described, presumably a parts assemblage exists. The nib depicted is a so-called butterfly nib, which typically belongs in the 22, 12 or a standard 32; gold versions with 14K mostly stem from the 22, 18K versions from a Meisterstück 12. The body shows the form of a 32 for a D nib with a free-standing nib, the only known variant with this geometry. A gilded steel nib of this form is therefore no rare special model but, in the assessment of experienced collectors, also stems from another 32.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can a value development be foreseen for a Montblanc Limited Edition like the Max v. Oppenheim 888 or 4810, and is filling and writing value-reducing?", "a": "A reliable forecast of value development is not possible; writing instruments are no safe investment, comparable to shares. Right after purchase, the value usually falls, because private persons cannot pass on a manufacturer's warranty; increases in value are realistic only with very rare models or over long periods. Among collectors there are two main positions: keep sealed unopened as a possible return factor, or deliberately use and enjoy the writing instrument; filling lowers, from the view of purist collectors, the potential resale value. Recommended is a purchase primarily out of personal joy, not as an investment, although occasional jackpots like the Proust are also documented.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does the Montblanc Bohème have serial numbers, what is the point of retracting the nib, and are the gemstones in the clip real precious stones?", "a": "The serial number of the Bohème is, where present, on the clip ring slightly offset to the right. The first Bohèmes (with only one ring on the grip section and engraving Rouge et Noir) as well as some of the early three-ring models do not yet have a clip-ring number; they are nevertheless original and partly sought-after collector pieces. On the underside of the clip the embossing Pix or Meta Pix can be recognised, analogously to the Meisterstücks. The gemstones in resin Bohème models are synthetic (even when Montblanc speaks of gemstone); real rubies, e.g. heart-shaped, occur only on individual precious-metal Bohèmes like the Je-t'aime. Retracting the nib serves practically for compactness when at rest and protects the nib in transport; a special protective function against ink on the fingers as on Safetys, however, this is not.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can one obtain spare parts for a Montblanc 146 with a cracked barrel, and is a trade-in possible at a dealer?", "a": "Spare parts are available exclusively at Montblanc itself; dealers do not have barrel parts. Repairs take place by sending the writing instrument in to Montblanc, by which the manufacturer prevents counterfeiters from assembling whole writing instruments from individual parts. Before deciding for repair or trade-in, a cost enquiry directly to Montblanc is recommended.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one identify and fill a Montblanc Meisterstück 25 SIMPLO safety fountain pen from the 1930s with the characteristic stampings?", "a": "The pen described is a safety filler with 18-carat gold nib; the second stamping on the turning knob (e.g. M) gives the nib width. Filling takes place with the nib pointing upwards, half turned out; after dropping in the ink, the nib is fully extended for writing and retracted again before closing, in each case with the pen held upwards in order to prevent leakage. Before first filling, the seals are to be checked; a repair service is mostly necessary; alternatively a water test can be made. The model number 25 is engraved both on the nib and on the turning knob and gives the size class within the series (e.g. a 35 existed); the meaning of the S in the mountain symbol on the cap is unclear, possibly a dealer code like Stöffhaas. A shortened cap considerably reduces the material value; the sentimental value as a family piece, however, remains unaffected.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Meisterstück 144 with pure plug-on cap and without Pix imprint under the clip an original?", "a": "Regular 144s are not screwed but only plugged; only individual Solitaire variants and very old 144s from the 1950s have a screw thread. The Pix mark under the clip is present on newer models but is partly missing on older versions. Nibs are technically the most difficult part; well-made original nibs therefore mostly speak unambiguously for an original.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How are older, presumably gilded Sheaffer fountain pens from an estate to be classified, and where can the market value be assessed?", "a": "Sheaffer is not among the price-strongest vintage brands; older Sheaffers with a gold-electroplated marking therefore lie price-wise rather moderate. Market prices can be well observed via auction platforms like martiniauctions.com. Since these writing instruments write very well, it is also being considered to keep one of the duplicates instead of selling.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Do counterfeits of the Writers Edition Karajan crop up in online auctions, and which additional model types do not belong to the original at all?", "a": "The Karajan was never made as a rollerball; an offered Karajan rollerball is therefore necessarily a counterfeit; likewise a Kafka rollerball. Collectors report increasingly well-made fakes, also in packaging design with a white star, which complicates recognition based on offer photos. Even pencils are not generally safe from fakes; collectors have already seen counterfeit Meisterstück mechanical pencils in the USA. Originality features such as the form of the star, the spelling of the word Meisterstück with ue, the number and form of the cap rings, the Pix embossing and the form of the clip end can be checked on careful inspection. Recommended is purchase from the specialist retailer.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are fountain pens like Montblanc or Graf von Faber-Castell really suitable as an investment, as a Welt am Sonntag article suggests?", "a": "Increases in value occur practically only with a few, anyway already high-priced limited editions; the broad market is not affected by this. Collectors warn of an oversaturation through ever more and ever more expensive special models in ever smaller editions, since potential collectors are thereby discouraged from building up a sensible collection; Omas and in part Montblanc are mentioned as examples of risky brand policy. Speculative buyers and dealers can distort the market, but a parallel functioning lovers' market remains realistic. The article cited is criticised in content as superficial, e.g. through the mixing of Writers Editions and Patron of the Arts; brand emphasis appears editorially arbitrary. Writing instruments should be bought primarily out of joy in the object and in writing, not as an investment.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How is the Montblanc Max Reinhardt 2010 (limited edition of 20 pieces) judged in the collector environment, and how does its price fit into the line of predecessors?", "a": "Collectors evaluate the Max Reinhardt 2010 as a successful piece but point to the pronounced edge between the middle barrel and grip section, which can make writing uncomfortable. Compared to the previous years, the price is regarded as relatively moderate: the 2007 editions were around €19,000, 2008 and 2009 about €18,500, more recent pieces of the line around €11,000. The edition size of 20 pieces is small; individual pens were still available via German dealers after the initial delivery.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one recognise the authenticity of a Montblanc Meisterstück 144 with a single-colour gold nib, and is it really a piston filler?", "a": "The 144, despite being widely called a piston filler, is technically a cartridge or converter fountain pen. For authenticity checking, alongside visual features like star form, Pix embossing and clean laser engraving on the clip, above all comparison with reference photos as well as assessment in a Montblanc boutique, e.g. on Munich's Maximilianstraße, are recommended. A thorough cleaning can often remedy existing function disorders, so that the pen is again usable as a writing instrument.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Solitaire Doué Stainless Steel with somewhat darker-appearing grey rings an original?", "a": "On the Solitaire Stainless Steel variants, differently produced rings occur, which often look sandblasted or powder-coated and often appear somewhat darker than the rest of the body. If the other original features (star form, laser engraving, clip, Pix embossing) are correct, that points to an authentic piece. A reliable judgement requires high-resolution detail photos of the ring section in question.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it worth repairing a Montblanc No. 22 with missing rings on the viewing window and a broken ink window, and who carries out such work?", "a": "Montblanc itself no longer offers free repairs or spare parts for such old models. A tried and tested solution is the purchase of another No. 22 as a parts donor via eBay. Alternatively, specialised workshops like Horst Schrage (maxpens) or Interpens are available, who professionally restore such vintage pens.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which refills fit the old Montblanc ballpoints with lever mechanism from the 1950s and 1960s?", "a": "The lever mechanism in the clip was a pure Montblanc construction and ran in many variants from 1956 to about 1968. In writing instruments of this early generation, today's Montblanc refills no longer fit; instead, Ballograf refills can be used, which were anyway fitted at the factory at that time. Alternatively, the somewhat thicker standard refills of Schmidt or Schneider can be adapted by cutting off the plastic end and filing it round. Models produced from about 1970 to 1989, on the other hand, take today's Montblanc refills without problem.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is an S.T. Dupont fountain pen rendered functional after a fall, and what costs are to be reckoned with?", "a": "With a stuttering ink flow after a fall, mere rinsing with water is mostly not enough, since the nib unit itself has to be adjusted. Recommended is direct sending to Dupont Germany as an insured parcel, possibly after telephone notice with request for a quote. The repair (purely technical, without cosmetic refurbishment) is delivered cash on delivery; in the reported case the costs were €44 with an impeccable result.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which versions and edition sizes does the Montblanc Artisan Edition Henry Moore comprise, and how is it judged in the collector circle?", "a": "The Artisan Edition Henry Moore appears in two variants: yellow gold limited to 88 pieces at around €31,000 and white gold limited to 5 pieces at around €65,000. The design is described as interesting but addresses only a very narrow target group because of price and edition size.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one regrind a Montblanc 146 nib oneself from M to a broader or oblique nib variant, and what should be considered in the finish?", "a": "For the rough work, a fine sharpening stone is suitable; afterwards, however, the tipping must necessarily be smoothed with ever finer abrasive paper down to 10,000 grit. Suitable fine-abrasive sheets, e.g. as round pads, are available via specialised providers like David Broadwell. Caution with iridium: too much removal makes the nib unusable; after smoothing, the ink flow can if necessary be optimised via re-adjustment of the nib unit.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How is the numbering on Montblanc Writers Editions to be understood, and do the entries on the Montblanc website agree with the actually engraved edition numbers?", "a": "On the Writers Editions, the total number of all produced fountain pens is engraved, with the first examples of every edition reserved for the three-writing-instrument sets. Serial numbers are not assigned twice; a change of the numbering logic has never taken place. Edition sizes vary from edition to edition (e.g. Faulkner 16,000, Kafka 18,500, Wolfe 16,000, Collodi 12,000). Confusion arises because the Montblanc website lists partly only the individually sold pens, partly only the sets and partly partial quantities; what counts is always the figure engraved on the writing instrument itself.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a strikingly unusually designed StarWalker as a supposed Limited Edition from eBay an original?", "a": "The offer in question is unambiguously a counterfeit. Such replicas come from Chinese production and cost there 1 to 2 euros per piece. eBay removes such auctions on notice from Montblanc, which actively pursues trademark violations.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which good writing-instrument specialist shops are there in Munich, Nuremberg or Regensburg for viewing and test writing various brands?", "a": "In Munich, alongside the Montblanc boutique, especially Schreibmayr in the Fünf Höfe is recommended; there Mrs Kühnen is available for sound advice. Complementarily, the Munich fountain-pen fair by Gerhard Baur (annually, 2007 on 7 July) offers an opportunity to view a broad brand variety and get into conversation with collectors.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Where can one obtain replacement refills for very old, non-standardised ballpoints?", "a": "For ballpoints from times before the refill standard, matching replacement refills are today only difficultly obtainable, since manufacturers at that time often used their own solutions. A point of contact is the forum at penexchange.de, where many ballpoint users are active and possibly know sources or adapter solutions.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can writing instruments outside the common models be found and test-written if local specialist retailers only carry the standard range?", "a": "In many regions the specialist retailers' range is strongly restricted; special editions or brands like Cartier are hardly available in stock. Good dealers order models on request without obligation; however, it is unfair to have a writing instrument ordered only for inspection without intent to buy. More practicable are visits to specialised dealers in larger cities, the visit of collectors' fairs or ordering via established mail-order dealers. Warranty stipulations of individual brands (e.g. only to use their own ink) are in practice an additional obstacle.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "From what period does the Montblanc model 030 date, is it a piston or cartridge filler, and what are the holes under the nib for?", "a": "The model 30 was made by Montblanc between 1967 and 1970 and offered both as piston filler and cartridge filler. The yellow sleeve in the barrel is structurally correct. Despite the identical model number, this pen has nothing to do with the 30 models from the 1930s.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it worth switching from the Lamy Studio with steel nib to a Lamy with 14-carat gold nib as the first gold-nib pen?", "a": "Collectors report that after switching to a gold nib the writing feel is felt to be significantly softer and more pleasant, so that a return to the steel nib seldom comes into question. Even when switching from an unsatisfactory Cross to a Lamy with gold nib, the improvement was described as noticeable. Recommended therefore is the investment in a gold nib as soon as writing frequency and demand justify this.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What does the letter G in the engraving \"138 G\" on the blind cap of a Montblanc 138 mean, and where is the nib width usually noted?", "a": "The letter G after the model number does not denote a nib width but particular surface properties, patterns or materials (analogously to PL or S). The nib width is normally engraved on the opposite side of the blind cap. On the 138, \"G\" was widespread as a standard designation of the pre-war and early post-war pens but does not occur on every example. Gold nibs were no rare exception on the 138.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does a Montblanc 1866 in 925 silver with the marking \"1970 5 KM\" exist, and are there counterfeits of the Montblanc Carrera?", "a": "Of the Carrera no counterfeits are known, since it is a comparatively cheap school fountain pen whose reproduction is not economically worthwhile. A missing inscription on the cap is therefore no indication of a plagiarism but rather of normal wear. Sales references to one's own eBay auctions are unwelcome in the forum.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are two silver pencils Montblanc pieces, and what value is to be set?", "a": "On the photos, only one of the two pencils is a Montblanc pencil in silver from the 1930s or 1940s; the second does not come from Montblanc. At that time the firm Fend, which held the patent for such multi-colour mechanisms, made similar pencils for many manufacturers. The sale of such pieces is sensible via eBay if the value is uncertain; meaningful photos and, where applicable, the reading of possible imprints are necessary for an evaluation.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc model from the 1970s is a fountain pen with unusually shaped plastic around the nib?", "a": "Based on the cap form below, the pen can be identified as a Montblanc 121, which was produced from 1971 to 1976. In contrast to the visually similar 221, the lower cap end differs on the 121. It is a solid everyday writing instrument that is neither particularly rare nor particularly valuable but offers long-standing joy in writing.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which problems occur with the PMS system (private messages) of the forum, and is a changeover planned?", "a": "The PMS system was temporarily unavailable but could afterwards be restored. A migration to a new system is planned; users should in the meantime back up relevant messages by email. A wish from the community is the possibility to disable receiving private messages generally, since attachments cannot be sent anyway.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Are Montblanc spectacle frames offered on eBay counterfeited, and how can originals be recognised?", "a": "Montblanc spectacle frames are now also being counterfeited, similarly to writing instruments, watches and leather goods. Aggravatingly, Montblanc has changed the spectacle licensee several times since 1997, so that older catalogues are no longer current and legitimate model differences arise. Conspicuously low prices and conspicuously fast direct-purchase processing are indications of untrustworthy offers.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can one obtain high-quality desk accessories like leather trays or storage cases?", "a": "For leather trays, El Casco (black leather, DIN A4) is recommended. Solid-wood accessories are offered by Edwood with models like the Morbier Bois tray. Sources are specialist shops for office furnishing, stock clearances of insolvent dealers or online auctions like eBay; a nationwide Edwood dealer is not known, which is why enquiries directly to the manufacturer or to sellers are worthwhile.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which publications exist on the Montblanc literature prizes of recent years, and what role does Joseph von Westphalen play?", "a": "Joseph von Westphalen has been a member of the jury of the Montblanc literature prize since 1991 and does not himself participate in the competition. With financial support from Montblanc, he subsequently issues the submitted competition contributions in book form, so that for several years collected volumes exist.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are eBay offers from a seller with a strikingly large number of identical Montblanc Meisterstück 161s trustworthy?", "a": "With sellers who offer multiple examples of the same model under similar-sounding account names and use pictures that demonstrably come from foreign websites, extreme caution is advised. If the buyer cannot be sure of receiving the piece shown in the pictures, the purchase should be refrained from. Such constellations with dozens of identical models in the seller history are a clear warning sign.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does the letterhead of a Montblanc letter suffice as proof of authenticity for a supposed Montblanc pencil that is marked with \"M999 Other\"?", "a": "A letterhead alone is not proof of authenticity, and the internal model number M999 stands at Montblanc merely for \"other\" and says nothing about brand affiliation. If a writing instrument is submitted for repair and not repaired, it appears in the letter with this collective code without Montblanc thereby confirming its originality. The white dot alone does not make a no-name pencil into a Montblanc; decisive are the typical brand features on the writing instrument itself.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What market prices do Montblanc pill boxes and similar promotional gifts like keychains achieve in resale?", "a": "Promotional gifts like pill boxes or keychains, which Montblanc handed out as add-ons to good customers, achieve on eBay partly astonishing prices: pill boxes were sold for around 36 euros, keychains even for close to 56 euros. Original packaging and appealing product texts can drive the price further up. These lovers' prices reflect rather the brand charm than the real material value.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which international magazines for writing-instrument collectors are recommendable, and is Stylophiles still available as a printed edition?", "a": "Stylophiles long counted among internationally active collectors as the reference magazine for writing instruments and convinced especially through the high-quality pictures by Bill Riepl; today, however, it no longer appears in printed form. Pen World International has a significantly higher circulation (ten- to twentyfold), but is regarded as weaker in quality; due to stronger advertising customers, Pen World has established itself economically better. Mary Burke earlier worked with Andreas Lambrou at Classic Pens and belongs to the relevant collector scene.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can the nib and feed of a Montblanc Meisterstück 144 be removed in order to convert the pen with a chiselled silver body?", "a": "On Montblanc Meisterstücks, the nibs are screwed in and sealed with viscous, permanently elastic silicone mass, which is why disassembly is only possible without damage with special tools and is not recommended. If one wants only to use the nib, it can be carefully pulled out (with cloth and pliers); the feed should also be used with it. For chiselled jewellery on the pen, conversion with silver cap and silver sleeve over the original grip section is the simpler variant than the complete material exchange, especially since glowing for cement removal would not be possible on the original material. Historically, overlays were made for such refinements; corresponding examples can be found at maxpens.de.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What colour and properties does the Montblanc Christmas ink White Forest have?", "a": "The Christmas ink White Forest is a vivid dark green, which also corresponds to the official statement in the Montblanc Refill Shop. On paper it leaves after drying a very appealing impression, which makes it well suited for seasonal correspondence like Christmas cards. In smell it is reminiscent of pine-needle aroma.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Has the packaging of the Montblanc Writers Edition changed over the years, and are there counterfeit packagings, e.g. for the Agatha Christie edition?", "a": "The book form of the packaging was retained over the years, but details changed several times: on the Hemingway there was still a slightly removable sticker on the front; on the Agatha Christie the pen was fixed at the cap top and pen end with an easily breakable clip clamp under the silk cloth. Vertically embossed stripes on the book spine are original. Packaging is now also being counterfeited, which is why even existing original packaging is no compulsory authenticity proof; the evaluation must always include the writing instrument and the packaging together.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does graphite powder from the sharpening process settle problematically on the Montblanc SketchPen despite tapping out?", "a": "Experiences with the SketchPen are rare, since the model is little known. With comparable sharpening pens of other manufacturers, no critical graphite accumulation has been reported. The design of the SketchPen is praised; the comparatively thick lead appeals more to writers who prefer stronger line widths.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What is worth knowing about the ball nibs (KM) of the Montblanc Meisterstücks from the 1950s?", "a": "Ball nibs are an independent subject of collector interest and were extensively treated in newsletter no. 2 (02/2005) on fountainpen.de. There technical properties, writing behaviour and recognition features are documented. For the evaluation of a concrete offer, comparison with the examples depicted there is recommended.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Are there custom-made cases for extensive writing-instrument collections of various manufacturers and sizes?", "a": "Custom cases are often made by local leather workshops at moderate prices but cannot be found supraregionally. In wholesale, a high-quality 20-piece leather case in DIN A5 format is available for 89 euros including shipping, which corresponds to about 4.45 euros per writing-instrument slot; it accommodates pens up to the size 146 without problem; a 149 also fits in if a slimmer piece finds room next to it. The leather is soft and very high-quality processed.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "From what period does a Montblanc 161 mechanical pencil with a doubly tapered ring date, and does this model belong to the Meisterstück range?", "a": "The 161 with the characteristic pointed ring (form of a mountain as the symbol of the Montblanc) was produced from 1971 to 1973 and corresponds visually to the 151. The 6 in the model number identifies the Meisterstück range and means that 1.18 mm leads are used. In quality, the Meisterstück pencils and ballpoints of the second and third series of the 1960s and 1970s differed mainly through different surface versions; alongside stood the simpler mass models like Noblesse, Monte Rosa, Carrera and Caressa.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the additional inscription \"METAL\" on the clip of a Montblanc P164 Platinum mean, although clip and trim are anyway made of metal?", "a": "The additional engraving \"METAL\" Montblanc, according to its own information, only uses on writing instruments of solid precious metal or stainless steel, e.g. on Solitaire models, on the Stainless Steel or on the 147 Silver (\"Metal 2\"). On the platinum-plated 164 this inscription is untypical and points to an exchanged clip, possibly originating from a Stainless Steel model, which was fitted by mistake in after-sales service. Laser engraving instead of stamped lettering remains a reliable authenticity feature. Ultimately only the clip with its serial number stands for the identity of the writer; replacement clips are not registered at Montblanc as complete writing instruments and are exchanged without complaint when needed.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are striking writing instruments appropriate in everyday professional life and in public, or should one fall back on more discreet pieces?", "a": "Collectors use in everyday office life the respective preferred piece but pay attention in meetings with externals to a rather restrained choice. Even more striking pens like the Waterman Charleston or Montblanc 145 can be used without problem; only unusually designed pieces like the La Bohème with retractable nib regularly attract comments, which however mostly turn out positive. For users of simple plastic ballpoints, every brand pen already appears striking.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Can a vermeil cap of a Montblanc 144 Solitaire Doué be re-gilded if the silver shows through in the engraving area?", "a": "Vermeil surfaces tend to dark spots that can easily be removed with a silver-cleaning cloth; a showing-through of the underlying sterling silver mostly only occurs after very frequent cleaning. With a Bordeaux 144 Solitaire Doué Vermeil, the repair via Montblanc service is the most economical path. The clip-ring number serves only the tracing of grey-market reimports and not the dating of the year of manufacture.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does Montblanc engage in deliberate product placement in novels, e.g. in the book \"The Shadow of the Wind\" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón?", "a": "Deliberately commissioned product placement in novels is not known, and manufacturers in such a case would presumably ensure historically correct classification. More likely is that the authors themselves are Montblanc collectors and transfer their enthusiasm for the pens to their novel characters. In films and novels, writing instruments frequently appear as a stylistic device to characterise wealthy or cultivated figures.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Did the Montblanc nibs of the 1950s and 1960s, e.g. on model 3-44 G, always have an engraving of the summit star?", "a": "On comparison pieces from this period, e.g. on the 342 or 344, the nib is identically worked and engraved with the summit star. A missing star engraving would therefore be untypical; the presence, on the other hand, no sufficient indication of a counterfeit. The evaluation should therefore always take place in the overall context of all original features.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Japanese writing-instrument brands and inks are particularly recommendable on a trip to Tokyo?", "a": "Recommended are above all the Japanese brands Nakaya, Danitrio, Pilot/Namiki, Dunhill (made by Pilot) and Sailor with their matching accessories; Nakaya and Namiki pens count among the highest-quality writing instruments worldwide. With inks, the Pilot inks are regarded as particularly successful. A comprehensive point of contact for detailed questions and sources is fountainpennetwork.com.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Where can one find the Atramentis or Jansen ink colour chart in the forum?", "a": "The ink colour chart is filed in the section \"Tinte\" and reachable via the left menu under \"Artikel\" → \"Tinte\" → \"Jansen Tintenpalette\". Direct link: http://community.fountainpen.de/content/view/184/96/", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is a printed or scanned colour chart for Atramentis inks available and at all meaningful?", "a": "A colour chart for Dr. Jansen inks exists and was occasionally scanned and made available; however, newer special inks like Cervantes are missing from it. The expressiveness is limited, since depending on fountain pen, nib width and ink flow the perceived colour varies strongly. Online solutions are possible, provided consultation with the ink manufacturer is held; an official, complete colour chart of the manufacturer is not consistently available.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc ballpoint belongs to the Meisterstück 146, and what do the designations \"Pix\" and \"converter\" mean?", "a": "Belonging to the fountain pen 146 (Le Grand) is the ballpoint 161 Le Grand with about 148 mm length; the 164, on the other hand, is made exclusively in the smaller size of around 136 mm. If one encounters a writing instrument with 148 mm length and 15 mm diameter that bears \"164\" and shows \"Pix\" on the middle ring, it is in fact a 161 Le Grand. \"Pix\" is a registered trademark of Montblanc and a compulsory feature for originals; a \"converter\" is a refillable ink cartridge. A model overview can be found on fountainpen.de.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it worth reading the ink discussions in the Penexchange forum, and what sources for inks emerge from this?", "a": "The Penexchange forum offers substantial contributions on inks and is recommendable as a supplement. Through the forum, collectors come into contact with further sources like missing-pen, which especially supplies collectors with writing instruments across brands.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Do body, end pieces and nib of a Montblanc 333 1/2 with designation \"B\" and ribbed rings reliably stem from the same production period?", "a": "The body of the 333 1/2 with ribbed rings is a wartime model from about 1942 to 1944, when even Meisterstücks were no longer made with the usual rings; the pen itself is original in this case. Discolouration between body (celluloid) and end pieces (hard rubber) is normal due to the materials. The feed is also original Montblanc and matches the production period; the nib, on the other hand, is unambiguously not by Montblanc and was inserted later.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc 146 Le Grand with a single-colour gold nib and blue viewing window an original from the 1980s or a counterfeit?", "a": "Pens from the 1980s with a single-colour nib and blue viewing window are authentic and correspond to the construction state at that time; comparable examples are documented at fountainpen.de/old-80er-146.htm. The marking \"W-Germany\" indicates production before 1989. With remaining doubts about authenticity, the pen can be sent for assessment to Montblanc Hamburg; flat-rate remote diagnoses are unreliable. On seller statements about the duration of use one should not rely, since these often deviate significantly from the actual production period.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a ballpoint offered as a Montblanc 164 be identified as vermeil, solid gold or gilded brass model?", "a": "Vermeil pens have a silver body with gilding and bear at the bottom on the engraving field the imprint \"925\". Solid Gold models are correspondingly hallmarked. If any precious-metal imprint is missing, it is the gilded standard variant with a brass base. Similar aids for model determination of other brands exist for Waterman, e.g. for identification of an Expert II Smart GT Blue.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What possibilities does an eBay seller have if, after the auction is stopped by Montblanc, it turns out that the offered ballpoint is a counterfeit?", "a": "If an auction is stopped by trademark objection of the manufacturer, eBay refunds the offer fees to the provider; a sale does not come about. Plagiarisms can often be recognised by details like the groove between the engraving rings but are not always obvious for laypersons. Sensible is the personal handing over of the counterfeit for destruction at Montblanc, instead of keeping the piece in circulation. If, on the other hand, one is the buyer and the auction was stopped by the trademark holder, one can withdraw from the purchase and demand refund of the purchase price.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one tell whether a Montblanc StarWalker rollerball bought on eBay is a counterfeit, and what can be done if no serial number is present?", "a": "An original StarWalker carries under the clip the imprint 'Pix' or 'Germany metal pix'. Earlier examples had a longer inner cylinder for accommodating the refill; the absence of a serial number is therefore not yet an unambiguous proof of counterfeit. For reliable assessment, it is recommended to present the device to an authorised Montblanc dealer or a brand expert. A direct comparison with the comparison pictures published on the community page is additionally helpful.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can a Montblanc 220 piston filler (built 1971-1977) be converted into a cartridge filler?", "a": "The Montblanc 220 is a rather inexpensive model from the 1970s, since Montblanc has only consistently positioned itself as a luxury brand from 1991 onwards. Generally, a piston filler cannot be converted into a cartridge filler. Conversely, however, a converter can be inserted into a cartridge filler and one can fill optionally with cartridge or from the ink bottle. With a leaking viewing window or a loosened piston, professional repair is recommended instead of DIY solutions with adhesive tape.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Does a 334 1/2 nib fit into a Montblanc 236, or is this nib size faulty?", "a": "A 334 1/2 nib does not belong in a Montblanc 236. Originally, a size-6 nib is fitted in the 236, which is significantly larger. Even if the smaller nib appears visually fitting, it is a later exchange. Replacement nibs in the correct size can most likely be procured via specialist dealers or the second-hand market.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is there an official Montblanc Special Edition on the topic of Ronald Reagan, or is it merely an individual engraving?", "a": "At first glance a 'Reagan' engraving on a 146 looks like a regular customer engraving. If, however, the auction includes its own Montblanc certificate with Reagan reference, that speaks for a special production and not for a standard engraving that any customer can order. Such personalised special editions occasionally crop up in the politician and diplomat environment.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc 144 offered as two years old with a jagged cap and 14K-585 nib genuine, and does the stated age correspond?", "a": "The 144 shown is an original with a real 14K-585 nib. However, the age statement of two years does not match; the form with plug-on cap and the feed shown correspond to writing instruments from the early 1990s; the 144 in this version has not been produced for some time. Despite authenticity, the price asked on eBay is regarded as significantly too high. Collectors should therefore critically check descriptions and consult comparison pictures of older generations.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where do counterfeit Montblanc pens with a real star, which keep cropping up in online auctions, come from?", "a": "Counterfeit old Montblanc writing instruments often come from south-eastern Europe, especially from Serbia and Croatia. The counterfeiters mostly use no-name bodies or defective original parts and combine them into their own creations, which are then offered with elaborate stories about origin (e.g. allegedly from museum holdings). The phenomenon is increasingly observed in the international arena (e.g. FPN), which is why with old writing instruments in particular special caution is warranted.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How rare and valuable is the Montblanc 97 lever ballpoint in 14K guilloché from the 60s, and which refill fits in?", "a": "The Montblanc 97 is not extremely rare but a high-quality collector's piece from the 1960s. Realistic market prices, depending on condition and engraving, are about 160 to 250 euros; dealer offers of 1,600 euros or more are utopian. A normal Montblanc large-capacity refill often does not fit, since the tip opening is smaller and an additional sleeve sits in the cap; suitable refills are e.g. Schmidt 1011 refills. The 585 hallmark stamped multiple times confirms the solid-gold housing.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How high is the official edition of the Montblanc Kafka ballpoint, and is an engraved number 18,500 a counterfeit indication?", "a": "Of the Montblanc Kafka ballpoint, 12,000 pieces individually plus 4,500 in 3-piece sets, that is in total 16,500 ballpoints, were officially produced; the number 18,500 would thus lie above the edition and would be a counterfeit suspicion. However, Montblanc itself states for the line 14,000 fountain pens and 12,000 ballpoints, so the number 18,500 as overall numbering pen plus ballpoint can quite well fit an original. With uncertainty, comparison with documented fakes (e.g. maxpens.de) and the check whether the digits were correctly read are recommended.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does the resin of modern Montblanc Meisterstücks tolerate direct sunlight on a windowsill?", "a": "Embrittlement or significant colour changes are not to be expected with the resin used (similar to plexiglass) even with light exposure in the short term, since the material is regarded as very lightfast. Nevertheless, a windowsill is not a good storage location: sun, heating warmth and above all the dry thermal air cause the ink in the fountain pen to dry up rapidly. Dried-up fountain pens may not simply be refilled but must first be flushed with water. For permanent storage, cool, shady places are significantly better suited.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What to do if a loose inner part (cap) rattles in the barrel of a Cross Century II and cannot be permanently pressed firm?", "a": "The rattling described comes from an originally glued inner cap at the upper barrel end that has come loose. Own repair attempts with a screwdriver do not last permanently. Cross grants on its writing instruments a very far-reaching (in fact lifelong) warranty; the device should therefore be sent in to Cross service or a specialist retailer. Usual processing time is around three weeks; the customer generally bears only the shipping postage.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can an Omas Paragon piston filler be repaired that draws air on filling and hardly takes up ink?", "a": "Description with bubbling air and low ink uptake points primarily to a leaking piston, not to a missing ventilation. Drilling additional holes is not necessary and not to be recommended. Instead, the piston should be properly repaired, e.g. by an Omas-experienced repairer (e.g. Tom Westerich, penboard.de). Silicone grease on the turning-knob thread can indeed increase tightness but is not causal for the actual problem.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What contents does the again online-placed collector website community-fountainpen.de offer?", "a": "The website is a collection of specialist articles on writing instruments grown over many years, e.g. on care, book reviews, cleaning and model history. It has been technically newly set up after a longer offline phase and is now accessible again. Particularly mentioned are the detailed book reviews, which offer collectors noticeable added value.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Safety with a strikingly jagged star on the cap to be classified as a counterfeit?", "a": "Even a star that looks jagged need not be a counterfeit indication. The Montblanc Diary & Collector's Guide depicts on p. 116 various historical snow-cap variants, including a correspondingly jagged form that occurs on originals. Before judgement it is therefore worth comparing the star form with documented original variants in the collector literature.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What should one watch out for in the eBay purchase of a supposedly new but 20-year-old Montblanc 146, and how does one check the functionality?", "a": "Even with the description 'new and unused', piston mechanism, tightness and feed should be precisely checked, since after 20 years the piston can be stiff and ink residues can be present in the cap or on the feed. The case need not appear in the current Montblanc catalogue, because older editions are already discontinued; even unusual presentations can be real presentation pieces from old shop displays. For price assessment, comparison values from the community database help. When presenting pictures and using texts, the forum rules and any copyrights are to be observed.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which characteristics distinguish the Sailor Professional Gear in yellow, and what does the nib designation 'HB' mean?", "a": "The Sailor Professional Gear in yellow is, with about 12.8 cm length and around 13 mm body circumference, settled in the middle class, comparable to a Pelikan M600 in length and an M800 in diameter. It is usually delivered with a converter and a bottle of Sailor Jentle ink. The designation 'HB' is not finally clarified; it could stand for a nib width between M and B or describe hardness or flexibility of the nib. Sailor also uses designations like 'HM'; in practice, however, the writing behaviour above all counts.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Where can a lost Bordeaux Pelikan piston filler (M200/M250) still be obtained as a replacement?", "a": "Bordeaux Pelikan M200/M250 with 14-carat gold nib are no longer offered new by Pelikan but crop up regularly on the second-hand market (e.g. eBay) and can also be obtained via specialised providers like Richard Binder. With an exchange, attention is to be paid to identical nib width; a nib written in over years can however seldom simply be replaced by another. Often it is therefore more sensible to address the loss openly and select a new fountain pen together.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Does a Montblanc fountain pen with the cap inscription 'Montblanc Germany - Classic' and a narrow gold ring belong to the Generation line?", "a": "Yes, it is an early Generation: the line was initially produced under the name 'Classic' and later renamed to 'Generation' to avoid confusion with the designation 'Classique' of the Meisterstück range. The early variant has a narrower cap ring and a slightly deviating, less smooth clip. The bevelled cap form and the 14K-585 nib remain the same. Real originals are thus correctly designated 'Classic'.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the new book 'Onoto the Pen - De La Rue and Onoto Pens 1880-1960' by Stephen Hull offer for collectors of English writing instruments?", "a": "The work written by Stephen Hull was first sold on 2 October 2016 at the London Writing Equipment Show and comprises 416 pages in the format 21.5 x 28 cm at almost 1,800 g weight. It comprehensively treats the history of the company Thomas De La Rue and its famous Onoto writing instruments. English brands like De La Rue/Onoto are significantly harder to find in Germany than Montblanc or Pelikan, so the book represents an important reference for collectors of this line. It can be obtained via englishpenbooks.co.uk.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which paper is suitable for fountain pens and how can it be recognised before purchase?", "a": "Decisive is whether the paper is sized: sized paper has a smooth surface, lets the ink rest on top and prevents bleeding and showing-through; examples are Clairefontaine writing pads. Non-sized or open-pored paper (typical copy or laser-printer paper) absorbs ink like blotting paper. Higher grammages from about 100 g/m² mostly deliver significantly better results with a fountain pen than 80 g/m² standard paper. Notes like 'inkjet-suitable' on the packaging are a vague indication but do not replace one's own writing test.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What market value does a used Montblanc Meisterstück L139 G with dried-up ink have?", "a": "The 139 belongs to the highly traded classic Meisterstücks; in optically and technically top condition, prices of about 1,500 to over 2,000 euros are mentioned, depending on source. The estimates differ, however: an experienced seller regards 2,000 euros as excessive and points to eBay prices at which good pieces sell for considerably less. Dried-up ink is no value-reducing defect; clear signs of use or defects, however, are noticeably reflected in the price. The variant with long or short ink-view window and the original box can additionally influence the achievable price.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it worth having an old Stöffhaas fountain pen without nib and with a stuck push button restored?", "a": "With a Stöffhaas remnant without nib and with a stuck push button, a restoration is generally not worthwhile. Especially cap and nib are often taken from such pieces as spare parts, so that only a residual value of about 5 to 10 euros remains for the parts box. A professional restoration significantly exceeds this material value.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one remove sticky-tape adhesive residues from an old Montblanc Meisterstück (presumably 132/134/138) made of celluloid and hard rubber, without damaging the embossings?", "a": "On old Meisterstücks, the barrel typically consists of celluloid, the other parts of hard rubber. Hard rubber can carefully be rubbed with olive oil; light spots thereby become darker and the appearance evens out. Polishing reliably removes adhesive and discolouration residues but can also wear off fine embossings like nib-width statements or model designations. Anyone wishing to avoid the risk should hand the writing instruments over to a specialist (e.g. Horst Schrage, maxpens.de), who can gently freshen them up.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Meisterstück Classique 165 mechanical pencil with serial number 'IC 248523' and 'Germany' engraving on the clip ring an original?", "a": "The example described is an original. On the ring at the clip, both serial number and inscription 'Germany' are engraved by default; reduced engraving quality compared to a piece bought in store need not be an authenticity defect. The exact coding of the serial number is, however, only known to Montblanc and cannot be assigned externally to a production batch. Even a missing logo print on the lead reservoir is no unambiguous authenticity indication.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why does an 18K gold nib of a Caran d'Ache Léman scratch when writing, while other nibs (Montblanc 145, Bohème, Pelikan M405) glide quietly?", "a": "Scratching noises typically arise because the two tines of the slit nib do not stand exactly parallel to each other, that is, are slightly offset. Larger and softer 18K nibs often react more sensitively to this offset than smaller 14K nibs. Very narrow nibs also tend to scratch more readily. An adjustment by an experienced specialist retailer or nib specialist eliminates the problem in most cases.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How high is the service flat rate of Montblanc, and is an amount of 81 euros usual?", "a": "Montblanc does not work with a single fixed service flat rate but with several stages, which depend on type of repair and on the value of the writing instrument. With very high-quality editions (e.g. Patron of Arts), flat rates of 860 euros and more can apply. An amount of 81 euros lies in the lower range and is plausible for manageable damages. Montblanc designates the flat rates as cost-covering, not as a profit item.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it correct that a newly bought Montblanc Bohème Noir Platinum is delivered with a 14K nib although the website shows an 18K nib, and how does one care for the platinum plating?", "a": "In standard Meisterstücks and Bohème models, 14K gold nibs are fitted; 18K nibs are found only in the French market as well as in precious-metal variants (silver, gold). Models depicted on the Montblanc website often come from the French market, hence the deviating nib statement. Precious metals like platinum are basically resistant to hand sweat; thin platinum plating, however, can suffer in the long term. It is recommended to wipe the writing instrument after use with a lint-free cloth (e.g. spectacle cleaning cloth).", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Why are there in the Montblanc Flag Series skeleton editions for other countries but no German flag?", "a": "The Flag editions (e.g. Tricolore, Stars and Stripes) were initially launched on the opening of the Montblanc flagship stores in Paris and New York and then expanded after demand. A regular edition with the German flag does not exist, which is explained by both restrained domestic demand and the abroad delicate reference to German national symbols. Via the Atelier Privé of Montblanc, individual pieces with desired motifs (also black-red-gold) can be commissioned; the prices are then in the range of 25,000 to 30,000 euros.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one remove dried residues of Montblanc Blue-Black (containing iron-gall) from the nib of a Pelikan 146?", "a": "A moistened silver-cleaning cloth has proved its worth: the cleaning agent contained in the cloth is brought onto the ink residues by wringing out and can act there; afterwards careful polishing follows. Dry polishing is mostly not enough. Soft water dissolves the residues better than hard; with iron-gall inks, iron compounds deposit stubbornly and have to be loosened mechanically gently. With this procedure, users experience very good results.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How does the Sailor 'Togi' nib write, and which Sailor special nibs are suitable for a very soft, flexible writing experience?", "a": "The Togi nib by Sailor is described as sensationally soft and slightly flexible; it glides pleasantly and delivers a saturated ink flow. A clearly recognisable variation between cross and downstroke, as actually announced (broad cross stroke, narrow downstroke), users in practice hardly perceive. As a particularly interesting special nib, additionally, the Zoom nib counts, which produces clearly different line widths depending on grip. Overall, Sailor nibs are characterised by very high writing quality.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How does one gently clean Montblanc watches (Automatic, Réserve de Marche) with crocodile strap in everyday use?", "a": "For ongoing cleaning, a lint-free cloth suffices; if needed, a moistened nail brush also helps. Jewellery-cleaning or ultrasonic baths are taboo, because they destroy leather straps and depending on the model can impair water resistance. Only Montblanc sports watches with a screwed crown tolerate an ultrasonic bath reasonably, yet here too it is expressly advised against. For thorough cleaning, the watch should be sent to Montblanc service.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which writing-instrument models could be behind the fountain pens acquired by the Bundestag in large numbers?", "a": "From the mentioned 68,800 euros for 296 writing instruments, a unit price of around 232 euros results, which after procurement discounts most likely fits middle-priced models. Discussed at Montblanc were among others remaining stock of the Scenium series (of which, however, never fountain pens but only ballpoints existed) as well as later Pelikan models at around 169 euros unit price, e.g. an M400 with a significant discount. Which concrete model was chosen is not unambiguously documented; presumably a quantity discount applied. The designation 'gold fountain pens' can also refer solely to gilded cap rings, not to solid gold.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are Montblanc nibs together with nib engravings made by hand or produced by machine?", "a": "The nib engraving arises in an embossing process, that is, is applied by machine. Manual work at Montblanc essentially comprises the application of a protective foil before platinum-plating, the grinding of the nib tipping as well as the individual writing test for final inspection. Detailed information is provided by the newsletter and the Soulmakers videos on the Montblanc website.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which model and which value are an old Montblanc 'No. 030' and a pen with 18K/750 nib without model number?", "a": "The Montblanc No. 030 belongs to the class of school fountain pens and achieves on the collector market about 10 to 18 euros. The second pen shown by description with 18K/750 nib is a Montblanc Noblesse II from the 1980s (not to be confused with the Noblesse Oblige). Its body consists of gilded brass with a high-quality multi-layer lacquering; despite positioning below the Meisterstück series, it is a qualitatively high-grade writing instrument with an 18-carat gold nib.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one clean the tip of a Kaweco NYL fountain pen without damaging it?", "a": "The NYL tip can without hesitation be placed in water. Users report that the nibs after the water bath write like new. Special cleaning agents or precautionary measures are not necessary.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is the model number (e.g. 146, 161) still engraved on the middle cap ring of Montblanc Meisterstück Le Grand writing instruments?", "a": "On current Meisterstücks, on the middle cap ring there mostly stands only 'Meisterstück Pix Montblanc'; 'Pix' is an old brand designation. The model number (e.g. 146, 161, 164) has for some time no longer been engraved on the ring as standard, even if older catalogue photos still show this, because Montblanc often continues to use pictures over years. Serial number (PL...) and 'Germany' are, on the other hand, engraved on the clip. Collectors thus distinguish models not only by type but also by year of production.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is known about the Montblanc 'Homage to Kyoto Artistry (Project Chiso)' Limited Edition 55?", "a": "It is a very small edition with 55 pieces, which was designed in connection with the traditional Japanese atelier Chiso. Detailed picture material and English-language descriptions can be found among others on watchprosite.com; there the writing instrument can be better recognised than in the Japanese first announcements. On edition size and design concept, this source provides the most reliable overview.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one use white and red sealing compound on the nib change and sealing of a Montblanc 146?", "a": "The sealing compound in question comes from Sebastian Schulze in Munich and is mixed in a 1:1 ratio (white and red component); the working time is about 20 minutes. In practice, many collectors also manage without such a sealing compound, when they merely remove, clean and reinsert nibs. Anyone wishing to use it nevertheless should adhere to the manufacturer's instructions, since mixing ratio and pot life are provider-specific.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What significance does writing with the fountain pen have today in everyday school life, and how does one judge initiatives to promote good handwriting?", "a": "Initiatives that bring writing with the fountain pen back more strongly into teaching (e.g. at a Scottish school) are seen as a positive counterweight to the general neglect of writing education. Observers report that many teachers themselves hardly know how to handle the fountain pen correctly, and writing culture as a whole has lost importance. Others argue that good handwriting can only be sensibly conveyed when basic reading and writing competences are present. Examples from England additionally show how clearly neglected writing culture in the long term affects the legibility of handwritten texts.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Where and when was the Montblanc reportage of the broadcaster XXP (magazine 'Lebensart') aired, and how can it be recorded?", "a": "The programme ran in the weekly magazine 'Lebensart' with Jutta Lang on XXP and contained a longer report on the flagship store in New York and the Artisan atelier in Hamburg, including a Cardinal de Richelieu (edition 8 pieces, black and white diamonds). Repeats were announced in the programme schedule. XXP was at the time only available via satellite and not easily accessible for analogue satellite receivers; a digital recording was therefore difficult and could only be realised with appropriate receiver and recorder equipment.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the Montblanc Lalique Limited Edition Set from 1991 suitable as an investment, and how are price differences between the US and German markets to be evaluated?", "a": "Writing instruments are unsuitable as a pure investment, comparable to classic cars, watches or wines; a sure increase in value is not to be expected. The high price differences (e.g. 4,000 USD in the USA, around 2,500 euros in Germany) depend on market interest, completeness (box, papers) and individual buyer group. The visibly rough hand engraving on the set is an original feature and identically executed on several documented pieces. Anyone who buys should primarily act out of collector interest and not speculate on value increase.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What edition size did the Montblanc Artisan Solitaire Doué Gold ballpoint have, and where was it sold?", "a": "The Artisan Solitaire Doué Gold belongs to the Montblanc Gift Collection 2004 and was at the time offered exclusively in Germany. Since it is a Special Edition, the quantity is small and lies, according to collector recollection, at under 300 examples. Official production numbers Montblanc has never published for this line. Further background can be found on fountainpen.de under the entry on the Artisan Solitaire Gold Doué.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which model is a fountain pen with the inscription 'A.W. Faber Castell 963F' and nib signature 'Osmia Supra 14K 585'?", "a": "Faber-Castell took over the Osmia works in the 1950s and 1960s, which is why models with combined brand features were produced in this period. The pen mentioned is such a transitional/combination type, the pen with Faber-Castell inscription and a 14K Osmia Supra gold nib. For value orientation and model determination, reference is made to relevant forum articles.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What characterises the historical Onward lever fountain pens, and how are they classified in the collector landscape of English writing instruments?", "a": "Onward was a model name of the English firm Thomas De La Rue; the best-known was Onoto. The lever fillers are with around 10.6 cm closed length comparatively small and significantly rarer to encounter in Germany than Montblanc or Pelikan. Collectors have built up De La Rue/Onoto collections with dozens of examples, which is regarded as remarkable given the difficult procurement in Germany. Anyone wishing to enter must mostly search specifically abroad or with specialised providers.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How large is the Delta Dolce Vita Oversize compared to a Montblanc 149?", "a": "The Delta Dolce Vita Oversize lies in its dimensions very close to the Montblanc 149; specifically, the 149 is only about 0.8 mm longer. In direct photo comparison, both models appear nearly equally large, although perspective distortions can easily arise through different positions to the camera. The Dolce Vita Oversize is thus well suited as an alternative for writers seeking a 149-typical format.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What effects does the forum update have on layout and operability?", "a": "The update was primarily a security patch; visible layout changes like a switch from tree structure to a flat post display as well as coloured bars next to user names came up alongside. The options can be further fine-tuned by administrators; not all effects (e.g. the coloured bar) were retained in every configuration. Additionally, the user interface was more strongly Germanised and the permissible size of embedded pictures increased.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "In what period was the Montblanc 31 piston filler produced, what type of nib does it have and what is it worth?", "a": "The Montblanc 31 was made from 1961 to 1966 and is fitted with partly gilded steel nibs, that is, not with gold nibs. For value determination, collectors refer to the relevant forum articles on school and middle-class models of this era; concrete market prices vary strongly according to condition and completeness.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the 'S' before or after the fineness stamp (e.g. 'S 900' / '900 S' or 'S 585' / '585 S') on old Montblanc writing instruments mean?", "a": "The 'S' stands for 'Sarastro', the master responsible for overlays at Montblanc at the time. He was allowed to apply his mark to writing instruments whose overlays were particularly high-quality executed. Such hallmarks are found on pencils and fountain pens that Montblanc produced in Germany between the two world wars. The marking is today regarded as a quality indication for the workmanship of the precious-metal coating.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can one obtain Jansen inks in Düsseldorf or order them cost-effectively via group order?", "a": "A point of contact in Düsseldorf is Carsch-Haus, which generally carries a larger selection of Jansen inks; the delivery time can however be around four weeks. Other shops like Henning offer partly only larger containers, no individual bottles. Because the shipping costs of about 7 euros per order are high in relation to the ink price, a group order with other collectors from the region is the most sensible procedure, in order to come over the postage threshold (e.g. 40 euros goods value).", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How does one tell whether a Montblanc Meisterstück Doué Stainless Steel ballpoint is genuine or counterfeit, especially with an unfilled warranty booklet?", "a": "An unfilled warranty booklet alone is not a reliable indication of a counterfeit. More reliable is the packaging: with many known counterfeits, the case is fitted with a metal clip on the bottom and only covered with a cloth, while original boxes appear more solid. Older original boxes were lined with black satin cloth and not with foam, which does not automatically point to a counterfeit. Collectors confirm that a solid, high-quality finished box is a good authenticity feature.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What consequences does the merger of the eBay platform with the Chinese Eachnet have for the market of brand writing instruments and counterfeits?", "a": "China and Turkey only recognise trademark protection to a limited extent, so trademark counterfeits there were for a long time de facto tolerated. Since both countries belong to the WTO, however, they are officially obliged to combat plagiarisms, which in practice is inadequately implemented. Even an EU accession would not necessarily solve the problem, as experiences with the Czech Republic show. Collectors therefore expect a clear increase of counterfeit offers on the world market through the platform integration.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are writing-instrument sets of fashion brands like Pierre Cardin made in-house, and must gilded pens (18K Gold Plated) bear a hallmark?", "a": "Gilded writing instruments need not bear a hallmark, since this is intended exclusively for solid precious metals and guarantees a certain precious-metal content. With fashion brands like Pierre Cardin, the pens are not produced by the brand owner himself but on commission of established writing-instrument manufacturers. The term Gold Plated designates a gilding, that is, a thin gold layer on a base carrier material, which is why no material guarantee through a hallmark is needed.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What experiences are there with the online writing-instrument dealer Scription when buying high-quality fountain pens and rollerballs?", "a": "Collectors report consistently very good experiences with Scription, both with first orders and with complaints. Even with complaint cases, e.g. in case of defects through the manufacturer like Pelikan, the handling has gone tip-top and customer-oriented. The service is also described by regular customers as perfect and accommodating, regardless of the customer's residence.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Why does Montblanc prefer yellow-gold trim on its Meisterstücks instead of white gold or platinum, and are special productions with other trim possible?", "a": "The Meisterstück 149 has been produced since 1952 in nearly unchanged form with yellow-gold trim and is regarded as a classic standard model, which is why Montblanc holds on to yellow gold for traditional reasons. The Artisan Atelier of Montblanc, however, makes special productions with individual wishes like platinum-plated trim, provided they do not deviate too strongly from the model line, although at very high prices. The selection of nib widths is by now reduced at Montblanc; Aurora is regarded as a brand with particularly broad nib range from OFR to OBBR. Tastes in trim differ: younger buyers feel yellow gold partly to be old-fashioned, while white trim appears more modern.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can counterfeit Montblanc keychains on eBay be recognised?", "a": "The most important recognition feature is the packaging: with counterfeits the paper of the box looks differently glossy, since original boxes have a characteristic surface structure. The origin of the seller (e.g. Taiwan) alone is no proof of a counterfeit. A direct comparison of original photos and auction picture can reveal subtle deviations not recognisable at first glance. Collectors recommend, in case of doubt, placing a known original piece next to it.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is a brown ring on the inside of a Montblanc 146 cap, and is this a structural feature or a repair indication?", "a": "The brown ring is a brass ring fitted at the factory, structurally introduced to remedy the known problem of loose cap rings. Over time the brass oxidises and takes on a brownish colour. Closely viewed, the brass shimmers through the patina, and on light scratching the metallic surface is recognisable. It is therefore neither a repair nor a defect but an original component.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which online dealers for writing instruments are recommendable, and why do buyers increasingly fall back on internet mail order?", "a": "Recommended is among others Rolf Thiel with his shop missing-pen.de because of a broad selection and positive experiences. In stationary trade, even common models like the Pelikan M205 or certain Parker and Moleskine products are often not available, since smaller dealers can hardly keep the full range. Collectors report that online buying is often faster and more reliable than local retail, which further reinforces the trend to internet buying.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Who can repair a defective screw thread on the Montblanc rollerball 162, and what costs are to be expected?", "a": "Modern Montblanc writing instruments can only be repaired by the manufacturer itself, so the rollerball must be sent to Montblanc in Hamburg. Before shipping, a call to customer service is recommended in order to enquire about the expected costs. A cheaper repair option through third parties does not exist.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can unknown older fountain pens (e.g. Pelikan M400, Ibis by Günther Wagner) be identified and their value determined?", "a": "For identification of old writing instruments like the Ibis by Günther Wagner, online sources like penexchange.de can give support. A professional valuation by experts is possible but expensive and mostly not worthwhile, since the writing instrument has to be sent in. For an initial estimate, photos and dimensions (cap length, barrel length, total length) often suffice, which can be posted in collector forums. With the green Pelikan model, an assignment, e.g. to the M400, is possible based on the dimensions.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How does one clean a SENSA ballpoint of sterling silver, especially the sensitive grip region, without damaging it?", "a": "For cleaning silver surfaces, simple silver-cleaning cloths from the drugstore are suitable, which gently free the silver from tarnish. With the soft grip region (as SENSA ballpoints have), particular caution is advised, since aggressive agents can attack the material. About the SENSA brand itself, there are so far hardly any entries in the forum.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which features do obvious Kafka ballpoint counterfeits show, and how problematic are crude plagiarisms compared to more precise reproductions?", "a": "Crude counterfeits like the supposed Franz Kafka of rosin (precious resin) or as a water pen betray themselves through faulty descriptions, ridiculous material specifications and cheap finishing but are easily recognisable through their price and look. Collectors agree that less obvious, high-quality reproduced counterfeits are the actual problem, since they approximate the original ever more. This development is observable in plagiarisms in many sectors, e.g. also in the automotive area.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one deal with an inherited scratchy Montblanc Meisterstück 142, and which ink and repair possibilities are recommendable?", "a": "The 142 is the smallest Meisterstück of that time and consists of celluloid, which can be discoloured by certain inks; an ink window that is no longer yellow is an indication of this. A self-repair of the nib with sandpaper is risky, since the iridium tipping is quickly ground off and the nib is then unusable. Replacement nibs for the 142 from the 1950s are hardly available in the trade; a repair is therefore difficult and should at most be carried out by a specialist. Since nibs can be ground in to the previous owner, it can be worthwhile acquiring a new matching nib instead of getting used to the old one.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why does a new Montblanc Meisterstück 145 write untidily or with failures at first, and how does one remedy the problem?", "a": "The cause is often the piston converter: the adhesion force of the plastic material is initially very high, so that the ink does not flow sufficiently; after contact with lukewarm water, the converter loosens more easily and the ink flows better. In the shop, testing is on very smooth paper, which makes the writing behaviour appear different than at home on normal paper; therefore, when testing, one's own paper should always be taken along. Nibs cannot be written in — as they write, they always write; with persistent failures, the nib or the writing instrument should be exchanged.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can one tell on an eBay purchase whether a Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire Doué ballpoint is genuine, and which discounts are usual in specialist trade?", "a": "Based on good auction photos, the authenticity can often be judged already; especially Solitaire models are well checkable due to detail-rich finishing. In specialist trade and in boutiques, list-price binding generally applies; a sale below it can lead to delisting of the dealer by Montblanc. With a friendly enquiry, discounts of 5 to 10 percent are quite possible, in rare exceptional cases also more. Anyone who does not know their way around should preferably buy in specialist trade, since there advice and authenticity guarantee are ensured.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is to be done if customs holds back a Montblanc Solitaire Nikolai imported from Switzerland on suspicion of trademark violation?", "a": "Of the Nikolai model no known counterfeits are in circulation, which is why the customs suspicion is mostly unfounded. Recommended is to print the auction with all pictures and to go with it to customs as well as additionally to contact Montblanc itself for an authenticity check. Montblanc has confirmed that original writing instruments are never withheld; with authenticity, only the regular customs duties apply. Customs officers are sensitised to brand counterfeits, which can lead to such suspicion cases also with originals.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can the nib of a Montblanc Solitaire Meisterstück be inserted into a normal Meisterstück, and which quality differences exist?", "a": "A nib exchange between Solitaire and standard Meisterstücks of the same size (e.g. 144 or 146) is technically possible, since the nibs are identically constructed. Standard Meisterstücks, however, have a 14-carat nib; Solitaire models an 18-carat nib; on this hallmark, the exchange can be detected. On the 144, the dealer can carry out the nib exchange by changing the complete front parts; on other models, mostly Montblanc itself is responsible. In the writing behaviour, no difference between 14k and 18k is noticeable, but the value of the writing instrument rises through an 18k nib.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which refills fit a Montblanc Quickpen, and are old models like the 342 still repairable?", "a": "In the Montblanc Quickpen, fineliner refills by Schmidt Feintechnik fit if a paper ball is inserted as a spacer at the back in the barrel; the spring-loaded fineliner refills made by Schmidt for Montblanc also work. For the Montblanc 342 (third series), Montblanc no longer keeps spare parts, since these writing instruments were not designed for a lifelong repair supply. With defects on old models like the 342 or 32, a repair is therefore problematic and only possible via specialised repairers with a stock of spare parts.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one clean a Pelikan M200 Demonstrator that has been discoloured by red ink, and which ink brands are unproblematic?", "a": "Red ink is, due to its aggressive dye and the interaction with plasticisers, particularly critical and seeps into many plastics, so that the discolouration can no longer be completely removed. This affects all ink manufacturers equally. For demonstrator fountain pens, blue or black inks should preferably be used in order to minimise the risk of permanent discolouration. Material differences between manufacturers like Montblanc and Pelikan are in this respect largely comparable.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which improvements were made to the forum, and which functions were newly introduced?", "a": "Within the framework of a forum update, private messages (PM) as well as a coloured status bar were introduced. Owing to problems with the new forum software, a fallback to the predecessor version 1.0.2 was subsequently made; the new functions however remained. Additionally, the possibility was discussed to allow profile views only to logged-in users in order to enable contact via email.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Are gold-coloured ink cartridges for the old Classic and Generation fountain pens still being produced at Montblanc?", "a": "The gold-coloured cartridges have not been made for several years; they were initially still used in the Travellers but are today only available as collector's pieces. Current Montblanc cartridges are transparent and show the ink colour directly. For conservation reasons, one should no longer use the old gold cartridges but leave them in the fountain pen as decoration.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are Montegrappa Reminiscence writing instruments fully made of solid silver, including the grip section?", "a": "The completely solid-silver Reminiscence writing instruments including the grip section still come from the time when the Aquila family was the owner of Montegrappa. After the takeover by the Richemont group (to which Montblanc also belongs), construction and materials were partly changed, so later models are no longer consistently made of solid silver.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can the authenticity of an inherited Montblanc ballpoint from the 1980s without a serial number on the clip be ascertained?", "a": "Older Montblanc ballpoints from the 1980s often bear no serial number on the clip but only engravings like Germany on the upper and Mont Blanc Meisterstück on the lower ring. From the imprint and the design, the model can be identified, here for example as model 164 with corn guilloche. A missing serial-number code is therefore no indication of a counterfeit but normal for the age.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one clean the thread on the barrel of a Montblanc 146P of ink deposits without damaging the fountain pen?", "a": "A soft-bristled toothbrush is excellently suited for cleaning the thread, since it gently removes residues without scratching the material. Normal toothbrushes are often too hard and should be avoided. Additionally, filtered water (e.g. from a Brita filter) can be used, since it dissolves ink residues from tank and feed faster, especially with hard tap water.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Does a Montblanc push filler from the time of the Reichsdeutsche Füllhalterfabrik exist with nib engraving Exekutiv and eagle?", "a": "Without pictures, such an unusual constellation cannot be seriously judged, since Montblanc has indeed produced many models, but a combination of green-marbled push filler with the inscription Reichsdeutsche Füllhalterfabrik Niederlage Wien and eagle nib engraving is not commonly documented. Collectors recommend critical examination and research of the sources from which corresponding information stems. A verification without photo material and original piece is not possible.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can a Montblanc Marcel Proust ballpoint (Limited Edition 1999) without a printed limitation number be original?", "a": "All Marcel Proust editions must show an individual 5-digit number (e.g. 12345/20000) at the top in the black precious resin. Only the Hemingway had no direct limitation number but one on the clip without reference to the running number. Even after repairs or exchange of parts, the numbering is reapplied. A real Proust without number would be a unique piece and accordingly worth collecting; however, the authenticity check is to be made carefully, ideally without permanently parting with the pen. Even prototypes are numbered, but with prototype numbers in order to ensure their destruction.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What value-development potential do collector writing instruments offer, and which factors influence the market value?", "a": "The main motive for collecting remains the fascination with the object; value preservation is mostly only a welcome side effect. A central list of realised sale prices does not exist, since alongside condition the renown of the seller also has influence. Value-influencing are in particular the serial numbers: in the Asian market, lucky numbers like 3 or 8 are particularly sought-after, as are pre-series prototypes with the number 000, which are difficult to obtain and accordingly achieve high sums. Supply and demand remain the essential value drivers.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does a Montblanc 149 with unusual look (e.g. overlay) exist as an official factory model?", "a": "Such unusual 149s are mostly own constructions of skilled collectors or pieces reworked by third-party providers like Paul Rossi and were not officially delivered by Montblanc. The motive is often the restoration of damaged body parts or a pure refinement, e.g. with maki-e or gemstone overlays after the historical model of the jeweller's overlays. Such reworkings can significantly increase the market value, sometimes by triple or more. Important, however, is correct declaration as a special production, not as an original Montblanc.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can a Montblanc Meisterstück actually be damaged by short-term use by an outside person?", "a": "The claim that a pen becomes broken through foreign use is essentially a myth. The gold nib has at the front an extremely hard iridium tipping that does not wear off even with years of use by different people. Only when the iridium tipping is missing or broken off can the bare gold nib individually grind in over a long time to a particular writing hand. A brief outside use is therefore completely unproblematic.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What to do if a Montblanc Meisterstück 144 writes well freshly filled but increasingly badly after days and finally shows failures?", "a": "Such problems mostly arise through a worn or soiled feed, whose capillary action slackens. An air gap between nib end and feed can also interrupt the ink flow. The nib itself should under no circumstances be removed oneself, since the required tight reassembly only succeeds with special sealing material. At Montblanc a service with replacement of the feed costs about 49 euros, which is the most reliable solution.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is water behind the ink piston in the filling mechanism of a Montblanc 31 problematic?", "a": "Since the filling mechanism of the 31 is made of plastic, water that has entered behind the converter is not critical and does no permanent damage. It suffices to let the water evaporate before the pen is used again. Generally, water should only reach places designed for it, but on the 31 the risk is low.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "On which Montblanc writing instruments does the inscription Germany Metal PIX under the clip serve as an authenticity feature, and since when has it existed?", "a": "The PIX inscription under the clip is found not only on Meisterstücks but also on many other lines like the Bohème and some Limited Editions. A complete list of affected models does not exist. The additional engravings like clip-ring number, Made in or PIX were introduced in the course of time into ongoing production, so no uniform cut-off date exists; the introduction did not occur synchronously for all models. A missing PIX is therefore alone no reliable authenticity feature.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which royal-blue ink writes particularly contrast-rich without one having to let it dry on for evaporation?", "a": "The higher contrast after brief drying arises through the evaporation of water, so that the colour particles remain more concentrated. Ink-killer-compatible royal-blue inks are based, however, on a dye that is converted by the ink killer into a state invisible to the eye (ink death), which is why here limits to the achievable saturation exist. A school-suitable royal-blue ink with simultaneously high contrast is therefore chemically limited. Forum members refer to the interplay between killability and colour intensity as the cause.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Why does no viewing window appear on a Montblanc 146, and how can its authenticity nevertheless be established?", "a": "The viewing window of a Montblanc 146 is frequently present but barely visible; with a strong light source (halogen or LED) behind the barrel, body and viewing window can be clearly distinguished by colour, since the window shimmers through brighter. On old 146s from the 1950s, the celluloid body can be discoloured dark red to black by aggressive inks, so that the ink window also appears obscured. Today, too, with use of certain inks a thin coating can form. For authenticity checking, comparison photos, proportion comparison with documented originals and the serial number help.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "In what rhythm do Montblanc Limited Editions like Writers Edition and Patron of Arts appear, and how high are the editions?", "a": "The Patron of Arts and Writers Editions appear yearly; all other Limited Editions follow no fixed rhythm. The Patron of Arts editions were each issued in 4810 examples; from The Prince Regent onwards, there is additionally an 888 gold edition. The editions of the Writers Editions vary and are documented at fountainpen.de/writer.htm. Alongside, Special Editions and Limited Productions exist that are produced over a pre-defined period and then discontinued, without exact quantity statement.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one find out to which manufacturer historical fountain-pen brands like Kondor, Schul-Freund, Mein Stolz or Student belong?", "a": "An overview of manufacturers and their sub-brands is offered by penexchange.de/klassiker/untermarken.shtml; complementarily, the manufacturer info on colectiblestars.de by Stefan Wallrafen and Jens Rösler is helpful. For the brands mentioned Kondor, Schul-Freund, Mein Stolz and Student, however, no unambiguous assignments are present in either list.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How long is ink shelf-stable, and can special-edition inks be stored long-term in stock?", "a": "Ink is normally practically indefinitely shelf-stable; even inks from the 1940s are often still unproblematically usable. The prerequisite is proper storage, ideally dark and closed. With open storage in sunlight, ink can mould and form clumps, which makes it unusable. Collectors can therefore stockpile inks from special editions long-term without problem.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which Bordeaux or brown inks are suitable for a Montblanc 144 from the 1950s with cork piston?", "a": "Bordeaux inks exist from Montblanc, De Atramentis, Waterman (remaining stock) and Visconti, as well as a multitude of brown tones. With old fountain pens with cork piston (e.g. 144 from the 1950s or 139), however, caution is advised: certain inks, especially Montblanc ink itself, can attack the cork piston. Reliable here is traditionally Pelikan Royal Blue. With writing instruments with modern plastic piston this problem does not exist, so coloured inks can be used unhesitatingly.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which writing instruments offer, instead of the typical mixed-material construction (e.g. silver/gold/platinum on a black barrel), a uniform precious material for barrel and cap?", "a": "Recommended are the Cross Townsend models Lapis and Jade, on which barrel and reservoir are made of the same semi-precious-stone material. These models are regarded as visually higher-quality than comparable Montblanc pieces. Original prices were around 425 euros for the fountain pen, 249 euros for pencil or ballpoint and 299 euros for the rollerball. They are no longer being produced and are only obtainable used.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Are OMAS fountain pens of natural resin really more susceptible to scratches than celluloid models, and which repair possibilities exist?", "a": "OMAS designates natural resin and celluloid as identical, but the material is conspicuously soft and quickly picks up scuffs and scratches, especially on large smooth surfaces. On faceted writing instruments this is less noticeable. Earlier problems with tarnishing rings are said to have meanwhile been remedied. The repair time of up to six months, however, is regarded as problematic, which is why some dealers no longer carry OMAS.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which construction variants of the cap crown (top at the clip) existed on the Montblanc 149 in the course of the decades?", "a": "Until the end of the 1980s, on the 149 the plastic thread was integrated directly into the large cap, so that no separate cap top was recognisable — this variant ran for around 40 years without technical change, also in the 40s and 50s models. Subsequently it was replaced by a variant in which the top is fastened from inside with a screw. Both variants are original constructions from different production periods.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one clean a Montblanc 146 from the 1970s, and what to do if an insert emerges from the grip section when unscrewing?", "a": "The narrow ring at the front of the grip section (the lip) is structurally fitted; if this or an insert behind it with rubber seal comes loose, only Montblanc itself can carry out the professional repair. A self-repair is not to be recommended, since the tight reassembly requires special material. Collectors urgently recommend knowing the correct construction before unscrewing in order to avoid such disassembly damages.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which features do the increasingly high-quality Greta Garbo counterfeits have, and how does one recognise them?", "a": "The first Greta Garbo counterfeits reach Germany and are visually so good that recognition is difficult. A central indication, however, is the model itself: no official Greta Garbo rollerball exists; an offered rollerball must therefore necessarily be a counterfeit. The same sellers often also offer other known plagiarisms, e.g. StarWalker Rubber fakes, which likewise serves as a warning signal. Collectors notify on suspicion directly the highest bidders and eBay.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Do Montblanc Meisterstück 146 G from the 1940s exist, and what residual value is to be expected with a defective piston?", "a": "The Montblanc 146 was only produced after the Second World War from 1951; a 146 G from the 1940s therefore does not exist. Corresponding eBay offers with dating to the 1940s are wrongly described. With a defective piston seal, a repair through specialists is possible but partly expensive; the market value depends strongly on original condition, completeness and nib condition.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one upload pictures in the JPG format in the forum, and does one need an image-editing program like GIMP for this?", "a": "Pictures in the JPG format can be posted directly; an image-editing program like GIMP is not strictly necessary. Detailed instructions can be found in the forum help as well as in dedicated help threads. With difficulties, step-by-step descriptions of other members help, with which the function can generally be used successfully.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What should be considered when buying and caring for a Montblanc Alexander von Humboldt with EF nib, and how does one clean the writing instrument despite wooden elements?", "a": "With the Humboldt, the purchase should preferably take place in a Montblanc boutique, since the wood inlays of cap and barrel do not always sit congruently; there were examples that for this reason were not released for final acceptance in Hamburg, so a personal inspection is recommended. For cleaning, the fountain pen need not be placed in water — it suffices to immerse only the nib together with the feed in water, so that the wooden section is spared. The purchase at list price and the writing with an EF nib does not, experience shows, lead to noticeable loss of value, since Limited Editions are also demanded by collectors in used condition.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What affinity exists between the collecting of paperweights and fountain pens, and which collecting objects are treated in investment sections of reputable newspapers?", "a": "Collectors often have several parallel collecting areas; frequently affinities develop between related topics like writing instruments, paperweights (especially paperweights of crystal glass, e.g. by Caithness in Scotland) and similar. In the investment sections of reputable newspapers like Financial Times Deutschland, such collecting objects are increasingly discussed as an asset class, similarly to Limited Editions of writing instruments. Paperweights can achieve collector prices in the four- to five-figure range.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How does one recognise a counterfeit of a Montblanc StarWalker offered on eBay?", "a": "Recognition features for StarWalker counterfeits are above all the nib and the rear barrel area: StarWalker models do not have a two-tone nib; a two-tone nib is therefore a clear counterfeit feature. In addition, the rear barrel part must be chrome-plated and shiny, not black. Even the packaging can be telling — boxes from the 1970s or 1980s do not fit a piece allegedly acquired in 2005. Such counterfeits sometimes reach three-figure amounts at auctions, which is why collectors point out corresponding offers early on.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one clean fountain pens that have been unused for a long time and in which the ink has dried up? Which water, which agents and when is the cleaning process complete?", "a": "Dried-up fountain pens can be cleaned by soaking in water and repeated drawing up and flushing. The cleaning process is complete as soon as the water comes out clear from the fountain pen. A detailed guide to the care and cleaning of fountain pens can be found in the section Pflege/Reparatur of the community. Aggressive cleaning agents should be avoided; lukewarm water is generally sufficient.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How is an older Montblanc to be classified that cannot be unambiguously assigned either to the models of the wartime or to those of the 50s/60s?", "a": "In the described case it is not a uniform Montblanc but a combination of two brands. Cap and nib come from the Montblanc 334 1/2, while the body comes from a Pelikan 500 from the 50s. Such hybrids arise when someone assembles a usable one from two damaged writing instruments. For this reason no comparable models can be found on the internet. As an everyday writer, such a mixed piece can nevertheless give good service.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Has the number of counterfeits on eBay diminished, and are there counterfeits of the pencils from the Writers Editions like Oscar Wilde or Alexandre Dumas, and how does one recognise authenticity?", "a": "The number of Montblanc counterfeits on eBay has not gone down; eBay does not basically check the origin of articles, and Montblanc itself hardly takes active steps against counterfeits. Even the pencils of the Writers Editions are being counterfeited; often they are hardly distinguishable from originals on photos. The Oscar Wilde pencil has a stepless rotary mechanism, a 0.9 mm lead and an eraser identical in construction to that of the LeGrand pencil and separately purchasable. Brownish discolouration on vermeil surfaces like tip or clip is tarnished silver under the gilding and can be removed again with a silver-cleaning cloth. Before a purchase, it is recommended to have the piece checked by a dealer one trusts, and to pay attention to positive ratings and relevant sales history, or to buy via trustworthy platforms like penboard.de.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is red Wenol suitable for polishing a Montblanc Monte Rosa or 342, and what alternatives exist?", "a": "With Wenol, the surfaces of writing instruments of plexiglass/precious resin, celluloid or hard rubber can be well polished. With metal parts, on the other hand, caution is advised, since gildings are very thin and can easily be polished off. For plexiglass surfaces, Displex additionally comes into question, but only if the material really is plexiglass; on celluloid it would dissolve the material. Polishes basically remove material; therefore one should rather polish restrainedly and carefully or preserve the existing condition.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can I check on the basis of the serial number whether a used-bought Montblanc Meisterstück has been stolen?", "a": "On the basis of the serial number it can only be traced to which country or to which dealer Montblanc originally delivered the writing instrument. A central list of writing instruments reported stolen Montblanc does not keep. Information on this can at most be given by Montblanc itself; a theft check via the serial number is de facto not possible.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Who can repair bent nibs if the Montblanc service does not offer a repair or only very expensively?", "a": "With strongly deformed nibs, there is the risk that during straightening the iridium tipping breaks off, so that the nib is anyway mostly no longer usable. Specialised repairers like Horst Maxenberger (maxpens.de) offer to look at such nibs in advance based on photos and assess them. Montblanc generally offers in service a flat-rate nib repair (around 49 euros) or a complete nib exchange (significantly more expensive); before an exchange, the customer is usually informed.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What is to be made of the new Montblanc Meisterstück Legrand Diamond with transparent cap top, and does this design element fit the classic Meisterstück line?", "a": "The model met mixed to rejecting reactions. Critics complain that the transparent cap top with diamond stylistically does not fit the classic Meisterstück form from the 50s and displaces the characteristic snowflake; the element seems like a foreign body taken over from the StarWalker, which is rather sales-driven. The wider clip ring presumably explains itself by the fact that the screw fastening of the clip cannot be installed visibly with a transparent cap top. It is not finally clarified whether it is a special edition; the setting of stones to justify the price, as already with earlier 888 editions, is at the latest seen critically.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Solitaire Ceramics Black Prisma with Mexico 2010 engraving and x/200 numbering an official Limited Edition, and is the engraved cap top exchangeable as a spare part?", "a": "An official Limited Edition is not present, since the Ceramics Black Prisma is led as a regular, unlimited edition. With an additional Mexico 2010 engraving and a numbering x/200, it is most likely a Corporate Gift, presumably on the occasion of the 100-year jubilee of Mexican independence (1910 to 2010). The upper part under the star is basically exchangeable as a spare part, although an exchange is likely to be correspondingly costly.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc desk set (e.g. 204 or 222) is it on the basis of the photos provided, and is the cap of the fountain pen made of gold?", "a": "It is a Montblanc desk set 204, made between 1970 and 1975. The cap consists not of gold but of gilded brass. For an unambiguous identification, assessment based on photos is necessary.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "My Montblanc Le Grand has been smearing for years and leaves blue fingers despite cleaning. What can be the cause, and how can it be sent in from abroad for repair?", "a": "Frequent causes are paper fluff between the nib tines, ink residues inside the cap or unsuitable paper; often a thorough cleaning of the cap with water and cloth helps. If the problem persists, a hairline crack comes into question, which requires a repair. The writing instrument should be sent in as an insured parcel, since registered mail in Germany is only insured up to 25 euros. Alternatively, sending in can take place via a Montblanc dealer or a boutique, which can also be found abroad via the dealer search on montblanc.com. Before a repair, the expected costs should be compared to the market price of a used 146; hairline cracks can also be glued by specialised repair workshops if appropriate.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How should the karma function of the forum be dealt with, and what consequences does abuse for punishing other members have?", "a": "The karma function is intended as a quality mark for particularly good posts and not for anonymous punishment of other members. Since the function was much abused and used according to daily mood, the forum management has technically deactivated negative ratings; the previously given negative karmas were reset to the starting level. Thus only positive ratings are still possible, which is predominantly evaluated in the forum as a sensible compromise. Complementarily, posts in sections like Books and Repair should be more strongly appreciated, since these too represent significant effort.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can the value of a Vintage Montblanc Rouge et Noir with nib number 2 in visually good condition be determined?", "a": "An objective, fixed value does not exist with vintage writing instruments; the market value fluctuates considerably and depends strongly on the actual condition of preservation. A serious evaluation based on the unsharp photos provided is not possible, because decisive aspects like the state of the iridium tipping, the function and originality of the filling mechanism cannot be judged. A German-language guide to value determination of writing instruments can be found in the community fountainpen.de. A condition described as only externally good corresponds rather to a normal condition and does not justify a premium markup.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the depicted writing instrument a counterfeit or an original?", "a": "Based on the photos provided, the answerers here see an original. In case of doubt, further and more detailed pictures should be requested from the seller in order to enable a reliable judgement.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the book Montblanc Schreibgeräte 1980-2015 by Achim Sievers offer, and for which collector circle is it suitable?", "a": "The book, published in 2015 and self-published in DIN A4 landscape format, comprises around 350 pages and offers a comprehensive overview of Montblanc writing instruments between 1980 and 2015 with product photos, model facts and partly also price information. Particularly useful is a detailed list of rare editions on the last 20 pages, which updates existing online overviews (e.g. on community-fountainpen.de, which end in 2007). Especially for collectors of newer writing instruments the work is a recommendable reference; before 1991, the model selection is manageable due to the then smaller market breadth. The book appears in small print runs and is distributed via eBay or directly from the author.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the depicted Montblanc Carrera rollerball genuine, and do the Montblanc refills made today fit it or is an adapter needed?", "a": "The model shown is an original; counterfeits of the Carrera are not worth the effort for counterfeiters, since it is a simple school writing instrument and no luxury product. Until 1991 Montblanc was a normal writing-instrument manufacturer with the whole spectrum from cheap school to Meisterstück level. On the question of refills, the information circulates that current Montblanc refills may fit under certain circumstances; otherwise an adapter is available; it is recommended to test this practically with an existing refill (e.g. from a StarWalker rollerball).", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Did a Pelikan 400 with a completely grey cap exist, or is it an unusual variant?", "a": "An M400 cap in completely grey is not known in the forum; the grey variant documented by Rüttinger has a black cap. For a sound piece of information, a direct enquiry to Werner Rüttinger by email or via the Penexchange forum is recommended, since he has very broad Pelikan expertise.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is the 25 Meisterstück still a Safety, and why does the model designation change from numbers like 1-12 to 25 or 45?", "a": "Safety does not designate a model but a filling mechanism with an extendable nib. The numbers 00 to 12 stand for the Safetys for the size of nib and housing and do not denote Meisterstücks. From 1924, Meisterstücks and also other models (12.5 / 15 / 17.5 / 25 / 45) were named with their then retail price in Reichsmark as model number. A 25 Meisterstück could therefore be made as a Safety but also as a button, lever or compressor filler; decisive is always the combination of model number and filling system. A more detailed account can be found in the Montblanc book by Jens Rösler.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can one obtain the Montblanc inks Ink of Friendship, Joy and Love as well as the Mahatma Gandhi ink at the regular price, without overpriced eBay offers?", "a": "At the specialist retailer these inks are partly still available at the regular unit price of around 11 to 12 euros, e.g. at local Montblanc dealers or at KaDeWe in Berlin (5th floor, writing instruments), where most recently a new delivery of the Mahatma Gandhi ink had arrived at a retail price of 12 euros. The fantasy prices called up on eBay are therefore not justified; anyone without a specialist retailer nearby should preferably enquire directly at specialist trade.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How does the Montblanc Meisterstück Diamond Classic prove itself in long-term use after almost ten years?", "a": "The Meisterstück Diamond Classic is regarded in long-term use as a convincing writing instrument that remains in very good condition even after several years of intensive use. Its particular value results precisely from the lasting everyday suitability, the reliable writing behaviour and the optically unchanged high-quality appearance over many years.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do I determine nib width, model and fill level of a Montblanc 146 won at eBay, and which nib width is suitable for exams?", "a": "Model and nib width are not directly noted on the writing instrument on the 146; a reliable determination is best made by presentation at the specialist retailer or by comparison with model databases on the net. Gold nibs last, thanks to the iridium tipping, practically a writer's lifetime; a nib exchange at service costs around 49 euros and should be weighed beforehand in the shop through test writing. For longer writing, finer nibs (F or EF) are rather recommended; ultimately, the choice is a matter of taste. One tank filling suffices, experience shows, for about 20 to 30 pages; the ink window does not show the exact fill level but only serves to indicate an approaching end of ink, which can best be judged if the pen is held horizontally against the light for about ten seconds.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is the inside of the Montblanc 144 constructed, and what changes has the model undergone in the course of its production?", "a": "The 144 exists in two basic variants: the original version of the 50s from celluloid with piston filling mechanism and the version reissued from the 80s of resin as a cartridge filler, initially without platinum intarsia on the nib. The 80s variant existed in Bordeaux and black with gilded clips and rings; a platinum-plated version of the regular 144 has never existed; the platinum trim was only introduced with the successor 145. Today the 144 is only offered as a Solitaire, there then also with platinum-plated surfaces. The flexible nibs characteristic of the 50s are no longer produced in this form today, which is regarded as the main cause for different writing feel between old and newer examples; the choice of the suitable nib, however, remains strongly dependent on individual writing posture.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What to do against fine, hard-to-remove fluff or membranes in the ink window of a used-bought Montblanc 146?", "a": "Such fluff is generally a purely optical defect without influence on the writing behaviour. It mostly does not come from the ink but is introduced into the fountain pen via cheap paper and the nib; iron-gall inks as a cause are rather unlikely. A brief ultrasonic bath is unproblematic on modern 146s with plastic mechanism but is to be avoided on older fountain pens from the 50s with brass mechanism. Often simply patience with repeated rinsing helps; often such particles only loosen after many cleanings.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Are writing instruments of other manufacturers (Pelikan, Graf von Faber-Castell, Caran d'Ache, OMAS) also being counterfeited, or do counterfeiters concentrate on Montblanc?", "a": "Counterfeits concentrate for economic reasons primarily on the market leader with high numbers and high shop price, in the writing-instrument area on Montblanc. Other brands like Pelikan, Caran d'Ache, Graf von Faber-Castell or OMAS hardly play a role in counterfeits; occasionally, however, fakes of Cartier or Louis Vuitton (LV) are also known. The phenomenon thus corresponds to that of other sectors, e.g. watches (Rolex, Breitling) or lighters (Dupont).", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one proceed if an old Pelikan 140 after a nib change at a specialist retailer has a crack in the grip section and loses ink?", "a": "A DIY repair is not recommended with a crack in the grip section. Whether Pelikan still repairs older models like the 140 or keeps spare parts is to be enquired about directly at the Pelikan consumer service. Additionally, the Penexchange forum can be a sensible point of contact, since many Pelikan specialists are active there. Regarding the evidence situation vis-à-vis the dealer, it is advisable to file a complaint as promptly as possible; after a long time, enforcement becomes difficult.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "My Montblanc 164 ballpoint squeaks on twisting, the clip looks more golden than the ring and at the same time bears W.-Germany and a serial number. Is it nevertheless genuine, and how do I get rid of the squeak?", "a": "Based on the photos, it is an original. There were transition phases in which clips already bore a serial number and at the same time the engraving W.-Germany. That the clip optically looks more golden than the Meisterstück ring is typical on the 164 and no counterfeit indication; it can additionally be due to polishing. Against the squeak, the star can be unscrewed; afterwards clip and cap can be removed, and on the underlying black rubber ring as well as the milling of the twist mechanism a little Vaseline can be applied, which generally removes the noise.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can pictures of an old Montblanc writing instrument be uploaded in this forum to enable a model determination?", "a": "When composing a post, below the input window is the option Attachments and other options, through which photos can be uploaded. For a model determination, the post should be placed in the appropriate technical section of the forum.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which manufacturers offer aesthetically appealing, collection-worthy ink bottles?", "a": "Particularly worth collecting are older ink bottles from Montblanc or Parker from the 1930s. In the current market offer, especially Montblanc bottles including the Season's Greetings and the rose-ink editions, Diamine (classic, e.g. available via missing-pens.de from Rolf Thiel) as well as Caran d'Ache (very beautiful, although with little ink content) are mentioned. Complementarily, Caran d'Ache, OMAS, de Atramentis (with scents) and Visconti are positively highlighted. Differences in taste are pronounced here; one's own selection by visual preferences is usual.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Why have, since the last forum software update, all postings of a section been permanently displayed as unread, and how can the problem be circumvented?", "a": "The phenomenon seems browser-independent (tested with Konqueror, Mozilla, Opera in several versions) and is also not remedied by renewed logging in and out. A workaround consists in switching the display via the filter function show last 4hrs/24hrs to 24 hours, 48 hours or a week, in order to find newly added posts in a targeted manner. A pure solution through a browser change or browser update brings no improvement. With the admin, an error message with screenshots should be submitted, since the problem could not be systematically reproduced in this form.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can the rubber-sac ink container of a Parker 51 from the 1950s be best protected from drying out during longer idle times?", "a": "A preventive treatment with tallow can delay the ageing of the rubber sac. Ultimately, however, with rubber sacs it cannot be avoided that they have to be exchanged from time to time. Replacement sacs for the Parker 51 are available, e.g., via vintagepensacsandparts.com.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How does one proceed against obvious counterfeits on eBay, e.g. of a Montblanc Kafka, if the marketplace itself does not intervene?", "a": "Even with private auctions, legally no counterfeits may be sold; the seller cannot here exclude a right of return. Concrete auction numbers can be reported to the eBay hotline; eBay forwards these to Montblanc as the manufacturer, which checks the auction. Helpful for one's own evaluation is the overview of typical counterfeit features at fountainpen.de/fakes.htm. Since counterfeits are getting visually better and better, the counterfeit problem on eBay, from the view of the forum members, remains permanently.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What justifies the price of from GBP 600 for a Matania pen stand made of hand-rolled brass, and what limitation and distribution features exist?", "a": "According to the manufacturer, only 96 pen stands are made worldwide; four craftsmen need about ten months for this quantity; the first goes in each case to the secretary of the English Queen; further buyers come from state circles; delivery takes place in a handmade oak box with a calligraphically designed certificate. The high price thus explains itself less from the material value (brass) than from the built-up brand prestige, the strict limitation and the stated production duration. On request, Matania also makes from an extra charge of approx. GBP 3,500 individual special productions. From a collector's and user's perspective, the price-performance ratio is predominantly evaluated as not appropriate; the piece is rather to be seen as a curiosity for an upscale specialist clientele.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which manufacturer is behind a piston filler with the lateral engraving Westminster, presumably from the 1940s/50s?", "a": "Westminster is, according to the sources used in the forum, a sub-brand of Montblanc and is listed, among others, on penexchange.de under Die Klassiker / Viele Namen - Ein Hersteller as well as at collectiblestars.com under Brands A-Z. In the book Penkala by Miroslav Tischler, Westminster also appears in the section Other Stationery Manufacturers in the World. The firm Westminster existing in the United Kingdom has nothing to do with this, since it has existed only for a few years. For a concrete model determination, it is recommended to additionally post the photos on penexchange.de, where such pens have already been discussed.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a Graf von Faber-Castell tray of alder wood with embedded sharpener recess, five pencils with silver crowns and a band a rarity, and when was it produced?", "a": "The writing-instrument tray with embedded sharpener recess comes from the period around the year 2000 and was taken out of the programme again due to moderate sales figures. It was sold at the time only as a set with pencils and a silver-plated sharpener (today's variant: platinum-plated). Occasionally, trays without content were sold individually in the trade. It is therefore not a designated rarity but rather a scarcity. The variant with silver or today platinum-plated side cheeks has later returned in a reissue.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How does one recognise that a Montblanc Meisterstück set offered on eBay is counterfeit?", "a": "Recognisable is the counterfeit above all by the cap top and the cap rings. On the pieces shown, the cap top is executed entirely black, while on originals it consists about two-thirds of metal and only the star itself is set against a black background. The cap rings are also interrupted here by black fields, which is likewise not the case on originals. In case of doubt, additional sharp detail photos should be requested.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which model and which year is an inherited Cross fountain pen?", "a": "The writer looks like a Cross Century. With a total length with cap of around 13.5 cm and a weight of 27 to 30 g it is a Century II; with a weight of around 16 g, the classic Century. On the Century II the cap overlaps the body, while on the Century cap and body abut flush. More in-depth model and dating information can most likely be found in the forum fountainpennetwork.com.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is the Montblanc H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco Wedding Pen an independent edition or largely identical to the earlier Monaco Pen?", "a": "Visually, the Wedding Pen is very similar to the earlier Monaco Pen and differs essentially through additional stone settings; the marketing, however, stages it as an entirely new creation. It is to be assumed that it is a non-publicly saleable individual piece or occasional object on the occasion of the wedding. The design continuity is evaluated in the forum rather critically.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are the depicted Montblanc writing instruments (fountain pen and ballpoint) from the 70s/80s real, and which models exactly are they?", "a": "Both writing instruments are genuine; counterfeits of these simple models are not known, since counterfeiters concentrate on Meisterstücks. The first fountain pen is the model CS from the 70s with gilded steel nib (then retail price 39.00 DM); the second is a Montblanc Turbo from the early 80s, sold as a school fountain pen for 19.50 DM. A blue cap top signalled at Montblanc in the 50s the presence of a carbon-copy nib that worked with high pressure on carbon paper and was correspondingly rigid and inflexibly designed.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the Montblanc Patron of Art J.P. Morgan also available as a rollerball or ballpoint, and is an auction with limitation number xxxx/4810 for a J.P. Morgan rollerball credible?", "a": "The J.P. Morgan officially exists only as a fountain pen; a rollerball or ballpoint version with limitation number x/4810 is not in the programme and thus most likely a counterfeit, even if 925 stamps and mother-of-pearl star can look deceptively real on photos. Occasionally there may be conversions, which however would not justify an official limitation statement. In the specific case, the seller himself stopped the auction after a hint in order to check the originality at a boutique.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is an offered fountain pen with overlay really a Montblanc, and how is such a purchase to be evaluated?", "a": "The overlay shown is definitely not an original overlay; in the past, jewellers have often fitted arbitrary fountain pens with their own self-made overlays. An original Montblanc overlay clearly bears the logo and the brand name, which is missing here. Even if the body or the nib comes from Montblanc, the value is not comparable to that of an original overlay model. With such offers caution is advised, since not seldom only individual parts (e.g. the nib) actually come from Montblanc.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the suffix -N mean on the Montblanc Meisterstück 742-N, and how can the current value of a well-preserved example with original gold nib be estimated?", "a": "The Montblanc 742 was made from 1951 to 1956. The N stands for the wing nib used in this period; the 742 also existed before with a normal nib. A flat-rate value estimate is not seriously possible; it depends strongly on the concrete condition of preservation and the condition of the nib. A guide to evaluating writing instruments can be found in the community fountainpen.de.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is the story of the Montblanc Texas Flag Pen, and is it to be classified as an official edition or a commissioned work?", "a": "The Montblanc Flag Pens are not official editions or political statements but commissioned works for high-paying customers, as Montblanc also practises in other cases (e.g. special productions for Jean Todt or Michael Schumacher). The Texas Pen is reportedly set with brilliants imitating the Texan flag, with reference to the then US president George W. Bush. In design it corresponds to the often-used skeleton layout, which is no longer necessarily felt to be exclusive by buyers of the SkeletonStar 333 edition.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do I remove a bluish discolouration at the tip of a Montblanc gold nib, and how can it be avoided in future?", "a": "The bluish discolouration arises because 14- or 18-carat gold contains alloy components that oxidise over time. In most cases the deposit can already be removed with a moist cleaning cloth; alternatively a silver-cleaning cloth works, which however should not be used too intensively, since it simultaneously slightly wears off the platinum plating. Dipping fluid for silver was not tested and is therefore not recommended. As a preventive measure, regular light cleaning without aggressive material removal helps.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which salutation or which quotation is suitable for a letterpress-printed gentleman's card with a centred name, to be used for personal occasions like thanks, invitations or regrets?", "a": "As universal, somewhat less formal salutations, e.g. With best recommendations, In best friendship or With friendly greetings are suitable. A fitting short quotation (e.g. by Mary Catherine Bateson on the topic of continuity and retrospect) can also be a versatile alternative. Stylistically it is to be noted that classic gentleman's cards with centred name are intended exclusively for personal handing over, not for sending; cards for sending bear the name usually at the top left and manage without an address. Anyone wanting only a single card format should be aware of the corresponding stylistic compromises.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Are there matching cufflinks for the Montblanc Patron of Art Edition Gaius Maecenas, and what do they cost?", "a": "For the Patron of Art Edition Gaius Maecenas, matching cufflinks exist, comparable to those for the Collodi edition; a corresponding photo can be found in the forum of fountainpennetwork.com. The price is 380 euros; in the US forum a figure of 545 US dollars had additionally been mentioned, which however possibly referred to the Collodi variant.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one behave with a professional eBay seller who refuses to accept the return of a Montblanc Edgar Allan Poe and claims an alleged crack on the grip section that supposedly was not present before shipping?", "a": "With payment via PayPal, buyer protection can first be applied for; PayPal freezes the money and decides after hearing both sides. In the procedure, all relevant facts should be documented extensively and supplementary comments submitted later. In parallel, it is sensible to ask the seller for a concrete damage description and with this information to contact Montblanc in order to check a possible repair option; with older Limited Editions like the Poe, however, spare parts are very scarce. Disputed points (smoker's smell, crack, ink residues) can subsequently hardly still be unambiguously clarified, which weakens the buyer's position as soon as the writing instrument is already returned. Generally, eBay is not consistently trustworthy even in the professional area; with future transactions, a more detailed entry documentation (photos, written defect notice) should take place for security.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which model of the Montblanc Meisterstück watch line is shown on the depicted photos, and what value is realistic today?", "a": "The watch shown is a Montblanc Star Quartz Gilt Small, that is, a ladies' watch with gilded case, made about 1996 to 2000 at a then boutique price of around 800 DM. The current value is in flawless condition around 200 euros; due to the clearly visible scratch correspondingly lower. The strap shown on the photos does not come from the original equipment; the original strap was without visible seams and slightly arched.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one recognise counterfeits of Montblanc rollerballs (e.g. a supposed LeGrand) on eBay?", "a": "Several features expose such counterfeits very reliably. On the original Solitaire, the cap top is of the same material as the body with only the star at the front, while fakes often show a completely black cap top. The spaces between the cap rings on plagiarisms show recognisable indentations and are black, while on the original the body material shimmers through. Additionally, on a fake LeGrand the thread for screwing on the cap is often missing, which a larger rollerball should actually have. A comparison with pictures on the Montblanc website or relevant collector sites usually suffices to determine the differences.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Should a Montblanc Meisterstück No. 14 have two gold rings at the ink-view window, and is a repair worthwhile with a missing ring?", "a": "In the standard work by Rösler/Wallrafen, only one ring is depicted on the No. 14; however, variants are quite conceivable in the course of production. A professional repair is generally not worthwhile with these writing instruments from the 60s, since the costs exceed the value; rather the purchase of another example is recommended. Sometimes suitable spare parts can be obtained from collectors for a small contribution; for this, however, a photo of the area in question is helpful.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which model is a Montblanc fountain pen with black metal cap, matt-chrome-plated grip section, MB-engraved chrome nib and 138 mm length?", "a": "This combination points to a Montblanc No. 1120 from the production period between 1976 and 1980. The model belongs to the then line with steel nibs and is well identifiable by the features mentioned.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What is known about the historical mechanical-pencil set Friwo-Gold 521 by the firm Fritz Wortmann from the 1930s?", "a": "The set was made by the firm Fritz Wortmann in Hessian Wetter and contained hexagonal mechanical pencils with colour-coded twist knobs for different lead types, including pencil, copy, ink, red, blue and green leads. The pencils are about 13.5 cm long, weigh around 10 grams and were offered individually or as a garniture in a leather case for five pencils. Ink leads were actually widespread at the time, and the plain design, based on wooden pencils, was similar with many manufacturers of the era, by which Friwo pencils can hardly be visually distinguished from other brands like Montblanc. The firm today belongs to the many forgotten stationery manufacturers.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can one sell a Montblanc Meisterstück L25 with the inscription D.R.P. 508058 and what value does it have?", "a": "The L25 is the longer variant; the rarer K25 achieves higher prices, so the value of an L25 is to be set somewhat below it but nevertheless clearly above that of usual pre-war Meisterstücks. For the sale eBay is very well suited, since there one reaches the most collectors; alternatively collectors' meet-ups can be used, whose dates can be found e.g. via collectiblestars.de. A professional value determination is by current state hardly still offered, and the effort would only pay off with very high-quality pieces. For price-finding, the observation of comparable eBay auctions is best suited.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Pelikan model is an unspecified old fountain pen currently being restored?", "a": "Based on the description, it is likely a Pelikan from the 1970s, which is neither particularly valuable nor regarded as a collector's piece. For more precise model determination, a specialised Pelikan community like the Penexchange forum is recommended, since there more Pelikan collectors are active.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How is the inner cap of a Montblanc Meisterstück fastened if it keeps coming loose when removing the cap?", "a": "The inner cap is at the upper end provided with a threaded sleeve into which the cap top with the white star is screwed via a threaded rod. The rod runs through the outer cap and the clip, so that on tightening the clip is fixed simultaneously. The correct procedure is therefore screwing in instead of gluing; if the inner cap comes loose, this screw connection is presumably missing or has come loose.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is a strongly altered Montblanc 146 with overlay a counterfeit?", "a": "The base model is recognisable as an original 146 from the 80s by the ink-view window and the nib and thus no counterfeit in the narrower sense. It is, however, an unauthorised customising, since Montblanc does not give permission for such refinements. In the collector scene it is known that, e.g., a Belgian collector occasionally fits 146s and 149s with sterling-silver overlays and engravings; such individual pieces do not violate trademark law but may not be sold. The pen is then no longer an original Montblanc but an individualised collector's piece.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Did Montblanc give the Ferrari leaders like Luca di Montezemolo and Jean Todt individual special pens after the World Championship title 2000, and can such pieces be acquired?", "a": "A skeleton Ferrari for Jean Todt is documented, to be found on fountainpen.de. Before that, Jean Todt already owned a Solitaire 146 as an individual production with red cap and a guilloche in the tyre profile; this piece appeared once on eBay at a price far above 4,000 USD but is said to have later been lost by Todt. Such Ferrari special productions are not regularly available as individual pieces, and a sale would, due to trademark-law problems, hardly be possible anyway. Anyone wishing to buy Ferrari writing instruments will rather find what they need with Montegrappa, which also belongs to the Richemont group and offers official Ferrari editions.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "When was the Montblanc 1497 (149 Solitaire Solid Gold) introduced - 1983 or 1987?", "a": "The correct chronology is: first presentation 1982, market launch 1983, which can also be substantiated by an entry in the Guinness Book of Records from 1983. Deviating datings like 1987 or 1988 in individual publications obviously rest on errors or sources copied from each other. The model 1497 with thread guilloche was offered until 1992 and then succeeded by the model 1499 with bicolour fishgrate pattern. Only at Pentecost 1992 was the designation Meisterstück Solitaire introduced within the framework of the New Dimensions event.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which notebooks and papers are well suited for daily use with fountain pens, since Moleskine standard paper has proved unsuitable?", "a": "Recommended are above all products by Clairefontaine, whose paper is well sized and also suitable for nibs with strong ink flow and is offered at fair prices. An alternative within the Moleskine world is the Folio collection, whose thicker, presumably acid-free paper bleeds through significantly less and is thus better suited for archiving. Generally, it is recommended to test several paper types, since suitability depends strongly on the respective nib-ink combination.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can the authenticity of an eBay offer of a Montblanc Fitzgerald or Greta Garbo ballpoint be judged?", "a": "Greta Garbo counterfeits are on photos often very well made and hardly distinguishable from originals, which makes an online judgement difficult. Suspicious are sellers who as private persons offer over a hundred allegedly new Montblancs, use poor or blurred photos and set prices far below 50 percent of the list price. Typical fake features like the inscription Iridium Point or a black star in the case should also deter buyers. With realistic observation, a Greta Garbo at a bargain price is neither plausible as genuine nor worth the price as a fake; in such cases, the purchase from a specialist retailer is the better option.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can one use the Montblanc Jules Verne ink without hesitation in a Jules Verne fountain pen?", "a": "Experiences with the Leonardo da Vinci ink (Terra di Sienna) from the same novelties series are consistently positive, so the Jules Verne ink can also be assumed to be unproblematic. Substantial reports specifically on the Jules Verne variant were not mentioned in the thread.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Do Montblanc fineliner refills fit the LeGrand rollerball?", "a": "No, in the LeGrand rollerball no fineliner refills fit, since this requires a larger and thicker refill, which is not offered by Schmidt Feintechnik in this form. The standard fineliner refills only fit the smaller rollerballs like Classique, Bohème, StarWalker and Scenium as well as many identically constructed competing models, since Schmidt also makes these refills for Faber-Castell. Pelikan rollerball refills are made in Asia and have a somewhat slimmer tip, which is why they fit neither the LeGrand nor other Montblanc rollerballs.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Bohème with the inscription Rouge et Noir, two-tone 14K-585 nib, Pix clip and arched stone genuine, and what collector value does it have?", "a": "Based on the features mentioned, it is a genuine Bohème Rouge et Noir, which was made only in a short production period and is correspondingly rare. The collector value is recognisably increased but not dramatically high; the piece nevertheless remains special and worth collecting. The model is also valued in writing behaviour and should therefore be kept, especially since it rarely turns up on antique markets.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can a Pilot Falcon and a Pelikan M400/M600 (or M605) be reliably bought, ideally from the same dealer?", "a": "For Pelikan models, Rolf Thiel via missing-pen.de is recommended, who can procure the entire Pelikan range and offers good service. The Pilot Falcon is carried by German dealers only restrictedly; one option is penstore.at, although with sometimes long delivery times. Alternatively, many order directly from overseas or pay attention to hints from relevant forum threads for current sources. For Pelikan entry-level models, papierfischer.de or Galeria Kaufhof partly offer good conditions, although with smaller selection.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What value does an about 40-year-old fountain pen with the cap inscription 333 1/2 M and a 3 1/2 nib have?", "a": "Such pieces mostly achieve on eBay prices between 50 and 100 euros, depending on condition also below or above. The sentimental value of an inherited fountain pen, however, cannot be objectively quantified and should stand in the foreground for the heir. Anyone wanting to ascertain the actual market value can list the piece on eBay and observe the bidding behaviour.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the model of an about twelve-year-old Waterman set of fountain pen and pencil be determined in order to find the matching ballpoint?", "a": "A model determination is hardly possible without a photo, so comparison with collector sites like waterman-kirkel.com is recommended, on which numerous Waterman models are depicted. In the specific case, after picture comparison it turned out to be the model Expert, so a targeted search for the matching ballpoint can now be made.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which scented inks from De Atramentis are particularly recommendable?", "a": "Particularly praised are the wine inks, whose properties were recently improved, so that they no longer dry out so quickly; the Dornfelder variant is frequently highlighted. Chocolate and grass or golf ink are also positively mentioned, while steam-locomotive and kerosene ink are regarded as acquired tastes and rather to be recommended to lovers of these scents. The herb ink is also not mass-market-friendly. In colour intensity there are clear differences to branded inks: the black Jansen ink appears, for example, lighter than the black counterpart by Montblanc and rather reminiscent of their English green.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which launch price and which market prices are realistic for the Montblanc Skeleton Star 333 (limited edition)?", "a": "The original retail price in 2001 was 7,500 euros. Auction results today move significantly below; Bonhams, for example, set an example with an estimated price of 6,000 to 8,000 USD, with the hammer price possibly higher. Added to this are buyer commissions of 20 to 25 percent, shipping and import VAT, which makes purchases outside the EU more expensive. Within these orders of magnitude the pieces are significantly cheaper to be had than the frequently mentioned 10,000-USD-plus prices.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the marking J on a Montblanc Safety nib mean?", "a": "It is a contemporary, original Montblanc J nib. The J nib is particularly flexible and enables a calligraphic script, which is why it is valued as a special variant.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How do solid-gold and bimetal nibs differ on Montblanc Meisterstücks, and what advantages or disadvantages do they have?", "a": "Ultimately, all these nibs consist of solid gold; the difference lies in a platinum coating or platinum intarsia, which has been applied since the 90s mainly for visual reasons, e.g. so that the nib matches the look of modern models like the StarWalker. The coating has no influence on the writing behaviour. Besides, on some vintage Meisterstücks (e.g. the ranges 132 to 139) there were steel nibs used due to wartime gold shortage; they write well but are regarded as inferior compared to the classical gold nib.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How are the contradictory serial numbers on an Agatha Christie writing instrument (28383/30000), in the service card (4518/7000) and on the packaging to be interpreted?", "a": "The papers are apparently not original to the piece, since the serial number on the fountain pen and in the service guide should agree. The numbering 4518/7000 points to a set component, so the papers and possibly the packaging were combined from different sources. A price of 650 euros for an Agatha Christie in nearly mint condition is nevertheless reasonable. What exact meaning the gold-coloured versus the one in Agatha design service card has remained open in the thread.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does the black ink from Montblanc contain iron-gall, similarly to the black-blue?", "a": "No, the black Montblanc ink by general knowledge does not contain iron-gall and is regarded as unproblematic in daily use. Iron-gall shares are found at Montblanc only in the black-blue variant.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is Commerzbank allowed in an advertising campaign to depict an altered fountain pen leaning on a Montblanc 146P, without violating trademark law?", "a": "It is presumably a Photoshop edit, with which deliberate deviations from the original (e.g. three instead of one platinum ring, missing nib engraving) were generated to circumvent trademark-law problems. Without express permission of the manufacturer, protected brand articles may not be used in foreign advertising, since this is regarded as reputation exploitation; corresponding rulings, e.g. on Rolls-Royce, exist. As long as no identical trademarks like star or inscription are used and only an allusion to the design takes place, advertisers mostly move within the legally permissible area. The comparable applies also to advertising-gift ballpoints, which often take visual loans from the Meisterstück.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which case is suitable for the scratch-free storage of a Montblanc 146 and a 161 ballpoint, ideally with separate chambers?", "a": "Separate chambers are in practice not strictly necessary, since Montblanc cases with proper use hardly leave scratches. Recommended are especially the Sienna cases, on which the clip can be pushed over the leather and the clip nub can snap into a provided groove; this prevents the writing instruments from slipping and rubbing against each other. Overall Montblanc offers a wide selection, so a suitable model can be found.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "In what size is the new Masters for Meisterstück Firenze Limited Edition offered?", "a": "The edition is again in the size of the 146, that is, the medium-sized Meisterstück, not in the 149 format.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the Montblanc 234 1/2 with glass nib offered on eBay as 'unique vintage' genuine?", "a": "Most likely the piece is a counterfeit; in particular the snake is not original, and the location of the seller (Bulgaria) has for years been a typical source of such vintage fakes. Even though Montblanc historically did produce models with glass nibs (e.g. a variant documented in the 1936 catalogue), such nibs are today easily bought for a few euros and fitted into fakes. Generally, with old writing instruments from Eastern Europe, at Penbid and at auction houses that despite warnings auction fakes, greatest caution is advised. Buyers have paid for such plagiarisms partly over 1,000 USD, which underlines the necessity of thorough research and advice.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Did the Meisterstück No. 14 wing nibs from the 60s already exist in different nib widths?", "a": "Yes, even then various nib widths existed. In the 30s and 40s, at Montblanc at least 40 nib widths were made; in the 70s still significantly more than today. At that time, alongside today's standard sizes, also exotics like BBBBB (5B) were available, so that the selection ranged from EF to 5B.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Are the Montblanc push fillers with swastika overlay offered as 'NAZI Pen' genuine, or are they counterfeits?", "a": "There were indeed original Montblanc push fillers with raised swastikas on the precious-metal overlay; such historical pieces thus do exist. The offers cropping up today on eBay or Penbid are, however, predominantly counterfeits, often from Eastern Europe, and in the workmanship poor. eBay often removes such offers quickly, which is mostly due rather to the swastika than to the counterfeit as such.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can one use a converter instead of cartridges in the Montblanc Generation, and which one fits?", "a": "The Generation can basically also be filled with a converter, but the current Montblanc converters do not fit. Suitable are universal converters of other manufacturers like Pelikan or Faber-Castell, that is, all standard converters without manufacturer-specific cartridge format (e.g. Lamy or Parker). Since the mechanical fit can nevertheless be tight, it is advisable to take the pen to a writing-instrument specialist shop and select a suitable converter on the spot.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Was the Montblanc No. 124 with completely guilloched reservoir and turning knob produced in parallel to the smooth variant, or is it a transitional model?", "a": "The fully guilloched variant with continuation of the cap thread guilloche on the barrel was made only briefly, essentially in 1969, and offered in parallel to the variant with smooth barrel; it is therefore actually an independent, cheaper version between pure metal version and simple 124. The models existed with gilded as well as solid silver cap, the latter with rhodium-plated white-gold nib. The variant with smooth barrel and thick feed was after that still produced until about 1974/75. Overall, the guilloched version is rare and regarded as an interesting collector's piece.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which vintage fountain pen from the time before 1950 is suitable as an inexpensive entry piece, and should one choose a piston filler or Safety?", "a": "Anyone who only collects the piece can quite reach for a Safety, since this offers a special mechanism. If the pen is also to be used, however, a piston fountain pen is more suitable for everyday use. As inexpensive entry models, the Montblanc 134 or the 234 1/2 are recommended; the latter especially in the luxury variant with tie clip has a well-writing nib. Important is, when buying — e.g. on eBay — to pay attention to functionality; in particular the cork seal often has to be renewed.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which refill fits a Montblanc 215 ballpoint, and can the nib be freely chosen at the refill entry?", "a": "In the 215 from the 1950s belongs a Swedish Ballograph refill, since Montblanc at that time, lacking its own ballpoint production, used such refills as bought-in articles; the standard refills supplied by Montblanc today often do not fit. The nib is part of the writing instrument and not of the refill, so it is not arbitrarily exchangeable. Sensible is to take the ballpoint together with the existing refill to a specialist shop and have a suitable refill, e.g. by Schneider, fitted there.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "In which price class do Astoria fountain pens move, and what distinguishes the brand?", "a": "The standard models move price-wise comparable to or slightly above the Montblanc Writers Editions, while Limited Editions, depending on material, fall significantly more expensively; concrete prices are best enquired about directly with the manufacturer Horst. Astoria goes back to a former Montblanc designer who became self-employed with the claim of building an ideal fountain pen and who is valued in the collector scene through his repair work. The design picks up the tie clip from models from the 30s and from the Meisterstücks of the 13x range, which is a matter of taste. The advertising on fountainpen.de takes place out of conviction and without financial reward.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Does ink corrosion occur only with iron-gall inks or also with modern inks like Dr. Jansen ink when used for a book?", "a": "Ink corrosion is, by general experience, a phenomenon almost exclusively associated with iron-gall inks. Problems with old documents often additionally hang together with too acidically produced papers of the 1920s and 1930s, which decompose themselves over time. For inks without iron-gall, e.g. the Jansen inks, such corrosion phenomena are therefore not to be expected.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What value does a Montblanc Andora set for the opening of the Montblanc boutique Hannover 2001 have?", "a": "The Andora edition was made in 2001 on the occasion of the opening of the Montblanc boutique Hannover and was actually officially produced by Montblanc, but remained an individual case that Montblanc did not want to repeat. The value depends strongly on taste: while some collectors feel the Pop Art design to be worthless, others are willing to pay high prices. A serious value estimate is therefore difficult; an indication are the original list prices (e.g. 400 euros for rollerball and ballpoint). For mediation to interested buyers, contact with Tom Westerich, who was involved in the creation of the edition, is recommended.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which high-quality, much-usable fountain pen with piston filling system is recommendable up to 150 euros?", "a": "In this price class the selection of gold-nib models is narrow; with Montblanc one will not strike lucky there. A very good alternative is the Pelikan M400, available via dealers like Rolf Thiel from about 175 euros and filled with a piston filling system from the ink bottle. The Waterman Charleston is also recommended, a precious-resin pen with 18-carat gold nib and screw-on cap (list price 155 euros, online significantly cheaper). Generally, advice in the specialist shop is recommended, since high-quality pens in this budget are individual pieces.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Meisterstück 144 in aubergine or Bordeaux with a black grip section genuine, or is it a counterfeit?", "a": "The fountain pen is genuine; the components are original Montblanc parts: cap and reservoir come from the 144 in Bordeaux; the front part from a black model of the same caliber (Classique). Bordeaux 144s were until June 1992 delivered by Montblanc basically with a black grip section and fitted with a single-colour gold nib; only from 1992 with the Solitaire Doué series were Bordeaux grip sections with bicolour nib uniformly fitted. The supplied gift packaging, however, comes from the 90s and originally belonged to the Generation and Noblesse Oblige series; it is therefore not necessarily original to the piece.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are small ink traces at the transition between nib and body of a StarWalker fountain pen a defect that falls under the warranty?", "a": "Such traces are not a defect but can occur with temperature and air-pressure fluctuations, e.g. when flying, across models and manufacturers. Important is to free the inner cap regularly thoroughly of ink residues so that from there no ink transfers to the grip section. Additionally, with the StarWalker, always two original Montblanc cartridges should be inserted, which stabilise each other; third-party cartridges can, due to deviating seals, cause leakage, as can repeated refilling of a cartridge.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Meisterstück Pix '10 Years Vodafon' genuine, can one use cartridges or ink bottle, and is the cinnamon ink still available?", "a": "Based on the description and photos, it is a genuine Montblanc. Both cartridges and filling with the converter from the ink bottle are possible and equivalent in writing quality. The brown cinnamon ink is by current state presumably no longer in the range; a direct enquiry to a Montblanc boutique gives binding information. Alternatively, numerous other inks from other manufacturers are available.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does it mean if ink accumulates over time at the bottom of the holder of a Montblanc Desk Base 204?", "a": "An accumulation of ink at the holder bottom can point to a leaking piston, especially if red ink was used, which is more problematic in old pens. In a practical test over seven days with daily writing samples and slanted hanging outside the holder, however, no drop emerged, which speaks rather against a defect. Instead, storage with the nib pointing down can lead to ink emerging drop by drop and accumulating at the bottom. If the pen, however, is stored outside the holder, starting problems frequently occur, so storage in the holder is the better compromise.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Are noble wooden pen stands of hard woods like maple or olive wood suitable for storing valuable writing instruments?", "a": "Wooden trays of hard woods like maple or walnut are visually very classy but are regarded by some collectors as too hard for high-quality fountain pens; leather-lined trays are therefore preferred to avoid scratches. Practical reports show, however, that even uncovered wooden trays, e.g. for a StarWalker, can be scratch-free in use. The sensitivity therefore depends strongly on the concrete writing instrument and the handling.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is an eBay-acquired Montblanc 149 without serial number on the clip, with Germany engraving, 14K nib and a dash instead of the umlaut points on the word 'Meisterstück' genuine?", "a": "The 149 is genuine; older Meisterstücks did not yet bear a serial number on the clip, and the deviating spelling of the Ü with dash instead of dots is typical for older models. The combined hints of the buyer (original nib, old engraving form, missing serial) speak for a real 80s model. For further use, another 146 need not necessarily be dried out: with current seals it is not necessary, and with writing instruments with cork seal it suffices to condition them with water some days before filling.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where does the stable skin that forms on some ink bottles during longer storage come from, and how does one deal with it?", "a": "The firm skin is a clear sign of microorganism infestation, since opened ink bottles at room temperature offer ideal growth conditions for moulds. That also explains why inks without preservatives (e.g. by Visconti, Schreibmayr or OMAS) are affected, while so-called chemical inks like Waterman do not show this. Such infested ink should be disposed of, since skin remnants can clog the feed. Preservatives in mass-market inks thus have a real practical justification.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What value do several Montblanc vintage fountain pens (3 x 31, 342, 344g) in mediocre condition, partly with bent nibs and engraved caps, have?", "a": "Without a photo and concrete defect description, hardly a serious price statement can be made. The models mentioned are widely common, so corresponding spare parts can often also be obtained cheaply; experienced collectors pay for such parts overall rather under 35 euros including shipping. Thus the pieces have above all a spare-parts character and are mainly interesting for collectors, dealers or self-repairers. With rare vintage Montblancs, nibs alone are significantly more expensive.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is known about the upcoming Montblanc Donation Edition Arturo Toscanini, especially on the retail price?", "a": "The Toscanini is available as a Donation Pen; the ballpoint costs, according to information from the Montblanc boutique Düsseldorf, 495 euros. About a likewise mentioned 'William Faulkner' no confirmed information is available, only a conjecture about gold trim and a presumably brown body.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does the current Montblanc Midnight Blue have a violet cast compared to the earlier Blauschwarz, and is it known why Montblanc changed the ink supplier?", "a": "Midnight Blue is generally regarded as the legitimate successor of Blauschwarz, but shows, according to the perception of several users, a slight violet cast that diminishes somewhat after brief drying. Ink flow and writing behaviour are thereby regarded as at least equivalent, rather even as better. Regarding the supplier change, no official information is available in the forum; what is known is only that Montblanc at some point changed the OEM manufacturer of the ink. Montblanc has not communicated the background outwardly, so only conjectures circulate.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What should forum users heed regarding a planned maintenance of the forum software, and what known follow-on problems occur thereby?", "a": "During the maintenance, the forum is unreachable for several hours; in the specific case, a software update was simultaneously carried out. After the update of the forum software (Joomla/Simpleboard), in the column 'Last Post' in every section the default value 1970/01/01 01:00 appeared without an author name, because the field 'moved' in the table mos_sb_messages was set to NULL. This can be remedied with the SQL command UPDATE mos_sb_messages SET moved = 0 WHERE moved IS NULL or by setting the column to 'NOT NULL' with default value 0 in phpMyAdmin. Before such interventions, a backup of the table is recommended; alternatively, the problem also disappears section by section by itself as soon as a new post appears.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc model is a fountain pen that recalls the Carrera but carries a clip in the style of the Generation?", "a": "It is the black Montblanc Caressa No. 422. The model is documented in the standard work 'Collectible Stars' by Jens Rösler and Stefan Wallrafen on page 69 under the ID number 1530. The Caressa was produced between 1976 and 1979 by the firm Mutschler in Heidelberg, which at the time made numerous similar models for Montblanc. Mutschler discontinued business activity in the 1990s.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can one tell from a single photo and seller description whether a Montblanc Bohème Bleu Platin is an original or a counterfeit?", "a": "A reliable authenticity assessment based solely on a single photo is, with the Bohème, not possible, since by now very good counterfeits circulate. On the concrete picture, no obvious defects were recognisable, but several description details were wrong: the Bohème does not have a white-gold nib but a platinum-plated yellow-gold nib, and it does not belong to the Meisterstück line. The spelling 'Mont Blanc' is also a warning sign, since the manufacturer officially appears as Montblanc. The mentioned RRP of 749 euros for a 149 was at the time excessive; in the boutiques rather 660 to 679 euros were charged.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one best store ink, and can it fade with direct sunlight?", "a": "Ink should above all be tightly closed, cool and without large temperature fluctuations stored, so that no solvent evaporates. Direct sunlight or UV light is to be avoided, since it can promote mould formation and bleach colour particles. Since ink consists predominantly of water and organic components, it is also not indefinitely shelf-stable and should not be stored for years.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can a Montblanc 244 be disassembled to renew the piston seal?", "a": "The models 242, 244 and 246 cannot be easily opened, since special tools are required; with on-board means a non-destructive disassembly generally does not succeed. When nib unit and pin with turning knob are removed, even targeted pressing on metal rod or plastic part is no reliable method. It is recommended to have the piston seal renewed by an experienced repairer, e.g. at Horst Schrage (maxpens.de), Tom Westerich (penboard) or Lutz Fiebig.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Did the Montblanc Meisterstück 149 also exist from the factory with a 14-carat, two-tone nib?", "a": "Yes, earlier 149s were actually delivered with two-tone 14-carat nibs (585); the today widely common 18-carat nibs are only the later construction. The imprint '4810 / M / 14k / Montblanc / 585' in connection with yellow-gold outer and platinum-plated inner surface fits an original 149 nib of this period. An overview of the various nib variants can be found in relevant Pentrace articles. A wrong nib or cap is therefore not necessarily to be assumed, provided the other inscriptions (e.g. 'Meisterstück Nr. 149' and 'Germany') are consistent.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How are Montblanc watches to be evaluated qualitatively, and what experiences are there with service and models?", "a": "The Montblanc watch collection covers a broad span from everyday models of the Sport collection up to manufacture movements in the high five-figure price range and is in workmanship and feel predominantly positively judged, comparable to the brand's writing instruments. Popular complications like the Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph are described as technically impressive but thick and heavy and are therefore not ideal for daily use. A practical disadvantage is the diminishing dealer network: for a battery change with subsequent guarantee of water resistance, the watch must sometimes be sent directly to Hamburg, which causes additional costs. Anyone considering a Montblanc watch should therefore prefer mechanical movements to avoid future battery changes.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Is it normal that a Montblanc 146 with B nib permanently has ink standing on the upper nib surface?", "a": "A slight ink wetting of the upper nib surface is not unusual with broad nibs, provided nib and feed otherwise sit flawlessly and no dripping or smearing occurs. During writing this phenomenon generally does not disturb; the nib can if needed simply be dabbed dry with a soft cloth. A technical defect cannot be derived from this alone.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "From what period does a Pelikan Ibis with hard-rubber cap and celluloid body date, and how can the model be precisely classified in time?", "a": "The Pelikan Ibis was introduced on 15 October 1936 as the successor of the Rappen and officially produced until 20 January 1954. A gold nib speaks for post-war production: gold nibs existed domestically from 1950, abroad already from 1949. A more precise temporal classification succeeds via the dimensions, because the post-war pens are some millimetres longer than the examples made immediately after market introduction. The product range of the Ibis is overall confusing, so for a reliable classification comparison dimensions from collector literature are helpful.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Who makes the Kaweco Sport offered at Manufactum as a 'revived classic', and is it the same one as via other sources?", "a": "The current Kaweco Sport is made at the firm Gutberlet; Manufactum has been sourcing the same pen for a long time and frequently sells it as a set of fountain pen and ballpoint. Other sources like ka-we-co.de are pure online shops that also market the same writing instruments. The advertising as 'reissue' thus refers more to the marketing than to an actually new production line.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Meisterstück No. 25 with a dark-green hard-rubber body authentic, into what period can it be dated and how rare is it?", "a": "The Meisterstück No. 25 was, according to the Rösler book, made from 1935 to 1947 and belonged at the time to the standard programme; measured by today's standard models like the 146 it is significantly rarer, but turns up on eBay regularly. Three mechanism variants exist: safety, push filler and lever filler; the functions are documented e.g. on penexchange.de. The green colour arises through oxidation of the hard rubber and can be partly approximated again with a light polish (e.g. Wenol, which Montblanc also uses); however, every polish removes material. An official, complete model archive of Montblanc does not exist, since the factory archive burned in the Second World War; with a defective ink-sac seal, a professional repair is worthwhile, e.g. at maxpens.de.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does the filling system of the Montblanc Franz Kafka work, and is the silver inner tube an exchangeable converter?", "a": "The Kafka has a fixed piston filling mechanism; because of the angular barrel design, no classic externally operable rotary piston could be fitted, which is why the mechanism sits as a 'silver tube' inside. It is not a converter, that is, it cannot be removed or replaced with ink cartridges — the Kafka is therefore a pure ink filler. For filling, the mechanism is, according to the instructions, turned counter-clockwise, the nib completely dipped in ink and the mechanism turned in again; subsequent release of a few drops is not sensible given the Kafka's rather small ink volume; two drops suffice. In case of doubt, the official filling instructions in the warranty booklet should be followed.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What advantages does a fountain pen like the Montblanc 149 offer over a ballpoint if one has rather smearing and blotting pens from school in mind?", "a": "The negative school experiences with blots and smearing ink mostly result from simple school pens and lack of practice and generally do not occur with high-quality writers like the 149. The advantages lie in a more pleasant feel, an individual writing image and a relaxed writing feel, which is felt to be more valuable and conscious compared to a ballpoint. The price of a Meisterstück, however, does not necessarily justify the entry; it is sensible first to try out cheaper fountain pens and to extensively test-write in specialist trade. Nib width and model size are very individual factors that can only be reliably judged through one's own testing with one's own paper.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are Private Reserve ink cartridges in Pelikan format also offered individually or as a sorted sampler pack, so that one can test colours without buying a whole bottle?", "a": "Yes, Private Reserve cartridges are also marketed as a sampler set: individually at around 0.45 euros per cartridge or as a set of twelve freely selectable colours for about 4.95 euros plus shipping. Thus a colour tone can be tried out without immediately committing to a whole standard pack or a bottle. The idea is positively received by ink lovers and evaluated as a sensible complement to the existing offer.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can a yellowed Montblanc star on the plastic cap of a Carrera be brightened again?", "a": "The yellowed star can at most be brightened somewhat by careful polishing, with minimal material being removed each time. On an old writing instrument, it is rather recommendable to accept the patina as a sign of age and to leave the cap untreated. A reliable, material-friendly procedure for complete de-yellowing is not named in the forum.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Can one judge on the basis of small, low-resolution photos whether a Montblanc Platinum Resin writing instrument is genuine?", "a": "At a resolution of only about 53 by 70 pixels, no sensible statements on authenticity are possible; sensible are photos of about 800 pixels width or more. Especially with models from the StarWalker line, counterfeits are by now so good that even on high-quality photos frequently no unambiguous differences to the original are visible. In such cases only a direct authenticity check helps further, e.g. via an enquiry to Montblanc itself (montblanc.de) or via assessment at a specialist retailer.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is the Montblanc Rita Hayworth Limited Edition 46 evaluated regarding design and price justification?", "a": "The edition is controversially discussed in the forum: some voices feel especially the cap form and the orange-red stone on the clip to be aesthetically unsuccessful and compare the effect to similarly controversial LEs like the Pelikan 1108 Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Others find the basic form appealing, see echoes of Montegrappa Ferrari editions and value especially the cap design. The high price is borne above all by the numerous diamonds as an enhancement element; overall the edition rather serves a luxury-affine target group for whom 'bling-bling' is more important than restrained design.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which movements does Montblanc fit, and are these manufacture calibres or bought-in movements?", "a": "Montblanc predominantly uses bought-in ETA or Valjoux movements. With the acquisition of the manufacture Minerva, Montblanc has by now also genuine manufacture calibres available, used above all in the higher-priced Villeret line, in limited quantities (1, 8 and 58, which simultaneously gives Minerva's founding year). A broader in-house production in the middle price segment is not planned, since the development of own movements requires very high investments and is hardly economically viable for the smaller quantities beyond the 10,000-euro mark. Larger manufacture quantities, as realised e.g. by Rolex, are structurally different from such strategies.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is Tom Westerich (Penboard) still reachable if he does not respond to emails?", "a": "Tom Westerich is, according to information from several forum users, still active in Hamburg; with 'Prime Style Marketing' and personal contacts it was confirmed that he has not permanently moved to Italy. With absent email response, it is recommended to contact him by telephone, since he occasionally also acts under the pseudonym 'Dr. Ink'. Communication and availability questions can thus generally be quickly clarified.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can one tell from the online description and the photos in the clip area whether a Montblanc Bohème ballpoint is genuine?", "a": "With too small or unfavourably lit photos, a reliable authenticity judgement is hardly possible; a broad selection of nib widths and the presence of a pencil in the seller's range can be indications of a reputable offer, since fakes mostly offer only one nib width and pencils are rarely counterfeited. A serial number alone is no authenticity proof, since even counterfeits by now bear serial numbers. The original has on the clip the embossing 'Pix'; characteristic are also the stone in the corresponding colour (e.g. 'bleu') and the finishing of the rings. Ultimately, only checking the piece in hand at a specialist retailer or in direct comparison with a known original brings certainty.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does the Montblanc Club 4810 still exist, or is a reissue planned?", "a": "The Club 4810 was put on ice by Montblanc a longer time ago; new admissions were already from 2006 no longer possible. At the time, a revised, modernised version was held out in prospect, but since the '100 Years' campaign 2006 visibly nothing more has happened. In the forum it is by now doubted that Montblanc revives the concept, especially since the group is strategically increasingly concentrating on watches, leather and jewellery instead of on pure writing-instrument communities.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one recognise a counterfeit of a Montblanc Meisterstück ballpoint in a concrete eBay offer, and how is one to deal with an unwise seller?", "a": "Typical recognition features for counterfeits are unusually designed rings with indentations, stamped instead of laser-engraved serial numbers — Montblanc has never stamped serial numbers — as well as size deviations, e.g. a too-small cap top. A description like 'The serial number is a model number and the same for every model range' is also factually wrong and a clear warning sign. Such fakes often come from China and cost in procurement a few euros. In dispute with the seller, it is recommended to remain factual, not to enter into personal discussions and, if applicable, to turn to eBay, Montblanc or a specialist repairer (e.g. Tom Westerich).", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Waterman model is a fountain pen with the nib engraving 'Waterman Paris 18K – 750' and 'Waterman France' on the grip section?", "a": "The writing instrument comes from the Waterman series 'Etalon', which was offered in different finishes (often gilded). Information and pictures can be found on the official Waterman pages (waterman.com or waterman.de), which catalogue the model range. The Etalon line has by now been largely superseded in the range but is still available, especially in French specialist trade.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How does one fill an old golden Montblanc safety pen with retractable nib, in which only the rotary wheel for extending and retracting the nib can be moved?", "a": "This model is a Safety fountain pen whose functioning differs basically from later piston fillers. A sensible help requires at least photos of the writing instrument; without a visible model, general instructions are hardly usable. It is recommended to search in the forum specifically for the terms 'Safety' or 'Sicherheitsfüller' and there to heed the relevant explanatory articles as well as the forum rules on first name and picture attachment. On this basis, the concrete mechanism can then be identified and the pen properly filled.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can writing instruments be sensibly combined with other high-quality accessories like watches, shirts, shoes or suits, without this becoming financially unlimited?", "a": "A colour and stylistic coordination of writing instrument, watch and clothing is possible and leads to a coherent overall picture, without one having to acquire an own jacket for every pen. Practically, the effort is limited because the selection of wearable colour and material combinations in classic business attire is anyway manageable and one writing instrument fits several outfits. Anyone using several writing instruments in parallel, e.g. for notes and signatures, on the other hand often pays less attention to detail coordination. Individually designed cases can additionally round off the overall picture.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What value do unused nibs and pen parts from the 1950s and 1960s, e.g. by Kaweco, have, and how can they be marketed?", "a": "Such unused nibs and pen parts are primarily spare parts and thus only interesting for a small, very specific collector and repairer circle. A flat-rate value statement is therefore difficult; the achievable price depends strongly on whether someone is currently looking precisely for these parts. As the most practicable marketing path, an auction on eBay is named, ideally with good detail photos and exact labelling specifications.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What is known about the Montblanc Leonardo Sketch Pen in sterling silver, which occasionally appears as a rare variant in US auctions?", "a": "The Leonardo Sketch Pen in sterling silver is a very rare variant so far hardly documented in the forum; even experienced collectors had previously not laid eyes on such a piece. It is presumably a special production, in one concretely reported case from the loft sale of a designer (R. Wilson), which was auctioned via a US auction house. The hammer price of around 400 US dollars lay significantly below what comparable pieces usually achieve, which additionally underscores the rarity of this offer. Reliable information on edition size or on the official distribution channel does not exist in the forum.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc cartridge fountain pens are suitable for a large writer as a 'cheap' entry, can cartridges of other manufacturers be used, and how does one subsequently determine nib width and converter?", "a": "As cartridge fountain pens, besides the 144 and 145 (Chopin), above all the 147 Traveller is suitable, which corresponds roughly to the size of the 146 LeGrand; the 114 Mozart is very small and less suitable for longer texts because the hand quickly cramps. Size and nib width should always be tested in specialist trade with one's own everyday paper, since the writing pads on the spot are mostly higher quality than the later everyday. Pelikan-compatible third-party cartridges fit mechanically into many models but are slightly deviating in detail and can theoretically trigger warranty problems with Montblanc; a converter can be separately procured as a spare part. The nib width of old nibs can be roughly recognised by the tipping: round tipping corresponds to M or finer; flattened tipping B or broader; bevelled tipping an oblique variant (OB and broader).", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What value do a fountain pen and a rollerball by Cesare Emiliano of sterling silver with gold accents have, and where can they be reputably assessed or sold?", "a": "Cesare Emiliano is a smaller Italian brand from the Turin region that still produces; in the German-speaking area it is little known, so market prices there are mostly only restrictedly reliable. Online research yields prices between around 25 and 120 US dollars, depending on condition and model. For a more precise classification, a high-quality photo and a comparison with the current Italian Cesare Emiliano catalogue help (models like Orion, Hercules, Scorpius or Phoenix come into question); for a broad international resonance, the forum fountainpennetwork.com is additionally recommended. As a pragmatic sales strategy, an eBay start from 1 euro with proper photos is named.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How strongly do customer wishes — e.g. for a Jane Austen or Goethe edition — flow into Montblanc's decisions on the Writers Edition?", "a": "Individual customer emails are likely to have hardly direct influence on the selection of a Writers Edition but also do no harm and are partly internally forwarded. Alongside market interest, above all legal questions play an important role, because descendants or rights holders must agree to the use of an author's name; in the past, editions have already failed because of this. The range tries with lines like the Diva series to specifically address female target groups but is criticised because of small nib proportions and unfavourably placed threads (especially on the Greta Garbo). A real 'ladies' Writers Edition' like an Austen or Poe in standard proportions is therefore expressly wished by collectors.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What are the backgrounds and consequences of a hacker attack on a Joomla-based forum software, and what measures are to be recommended after an update?", "a": "Hacker attacks on such communities mostly use automated scripts that scan the web for certain Mambo/Joomla installations and then specifically compromise PHP or layout files. Favouring are a not quite current software version, a generic mass host without CMS-specific hardening as well as the high spread of the system. After an attack, a timely complete update to a current forum software is sensible, although private messages in the new system may under certain circumstances be lost and should be saved in advance. Encrypted-stored user data were not affected in the specific case; in future a specialised Joomla host as well as consistent care of all dynamic files (PHP, CSS) are recommended.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can one judge from an unsharp photo whether the clip of a Montblanc 146 is genuine or counterfeit?", "a": "On the basis of an unsharp photo, a final judgement is difficult; the clip form of the 146 has slightly changed several times in the course of the decades, so deviating details do not necessarily indicate a counterfeit but can point to an older production period. As far as recognisable, the clip in the specific case appears plausible and fits a not-quite-current writing instrument. For a reliable judgement, a sharp, well-lit photo would be necessary, complemented by details like inner thread, serial number and nib engraving.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which nib width is behind the Aurora nib engraving '14 K / 585 / Aurora / *5 T VO', and is an Aurora nib an elastic everyday alternative to a Montblanc OM nib?", "a": "At Aurora, the nib width is usually not stated on the nib itself but in some versions on the feed; from the imprints mentioned (14 K / 585 / Aurora / *5 T VO), the width can therefore not be unambiguously derived. Here, a query to the seller or a check of the feed helps most. Aurora nibs are basically regarded as well everyday-suitable, although especially elastic, obliquely ground nibs (e.g. OM) are rarer in the range and should be specifically sought.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What does the new Conid Bulk Filler concept with exchangeable body sleeves and the Streamline Demonstrator offer, and how can these be acquired?", "a": "Conid (Fountainbel) has extended its Bulk Filler range by models with exchangeable body sleeves, including a variant with sleeve of 925 sterling silver. Complementarily, the 'Streamline Bulk Filler Demonstrator' is offered as a limited edition with 60 numbered examples. A detailed evaluation of the Bulk Filler is provided by a test report by Fountain Pen Geeks (fpgeeks.com, 2013). Prices, technical details and pre-orders run directly via Conid in Antwerp (werner@conid.be), where additionally factory visits are possible.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Can one judge from photos whether a used-bought Montblanc StarWalker Resin is genuine?", "a": "The StarWalker shown makes on the photos an authentic impression: the laser engraving on the clip, the Pix embossing under the clip as well as inside and nib speak for an original; striking counterfeit features are not recognisable. A last residual certainty, however, cannot be derived from photos, since better fakes can look comparable. As an additional practical test, the cap should be easily and evenly screwable on at the rear end; in combination with the visual features that is a strong indication of a real piece.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What characterises the ringless Sailor special editions of 2016?", "a": "Sailor took up the much-expressed wish for a plain, classically formed fountain pen without cap ring in the medium standard format and in 2016 brought out two limited editions: in the first half year 'Black with silver trim Ringless' and in the second half year 'Black with ruthenium trim Ringless'. The ringless cap orients itself on the historical line of the brand and emphasises a reduced, minimalist design language. The concept finds among lovers of plain writing instruments — comparable e.g. with the Platinum 3776 Jin Shin Black Dragon — express appeal.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How is the Limited Edition presented for Pelikan's 75-year jubilee evaluated regarding design, mechanism and price-performance ratio?", "a": "The jubilee edition is predominantly seen critically in the forum: visually it is at heart a demonstrator with engraved '75' on the black cap, whose appearance hardly stands out alongside models like the Blue Ocean. The highlight named is the golden mechanism, which however is not particularly elaborately designed. The asking price of over 7,000 euros is evaluated as significantly excessive; many collectors regarded 300 to 400 euros as more appropriate. The choice of the edition number 04 for all advertising pictures is also felt to be clumsy, because the 4 in the Asian context is associated with death.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What are the causes when the lower gold ring of a Montblanc 144 (on the grip section near the nib) appears chipped or 'scarred', and can this be repaired at Montblanc?", "a": "The phenomenon arises through corrosion of the base material: on older 144s the ring core is of brass, whose gilding in the cap area is damaged through repeated contact with ink residues and through microscopic damage on closing the cap. Thereby especially acidic (iron-gall) ink attacks the brass; together with the gold it forms a local element that additionally accelerates corrosion. Later versions use stainless steel, which on damaged gilding forms a protective passive layer, which is why the problem hardly still occurs there. Repairs are possible: Montblanc exchanges the front part/grip section within the framework of the service flat rate (typically around 49 to 79 euros including shipping); in warranty cases the exchange has already been handled free of charge.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where on the internet does one find reputable information to estimate the current value of one's own writing instruments (e.g. Pelikan Blue Ocean, Cross, Elysée or Montblanc)?", "a": "The value question is a classic in the forum and is extensively dealt with in dedicated collection threads; flat-rate online valuation tools for collector writing instruments do not exist. Realistic indications are provided by completed eBay auctions of comparable models as well as prices of specialised dealers and collector sites. For rarer models like the Pelikan Blue Ocean, a look at the relevant forum archives is worthwhile, which already contain discussions on market values.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Can one recognise from a photo whether a supposed Montblanc fountain pen is a counterfeit and which model it is supposed to be?", "a": "The fountain pen shown is a poorly executed counterfeit of a Montblanc Solitaire Stainless Steel II. Several original features are not correctly implemented: the cap top has wrong proportions, the three rings are coarsely faked, the inner thread does not fit and the surface pattern of the cap recognisably deviates from the original. Comparison pictures of an original can be found on fountainpen.de under 'solitaire-steel2.htm'. From buying such a piece one is to be advised against.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the service experiences of Lamy be compared with those of other manufacturers like Waterman/Sanford for a nib exchange?", "a": "Lamy reacts on nib exchange even after several years often very accommodatingly, with free nib exchange and return shipping and short turnaround times of a few days. Sanford as a service partner for Waterman is by comparison significantly slower, because the writing instrument goes to France for processing, but is regarded as very engaged and customer-oriented; enquiries are recognised after brief name mention, and special requests are processed even outside the usual working hours. With Waterman the selection of nib widths is, however, limited, so very fine nibs (below F) are not available. In sum, Lamy is perceived in service as above-average fast and generous.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can one watch the NDR video report on the 100-year Montblanc jubilee, and in what format is it played out?", "a": "The NDR report is delivered as a Real Media stream (rtsp://…rm) and can therefore not be played with Windows Media Player. Required is the RealPlayer or its free Basic variant (real.com), which alongside RM supports many other formats (AVI, MP3, MPG, MOV, WAV, QT); only the Plus version with extended functions is chargeable. On macOS the stream can alternatively be played via other Real-capable players. The format was chosen to make simple saving of the file difficult.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a Montblanc Meisterstück fountain pen bought at an antique market in Barcelona be identified and put into everyday use?", "a": "The piece described is a Montblanc Meisterstück Classique 144, about 20 to 30 years old and, by photo, not a fake. As ink, Montblanc or Pelikan cartridges or inks are suitable; before putting it into operation, a thorough cleaning is necessary; the old piston converter should be replaced, with Pelikan or Waterman converters fitting; the newer Montblanc converters, on the other hand, do not. An initial cleaning can take place in an ultrasonic bath; if that is not enough, Montblanc service in Hamburg takes over a complete refurbishment including feed, front part and inner mechanism against a service flat rate of around 50 euros. On the laser engraving on the clip, it should be noted that this has only been used since the 1990s; an older piston filler with a laser-engraved clip therefore mostly indicates that the cap has been exchanged once in service.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How large were the Montblanc Meisterstück models 142, 144, 146 and 149 from the 1950s in comparison to today's versions?", "a": "The 50s versions are somewhat smaller than today's counterparts; the difference moves in the range of a few millimetres. Concretely reported dimensions: 149 from the 50s about 14.3 cm closed and 12.9 cm from the turning-knob end to the nib tip, versus 14.6 cm and 13.1 cm on the current 149. The 142 from the 50s measures about 12.5 cm closed and 11 cm opened; the 146 around 13.5 cm closed and 12 cm opened; an older 144 about 13 cm closed and 11.3 cm opened. The values are to be understood as guideline values, since tolerances and transitional series can differ.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which shape and inscription are sensible for an embossing pliers or embossing press for private paper, and where are reputable sources?", "a": "Usual are both round and angular embossing motifs; often the initials suffice, optionally supplemented by the name, in a classical English handwriting. The blind impression is typically placed at the bottom right on the letter sheet, while the signature stands on the left. Pliers suffice for standard papers up to about 100 g/m²; with stronger paper (e.g. Conqueror 120 g) it can still just be used; for thicker qualities massive presses are preferable. As sources, Dreher Solingen (dreher-solingen.de) for presses and pliers, druckerey.de for individually printed letter cards and siegelshop24.com for seals and sealing wax are named; a small gilded press with a wooden foot costs including engraving about 90 euros.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can an Omas 360 be disassembled, and what should be considered in the reassembly?", "a": "On the Omas 360, many components are glued, which complicates disassembly; moisture, however, softens the adhesive bonds sufficiently, so that the pen can be largely non-destructively disassembled. The piston rod is connected via a pin with the turning knob; even if the pin is not completely straight, the reinsertion mostly succeeds without problem. The measure is only recommendable if the fountain pen is anyway defective – e.g. leaking between grip section and body – and even experienced repairers do not offer a solution. The reassembly thereafter generally causes no major problems.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How is the quality of a Graf von Faber-Castell fountain pen in sterling silver, especially the nib, to be evaluated – also compared to the Montblanc 149?", "a": "The Graf von Faber-Castell writing instruments are regarded as high-quality finished and correspond to the premium claim of the brand; Porsche Design writing instruments are additionally also made at Faber-Castell. The nib feels somewhat 'stiffer' compared to the 149, which is not to be evaluated negatively but should be tried out in the shop. With fine nib widths, in combination with Montblanc ink, start-up problems can occur, presumably because of the adhesion properties of the converter plastic; with Lamy ink these problems did not occur. A silver-plated or solid-silver body brings higher weight and quickly takes on hand warmth; solid silver pens can be recognised by the double ribbed cap-top ring; complained start-up problems Faber-Castell rectifies, according to experience, without complaint and free of charge.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can a piece of fluff trapped in the ink chamber of an old Pelikan 342 be removed, and is professional disassembly worthwhile for this?", "a": "On the 342, often first the feed together with the nib can be carefully pulled out; subsequently the chamber can be thoroughly rinsed; with success, the piston mechanism does not have to be further disassembled. A complete disassembly requires suitable tools and is not trivial – in the specific case the unscrewing succeeded with a coincidentally available tool. Economically, sending to a specialist like maxpens.de hardly pays off with a 342, since market prices for used examples are around 10 euros and the postage alone exceeds the value; exceptions are rare features like a music nib. Alternatives are to leave the fluff, to acquire a replacement 342 or to seek help at a collectors' meet-up.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it normal that a Diplomat Traveller in everyday school use leaves blue fingers at the grip section, and how does one proceed with small cracks at the grip?", "a": "Even cheaper fountain pens should not cause blue fingers; emerging ink at the grip section indicates a problem that falls under the warranty case. With visible cracks at the grip, one should primarily turn to the dealer – with an online purchase e.g. via Amazon, a complaint is generally uncomplicated. Alternatively, the fountain pen can within the framework of the two-year warranty be sent directly to Diplomat customer service; repair or exchange of the defective grip section are usual in such cases. Via the dealer path, the handling mostly proceeds faster.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a 20- to 30-year-old, used Montblanc cartridge filler still suitable as a reliable everyday pen on a budget of around 100 euros?", "a": "Older fountain pens can basically be used without problem in everyday life; the rumour of writing in a gold nib is unfounded, since the nib tip consists of iridium and does not wear off. With Montblanc, however, it is to be noted that the brand has only positioned itself as a luxury-goods manufacturer since 1991 and before that – similarly to Pelikan or Lamy – covered the entire range from simple school fountain pen to expensive typewriter. An older Montblanc is therefore not automatically high-quality, which is why model and condition are to be heeded. As equivalent alternatives, older Pelikan or Lamy models come into question, which in the mentioned budget often offer solid used writing instruments with a gold nib.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "By what can the quality of a fountain-pen nib be measured, and are, for example, a StarWalker and a Meisterstück nib by Montblanc directly comparable?", "a": "Nibs of different models are, due to profile, bend, size and structural construction, not directly comparable to each other; this applies across manufacturers. A Meisterstück nib can therefore not be set one-to-one against a StarWalker nib, since both are constructed for other nib carriers and writing characteristics. A flat-rate statement which nib is 'higher-quality' is not sensible. To the quality assessment belong, alongside the material and the iridium tipping at the tip, above all grind, nib flexibility, ink flow and finishing quality. On detail questions, extensive discussions already exist that can be opened up via the search function.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is it recommendable to buy a new Montblanc StarWalker Midnight Black on eBay significantly under the shop price, or should the specialist trade be preferred?", "a": "With eBay or online purchase of new Montblanc writing instruments, the full manufacturer's warranty generally falls away; one receives only the legal warranty of the seller, often called 'in-house warranty'. Even the free nib-width exchange within the first weeks, which the authorised specialist trade enables, is mostly not available online. The eBay price should therefore lie significantly below the regular shop price in order to compensate for this loss in service; with new goods at only small savings, the online purchase is hardly worthwhile. In specialist shops, additionally, without negotiation often noticeable discounts are possible, partly into the two-digit percentage range. For used pieces, eBay can be sensible; for new goods with warranty entitlement, the authorised specialist retailer is the safer choice.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is known about the Montblanc pill box in question, especially on origin and character of this object?", "a": "The Montblanc pill boxes are not regular collector's pieces but normal promotional gifts of the house of Montblanc. They were distributed within the framework of campaigns or as give-aways and accordingly have no collector value at the level of the writing instruments. Further information and comparable objects are documented in the relevant overviews of Montblanc accessories and give-aways.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are the colourful inks by Dr. Jansen, e.g. the colour tone Terra di Siena, unproblematic for older Montblanc fountain pens like the 342G?", "a": "The fountain-pen inks by Dr. Franz-Josef Jansen, including Terra di Siena, can without problem be used in older Montblanc models too; significant complaints are over many years not known. With longer non-use, the ink tank should, as with any fountain pen, be emptied and the device thoroughly rinsed so that no ink can dry up. These notes apply regardless of age or manufacturer of the fountain pen and are general care basics.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which manufacturer and which type is an old piston filler with the embossing 'DUROLL' and a steel nib 'Edelstahl Prima' from the years before 1960?", "a": "Visually the fountain pen has nothing in common with Montblanc but belongs to the large group of contemporary Parker Duofold copies of celluloid and hard rubber, produced in the 1920s to 1940s by numerous manufacturers. A Parker, however, it is not. For a more precise assignment, an enquiry to relevant Parker collectors, e.g. via penexchange.de, is recommended, where corresponding models are documented in threads on Duofold variety. The nib with embossing 'Edelstahl Prima' and hand-in-circle mark also speaks for a simple branded pen of this era.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What experiences are there with the official Montblanc engraving on a Meisterstück Le Grand, and which engraving contents – full name, initials or signature – prove themselves?", "a": "The gold filling of an engraving can fade with time but can be freshened up free of charge in every Montblanc boutique if the writing instrument was bought there. In terms of content, the personal signature is frequently preferred, because it appears more individual than an engraved name or mere initials; a full name is, however, more practical in case the writing instrument is lost and an honest finder is to be enabled to return it. Initials are regarded, regarding recognisability, as the least favourable variant. Anyone wishing possibly later to sell the writing instrument should consider that every engraving reduces the resale value. Alternative engraving sites other than the location on the cap intended by Montblanc are not offered ex factory.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the Montblanc Annual Edition 2006 with the motifs 'Daphne', 'Pantalone' and 'Yellow Tiger' actually limited to 300 pieces?", "a": "Officially the Annual Edition is not numerically limited and does not bear individual edition numbers but only the handwritten year markings like 2006/I, 2006/II and 2006/III. The production and delivery time extends in each case from September of the previous year to August or September of the edition year. In past Annual Editions, generally significantly more than 300 examples were made; concrete quantities Montblanc does not communicate. On some photos of the 2006 edition, however, a cap embossing 'Lim. 300' can be recognised, which could suggest a really tighter limitation on this issue; a confirmation from the manufacturer is not available.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What would an 'ideal' Montblanc Meisterstück fountain pen look like if one were free to combine design elements of old and new models?", "a": "The wishes mentioned mostly revolve around the classic body forms of the models 138 or 139 in black precious resin, supplemented by platinum-plated trim or the historical three-ring combination. Frequently named are also an enlarged star, ideally of mother-of-pearl or embedded in a transparent precious-resin body, as well as a flexible gold nib of classic construction. As material, historically used materials like original celluloid in the pearl or green tones of the 1940s come into question. A limitation – for example to 999 pieces and a sales period of only one year – is felt to be desirable as is a clearly calculated price in the area of 999 euros. Strongly individualised engravings or family pictures are rather rejected, since they restrict everyday use.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a supposed Montblanc 146 acquired on eBay genuine, and which nib width does it possess?", "a": "Based on the posted pictures, the fountain pen can be identified beyond doubt as an original and model 146. The nib width is difficult to judge exactly on photos; the characteristic speaks here most likely for an M or F nib. For a reliable determination, comparison with unambiguously assigned nibs at the specialist retailer or at Montblanc itself is recommended.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the Montblanc ballpoint presented an original or a counterfeit?", "a": "Based on the submitted pictures, everything speaks for the ballpoint being genuine. A reliable judgement via photos has, however, limits; in case of doubt, presentation to the specialist trade or to the manufacturer in Hamburg is recommended.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why does a pop-up message about a new private message appear in the forum although the inbox is actually empty?", "a": "It is a known technical problem of the existing forum software (Mambo); the pop-up message is in such cases erroneously triggered without a message actually being present. A repair is not worthwhile on the old system, since a switch to Joomla is imminent; with the migration the forum should become more stable and clearer. Until the changeover, the pop-ups can thus be ignored.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What did a Montblanc Limited Anniversary Edition 75 rollerball (Classique 163) with white gold, mother-of-pearl star, rose-gold trim and diamonds originally cost in trade?", "a": "The rollerball of the Anniversary Edition 75 was available as a Classique 163 variant; the list price was 21,500 DM or, converted, around 8,330 euros. Thus the rollerball price corresponded in amount to the ballpoint of the same edition, as is traditional at Montblanc. On most circulating piece lists, the rollerball is not separately mentioned, which is why confusions with the models 75113 (ballpoint) or 75114 (Mozart FP) often occur. At a real hall auction an example most recently started at 800 euros; the hammer price, however, lay significantly higher.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is the likely cause for an ink leak at the groove behind the silver ring of the grip section on the new Montblanc JFK pen, and how does service deal with it?", "a": "Probably there is a small crack in the grip section at the ring through which ink leaks; the feed itself practically does not come into question as a cause, since it must always carry ink. The problem is to be sent in via the specialist shop as a warranty case to Montblanc in Hamburg. Experience shows that the repair there takes about four weeks and is handled under 'ebonite flat rate, without charge within the framework of the warranty'; after return the pen is tight. A content diagnosis Montblanc generally does not communicate; only the note that drop damages are not covered by the warranty is recorded.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does it affect, with the purchase of a Limited Edition, value, warranty and resale whether the warranty slip is stamped or not?", "a": "With Limited Editions, the warranty slip should as far as possible not be stamped; the receipt suffices for warranty claims. A 'virgin', i.e. unfilled warranty slip clearly increases the resale value, since the warranty period on a later service first begins with the date of putting into use entered then. Reputable dealers stamp only on express customer wish. Montblanc keeps in the year of issue all nib widths from EF to OBBB in stock and offers within the framework of the special nib-exchange warranty an exchange; the time limit to the edition year named in the accompanying booklets for editions like Kafka or Jules Verne, however, narrows this possibility more than the normal warranty. Spare parts of older Limited Editions are indeed largely kept in stock, but always only incompletely, so that from individual parts whole devices cannot be assembled; an exchange is exclusively possible via Montblanc service in Hamburg.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What characterises a Montblanc No. 32 with a free-standing nib and 'D' marking, does this model belong to the Meisterstück series and what explains the hardness of a D nib?", "a": "The No. 32 is not a Meisterstück but part of the third series and thus settled two steps below the Meisterstück. The marking 'D' designates a very hard, inflexible carbon-copy nib; with it one could press so vigorously while writing that simultaneously a carbon copy could be generated via carbon paper. D nibs were increasingly displaced by ballpoints in the 1960s. The nibs were mostly made of solid gold (in this case 14 C); the high stiffness results from a correspondingly dimensioned and more strongly executed nib body, not solely from the material.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a simple vintage pen with the nib embossing 'dh FRANCE / F' be identified, and is there a realistic chance of obtaining a replacement cap?", "a": "The writing instrument is a simple, inexpensive no-name fountain pen from the 1970s. 'Daniel Hechter' is conceivable as a possible licence name but was not an own manufacturer, only a licensor. The chance to still find a matching replacement cap for a writing instrument of this price class is extremely small, since the spare-parts supply even with branded manufacturers of this segment is usually discontinued at the latest ten years after end of production. Pragmatically, the loss is therefore mostly occasion to look around for a higher-quality replacement with long-term secured spare-parts supply, e.g. a Montblanc Meisterstück.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Where in Munich can exclusive inks of the brands De Atramentis or J. Herbin be obtained, and how reliable is the scent of scented inks in the fountain pen?", "a": "In the greater Munich area, Schreibmayr in the Fünf Höfe offers competent advice and a corresponding range of exclusive inks. With scented inks it is to be noted that the scent in the fountain pen remains over very long periods; after longer contact with the ink, it accordingly takes long until the smell disappears again after rinsing. This property concerns scented inks of various manufacturers, including the Montblanc scented inks.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can a brown Montblanc fountain pen found in the cellar, with marbling, the number 4810 and the marking 'Simplo' from the 1930s, be more precisely determined?", "a": "A model determination is not possible based solely on verbal descriptions; decisive are meaningful photos. Uploading works in the forum via the button 'Anhänge und andere Optionen' under the text window; very large files can be reduced with programs like Photoshop, the free Gimp or online editors like pixlr.com. With good pictures, a 4810 Simplo from the 1930s can generally be reliably assigned, possibly complementarily by private message or by email to a collecting specialist.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which German-language magazines on the subject of writing instruments exist, and how can the English-language Pen World be obtained from Germany?", "a": "On the German market, 'Kult am Pult' and 'Schreibkultur' are the central magazines; they were originally produced for specialist trade but can now also be subscribed to by end consumers. 'Pen Plus' no longer exists. 'Kult am Pult' is available in well-stocked station bookshops, usually in print runs of ten to fifteen copies per branch; the reporting is broadly scattered, often promotionally shaped and treats inexpensive and high-priced writing instruments with the same tone. The financial viability of the magazines rests primarily on advertising revenue. The English-language Pen World is not regularly in trade in Germany and must be directly subscribed to.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Is the brand 'Croco Romedile' or 'Crocodile/Crocodille' to be classified as a pure plagiarism brand that copies other brands like Montblanc, Parker and Waterman?", "a": "The brand is unanimously classified as a plagiarist that takes over designs of Parker, Waterman and Montblanc; claim and actual quality lie far apart. The similarity, e.g. on the pen stand to the Montblanc Golden Dragon 2000 or to the Meisterstück Black Resin Collection, is obviously intentional. The internet presence is also linguistically strikingly poor, which further undermines the seriousness of the brand. In parallel, currently high-quality fakes on a larger scale are also being observed in the market; in Italy, for example, 130,000 counterfeit Montblanc Meisterstücks were once confiscated. Given this, the brand is clearly to be assigned to the area of recognising counterfeits.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a more than 70-year-old, presumably gilded fountain pen without brand marking — only clip stamp 585 and weight 32 g — be reliably assigned to a manufacturer?", "a": "An unambiguous brand assignment is hardly possible with old gold pens without manufacturer or nib marking, since before the Second World War there was a very large number of mostly nameless producers. Often body blanks or whole pens were additionally fitted by jewellers with individual gold overlays, which has displaced the original brand name. From the clip form alone nothing unambiguous can be derived; comparable clips are found with Astoria and numerous other manufacturers. Recommendable is presentation of the piece at a collectors' fair, e.g. in Hamburg, where the direct assessment has significantly more meaning than a forum post with photos. Anyone wishing to preserve the piece can have a suitable gold nib fitted and thus create a long-term usable writing instrument.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why does a Montblanc 114 Solitaire Vermeil (Mozart) bear the stamp 'Ag925' and the marking 'France' instead of 'Germany' — are certain Montblanc models made in France?", "a": "The body parts of the Solitaire Mozart were and are made in the former Cartier factory in France, which was taken over by Montblanc years ago. For this reason, according to EU legal requirements, the country of origin 'France' is to be applied to the writing instrument. The marking, however, concerns only these metal parts; central components like feed and nib remain of German manufacture. 'Ag925' stands for sterling silver 925 and is in content identical with the pure number 925. The fountain pen is thus a regular original.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How effective are commercial providers that track down brand counterfeits at auction houses and online marketplaces?", "a": "The effectiveness of such service providers is limited, because the detection essentially rests on writing to suspicious sellers; a large part of the fakes is in this way actually not captured. Brand owners formally outsource the problem via corresponding contracts but do not solve it systematically. A complete containment of counterfeits via such 'carefree packages' is therefore unrealistic.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Has Montblanc ever made Meisterstück nibs with 24-carat gold alloy, as a seller claims?", "a": "A 24-carat gold nib would practically not be functional: the material would be so soft that every writing movement would bend the nib; the necessary elasticity is missing. For this reason, neither Montblanc nor any other notable manufacturer has ever made 24-carat nibs. Usual are 14- and 18-carat gold alloys, possibly with additional gilding of the surface. A corresponding seller statement is therefore to be rejected.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Does eBay actually advertise on its homepage with a counterfeit Montblanc 164, and are there other manufacturers that use similar three-ring designs?", "a": "On the ballpoint shown in the advertising, the cap top is missing, and the clip also does not correspond to the original; that speaks clearly for a counterfeit or at least for an unauthorised third-party product. There are indeed hints of an American manufacturer that fits a similar three-ring configuration, but the three rings are largely protected by trademark law for Montblanc; known is e.g. that Diplomat's model 'Senator' could no longer be distributed because of too great proximity to the 149. Comparable plagiarisms are additionally regularly observed in Asian markets like Shanghai or Bangkok. Montblanc in cases of confusion danger generally consistently takes action against violations.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which link collections to writing-instrument manufacturers and collector websites are particularly recommendable for the expansion of an existing link list?", "a": "Sensible entry points are the manufacturer websites with their own history sections, e.g. Pelikan and Montblanc, as well as specialised collector sites like collectiblestars.de with overview to Angloamer and Rifka. For the German-speaking collector scene, the DMOZ directory in the area 'Freizeit – Sammeln – Schreibgeräte' offers a curated overview. The link list of the community can be supplemented by anyone with contributions of further relevant web pages, provided these are not spam-like and offer added value for collectors.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Is a pen offered for purchase, which purports to be a 'Hommage à Mozart' edition with a flat (instead of arched) cap, an original?", "a": "There was no alternative Mozart edition with a different cap form than the officially documented variant. The fountain pen in question is not a Mozart but a Montblanc Classic, which is externally related but belongs to another model range. A real Mozart edition is unambiguously identifiable via the official product pictures; deviating cap forms are a clear indication that it is another model or a confusion.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What characterises the brand Waterman historically and material-wise, and where are reliable sources of information on the brand history?", "a": "Waterman is regarded as a central manufacturer in the history of the fountain pen; a sound introduction is offered by the English-language Wikipedia article on Waterman pens, supplemented by overviews of general writing-instrument history e.g. at inventors.about.com. Critical aspects of brand development too – e.g. on 'Waterman Scandals' – are documented via specialised collector sites like kamakurapens.com. In the German-speaking area, Stefan Wallrafen has between May 2004 and October 2005 published a five-part series on Waterman in the magazine 'Schreibkultur'; no longer available issues can be enquired about at the publisher.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which sources exist in Germany — especially in the Hamburg area — for writing instruments of the rather exotic brand ACME?", "a": "ACME is opened up via the dealer directory of the manufacturer itself; the official website acmestudio.com offers under 'retailers' a corresponding list. In the German market, ACME is only very restrictedly represented and largely unknown in classic stationery specialist trade; sourcing via promotional-articles dealers is conceivable but not typical. For a concrete source in Hamburg, direct contact with the manufacturer or a dealer listed in the directory with shipping is recommended.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How does Montblanc assign the limitation numbers in Limited Editions, especially with editions like the 'Voltaire' with division into individual pieces and sets?", "a": "All Voltaire fountain pens bear the engraving 'xxxxx /20000'; even the pieces contained in sets are counted in this total number. The low numbers 00001 to 05000 fall on the set examples, the other numbers on the individual pieces. The individual number on the fountain pen is identical with that of the matching ballpoint in the set, so set components can be recognised by matching limitation number. The statement that sets and individual pieces are led in two separate number ranges is not correct.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which letter paper in cream tone and with a basis weight of about 100 to 120 g/m² is particularly well suited for writing with a fountain pen without bleeding through?", "a": "Tried and tested are Zanders Gohrsmühle, e.g. available via Staples, as well as Zanders Classic. The – today only rarely available – Montblanc letter papers are also highly valued and are partly still obtainable via eBay. Anyone searching outside classic standard papers will find numerous special varieties in the most varied cream tones and grammages at Gmund. Generally, attention is to be paid to high material density, light cream tone and low absorbency, so that the ink rests saturated without flooding.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What does the new website of the C.A.S. (Collectors Association for Writing Instruments) offer and which functions are particularly useful?", "a": "The new website enables a fast online registration; a membership confirmation takes place partly within a day. For new members there is additionally the chance of an Aurora 88 in the CAS edition. Event registration too — for example for trips like Copenhagen — works via the site. The club magazine can be read online; an archive of older issues, however, is still missed. The link list on the site is regarded as needing improvement, since the division into categories seems partly unsystematic.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "In what price range does a Montblanc 322 Black & Pearl with defective push mechanism move, and where could the defect lie on a writing instrument of this construction?", "a": "The price range for a vintage model like the 322 Black & Pearl reaches, depending on condition, from about 100 to 1,000 euros; it depends on overall condition, housing damage, signs of use, discolouration, originality, previous repairs, mechanical defects and rarity. At auctions the individual bidding behaviour and the number of serious interested parties additionally come in. For a reliable estimate, meaningful photos are necessary. The push mechanism of older Montblanc models of this type generally rests on an ink sac; a defective, hardened or leaking sac is a plausible and generally repairable cause of failure.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a green Montblanc fountain pen from the 1950s with slightly loose cap rings an original, and how are these oddities to be classified?", "a": "It is an original Meisterstück from the 1950s in celluloid; in this period there were two different green tones as well as a grey variant. Loose cap rings are typical of celluloid, since the material contracts over time; a repair specialist can press the rings and refasten them. The clip with lever mechanism is additionally regarded as one of the most robust and function-secure constructions Montblanc has ever made but is no longer fitted today. Strongly discoloured examples are frequent; well-preserved, little-yellowed celluloid Meisterstücks from the 1950s are rare and correspondingly high-priced.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does Montblanc Irish Green prove itself in a current 146 with M nib, and are failures with this ink generally to be expected?", "a": "Montblanc Irish Green generally does not cause failures in current 146s and writes reliably. Failures with other inks – e.g. Jansen Terra di Siena – do not occur systematically and are rather attributable to the individual interplay of ink, feed and nib flow behaviour. Anyone switching to colourful inks can therefore use Irish Green as an uncritical alternative in the 146.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which pen trays or desk cases — preferably in black and leather — are currently available as high-quality storage for several writing instruments?", "a": "The leather tray shown in the forum is, according to information from a specialist retailer, no longer being produced. As an alternative, Graf von Faber-Castell offers a broad selection of appealing pen trays and cases that correspond in finish and look to the requirements mentioned. Anyone wishing for a fixed, safe place for several writing instruments will find there both open trays and closed cases in leather or imitation leather.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can a discoloured, yellowed hard-rubber/ebonite fountain pen be made black again without grinding or polishing it off?", "a": "Olive oil is occasionally recommended and gives shine but does not eliminate the actual yellowing or sulphuration of the hard rubber; the material does not thereby become black throughout again. A complete re-blackening only succeeds via a chemical process that specifically removes the surface oxidation. Concrete formulas are not openly shared in the forum and are usually only passed on among collectors, ideally in exchange with chemically versed persons. Successfully treated examples are e.g. the Penkala Safety or a No. 1 Safety, which after this method appear completely black again.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Are the supposed vintage Montblancs with 'Iridium Point Germany' nibs and silver decoration offered in the eBay auctions in question genuine or counterfeit?", "a": "The depicted nibs with the imprint 'Iridium Point Germany' are unambiguously counterfeits; the matching silver bodies, e.g. the 'Silver Dragon', are also to be classified as fakes. They are the typical coarsely finished vintage Montblanc plagiarisms from Eastern Europe, whereby some of the pieces do not even carry Montblanc-typical nibs. Imprinted 'D.R.P.' numbers have nothing to do with the originals and serve merely the deception of potential buyers. The applied minimum bids of one euro or dollar stand in no relation to the actual value; even the shipping costs are hardly justified. Buyers have repeatedly bought in good faith via auction houses, which after clarification generally respond responsibly and end the auctions.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How seriously are counterfeits of Montblanc watches from China to be taken, e.g. when they are offered on eBay with a Chinese description?", "a": "The watch counterfeits from China in circulation are qualitatively significantly worse than the originals and generally immediately recognisable as fakes. In some auctions even a photo from the official Montblanc website is used, without the actual product corresponding to this picture. Anyone who imports the counterfeit goods from China and resells in Germany at higher prices is committing clear trademark violation. Overall, the concern about deceptively real Chinese Montblanc watch counterfeits is currently to be classified as low.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which features speak for a newly acquired Montblanc Le Grand 146 being genuine, and how reliably does the authenticity check by Montblanc itself turn out?", "a": "Since counterfeits become technically ever better and circulate in numerous variants, originals cannot be unambiguously determined via one or two individual features but only via the totality of components. Indications for an original are, among others, the presence of various nib widths — counterfeits practically always carry the width 'M' — as well as the correct execution of clip, cap, star and engraving. The authenticity assessment by Montblanc based on submitted photos generally proceeds swiftly and competently; the query about an engraved ID serves here the internal assignment and is no indication of a counterfeit. On this basis, a presented 146 can without problem be confirmed as an original.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What contents and what collector value does the book 'Montblanc Schreibgeräte 1980 – 2015' offer?", "a": "The work comprises around 364 pages and lists more than 1,300 Montblanc writing instruments including the Limited Editions; over 750 models are depicted. For every writing instrument, sales period, last list retail price, nib details, body, cap, trim and clip are described. It contains the ranges Meisterstück, Bohème, Female Line, Etoile, Donation Pens, StarWalker, Great Characters, Series M, Carrera, Ballpix, 690, Traveller, Leonardo, Titano, Classic Generation, Cruise Line, Slim Line, Noblesse and Noblesse Oblige as well as special Meisterstück series and jubilee editions. Limited editions like Patron of Art, Writers Edition, Skeletons and Artisan Editions are mentioned in full; individual ones are, however, for legal reasons not depicted. The book was presented at the Pen Port in Hamburg.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Who can professionally reattach a chipped-off iridium tipping on a Montblanc Meisterstück nib No. 25 (18 carat)?", "a": "For the repair of nib tips, including soldering on new iridium tippings, John Mottishaw of nibs.com is internationally recognised as a distinguished specialist; experiences with his work are consistently positive. The repair takes place by shipping; a direct alternative at a comparable level is not established in the German-speaking area.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How can the sale value of a larger collection of hardly used Waterman and Parker writing instruments (including Man 100 Harlequin, Sérénité, Carène, Laureat, Expert, Sonnet) be reputably ascertained?", "a": "An independent value determination is most pragmatic via current market prices of comparable pieces, e.g. auction results and relevant forum posts. A professional valuation by individual collectors or experts is possible but is, for writing instruments of this segment, due to comparatively high expert costs, in most cases not worthwhile. Since only the case of the Sérénité is preserved, realistic discounts compared to complete sets are to be calculated especially for the other pieces.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can counterfeit Montblanc StarWalker rollerballs and fountain pens with 'Iridium Point Germany' nibs be recognised, and which eBay auction patterns are suspicious?", "a": "On the rollerball, the rear body part is, on the counterfeit, black instead of — as on the original — executed in metal. On the StarWalker fountain pen, the original carries a characteristic, clearly different nib that the counterfeits do not reproduce in this way. Generally, auctions are suspicious that run only one day, in which the sellers come from typical counterfeit regions like China or Poland, or in which the names of the highest bidders are hidden so that they cannot directly be warned. A direct reaction by eBay to hints is experience-based ineffective; whether Montblanc on direct contact intervenes faster is unclear.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which models and technical data does the Sailor Special Edition 'Professional Gear Slim – Cosmos' and its follow-up issues comprise?", "a": "The small series, appearing irregularly since 2015, comprises 800 to 1,000 examples worldwide each and is dedicated to various cosmic motifs, including Starburst Galaxy (2015), Purple Cosmos (2017), Red Supernova (2019) and Blue Dwarf (2020). A later issue 'Blue Green Nebula' is transparent, equipped with a 14-carat gold nib and gold-plated accents, while the earlier models carry 14-carat rhodium-plated gold nibs. Body material is throughout acrylic precious resin (PMMA resin); the filling system uses cartridge or converter. The dimensions are in each case about 123 mm with cap, 110 mm without cap, 10 mm grip-section diameter and 18 g weight.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc skeleton models have most recently been presented, and is a new skeleton to be expected in 2008?", "a": "Among the most recent skeleton editions count the 'Charlie Chaplin' — at the time of discussion already largely sold out — as well as the Limited Edition 81 'Prince Rainier III'. The 'Otto von Bismarck' (Limited 71) does not belong to the skeletons. For the US American market, for Valentine's Day, the skeleton 'Romantic Hearts' appeared, however only in 14 examples and at a price of around 72,000 euros. Concrete announcements for 2008 were not yet available at the time of the thread; further skeleton editions, however, were expected.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it unusual that a Montblanc Meisterstück 'Hommage à F. Chopin' (145P) was delivered with 18 carat / 750 instead of 14 carat / 585, and does that speak against authenticity?", "a": "No, an 18-carat nib on a 145P does not necessarily speak against authenticity; writing instruments from the French market are factory-equipped with an 18-carat gold nib. The internet dealer presumably sourced the goods via French supply chains, or the nib was later regularly exchanged. Since the 145 does not exist in a Solitaire version, a model confusion is ruled out. The other authenticity features — magnifier star, belly band with 'Montblanc Meisterstück Pix', clip engraving with serial number and 'Germany' — fit an original. A counterfeit is therefore unlikely.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What experiences exist with the Aurora 88 in the piston version, and should one with a preference for very broad nibs rather choose the B or the BB width?", "a": "Aurora's B nibs write broadly, saturatedly and in character similarly to those of Pelikan; they are suitable for a vigorous but well-controllable line. The BB nibs come out very sharply ground and yield a clearly more calligraphic, more strongly varying stroke that presupposes precise guidance of the nib. Anyone coming from OMAS B nibs and seeking a comparable saturated ink flow at everyday-suitable writing position is generally better served with the Aurora B nib than with BB. A BB is rather intended for stylistically pronounced writing.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Where can one buy the Montblanc Meisterstück 149 Helmut Jahn Edition Set cheaply, and which accompanying papers belong to it?", "a": "The offered set was acquired within the collector community for 300 euros and assessed as a good price for this edition. Special certificates or special papers do not, according to the recollection of those involved, belong to the scope of delivery of the Helmut Jahn edition; only the usual packaging was included. A separate certificate of authenticity beyond the usual Montblanc inserts is accordingly not to be expected.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How is the version of the Montblanc Marlene Dietrich edition to be evaluated and is it optionally available with a converter?", "a": "The Marlene Dietrich is regarded among collectors as a successful homage; it lies well in the hand and captures the appearance of the namesake coherently. Binding information on converter suitability could not be given by anyone in the thread, so an enquiry at an authorised specialist retailer is recommended. Basically, many smaller Meisterstücks are only delivered with cartridges, which is why this clarification is sensible before a purchase.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "With the Montblanc Writers Edition Dumas: was the signature of the father or that of the son wrongly applied?", "a": "Correct would have been the signature of Alexandre Dumas the Father, who with works like The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo provided the basis for the edition. Actually, however, the signature of the less well-known son was engraved, which is regarded as an error. The differing statement in the current Montblanc brochure is wrong and to be attributed to deficient proofreading; further errors in MB publications are known.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can loose cap rings on older fountain pens be permanently fastened again?", "a": "Simply gluing is not regarded as a proper solution. Since materials like celluloid shrink over the course of decades, the original rings often sit too loosely, so they actually have to be newly made or pressed back to fit. This work is demanding and generally reserved for a specialist workshop.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How does one correctly fill an ink converter: via the screwed-in nib or directly at the bottle?", "a": "The correct method is filling via the screwed-in converter, that is, by dipping the nib in the ink bottle and drawing up the ink via the feed. This procedure is uniformly recommended in the operating instructions of notable manufacturers like Visconti and ensures that the feed too is wetted with ink. The separate placing of the converter on the ink bottle is not provided for.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which model is a Montblanc Meisterstück with wine-red body, gilded cap and the inscription 925, and what value is to be set?", "a": "It is the Meisterstück 164 ballpoint from the Solitaire Doué range with a cap of gilded 925 sterling silver (vermeil) and a body of Bordeaux precious resin. The model number 164 gives thereby only the size and does not stand for the year of manufacture. Solitaire editions belong to the more valuable writing instruments of the brand; the exact year of manufacture cannot be derived from the number; the model should however come from the last years of production.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which new limited Montblanc edition from the Artisan or Skeleton range has currently appeared?", "a": "From the skeleton line the Fortune 88 is available, from the Artisan range the Cristobal as well as the new Le Duomo, also called Duomo di Milano. The Duomo was positioned with a list price around 18,500 euros and thus counts among the top of the range. The design is evaluated by collectors as appealing but not necessarily on-theme.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is known about the Montblanc edition 'Vincent van Gogh' on a StarWalker basis and how rare is it?", "a": "It is not an official Limited Edition but a special version of the StarWalker, presumably from the Business Presents department in cooperation with the Van Gogh Museum in the Netherlands. On the fountain pen and ballpoint, 'Vincent' is engraved; the packaging shows a portrait and a Dutch reference text. The initially rumoured edition of only 10 pieces is regarded as unlikely, since the packaging effort for such a small quantity is economically not justifiable; actually the edition should be somewhat larger.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Since when has Montblanc produced spectacle cases, and which constructions exist?", "a": "The top-open leather spectacle case is part of the Meisterstück leather series and available via authorised specialist retailers at a list price of 65 euros. Closed clamshell cases Montblanc has never offered as a stand-alone product; they were exclusively available as part of certain sets. The leather accessories are regularly extended alongside the rest of the range, by now also with cufflinks.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "When does the Pen Port Hamburg take place and how was the event?", "a": "The Pen Port Hamburg took place on 3 October 2009 at the Museum of Work at the Barmbek station and is well reachable by car as well as public transport. Prior, there was additionally the Nuremberg fair on 23 May. The Hamburg event was accompanied by talks, a CAS annual general meeting with a joint evening in the Trude restaurant and interesting conversations, e.g. with the Spanish collector Molas.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is the small hole under the cap ring of a new Montblanc Meisterstück Le Grand for?", "a": "On fountain pens, it is a deliberately built-in breathing hole in the cap, which enables a pressure equalisation and prevents drying out or leakage. A comparable hole on the rollerball fulfils a similar function and is no defect. There is therefore no defect but a structurally intended detail.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is the cause of a too-strong ink flow on a Montblanc 221 and how can it be remedied?", "a": "A clearly too high ink flow mostly indicates that nib and feed do not sit correctly or are not fully pushed into the grip section. Likewise, a slightly bent nib can enlarge the gap between the nib tines and thus lead to stronger flow. Careful realigning of the nib tines can remedy the problem; decisive is that both tines lie exactly on top of each other and the nib slit is even.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "In which set configurations was the Montblanc Writers Edition Agatha Christie officially distributed?", "a": "Officially there was only a 3-piece set consisting of fountain pen, ballpoint and pencil; a 2-piece set was never planned by Montblanc. However, the 3-piece set was delivered in two separate packagings, one with fountain pen and pencil, the other with the ballpoint, which on the market leads to apparent partial sets. Of the fountain pen, in total 30,000 examples were made, with the first 7,000 being reserved for a special version with gemstone setting.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is collecting old writing instruments a typical age-related phenomenon?", "a": "Collecting old writing instruments is not evaluated as an age-related phenomenon but as an expression of a conscious connection to craft, history and personal biography. Especially in uncertain times, many people seek support in the tried and tested and associate with vintage pieces memories of their own youth. Even in younger collector circles, interest in classic fountain pens is widespread, so there is no correlation with age.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Can an already reground gold nib be reground broader again?", "a": "A broader nib can theoretically be achieved by grinding the iridium tipping, e.g. from EF to F. The leeway, however, is very small, since with too much material removal the iridium tipping is damaged or removed, which makes the nib unusable. For larger changes, e.g. a return to a clearly different nib width, mostly a new nib is anyway the more economical solution.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which variations are there with Montblanc serial numbers and what does the inscription 'Pix' mean?", "a": "Solitaire writing instruments bear serial numbers of two letters and six digits; on particularly high-quality solid-gold pieces it is partly only five digits. With the typeface, Montblanc changed around the year 2000 from round to angular, laser-engraved digits. The designation 'Pix' was originally the name for the mechanical pencils of the 1930s and has been engraved since about the early 2000s also on other writing instruments as well as on watch models (e.g. of the Summit range); older models that expired before the introduction of this practice, like the 146 Bordeaux, therefore lack the inscription.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How should one react to counterfeit Montblanc writing instruments at internet auctions?", "a": "Direct mails to the sellers mostly have little effect but can become more effective if one points to the legal consequences from trademark protection law and links to corresponding information pages. More successful is generally the reporting via the official platform mechanisms or the trademark owner. Caution is in order, because some providers react aggressively; therefore it is recommended to formulate hints factually and without personal accusations.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is the difference between Montblanc 'Classic', 'Classique' and 'Generation'?", "a": "The term 'Classic' designated in the 1980s the former second line below the Meisterstück and is therefore not a Meisterstück. 'Classique' has stood since the 1990s for the smallest Meisterstück variant and is part of the main line. 'Generation' is the successor of the earlier 'Classic' line. The designations are not synonymous but mark different product lines and eras.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is an unknown Montblanc-like model a counterfeit?", "a": "Yes, it is a counterfeit. Counterfeiters often design pure fantasy products that cannot be assigned to a real Montblanc model, which explains the futile comparison with picture material of real pieces. The designation 'Montblanc' may therefore not be used for such a product.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the model of a Heiko fountain pen with purple marbling and glass nib be identified?", "a": "The model number would typically be engraved on the pen itself, often on the cap opposite the 'Heiko' logo. With many GDR writing instruments, however, a model designation was entirely omitted, so an unambiguous assignment is not always possible. A comprehensive literature on GDR fountain pens does not exist according to current knowledge.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What is known about the writing-instrument brand EBOS and does a Montblanc pen of ebony exist?", "a": "The brand EBOS is unknown to experienced collectors, so no reliable statements about history or model range can be made. A Montblanc pen of ebony was never made; the corresponding description of the family piece is therefore incorrect; the material must be another.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a business-card case of the Montblanc 'Platinum' series be distinguished from a counterfeit or another leather series?", "a": "Montblanc made a complete range of leather goods in the Platinum line, including business-card cases. Decisive for the correct assignment is the colour of the corner reinforcement: a gold-coloured corner refers to the older Solitaire leather series; a silvery or platinum-plated corner to the Platinum series. Both variants are genuine; deviating inner fabrics compared to other leather articles are possible, since the materials between lines and across production years can vary.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the box of a used Montblanc 146 with a whitish-discoloured logo in the lid genuine or counterfeit?", "a": "The box is genuine; the waxy white substance in the lid logo is not part of the original finishing but was subsequently introduced by a previous owner, e.g. as 'customising'. Such colour residues can generally be removed without great effort, without the box taking damage.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which model is a white-silver Montblanc ballpoint with lever function from the 1980s?", "a": "The ballpoint belongs to the range of the so-called 'Eleventh Finger' from the 1980s. Model number 782 formally fits; the white model corresponds however rather to the 780, which was made in black, red, blue, green, olive and occasionally further colours; matt and shiny variants bore different model numbers. The retail price in 1982 was for the 780 11.90 DM, for the 782 19.75 DM and for the 784 29.50 DM.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are Montblanc writing instruments sensibly to be bought online at specialist retailers, or do advantages compared to shop purchase get lost?", "a": "Online orders at Montblanc specialist retailers like Schacht-Westerich are possible and sensible if the regional dealer density is inadequate. However, essential advantages of stationary trade fall away, especially the prior testing of nib, feel and weight, which is important especially with first purchases or limited editions. With reputable specialist retailers, the nib width is queried during the ordering process; restrictedly reliable are providers without a clear specialist-dealer profile; here authenticity and service possibility should be clarified before purchase.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are the Montblanc models Bohème and StarWalker also suitable for persons with large hands?", "a": "The suitability depends less on hand size than on intended use: for short notes the diameter is secondary; for longer writing very important. The StarWalker is rather slimly built; the Bohème additionally is available in a larger 'Big Size' variant with LeGrand dimensions and retractable nib; this Big Size version is available only as an individual pen with platinum-plated trim and without a gemstone, without further matching writing-system devices. Subjectively, many collectors with large hands also cope well with thinner pens like the classic Bohème; decisive is a test in the hand.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which model and which value are to be assigned to an old Montblanc pen with 585 gold nib?", "a": "It is a Montblanc 1124, made between 1976 and 1980. The value of such models can only be roughly estimated and depends strongly on condition and nib width; corresponding comparison offers can be found in relevant collector forums. Important is the historical context: only from 1991 has Montblanc positioned itself as a luxury-goods manufacturer; before that the product range reached from the cheap school pen to the Meisterstück.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does a blank-supplied Montblanc service guide have a value for the warranty?", "a": "An unfilled service guide without purchase date and dealer's stamp has hardly any practical use for the warranty, since Montblanc generally demands a purchase proof for warranty services. Officially, boutiques should not give out the service guide blank; in practice, however, this happens. Especially with Limited Editions, attention is paid to an unfilled, clean service guide; decisive remains, however, the original receipt with date.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What experiences are there with writing instruments of the brand S.T. Dupont, e.g. Fidelio or Olympio?", "a": "With the ballpoints, the writing behaviour hardly differs from other brands, since it is essentially determined by the refill; outstanding writing properties are therefore not to be expected. The finishing quality of the housings is, however, with S.T. Dupont exceptionally high; especially the China-lacquer surfaces count among the highest-quality lacquers on the market. Anyone valuing material and finishing thus receives with Fidelio or Olympio a qualitatively high-grade product.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is an offered used Montblanc 146 trustworthy and is the price appropriate, or should one rather buy a new one?", "a": "The provider named (gidania, Jürgen Kuhse) is regarded in the collector scene as highly reliable; one can trust his statements. The price named for a 146 from the 1980s is fair and appropriate. If the pen, however, is intended as a gift for a beginner, it is recommended to buy a new 146 with full warranty and nib selection, since vintage pieces with specialist retailers do not entail the same service.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which typographies and digit counts exist with Montblanc serial numbers?", "a": "Older writing instruments bear round digits; around the year 2000 Montblanc switched to an angular, computer-like font. Laser engraving is basically used with both variants. The number of digits varies: older or higher-quality models often have five-digit serial numbers; today's are generally six- to seven-digit; a completely consistent numbering systematics cannot be derived.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How are Montblanc offers from China to be evaluated that apparently offer originals at striking prices?", "a": "The pictures shown in the auction text mostly come from originals; the goods themselves, however, are either a counterfeit or after payment not even delivered. Striking indications are identically-sounding serial numbers, deviating nib engravings, black stars on inserts and wrong spellings in the designations. With high-quality ranges like Patron of Art or Writers Edition, nibs are by now very precisely imitated, which is why general caution is advised in buying Chinese Limited Edition offers.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How widespread are counterfeits of older Montblanc writing instruments and how does an auction platform react to them?", "a": "Counterfeits of old Montblanc pens, e.g. of the 1930s and 1940s, are rarer than with current models but, through high closing prices, particularly dangerous. Platforms like eBay cannot recognise such offers independently and can only intervene if the rights holder reports them as a plagiarism. Certain counterfeit types, e.g. those with Krupp nibs, turn up repeatedly in identical construction and are documented in specialised articles and forums.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are two found Montblanc Bohème ballpoints originals or counterfeits?", "a": "Both pieces are modern counterfeits without collector value. Real Bohème writing instruments move price-wise in the range of about 850 to 1,000 euros at the new price and can hardly be expected as coincidental finds in larger numbers. A sale as an original would thus be ruled out.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which German-language specialist magazines on the subject of writing instruments and writing culture exist?", "a": "As relevant periodicals, especially 'Kult am Pult' and 'Schreibkultur' are to be mentioned. The respective current issues are available in well-stocked station bookshops; otherwise via the publisher or specialised specialist trade. Further articles and link collections can be found in relevant fountain-pen forums like penexchange or community.fountainpen.de.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Does the Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire Doué 144 also exist with a gold-plated silver cap and what does 'Metal 2' on the clip ring mean?", "a": "The Solitaire Doué exists regularly with a gold-plated cap in the model sizes 144, 146, 163, 164 and 165, each with thread-guilloched decoration; the 144 has the ID number 03495-98 or 14144 with a list price around 535 euros. The gold-plated variant is mainly known from the Bordeaux writing instruments, on which the cap is of gold-plated sterling silver and the body of dark-red precious resin; a black-body variant with gold-plated silver cap is rarer. The meaning of the imprint 'Metal 2' on the clip ring is not finally clarified in the collector circle.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Miguel de Cervantes as a rollerball with detachable cap genuine?", "a": "Of the Miguel de Cervantes, never a rollerball was produced; the edition comprises exclusively fountain pen, ballpoint and pencil. A piece designated as a rollerball with detachable cap is therefore a counterfeit. Anyone owning such a variant should not rely on an authenticity confirmation and can cross-check the official model statements on the Montblanc website.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why is the forum software so slow after the update and which functions are no longer available?", "a": "The performance problems and display errors lie neither in the browser of the user nor in a single platform: they have been confirmed by several users under Safari, Opera and Firefox. Functions like correctly formatted quotations (BBCodes) and access to certain pages like the forum rules are faulty after the update. For time reasons, the operator hands over the technical administration of the website to a firm that should remedy these problems step by step.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How does one recognise counterfeits of the Montblanc Writers Edition Franz Kafka?", "a": "Real Kafka pieces show a slightly reddish shimmer of the surface and bear on the box an attached strip with the individual limitation number; on counterfeits, both features are frequently missing. A clear exclusion criterion is the construction: the Kafka does not exist as a rollerball; every such offer is therefore necessarily a counterfeit. Packaging and accompanying material are by now very elaborately copied, so the exact comparison with documented original material is recommended.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the Zoomify function for picture enlargement a sensible extension of the forum website?", "a": "The function is basically evaluated as sensible, since it eases the recognition of fine details on high-resolution photos. A prerequisite is a high-quality starting image, which is why Zoomify cannot be universally used. The display additionally requires a current Flash Player and a modern browser; with older browsers like Netscape, display errors occur.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Is a found ballpoint with the inscription 'Montblanc-Noblesse-Germany' genuine and which refill fits?", "a": "The ballpoint is most likely a real Montblanc Noblesse I of stainless steel with gilded trim. In contrast to the more recent Noblesse range, the model works with a click mechanism whose spring-mounted clip triggers the retrieval function via a nipple; the deviating mechanism is thus typical and no authenticity indication against Montblanc. Matching refills are available via every Montblanc specialist retailer; before ordering, the exact construction or refill should be checked.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What are small bubbles on the clip pearl of a new Meisterstück 149 and how can the damage be remedied?", "a": "The bubbles are a known finishing defect that goes back to an untidy gluing of the hemisphere with the clip. The assessment of whether it is a general quality problem is disputed in the collector circle: some users report frequent occurrences, others see no widespread defect. Pragmatically, the clip should in the warranty case be exchanged free of charge via the specialist retailer; outside the warranty, the costs for the exchange are around 49 euros.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What was the original retail price of the Montblanc Artisan Mozart 250 Limited Edition?", "a": "The list retail price of the Artisan edition for the 250th birthday of Mozart was 17,900 euros. On this basis, current offers on the secondary market can be classified and a negotiation basis derived.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is an old Montblanc Meisterstück ballpoint without a clip-ring number with 'W.-Germany' stamping genuine?", "a": "Older Meisterstücks from the period before the fall of the Wall bear the marking 'W.-Germany' and do not in all cases have a number on the clip ring; the absence of this number is therefore no counterfeit indication. There also exist W.-Germany pieces with clip-ring number, the practice was not entirely uniform. A reliable authenticity feature is compatibility with Montblanc original refills: into typical counterfeits of that time, only Parker-system refills fit, so a ballpoint that takes a Montblanc refill is most likely genuine.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is an offered Mozart ballpoint with a 'Czar Nicholas I' look genuine and what is the correct model designation?", "a": "The ballpoint is genuine; correctly it is called 'Meisterstück Solitaire Hommage à Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart' or 'Solitaire Malachit', although the designation 'Czar Nikolai I' was not officially used as a product name. The labelling 'Solit. Malachit' on the packaging is an abbreviated correct statement and no indication of a counterfeit. The material used is vermeil, that is, solid sterling silver with gilding, not solid gold; the ID numbers were 02020 (price list 2000) or 02987 (price list 2002). The named price of 180 euros is plausible.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc model is a cartridge filler with the inscription 'Montblanc Germany' and without a type number?", "a": "Based on the description, the cartridge-filler models 320 or 320P come into question. An unambiguous assignment is not possible without sight of the grip section and further detail pictures; more meaningful would be shots from a suitable perspective. The designation 'Montblanc Germany' on the lower cap ring is typical for this series.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which ink bottles without gold-coloured trim are alternatively available to the Montblanc models?", "a": "A broad selection of ink bottles from various manufacturers, including Montblanc models without brass trim, is offered by the Dutch mail-order company La Couronne du Comte. One of the desired models recalls the Montblanc Sign-it Gold ink bottle, which was publicly advertised about ten years ago. Anyone rejecting gold-coloured trim and valuing moderate prices will find sensible alternatives there.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Does a writing-instrument stand acquired at a flea market, which fits the Montblanc ink bottle, come from Montblanc?", "a": "The stand does not come from Montblanc, even if the Montblanc ink bottle is precisely accommodated. Comparable matching reception is rather of coincidental nature; use with the original ink bottle is independent of this possible.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which writing instruments does the Montblanc 'Soulmakers for 100 Years' Edition 1906 comprise and which materials are used?", "a": "The 1906 edition comprises fountain pen, rollerball and ballpoint. From the Meisterstück line, the cap is executed in granite; from the Bohème line in marbled look; all three writing systems are available in the same get-up. After the 100-year anniversary, further 1906 editions across different lines follow.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How rare is the Montblanc Limited Edition 'White House' and what price dimensions are realistic?", "a": "The Montblanc 'White House' counts among the extremely rare Limited Editions and turned up at the time only the second time at all on eBay. The pen was set by the seller at a value of well over 20,000 US dollars. Due to the rarity, the market is shaped above all by collector interest; a later auction 'no Reserve' was communicated as a rare opportunity. Shipping to Europe does not take place by default but is possible on request.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc model range can fountain pens with two cap rings, star on cap and body, gold decoration rings and a nib mount with two lateral prongs be assigned to?", "a": "The features described, especially the nib mount with two lateral prongs, the second narrow cap ring, the star on cap and body as well as the nib hallmarked with 14K/585 and star, point to the Classic series and not to the Generation line. The nib engraving 'MONTBLANC GERMANY' confirms the assignment. For a reliable identification, meaningful photos of the nib, the cap rings and the body are helpful, since the designs of Classic and Generation are similar in basics. The models existed regularly in black and Bordeaux with gold trim.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Meisterstück with corn-guilloched body, two-tone 14C-585 nib (4810/M) and unused engraving plate a Montblanc 742, and in which variant?", "a": "The Montblanc 742 existed in the production period 1951–1956 in two variants: 'rolled gold' (gilded) and 'solid gold' (solid 585 gold). The solid-gold variant is unambiguously recognisable by the 585 hallmarks on cap, clip and body; if these imprints are missing, the gilded rolled-gold variant is present. A serious value statement is only possible after assessment of the piece, since condition and completeness decisively determine the price. General hints on value determination can be found in the relevant forum posts on price-finding.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "From what period does the Lamy 27 come and which special features does this model have?", "a": "The Lamy 27 appeared, according to manufacturer information, in 1952 and is regarded as the first streamlined fountain pen with hooded nib made in Germany. Until 1958, twelve different model variants were offered, whose components were partly exchangeable among each other. The short nib with 585 stamp is typical of the series. More detailed information can be found in Andreas Lambrou's book 'Füllfederhalter' in the German translation by Stefan Wallrafen.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which contents and background information does the commemorative publication on the 75-year jubilee of the Bremen paper shop Dörrbecker of 1936 offer?", "a": "The commemorative publication on the 75-year jubilee of the firm G. A. Dörrbecker, written by Henny Durlach, first illuminates the history of the Bremen Sögestraße as today's main shopping street. From page 18, the founding of the paper shop by G. A. Dörrbecker, excerpts from the takeover contract, the respective economic situation as well as the rise of a 15-year-old apprentice to later co-partner are recounted; since then the company is run by the Hübener family. A continuation appeared in 1986 on the 125-year jubilee under the title '125 Years of Life, Work and Trade in the Sögestraße' by Hermann Gutmann; it contains the commemorative publication of 1936 as a facsimile print.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Is the online shop www.uhrendirct.de a reputable source for the purchase of a Montblanc Meisterstück 146 Carbon?", "a": "Concrete experiences with www.uhrendirct.de were not shared in the thread. As an alternative, the well-known specialist retailer www.scription.de was recommended, at which a reliable service is to be expected. With the online purchase of branded goods, the choice of an established specialist retailer is generally worthwhile, since warranty claims and service-guide filling are secured at the authorised dealer.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is there a converter for the Montblanc Bohème and is conversion of the cartridge filler sensible?", "a": "For the Bohème with fixed nib, a normal Montblanc converter can be used. With the Bohème with retractable nib, this is structurally not possible, since structurally there is only room for a standard cartridge. Even if a matching converter were constructed, it would hold significantly less ink than a regular cartridge, comparable to the thin small converter of the Waterman Lady Agathe. In practice, refilling empty cartridges by syringe is therefore the more pragmatic solution.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What distinguishes the Sheaffer 100 Special Edition 'Three Friends of Winter' from 2011?", "a": "The Sheaffer 100 Special Edition 'Three Friends of Winter' from 2011 takes up East Asian symbolism and comprises fountain pen, rollerball and ballpoint, which were sold individually. The Sheaffer 100 range is settled in the lower price segment but shows, with its slightly bulgy form, good ergonomics and writing comfort. The edition is, compared to the better-known 'Holiday Edition', less widespread. Background information on the motif 'Three Friends of Winter' is offered by the corresponding Wikipedia entry as well as the lexicon page of the East Asia Institute.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can a Montblanc 146 with a completely golden nib be classified in time and how can its authenticity be checked?", "a": "A nib made entirely of gold typically speaks for a model from the 1980s. A reliable authenticity and condition assessment, however, is only possible based on meaningful photos of nib, cap ring, clip and body. Aids for posting pictures are available in the relevant forum guides. Value statements from eBay auctions are without precise condition check only very restrictedly reliable.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are the Montblanc models piston filler 420 and mechanical pencil 251 regular series products or specially made promotional gifts?", "a": "Both the Montblanc 420 (production period 1971–1975) and the mechanical pencil 251 (1971–1984) are regular series writing instruments that were offered in this time in the middle to lower price segment. They were only frequently personalised as promotional articles with a company engraving, here 'KAEFER'. Strictly speaking, the two models do not fit together as a set: the fountain pen with gilded steel nib comes from the fourth, very inexpensive series; the pencil with two rings from the second series. Despite the simpler version, they are full-fledged Montblanc writing instruments.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are Rotring Rapidographs from the 1960s and 1970s interesting as collector's objects and which technical peculiarities do they possess?", "a": "Rotring Rapidographs were primarily conceived as technical drawing tools; their special feature lies in being fillable with India ink via a piston, which was indispensable before the CAD era for building plans and tracings. The pens are regarded as susceptible to failure: they often start with difficulty, gum up through drying ink and react sensitively to too firm pressure. A dating to the 1960s/1970s seems plausible. To what extent they are classified as worth collecting beyond the technical use is judged inconsistently among collectors.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How is one to deal with negative karma ratings in the forum and is a deregistration because of this justified?", "a": "The karma system is expressly not intended as a means for excluding or punishing individual members but should as an anonymous quality indicator stimulate reflection on one's own posts, especially with regard to tone. A deregistration because of decreasing karma is therefore not the intended result. New members are granted sufficient time to settle in, since at the beginning even clumsy questions are normal. A friendly and binding tone is demanded as the basis of forum operation.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can a gold nib that has acquired patina over time be gently cleaned?", "a": "A tried and tested method is cleaning with a normal silver-cleaning cloth, which should be applied with some feel and reliably removes patina. With nibs with sensitive inlays like platinum intarsia, however, caution is in order; here often a simple cloth already suffices to remove deposits without risk. Aggressive cleaning or polishing agents should be avoided, as should strong rubbing.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What experiences are there with the Montblanc automatic watch Sport Steel 03275 regarding accuracy, power reserve and finishing?", "a": "Users report a very good accuracy for a mechanical movement of about five seconds deviation per 24 hours, provided the watch is regularly worn or moved; the power reserve is around 36 hours. The finishing corresponds to the good level usual at Montblanc. Certain accuracy tolerances are normal with every mechanical watch and independent of the manufacturer; with permanently more than five seconds deviation, an adjustment in the Montblanc plant Hamburg by the watchmaker is necessary, for which a deviation documented over several days is presupposed. Strap shortenings are carried out free of charge in every Montblanc boutique. The RRP was 1,500 euros.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where are the collector's books 'Collectible Stars' and 'The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide' available?", "a": "'Collectible Stars' is regularly offered on eBay and can also be obtained directly from co-author Stefan Wallrafen (collectiblestars.de, eBay account 'st.wa.') as well as via the shop of Tom Westerich (penboard.de), on request with dedication. The 'Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide' is harder to find; it also turns up at irregular intervals on eBay, in antiquarian bookshops or with collectors with duplicates, with prices of up to 250 euros for unused copies being usual. From making photocopies is expressly advised against because of copyright violations. As another standard work, 'Fountain Pens of the World' by Andreas Lambrou is recommended, available via Amazon or directly from the author.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What experiences with the Montblanc Customer Service in Hamburg are to be expected and how is an exchanged cap with 'Pix' marking to be evaluated?", "a": "Reported is a smooth service: within the framework of a service flat rate, cap, front part, feed, cap seal and tank were replaced, so the writing instrument came back practically near-new. A nib exchange or regrinding an OBB nib to narrower nib widths is generally not possible; a nib exchange costs about 150 euros. The model designations 144 (Classique) and 146 (Le Grand) are clearly to be separated; their nibs are not interchangeable. Since 144 and 146 are everyday writing instruments and no collector's pieces, an exchanged cap with 'Pix' hallmark is in the short term not value-reducing.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can a Montblanc fountain pen with 14-carat nib, '246' embossing on the end cap, green viewing window and hard-rubber parts be identified as model 246?", "a": "The features mentioned, especially the '246' embossing on the end cap, the green viewing window, the hard-rubber components and the white star, speak for a Montblanc 246 from the 1940s, made of celluloid. The correct clip embossing reads 'MONT BLANC'. Especially in wartime, on the 246s various components from the available stock were combined, so e.g. clips can deviate without this fundamentally impairing the authenticity. A ball clip is in this context no special variant.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Did exclusively Montblanc safety fountain pens have a safety pin in the cap, or did comparable constructions also exist on other brands?", "a": "The safety pin in the cap is not exclusively attributable to Montblanc but was also fitted by other manufacturers. Its function consists in preventing a deformation of the nib if with the cap closed the rear blind cap is turned and thereby the nib is moved. For the concrete brand assignment of an octagonal Safety, detail photos or the assessment by an experienced specialist on the spot helps further.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the Montblanc 'Anniversary Edition 100 Years' (2006) or the associated 'Rouge et Noir' replica still available and in what price range?", "a": "The 'Anniversary Edition 100 Years', executed as a cartridge filler, cost in the boutique at the sales start at the end of 2006 around 620 euros; in early 2008, prices were partly raised. The separate 'Rouge et Noir' replica with real safety filling mechanism was limited to 100 pieces and already within a week or partly before sales start sold out; the list price was, depending on source, 3,800 to 4,200 euros. On the secondary market, for the replica later 6,500 euros and more were called up; eBay offers move partly in the five-figure dollar range. A regular new purchase of the Safety replica at list price is practically no longer possible.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is a Montblanc Meisterstück 146 correctly filled, cleaned and cared for in everyday life?", "a": "The 146 is a classical piston filler: for filling, the piston at the rear end is completely unscrewed; the nib is fully immersed in the ink bottle and the piston then turned all the way in; finally two to three drops of ink are returned to the bottle. With regular use a cleaning is seldom necessary; after longer idle times or ink change, the writing instrument should be rinsed several times with cold or distilled water. Cleaning agents or polishes are to be avoided. An instruction manual is included with every Montblanc ink bottle; complementarily, animations on the Visconti website offer an illustration of the piston filling principle.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can originals and counterfeits be reliably distinguished on the Montblanc StarWalker?", "a": "Indications of originality are, among others, a clip ring whose 'Germany' embossing was, in the early period, stamped and not laser-engraved, as well as a clean and correctly engraved nib. Counterfeits often reveal themselves through faulty inscriptions like 'IRIDIUM POINT PARIS', which do not occur on a real Montblanc. The StarWalker officially exists only in two colour variants, Resin Black and RubberLine; deviating versions are not authentic. In case of doubt, assessment at the authorised specialist retailer or comparison with documented examples is recommended.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are older Montblanc pencils with odd model number and 1.18 mm lead as well as associated butterfly-nib pens authentic originals?", "a": "The writing instruments mentioned are actually originals, even if they do not correspond to today's high-price expectation. Until into the 1980s, Montblanc produced alongside the Meisterstücks also much mass goods in middle price ranges; only under Norbert Platt was the brand decidedly positioned in the luxury segment. The mentioned pencil 164 is led as an official Meisterstück, in the 1960s and 1970s recognisable by the 'bishop's hat' at the cap ring. The nib named is correctly to be designated as 'butterfly nib' (German Schmetterlingsfeder), not as 'wing nib'; the latter refers to certain models of the 1950s like 252, 254 and 256. Further information can be found in the book 'Collectible Stars' by Stefan Wallrafen.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is the quality and collecting potential of the Italian brand Ferrari da Varese to be assessed?", "a": "First user experiences with the Lady Classica Mini (cartridge filler and ballpoint) are positive: no start-up problem, no failures and a brisk, saturated ink flow. The model range comprises high-quality writing instruments of solid silver and real horn, whose designs, however, are judged very differently. On collecting potential, no reliable statements were made in the thread.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What basic data and what market availability does the Montblanc No. 32 show for young collectors?", "a": "The Montblanc 32 was produced in the 1960s, about from 1961 to 1970, and was available in numerous colour and nib variants and partly with metal cap. Since Montblanc at the time, alongside Meisterstücks, also made cheaper school and everyday fountain pens in large numbers, the 32 is still well and inexpensively procurable via eBay, provided no special variants are sought. Gold nibs were in this time also widespread on simpler writing instruments; the pure material value of modern gold nibs moves in the range of 15 to 20 euros.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which ink capacity does the CONID Bulkfiller demonstrate through the writing stunt with the complete novel 'The Great Gatsby'?", "a": "Within the framework of a bachelor's thesis by two students of the Thomas More University, the entire novel 'The Great Gatsby' with 47,049 words was written down on 261 pages within 24 hours with a CONID Bulkfiller. For this, only 2.5 tank fillings were necessary, which impressively demonstrates the high ink capacity of the filling system. A desirable continuous display of the ink level or a final overview of the fully written pages did not, however, take place. The action served as a marketing demonstration of the brand CONID.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which structural differences exist between an older Montblanc 146 (mid-1990s) and a current Le Grand?", "a": "Montblanc changed the dimensions of the Le Grand around the end of 1999: the new cap is, at 71 mm, 2.2 mm longer; the entire pen grew from 142.5 mm to 146 mm length, and the cap circumference increased slightly, so that old caps no longer fit new pens. Causal is a changed thread standard: while previously, since the 1950s, a four-start thread was used, since then a different number of starts is used, recognisable by the number of thread entries. The screwing of the cap top consists today of plastic instead of metal, and the nib sits somewhat deeper in the barrel, so the 585 hallmark is less visible. Possibly the feed was also modified.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which fitting case options exist for the storage of three Montblanc Mozart writing instruments, since the original Mozart three-piece set case is no longer produced?", "a": "Since Montblanc no longer newly offers either the Mozart three-piece set case or the Bohème three-piece case and currently only the Siena is available as a three-piece case, the secondary market remains an important source. A used Bohème three-piece case comes close to the Mozart size: the leather tabs are indeed designed somewhat wider but, in near-new condition and with the zip closed, fix three Mozart pens, especially when these are hooked at the clip. Since the size differences are noticeable, a fitting in a boutique or at a specialist retailer is recommended before purchase if possible. Alternatively, a Montblanc notebook with a Mozart loop exists, which however only holds one pen.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What can one do about a stiff piston mechanism on a Montblanc 149 without sending the pen to service?", "a": "It is recommended to first fill the fountain pen with water over several days, since often dried ink is responsible for the stiffness. The use of silicone grease is expressly advised against, since it adheres extremely strongly to almost all plastics and can only be removed with aggressive agents. Independent interventions on the mechanism mostly fail because the necessary special tools by Montblanc are not available in free trade. If the water bath does not help, only the way via Montblanc service or a specialist retailer remains, who can carry out simple repairs on the spot.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can one judge relatively reliably on a Montblanc StarWalker on eBay whether it is an original?", "a": "A reliable recognition feature is the nib, which counterfeiters have so far not been able to imitate with high quality. Since Montblanc does not sell any replacement nibs to end customers and repairs only run via the authorised service, it is additionally uneconomical for counterfeiters to fit individual original nibs into imitations. A purchase from a commercial provider with a 14-day right of return additionally allows checking with the specialist retailer. A personal pickup additionally enables visual inspection of further details before purchase.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does the new sales system of Montblanc for Artisan editions work and what consequences does it have for collectors?", "a": "In the new system, Artisan pieces are no longer permanently displayed as eyecatchers in the boutiques but lie in the headquarters; a sample only briefly, about three days, passes through the boutique before the sales start. Registered collectors with fixed number then have up to six months to accept or refuse the piece; the package remains sealed. Unknown interested parties can view the pen after interest via an internet address three to five times in pictures and then order it via the boutique. Criticised is that a longer payment-in-instalments period falls away, an accidental discovery of Artisan pieces in the shop is hardly possible any more and an assessment in person practically falls away; the success additionally depends strongly on the passionate engagement of the boutique staff.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "From what period does a Montblanc 146 with solid-gold nib, completely transparent ink-view window and only 'W.GERMANY' embossing on the clip without serial number come?", "a": "This feature combination points to a Montblanc 146 from the 1980s: at the time, solid-gold nibs were fitted and the ink-view window was completely transparent without stripes. Serial numbers were only later laser-applied to the clip, which is why the absence of a number in this period is normal. If, on the other hand, on a nominally older piece a serial number is present, this can indicate a later cap exchange.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the value of two Montblanc Slimline writing instruments found in the attic from the period 1978–1982 be determined?", "a": "A reliable value determination takes place based on a guide stored in the forum that is used as a standard for older Montblanc writing instruments. Since Slimline models are regularly offered on eBay, the current market value can be determined by comparison with completed auctions, with the condition of the auction pieces being compared with one's own piece. Flat-rate fixed prices do not exist for older Montblanc writing instruments.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc rollerball model is a pen on which the inserted star at the barrel end is missing, and is a spare part available?", "a": "It is most likely a 'Noblesse I' from the 1970s. On the barrel end, what is missing is not a closure but only the inserted Montblanc plastic star typical of these models, whose loss frequently occurs. An original spare part is not regularly available, since Montblanc does not release individual parts; replacement can only be obtained via other 70s donor models from flea markets, which economically, however, seldom pays off.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What are small black-grey dots on a sterling-silver writing instrument and how are they professionally removed?", "a": "Sterling silver, in contact with skin oil, sweat and air, forms deposits that first appear as small dark dots; this tarnishing is material-typical and on non-sealed surfaces unavoidable. Pure cleaning cloth often does not suffice; more effective is wool soaked with silver-cleaning agent, which leaves a fine film easily removed with a soft cloth. Exactly this procedure is also applied by the Faber-Castell service, which for Graf von Faber-Castell generally works free of charge except for postage and shipping insurance. Sulphur-containing ambient air (e.g. industrial regions) considerably accelerates the deposit formation.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which writing instrument up to 100 euros is suitable as a gift, preferably silver-coloured and with detachable cap?", "a": "Current Pelikan Special Editions like 'Berlin' or 'Chicago' lie price-wise significantly above 100 euros and are only very restrictedly to be found cheaper on the secondary market. As a recommendation in the named budget the Rotring Initial counts, a high-quality and plain fountain pen with good finishing. Concrete experiences with the Diplomat Lady Edition 2006 were not shared in the thread.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can a Montblanc W.A. Mozart and Chopin from an auction house be checked for authenticity and warranty claim?", "a": "On the photos provided, it was, according to the assessment of experienced collectors, originals. Important, however, is the status of the service guide: if it is not delivered filled in by an authorised specialist retailer, the possibility of the free nib exchange in the first two weeks as well as the full nib warranty falls away; a pure dealer's guarantee on the article can indeed exist but does not replace this. Safety-oriented buyers should therefore prefer specialist retailers or Montblanc boutiques or have a planned Mozart/Chopin directly checked by Montblanc. Even with reputable dealers like Handelshaus Rheinländer, authenticity is given, but without automatic nib warranty.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which desk pads are recommended for use with fountain pens?", "a": "Preferred are leather pads, which make the writing feel considerably more pleasant. The original Montblanc writing pad cost some years ago about 360 to 380 euros; today around 400 euros are to be reckoned with. In practice, the use often competes with a notebook placed centrally on the desk, so a smaller notebook variant can be helpful in order to create room for the pad.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Are older piston fountain pens like a Pelikan 140 suitable for everyday use, or is there an increased leakage risk?", "a": "Provided the piston filler is in a properly overhauled condition, it is unproblematically everyday-suitable; even Montblanc Meisterstücks are regarded in this respect as uncritical. With very old writing instruments, however, the cork seal can be in need of renewal, which should be enquired about when buying. Pelikan has used plastic seals since 1946, which are significantly easier to maintain and less susceptible than cork seals; a Pelikan 140 is therefore well suited for daily use. Problems mostly arise only with damaged grip sections (e.g. hairline cracks), which are generally not repairable.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc Limited Editions come up for auction at the Bonhams auction on 17 February 2009 in Los Angeles?", "a": "The auction comprises predominantly originally packaged Limited Editions with a total value of over 1,000,000 USD, including highlights like 'Magical Black Widow' (1/88), 'White House' (32/43), '4th of July' (32/56), 'Stars & Stripes', 'I Love New York', 'Mexican Flag', 'Salvador Dali' (88/100), 'Catherine II the Great' and 'Peter I the Great' (each 293/888), 'Meissen Dragon' (830/888), 'Year of the Golden Dragon' Sapphire (7/8), 'Copernicus', 'Prince Regent', the Atelier 'Beethoven' (1/9) as well as Agatha Christie, Hemingway and Alexandre Dumas pieces. The catalogue can be retrieved via www.bonhams.com or the Sales Calendar entry 'Pen Collection' on 17 February.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where in northern Germany, ideally in the Hamburg area, can individually made leather products, e.g. leather covers for college pads, be obtained?", "a": "Concrete northern German manufactories were not named. As an alternative, the Italian firm Pineider was mentioned, which offers high-quality A4 pad covers (pineidershop.com); they are cheaper than Montblanc Heritage but lie above the price level usual for US standard products of about 70 USD. Anyone seeking a cheaper solution generally has to research further, since corresponding mass goods with proper quality are only restrictedly available in Europe.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Where can comprehensive price lists or specialised forums on S. T. Dupont lighters be found?", "a": "Via the contact person passed on by private message, further information can be obtained. As a public source, the Italian collector site pens.it with rough guideline values for Dupont lighters was recommended, although Italian prices can deviate from German ones. A dedicated German-language S. T. Dupont lighter forum was not named.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What value does a Montblanc Meisterstück ballpoint Limited Edition Agatha Christie from 1993 have today, and how should it be stored?", "a": "The Christie ballpoint is regarded as a popular and sought-after collector model whose value today lies above the then retail price, provided the condition is near-new or objectively hardly used; a concrete price determination takes place by comparison with completed eBay auctions, since fixed prices do not exist. A missing certificate tends to reduce the value but does not preclude price-finding. For storage, writing instruments should not be placed loose with other pens in a collective box, since body and trim can quickly be scratched; more suitable is a multi-piece case with internal separation. A sale is not recommended, since the model counts as a classic.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Did Montblanc in the 1950s really make Meisterstücks of real tortoiseshell, and how are the materials of that time to be compared?", "a": "Montblanc did not produce Meisterstücks of real tortoiseshell in the 1950s; tortoiseshell inlays are known from the 1920s by other manufacturers like Waterman. The models 244 and 246 designated in the literature as 'tortoiseshell' or English 'tigereye' consist of celluloid; the designation thus describes only the colour scheme. These celluloid Meisterstücks are regarded as rare, technically high-quality in writing and superior to many modern models. For repair it is however to be noted that the mechanism was partly glued with mastic and a piston exchange on the 146 is only possible via the mouthpiece; greened or discoloured examples are frequent.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What basic data does the children's book 'Wenn ein Füller zaubern kann...' have and what comparable books with cursive writing exist?", "a": "The book 'Wenn ein Füller zaubern kann...' by Horst H. Jork appeared in 1985 in 1st edition in the Engelbert publisher (Balve/Westfalen) as part of the PEB children's and youth book series and comprises 61 pages in good handwriting. In this handwriting get-up, numerous children's and youth books were produced at the time. Currently books in complete handwriting have become rare; a still well-known example today is the 'Hare Felix' series with handwritten letters.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How are two gifted Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire Doué (No. 16664 black and No. 1442 wine-red with gold cap) to be classified qualitatively and price-wise?", "a": "Both models belong to the high-quality Solitaire range and are in no way to be compared to a school fountain pen. The Bordeaux Doué with gold-plated 925 sterling-silver cap (No. 1442) cost 1998/99 in Germany 995 DM; the Doué in sterling silver (No. 1461) 985 DM. The identification is essentially secured by the designation on the original packaging; detail prices for concrete boutique conditions at the current time were not given. Both pieces are regarded as a very good entry into a collection.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How high is the approximate price of a well-preserved Montblanc No. 22 from the period 1960–1970?", "a": "As a rough orientation, a price range of about 20 to 30 euros is named; a binding guideline price, however, does not exist for older Montblanc writing instruments. The actual value determination takes place based on the concrete condition as well as current comparison offers, especially completed eBay auctions.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Do Limited Editions like the Montblanc Agatha Christie also reliably start after longer idle times, and is this due to a special construction?", "a": "Users report a strikingly reliable start-up behaviour of the Agatha Christie even after four to five weeks without use in a presentation stand with the nib pointing slightly upward, while other Meisterstücks like 114, 144 or 146 after long idle time often first have to draw ink. Feed and mechanism, however, do not differ technically significantly between Limited Editions and regular writing instruments, so the observation is rather to be valued as an individual property of the concrete piece. A systematic preference of limited editions in this respect cannot be derived from the available experience reports.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can model, year of manufacture and authenticity of a Montblanc Meisterstück acquired at a flea market be determined?", "a": "On the end piece of the pen the model number is generally located, by which the model can be unambiguously identified. In the specific case it is a Meisterstück 102G from the last Safety series, produced between 1936 and 1937. The coding reads 1=Meisterstück, 0=safety pen, 2=smallest size of the series, G=high gloss. Nib, clip and cap fit; the hard rubber is, however, due to age matt and discoloured, and the seals are likely no longer to function. A value estimate can be made based on comparable market prices.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a counterfeit be recognised on a Montblanc W. Faulkner ballpoint, and how is the eBay dealer to be evaluated?", "a": "An unambiguous list of features that only originals show cannot be drawn up, since counterfeits have very different qualities. An indication is the inscription Pix highlighted under the clip, which is present on many originals but not on all, which is why the absence is no sure exclusion criterion. With commercial sellers with positive ratings, the risk is manageable through the legal right of return; nevertheless, purchase from the authorised specialist retailer is recommended, since internet dealers are neither tolerated nor authorised by Montblanc. In case of doubt, a staff member of a boutique can subsequently judge the authenticity.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can it be judged from the eBay pictures whether an acquired Montblanc set is genuine, and how is the use of foreign sale photos to be evaluated?", "a": "The depicted pens appear, based on the pictures, most likely genuine; however, the nib shown in the gallery picture fits rather a 149 and presumably does not come from the offered piece. The use of foreign pictures in eBay auctions is legally problematic, since pictures are part of the offer and bidders have the right to original photos of the concrete article. Adopted photos are often a warning sign for counterfeits or unclean sales and lead to no valid sales contract coming about. A reliable estimate only succeeds after receipt of the goods based on one's own photos.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can contact be established with Axel or with Scription after the sale of Dörrbecker?", "a": "The email address deposited in the forum signatures corresponds to the one given on the website penparadise.com. Scription is, after the sale of the shops and a professional time-out, currently not reachable; enquiries or orders are answered neither currently nor in the future.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How does the colour of celluloid change on a Montblanc 144G over time, and how is the condition of preservation to be classified?", "a": "Ink discolours the celluloid in the course of use; originally grey pieces change accordingly. This discolouration cannot be reversed. It is a usual ageing state, neither particularly good nor particularly bad but typical for pens of this era.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Copernicus offered on eBay a counterfeit?", "a": "With an instant-buy price of 95 euros and multiple availability, a counterfeit is to be assumed with almost one hundred percent certainty. Even if the photo is unsharp, several anomalies speak against an original. It is not unusual that counterfeiters use original photos for their offers, which is why the photo alone is no authenticity proof. On relevant fake platforms, numerous Montblanc imitations from standard models to Limited Editions are offered.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is an original price of 145 US dollars for a Montblanc Meister Bütten box on eBay reasonable?", "a": "The price stated is in order. Sometimes the set of laid paper and envelopes can even be acquired more cheaply. Sourcing from the USA, however, is generally not worthwhile because of shipping and customs costs, since corresponding sets are frequently also offered domestically.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does a Montblanc fountain pen with a dedication by Catherine Deneuve exist, or is it a counterfeit?", "a": "The writing instrument comes from a UNICEF special campaign in which numerous prominent personalities each briefly used a pen and had it engraved correspondingly. Such pieces are real Montblanc pens but no official Limited Editions; rather individually engraved promotional or campaign pens. Comparable constellations turned up earlier e.g. with the so-called Special Edition Willy Brandt. Since Montblanc always also uses its pens as high-quality promotional gifts, the existence of such dedication copies is plausible.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the 75th Anniversary 1924 Solitaire series by Montblanc by now being counterfeited, and how is the imitation to be evaluated?", "a": "Counterfeits of this series too exist, in which black rings and jagged star were adopted. The imitation, however, is poorly executed in craft, e.g. recognisable by the crooked positioning of the brilliant. Despite the deficient quality, for such fakes prices over 100 euros are partly bid.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which manufacturer is an octagonal Safety pen with the barrel inscription COLUMBUS 18KT and a gold nib signed with MONTBLANC 4 14CT?", "a": "It is not a Montblanc but a Safety pen of another manufacturer; only the nib comes from Montblanc. The pen is likely to come from Italy or Germany; based on the turning knob, German origin seems more likely. An unambiguous model assignment is not possible based on the features mentioned. Despite unclear origin, it is a beautiful Safety pen that with service can be made writable again.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc promotional articles are worth collecting, and which are not mentioned in the report on fountainpen.de?", "a": "There are collectors who specifically gather Montblanc promotional articles. In the report, among others, the praline tins of metal are missing, which Montblanc traditionally gave away before Christmas and which occasionally turn up on eBay. These tins are also promotional articles and no regular retail products.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Is a Safety pen with the cap inscription THE ROYAL FOUNTAIN PEN, NEW YORK U.S.A. and a nib with SIMPLO PEN CO. a Montblanc or a sideline product?", "a": "Without a photo, especially of the mechanism, a reliable statement is not possible. The inscription suggests that either pen or nib are pieced together, that is, a wrong pen with the right nib or vice versa is present. The nib with the designation SIMPLO PEN CO. is interesting as a hint of the early brand phase of Montblanc. A definitive classification is only possible based on clear pictures.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which are currently the most expensive writing instruments on the market?", "a": "As the most expensive writing instrument, the Aurora Diamante with a price of around 750,000 euros is named. In the evaluation it should be considered that 'teuer' in the literal sense means that something costs more than it is worth; terms like 'wertvoll' or 'hochwertig' are factually more apt.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What is known about the Montblanc Limited Rotary Edition for the 100th birthday of the Rotary Club?", "a": "The pen was produced on the occasion of the 100th birthday of the Rotary Club in an edition of 100 pieces and is already sold out in some Asian countries, since demand exceeds the available quantity. With a retail price of around 13,600 euros, the quick scarcity is little surprising.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which rare model is a small black Montblanc about 7 cm with 14-carat nib, star with the number 00 and hexagonal star on the cap?", "a": "It is a very rare, absolutely genuine Montblanc Double Zero Baby Safety with a long cap from the period about 1920 to 1924. A counterfeit can be excluded, since counterfeiters generally do not bear the effort of an original gold nib and use glass nibs instead. Complete model lists of Montblanc do not exist, which is why rare early pieces are hardly to be found in the literature. In restored condition with the star shining again, the model reaches a considerable collector value.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Meisterstück 146 with bicolour nib, striped ink window, Germany embossing without serial number and a visible metal screw inside the cap genuine?", "a": "Without a photo a reliable judgement is not possible; the described features sound, however, inconspicuous. The metal screw inside the cap is found on all Meisterstücks; on newer models it is additionally hidden by a blind cap and therefore not visible. The described appearance is thus no indication of a counterfeit.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Will the Pelikan M205 in the transparent colourless version be regularly available in Germany?", "a": "Pelikan has decided not to sell the model in Europe for the time being; officially it is initially reserved for the US and Japanese markets. Via group orders from the USA, the pen can nevertheless be procured. Occasionally similar transparent M205s have been spotted in German shops, e.g. at Karstadt in Hannover; unambiguous identification, however, is difficult.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How is the writing quality of the steel nibs of Waldmann fountain pens to be assessed, and which nib manufacturer is fitted?", "a": "The writing behaviour does not depend on the material of the nib but primarily on the iridium tipping, the nib grind as well as the construction of the nib and the feed; steel and gold nibs can therefore write similarly well. Waldmann uses nibs by Bock and, according to more recent reports, increasingly also by JoWo; both manufacturers deliver nibs of equally high quality. Bock steel nibs are also found at Montegrappa and Faber-Castell. A noticeable difference between Bock and JoWo is in everyday use hardly perceivable.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Did the Montblanc 234 1/2 with only one cap ring also exist in combination with an older clip instead of the tie clip?", "a": "A single cap ring rather points to a cap sleeve of a 3 model (e.g. 324) that could be transferred to later models. An unambiguous statement on the originality of the configuration presupposes a photo and clarification of which earlier clip is meant (teardrop or Danish clip). A mixed assembly from different model generations is thus more plausible than an original factory configuration.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc rollerball won at eBay, allegedly originating from the Bohème range, an original?", "a": "It is a counterfeit. A typical indication is the black Montblanc star on the inside of the packaging, since this is on originals never black. Additionally, the pen is not a Bohème but a counterfeit of a StarWalker RubberLine. If already the packaging is unambiguously imitated, most likely the writing instrument itself is no original goods.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the nib width be determined from a photo if the writing effect seems to vary between B and M?", "a": "On the photo shown, the nib tipping is to be classified as M line width. Fluctuations in the writing image between narrow and broad are primarily attributable to the paper; absorbent or rough papers make lines appear clearly broader, while smooth papers yield a finer stroke. The nib width is therefore correctly classified; the perceived differences rest on the interaction with different writing surfaces.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Why has the Montblanc forum fallen asleep, and is a continuation to be expected?", "a": "Since 2007, there are no longer time capacities to actively maintain the forum, which is why the website also remains at the old state. Visitor numbers currently still lie at around 1500 to 2000 per day. Users' needs have changed; content discussions recede in favour of other formats. Despite reduced activity, the website remains as a resource.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Are there Montblanc Meisterstück models with a clip of 14-carat gold, and is this correspondingly stamped?", "a": "Current solid-gold Meisterstücks have, for stability reasons, no clips of pure gold; on older models, e.g. about ten years back, however, clips of gold were fitted. Such older solid-gold variants can still be found at dealers. Real gold clips are provided with the corresponding hallmark, e.g. a 585 or 750 stamp; if this is present, the clip really consists of gold and is not only coated.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does the Montblanc Limited Anniversary 75 Skeleton watch actually exist, and how is an offer from Taiwan to be classified?", "a": "The watch is a regular model by Montblanc and belongs to the Special Edition Meisterstück Anniversary 75 Skeleton, retrievable via the official website. Whether the concrete offer is an original piece cannot be judged from the basic data alone. Taste judgements on the beauty of the watch fall differently.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it worth bidding on eBay on a Montblanc Solitaire Nikolai I, and is the offer despite unsharp pictures to be judged as genuine?", "a": "The pictures allow an original to be recognised; several assessments confirm the authenticity. Whether a purchase is economically sensible depends on the highest bid and personal collector interest; in regular clearance sales, prices around 685 euros are called up for this model. Buyers report very good writing properties of the model.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc 146 with a strikingly thick middle ring a Wedding Pen or an Anniversary variant?", "a": "The thick middle ring consists of 585 gold; the pen is a Wedding Pen. The Wedding Pens were historically presented in boutiques as a set consisting of a 144 and a 146, which points to the paired sales idea. The narrower 144 was intended for more delicate hands, the somewhat larger 146 as the counterpart. In black both variants also exist, which regularly causes surprise among collectors who previously knew only the 144.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the nib of an azure-blue Montblanc IIIb with Warranted marking and triangle period-original or subsequently inserted?", "a": "The nib described comes from a later epoch, presumably after 1945, and does not fit the production period of the IIIb of 1932 to 1934. Period-original would be a so-called b-nib with b in a triangle. As an acceptable alternative, a No. 4 nib with the 4 in the Montblanc star circle comes into question. The writing behaviour of the fitted nib, butter-soft and flexible, also corresponds rather to the characteristic of the 1950s.", "board": "Fountain-pen nibs", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What is known about the Montblanc Limited Edition Andrew Jackson for the US market?", "a": "Since February, there is a new presidents' edition for the American market with Andrew Jackson as homage figure; the pen is offered for around 33,000 US dollars. Montblanc's choice of model is critically discussed in collector circles, since the historical person Andrew Jackson is controversial especially among American natives. Such discussions accompany Montblanc special editions more often.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Meisterstück 149 from 2014 genuine if on the nib Au750 instead of 18K and under the clip Metal Germany Pix is engraved?", "a": "The pen is genuine. The inscription 18 kt is found only on older nibs; newer nibs bear the marking Au 750 or Au 585, which is why this marking indicates the age and not the authenticity. The additional inscription Pix under the clip or on the cap has been applied more frequently in recent years, because Pix is in many countries protectable as a brand, while Meisterstück cannot be protected everywhere. The combination of the named features is thus a normal characteristic of current production.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which fountain pen is preferable for a switch from M to F, the Montblanc Chopin Platinum or the Le Grand Traveller?", "a": "There is no universally valid recommendation, since the decision depends primarily on size and feel and is a matter of taste. In the model comparison it is to be considered that the Traveller does not exist in Platinum version; if Platinum is desired, only the 145 Chopin remains. Practically relevant is additionally that the Chopin can be filled with a converter; the Traveller, on the other hand, presumably not. Anyone open to both sizes should be led by the immediate impression in the hand.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What flat-rate prices does Montblanc charge for repairs like nib change or turning-knob repair, and is this uniformly regulated in the boutique?", "a": "The nib change is price-coupled to the condition of the nib: with nearly near-new nib, Montblanc charges a flat rate of around 50 euros; with no-longer-new condition it becomes significantly more expensive. In the Vienna boutique, for a nib change from F to EF on a 146, almost 200 euros were estimated; German boutiques, by contrast, demand the lower flat-rate amount, which is not always uniformly communicated by telephone. The repair service proves accommodating in many cases, e.g. with the free exchange of deformed nibs. Overall the service quality of Montblanc is praised; regionally, however, there are differences in pricing.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does Montblanc offer its own jeans collection?", "a": "With the pictures of alleged Montblanc jeans in circulation, it is a fake, and a poor-quality one. An official jeans line does not belong to the Montblanc range.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is known about the Montblanc Art of Porcelain Limited Edition 10 Ballpoint Pen?", "a": "It is a very rare edition that is little known even to experienced collectors and has also turned up at Bonhams only occasionally. Comparable rarities like the matching Sketch Pen in silver have in the past been auctioned from designer estates at comparatively low prices. Substantial detailed information on the edition hardly exists.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the embossing M N or M.-N. on the turning knob of older Montblanc models stand for?", "a": "The embossing M.-N. stands for Montblanc-Niederlage, that is, the historical designation for a Montblanc branch. It is thus an origin or distribution mark and not a model or nib statement.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How must an original nib of the Montblanc 149 look, and are large-area platinum-plated 149 nibs genuine?", "a": "An original 149 nib is today consistently executed in 18 carat and outside as well as inside yellow-gold with only a platinum-plated stripe in between. A nib on which only the outer edge is gold-coloured and the inner surface appears platinum-plated belongs, on smaller sizes, typically to a 146. There exist, however, older 149 nibs, presumably from the 1980s until before the Hemingway generation, on which the entire inner field was platinum-plated; with the Hemingway edition, a return was made to the variant with narrow edge. Accordingly, a large-area platinum-plated 149 nib can be genuine if it is at least about 15 years old.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a soiling at the tip of a platinum-plated nib of a Montblanc 146 LeGrand be removed, and is the star cap unscrewable?", "a": "Soiling on the nib tip should as far as possible be removed without abrasive material; a moistened piece of cloth generally suffices. Leather cleaners may not be used on platinum-plated nibs, since they wear off the platinum and lead in the medium term to a solid-gold look. Silver-cleaning cloths also remove material and should only be used very sparingly and selectively, e.g. on stubborn ink residues. Hints on the unscrewability of the tip cap were not substantively answered.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is the Encre Invisible by J. Herbin suitable as a secret ink for a Montblanc fountain pen?", "a": "The ink is, according to manufacturer information, not suitable for fountain pens but for dip nibs, glass or quill nibs, calami and brushes. Practical writing tests in the fountain pen led after brief application to unsatisfactory results, so use in the fountain pen is to be advised against.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Did a gold-coloured Montblanc Noblesse mechanical pencil exist, and are there pictures of it?", "a": "There were gilded writing instruments of the Noblesse range in several model variants, each as fountain pen, ballpoint, mechanical pencil and rollerball. In total three different model variants of the gilded Noblesse line existed. Owing to unsharp pictures, an individual assignment can only be guessed at; the example described presumably comes from the Noblesse III with open clip.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc offered on eBay that resembles a Medici Patron of Arts that, an older model or a counterfeit?", "a": "It is not the Medici from the Patron of Arts but an old Safety pen with silver overlay that merely visually resembles the Medici, since the Patron of Arts edition is deliberately modelled on the early Safety models. The pen is thus no fake but a historical original. The bidder structure of the auction with experienced vintage collectors confirms this classification. Comparable is the model with the Safety No. 6 Silver Overlay.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the new CONID website by now fully functional, especially the how-to-fill video?", "a": "After initial problems with the how-to-fill video, the video was revised and is since retrievable. The website is thus functionally usable; feedback via the blog is requested by the provider.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is ink leakage at the turning knob of a Montblanc Safety pen acquired on eBay a typical phenomenon, and how can it be remedied?", "a": "Ink leakage at the turning knob is a frequent problem with old Safety fountain pens and is no serious defect but results from ageing of the cork or rubber seal. With some luck, the seal saturates anew with ink and seals again; pre-filling with water can also let the cork swell up. Experienced collectors report that the majority of their Safety stock required restoration, which is why it is recommended to have the seal in case of oddities replaced or to renew it oneself. The phenomenon is no authenticity, but an ageing problem.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a fountain pen offered as a Montblanc Noblesse genuine, and how can pictures be uploaded?", "a": "The pen described is an original. The design corresponds to the taste of the 1970s; comparable writing instruments also existed from other manufacturers like Markant. For picture upload in the forum, a maximum resolution of 499 by 499 pixels applies; larger pictures cannot be uploaded.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is pensinasia.com a reputable source for Asia-specific Montblanc editions like the Kafka, and which customs and VAT aspects are to be observed?", "a": "The provider is regarded as reputable; however, shipping costs are high, and the total amount is to be cleared through customs, which means surcharges of about 25 to 30 percent including processing fee. If it can be proven that the pen was produced in the EU, only the import VAT of 19 percent applies; a mere Made in Germany imprint, however, does not suffice as proof. The Kafka is also available in European specialist trade, e.g. at Karstadt for around 650 euros, which often makes the foreign order economically unattractive. Overall, sourcing within the EU is recommended.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which market value is realistic for the not-on-public-sale nib tester boxes with Montblanc 146 LeGrand, and which nib widths belong in a complete box?", "a": "Comparable individual Meisterstücks from such tester boxes were traded around 140 euros; a complete set lay price-wise at around 1,400 euros, without this price having been demonstrably achieved. Into a complete box belong not exclusively 146s but in combination also a 145 with S nib; the S nib width was regularly available but sold poorly and today is regarded as hardly still procurable. Reports exist that the character of the S nib was felt to be too characterless by the then managing director. Tester boxes are particularly sought-after in the US market and find interested buyers there.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc case won at eBay with an unusual logo a counterfeit, and how can the purchase be reversed?", "a": "The case described is a counterfeit; the deviating logo is an unambiguous recognition feature; original cases typically show a clamping for holding the fountain pen. For reversal, the path via PayPal buyer protection is recommended, since the effort is small. With proven counterfeit, the fake status can be confirmed by Montblanc and, if applicable, a complaint filed, since the sale of counterfeits in Germany is punishable. Buyers should carefully check cases before payment, since counterfeiters often make obvious errors on the logo.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What can be done about an increasingly loosening closure cap on a Rotring Initial Silver?", "a": "The problem is known and arises through wear of the plastic material inside the cap. A real repair solution does not exist, since Rotring no longer produces the Initial and replacement caps are hardly available. A practical way out is the procurement of further Initial pens via the second-hand market, on which such models were phase-wise available cheaply, in order to use an intact cap from them.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a fountain pen acquired at an auction a known Montblanc model?", "a": "The pen is a counterfeit. Striking are, among other things, black spaces between the rings as well as a cap form not occurring on originals. In comparison with the original Solitaire Silver Doué or Solitaire Steel Doué, the differences become clearly visible.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can I recognise whether my Montblanc Meisterstück Classique ballpoint is genuine, and of what does the material really consist?", "a": "The Meisterstück writing instruments consist of so-called precious resin, that is, a plastic (similar to plexiglass), not of real natural resin. An exception is the Mozart series, which due to the small wall thickness is made of lacquered metal. Originals typically show a plastic body with metal tip, while counterfeits often consist entirely of lacquered metal. A small chipping behind which yellowish-shimmering material appears can be attributable to the metal tip or simply to ingressed dirt and is no unambiguous authenticity feature. Based on the length and the detail photos, the model number (e.g. 116) can be narrowed down.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How rare is the Montblanc Writers Edition J.S. Bach and in what price range is it traded?", "a": "The edition of the J.S. Bach was around 12,000 pieces and is thus below most other Writers Editions, without being really rare. The original list price was about 400 euros in 2001. On the second-hand market, depending on condition and sales platform, prices between approx. 300 and 600 euros are usual; with some patience one finds it on eBay also in the lower range. As with all limited editions, it is traded more rarely with time, simply because fewer pieces change owners.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Do variants of the Montblanc Lorenzo de' Medici exist in which only the body consists of silver?", "a": "Of the Lorenzo de' Medici from the Patron of Arts Edition, only a regular variant with octagonal hand-engraved sterling-silver overlay exists; alongside, only a solid-gold version is known. A version with exclusively silver body does not exist. Possibly meant is the Marcel Proust from the Writers Edition: it too has an octagonal sterling-silver overlay but a cap of resin and was made in significantly higher edition than the Medici.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc pencil fits best the Meisterstück Classique Chopin and what differences exist between the models?", "a": "Visually, the Meisterstück Classique 165 in the same size best fits the Chopin; the LeGrand would not harmonise proportionally. The LeGrand is a rotary pencil (front-loader) with 0.9 mm lead, which is steplessly advanced; the Classique a push pencil (rear-loader) with 0.5 or 0.7 mm lead. As an alternative for notes and corrections, the Bohème pencil is also suitable, which is compact, has an eraser and is equipped with 0.9 mm lead, which breaks less often. The choice thus depends on look, desired lead thickness and mechanism.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the addition N after the model number of a Montblanc Meisterstück mean, e.g. on the 644 N?", "a": "The appended N marks on older Meisterstücks the version with wing nib. Models without N are, by contrast, equipped with the classic Meisterstück nib. The distinction is well comprehensible based on the nib illustrations in relevant overviews (e.g. at Maxpens or Penboard).", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can one acquire the George Washington from the Montblanc series of American presidents?", "a": "Such rare Limited Editions turn up regularly in relevant auctions. Alongside eBay, especially the auction houses Bonhams, Bloomsbury Auctions and Christies are suitable, since there high-quality writing instruments are regularly auctioned. Alternatively, a direct enquiry to specialised collector dealers like Paco Cruz (cruzaltpens.com), who has a large range of rare Limited Editions, can be successful.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which size differences exist between the Montblanc Meisterstück 144 and the 145 regarding barrel diameter and length?", "a": "The 145 is somewhat larger than the 144 but retains the proportions of the Classique line. Detailed dimension specifications and comparative illustrations can be viewed in the relevant overviews (e.g. fountainpen.de) as well as in forum posts with concrete dimension tables. The models both belong to the Classique size; the difference is therefore moderate but visible and measurable.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "From what period do the models Montblanc 344G and Pix 172 come, and which engraving variants exist?", "a": "Of the 344, according to the standard work Collectible Stars, three variants exist: the 344G from the years 1951 to 1953, the 344 from 1954 to 1956 as well as a later version from 1957 to 1960. On the second variant, the star on the cap is merely outlined. The Pix 172 was produced between 1951 and 1958. An originally white-filled engraving can be worn off through use, so it no longer appears coloured today.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "From what period does an old box of Montblanc royal-blue ink in a cardboard barrel come?", "a": "Royal-blue Montblanc ink in original cardboard packaging with glass barrel is usually dated to the 1950s. A more precise temporal narrowing-down is possible by collectors based on label variants and glass form or based on relevant literature.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How are the numerous supposed Montblanc online shops to be evaluated that offer original goods at strikingly low prices?", "a": "They are practically without exception fake shops: either the customer receives no goods at all or a counterfeit, and the credit-card data is misused. Such sites exist in their hundreds and crop up under changing domains. Montblanc pursues corresponding cases via the legal department, but the proceedings drag on. A reliable warning sign is deficient German as well as payment requests by email with attached ZIP files.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it normal that a Montblanc 145 Meisterstück appears slightly reddish-transparent when held against strong light?", "a": "Yes, the precious resin of the Meisterstücks is slightly transparent against a strong light source and can thereby show a reddish shimmer; this is an authenticity feature. It is to be noted that the material is additionally sensitive to heat. Counterfeits typically consist of lacquered metal and are thereby opaque.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Sheaffer model is an unknown auctioned pen?", "a": "Based on the auction pictures, the fountain pen can be identified as a Sheaffer Targa in Classic Size, presumably model 1005. A comprehensive overview of the Targa models with illustrations can be found on sheaffertarga.com, where the precise determination can be further secured.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What contents does the report 'Der elfte Finger' in Welt am Sonntag about the fountain-pen specialist Julia Gusano offer, and are the collector statements mentioned therein accurate?", "a": "The article portrays Julia Gusano in Madrid and contains historical background on fountain pens, illustrations of her workshop as well as references to historical pieces like the Montblanc Safety 12 with nib prices around 600 euros. The quantities mentioned in the report, however, are to be put into perspective: the claim that only six examples of the Montblanc Safety 12 are still known is, according to collector assessment, incorrect, as is the value statement of 16,000 euros felt to be sensationalist. An illustrated online version with additional background texts appeared in parallel under an alternative title.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can oddities on a Montblanc Classique Platin Line ballpoint 164P be evaluated, e.g. position of the clip engraving, type of engraving and missing PIX logo?", "a": "The engraving under the clip reads on current models 'Made in Germany' instead of 'PIX'; that is therefore inconspicuous. The position of the serial number on the clip edge has been changed several times in the course of production and is therefore no reliable authenticity criterion. The inscription should regularly be a laser engraving; however, current counterfeits also use engravings, so this feature has lost meaning. With the large-capacity refills, variants existed over the years too. For concrete authenticity check, an enquiry to Montblanc Service via the contact form on the website with the complete serial number is recommended.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is the Marcel Proust pencil correctly filled with leads?", "a": "The Proust pencil has the standard mechanism of a Montblanc pencil: the rear cap can be pulled off; behind it the leads are inserted. That when unscrewing the front part the lead visibly protrudes is normal with mechanical pencils and no defect. In an emergency, filling from the front is also possible, by operating the mechanism and pushing the lead in. If the cap sits firmly, it should be carefully pulled off again.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What emerges from the Richemont press release on the possible sale of Montegrappa and on the withdrawal of Norbert Platt?", "a": "Richemont has classified the writing-instrument business Montegrappa as a 'discontinued operation' and is actively in sale negotiations. Norbert Platt, who had previously shaped Montblanc decisively and had been CEO of Richemont for five years, announced his withdrawal at the end of the year; later it became known that the resignation took place for health reasons. During his term, group turnover grew to record levels, and operating profit exceeded the one-billion-euro mark. His strategic swing at Montblanc away from the inexpensive writing instrument towards the luxury brand with extended range is regarded across the industry as defining.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the brand name Sheaffer correctly spelled or does the variant Shaeffer exist?", "a": "The correct spelling is Sheaffer; deviating spellings like Shaeffer are typos and were in the case mentioned corrected.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can one tell whether a Meisterstück from an unknown source is an original or a counterfeit?", "a": "If the writing instrument shown does not correspond to any documented Montblanc model, it is beyond doubt a counterfeit. Typical recognition features of plagiarisms are unusual spaces between the cap rings, deviating inscriptions like 'MONT BLANC' (instead of Montblanc), occasionally even with spelling errors, and nib inscriptions with general terms like 'Iridium Point'. Such pieces are produced in Asia in large numbers at low prices. The designs resemble no really existing model, which eases identification as a fake.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc pilot's briefcase No. 30860 offered via an internet dealer an original model, and which pilot's briefcases existed at all?", "a": "The offered briefcase comes from the years-ago discontinued Solitaire leather collection in matt black soft leather, which should not be confused with the nappa leather of the Platin line. Gilded corners on small leather goods were usual in this series and no indication of a counterfeit. Alongside, pilot's briefcases existed from the 4810 Eastside collection (No. 07578, dimensions 47x35x19 cm) as well as from the Meisterstück line. The Solitaire variant is significantly smaller. Current pilot's briefcases are no longer led by Montblanc in the regular range.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Has Montblanc ever produced a travel trolley, or are corresponding offers counterfeits?", "a": "A Montblanc travel trolley does not belong to the official range; corresponding offers are unquestionably counterfeits. At Asian leather-goods fairs, e.g. in Shenzhen, Montblanc-printed bags, cases and trolleys are produced in container loads and distributed via eBay as well as at border markets in Europe. Even sellers with a high rating can offer such plagiarisms commercially; a high rating count is therefore no authenticity indicator.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Did a Montblanc Platinum ballpoint from the series '75 years Passion and Soul' exist, or is it necessarily a counterfeit?", "a": "A Platinum variant of the Anniversary Edition '75 Years Passion and Soul' was never produced; offered were exclusively steel and black versions. Further typical fake features are the black case in the packaging, the inside white box (originals are inside black) as well as blurred product photos. Such writing instruments are produced at manufacturing costs of about 10 euros and offered for 100 to 150 dollars as originals. Caution: counterfeiters partly also use real original photos, so pictures alone are no authenticity guarantee.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does the forum deal with questions that do not belong to the topic of writing instruments, e.g. on acquaintance with Cubans in Germany?", "a": "The forum is aimed at writing-instrument collectors; off-topic questions contradict the forum guidelines and are moved by the administrator to the section 'Miscellaneous'. Content-wise, there is no strict restriction, provided a reference to the collector community exists; however, correct categorisation of posts is binding.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can an older gold-coloured Montblanc ballpoint with the inscription 'No. 88' and lever mechanism on the clip be identified and supplied with refills?", "a": "It is the Montblanc 88, a gold-plated ballpoint that, according to Collectible Stars (page 59), was produced between 1961 and 1970. By contrast, the 98 consists of solid gold and was made in 14- and 18-carat variants. The standard work Collectible Stars is available via collectiblestars.de and provides further details. Original refills for the 88 are no longer delivered by Montblanc; alternative refill options have to be procured via collector sources.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can an inherited Montblanc 149 from the 1950s with the inscription 'Masterpiece' be dated and assessed in value?", "a": "The inscription 'Masterpiece' identifies it as an export model that was not intended for the German market. Based on the feed, it can be classified as the second variant of the then 149. The value depends decisively on the condition of the ink window: light, yellowish celluloid points to little use and thereby higher value; dark discolourations reduce it significantly. Before a sale, the fountain pen should be thoroughly flushed. For value orientation, a look at already sold articles on eBay serves; alternatively a sale to specialised collector dealers is possible.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which writing instruments from the Montblanc editions Writers Edition, Patron of Arts, Artisan and Skeleton are regarded as particularly successful?", "a": "Taste questions lead to different favourites, but some models are particularly frequently named. With the Writers Edition, Jules Verne, Schiller, Kafka and Faulkner stand high in favour, although the Verne is regarded as visually balanced but top-heavy in handling. With the Patron of Arts, the Copernicus, the Friedrich II and the Pope Julius II are highlighted; the 888 versions are throughout evaluated as more attractive. From the Artisan editions, the Salvador Dali is particularly valued, which stands close to the skeleton style, followed by the Hundertwasser. Among the Skeletons, the Black Widow is seen narrowly before the Charlie Chaplin, whose availability however is uncertain.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How risky is the purchase of a Montblanc Meisterstück 149 from a Turkish eBay seller without ratings?", "a": "The risk is high regardless of whether the auction photos show a real 149. With sellers without ratings from abroad, there is a considerable danger that the delivered goods do not correspond to the description or fail to arrive entirely. Disreputable providers also regularly use foreign photos found via image search, so the illustrations have little meaning. A comparable 149 in coral costs in specialist trade around 900 to 1000 euros; with doubtful offers, distance is to be kept.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it normal that on the Delta Dolce Vita Oversize the silver ring between the black end cap and the orange body can be rotated?", "a": "No, the silver ring should not be rotatable on the body or the cap; on flawless examples it sits firmly. A loose, rotatable ring indicates a workmanship defect or damage and should be checked by the dealer or manufacturer.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which model is an inherited Montblanc multi-colour ballpoint, and why does it carry the Montblanc logo although it comes from Fend?", "a": "It is presumably a Montblanc 60-series multi-colour ballpoint. These pens were not made by Montblanc itself but by the firm Fend in Pforzheim, which held the patent on the four-colour mechanism; Montblanc sourced the pens and had them labelled under its own name. There existed various variants with different refill counts, depending on Fend production. Such commissioned manufacture was and is common in the industry; even today, mechanisms and accessories are often bought in. For more detailed information, the Fend expert Dirk Barmeier (Penexchange) is a suitable contact.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What distinguishes the Montblanc Bohème Jewels line and why are they rarely to be found on the collector market?", "a": "The Bohème Jewels line is relatively new and connected with high retail prices, so buyers are reluctant to part with them, which explains the small presence on the second-hand market. Characteristic are real semi-precious stones like citrine, rhodolite or similar stones as well as a leather sheathing of the body, which makes the pieces appear particularly unusual. Over time, rising collector value is to be expected, since these are real niche products. As with other limited editions of Montblanc, here specific customer needs are specifically addressed.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc fountain pen is equipped with a green semi-precious stone or a cap of green semi-precious material?", "a": "Several models show green stones: in the Bohème Vert there is a synthetic emerald in the clip, in the Jungle Eyes collection a tourmaline and in some Patron of Arts editions peridot stones. With the Atelier Privés pieces, real sapphires are used. The cap of the Meisterstück Solitaire Nikolai edition consists of ground and newly bound malachite and was produced in gold and platinum variants. The Nikolai series is no longer being made; remaining stock is available via specialised dealers.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can in the forum one's own photos be offered as desktop wallpapers for download?", "a": "An open upload possibility does not exist, since webspace, technical administration and copyright questions must be clarified. Submitted photos can after coordination by email with confirmation of one's own authorship be sent to the administrator and after review be manually embedded. Owing to the voluntary maintenance, however, publication can occur delayed.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How large is the Montblanc Scott Fitzgerald compared to 146 and 149, and is it suitable for large hands?", "a": "The Fitzgerald has roughly the diameter of a 146 but is overall shorter and smaller than the LeGrand. For writers with large hands it is therefore less well suited; a 146 or larger lies more comfortably in the hand.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are brown discolourations on the Montblanc J.S. Bach and similar oddities on a 149 and Mozart attributable to material defects or storage conditions?", "a": "On the J.S. Bach it is no discolouration: Montblanc leads this colour as 'Sepia' and the material is by design dark-brown. Real discolourations or deposit formations on Montblanc writing instruments are, according to collector experience, very rare and can be attributable to unfavourable storage (case materials, humidity, neighbouring materials like furniture outgassing) as well as to inks used. If deposits can be removed with a silver-cleaning cloth or careful wiping, mostly no substance damage is given. For a well-founded judgement, the writing instruments together with the case must be sent in to Montblanc with detailed information on storage location, climate, ink and cleaning.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which seal is fitted in the Montblanc Rouge et Noir Safety, a cork seal or a modern solution?", "a": "Since the Rouge et Noir is conceived as an exact replica of the historical Safety models, it is likely equipped with a cork seal. Cork seals are with proper treatment very long-lasting, especially when the fountain pen is not in use.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one tell whether a Montblanc Generation ballpoint acquired via eBay is genuine, and what does the supplied plastic packaging mean?", "a": "Based on the features shown, the ballpoint can be classified as an original; obvious counterfeit features are not recognisable. The transparent plastic packaging is an internal shipping packaging that Montblanc uses for delivery to dealers and boutiques; dealers are actually required not to pass it on in sales. An unfilled warranty card is therefore no indication of a counterfeit. Original refills can be reliably obtained via established online shops like missing-pen.de.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the gold nib of a Montblanc 246 only with the inscription '4810' and star, without further information like '14C' or '585', original?", "a": "The nib depicted is likely genuine but does not regularly belong in the 246: it looks like a Meisterstück nib from the 1930s, recognisable by the small logo hallmark under the main logo. On a regular 246 nib, 'MONTBLANC', the logo, '14C', again 'MONTBLANC' and '585' should be stamped. An exception are France models: since France only recognises gold from 18 carat, writing instruments sold there were delivered with 18-carat nibs, partly by drawing on old stock of Meisterstück nibs. Thus the nib can also be correct in a 246 destined for France.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How are the German and English Wikipedia articles on Montblanc to be evaluated in content, and should forum members contribute to them?", "a": "The German Wikipedia entry on Montblanc International GmbH offers a compact overview and milestones, while the English article ('Montblanc pens') is clearly capable of being expanded. Topics like the change of model ranges (early celluloid series, Generation, Bohème, StarWalker), the takeover by Richemont, the gold-nib production, the piston system and the Atelier Artisan could be supplemented. Since Wikipedia is open, anyone can supplement contributions; references to existing overview pages should be retained. The Montblanc Museum, which is mentioned in some contributions, is located in the Hamburg plant and is accessible within the framework of factory inspections.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How is a Montblanc StarWalker Rubber Line offered on eBay at a strikingly low price to be evaluated, even if the pictures look like an original?", "a": "Strikingly cheap offers are most likely counterfeits or fraud attempts. Sellers often use original photos but deliver plagiarisms; especially Chinese online shops use picture material of real writing instruments. A second variant is identity theft: hacked eBay accounts are misused for mass phantom sales; the money goes to the perpetrators. Indications are many identical expensive sets with one seller with few, exclusively buyer ratings. If needed, payment should be made exclusively via PayPal with credit card in order to keep both refund routes open; in case of doubt, the purchase is to be refrained from.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which model and which value are an inherited antique Montblanc fountain pen from family possession?", "a": "It is a Meisterstück from the 1930s, based on the indications given presumably a 25. The exact model number is embossed at the rear on the turning knob of the filling mechanism. It is a push-knob filler with an ink sac inside; after long non-use, the sac typically has to be renewed, for which specialised restorers like Horst Schrage (max@maxpens.de) offer themselves. For value determination, the relevant collector guides and a comparison with current eBay auctions are recommended; 25s are not rare, so patience in market observation is sensible.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can serial fake sellers be recognised on eBay who distribute plagiarisms over a longer time?", "a": "Repeat offenders are often recognisable by using the same product photos for months and only changing the seller name. Occasionally, providers combine an original photo with a second shot that, however, shows a plagiarism; decisive are fine differences e.g. in the grooves or inscriptions. Even sellers who unintentionally take over picture material from foreign auctions can distribute plagiarisms. A careful picture analysis and comparison with documented originals are therefore indispensable.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Since when is the Montblanc StarWalker Cool Blue available and what is the price difference compared to the Resin variant based on?", "a": "The StarWalker Cool Blue was already announced in 2004 but only actually came into trade in May 2007. The intense blue colouring acts in the original more vigorously and partly slightly translucent, which on photos is hardly reproducible. The price premium of around 100 euros over the Resin model results from the more elaborate manufacturing process of the coloured variant. A sound technical justification of the price difference is not provided by the manufacturer.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Must the writing instruments of a Marcel Proust Limited Edition set bear identical edition numbers, and are early Limited Editions possibly without numbering?", "a": "On an original set, all three writing instruments bear the same edition number; only then is, from a collector perspective, a complete set with corresponding value present. If the numbers are different, the set was subsequently put together, which reduces the collector value to the respective individual value. Particularly unusual is when the pencil delivered only in the set deviates. Early Limited Editions without numbering are possible; this should, however, in the individual case be confirmed by Montblanc.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is an ebonite feed and where do its advantages and disadvantages lie compared to feeds of plastic?", "a": "Ebonite is hard rubber, a natural rubber cross-linked through high sulphur shares, which is coloured black through soot additions. Modern feeds mostly consist of polyamide (Nylon, Delrin) and are produced by injection moulding, while ebonite feeds have to be mechanically cut. Ebonite shows better adhesion properties for ink, which is why enthusiasts prefer traditionally made ebonite feeds. A precisely constructed plastic feed can, however, be functionally equivalent or even superior; decisive remain the precision of lamellas and capillaries. The appeal of the ebonite feed thus also lies in the craft demand and in the image.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How is the Conklin Mark Twain Crescent Filler in the model 'Zebra' to be classified technically and in writing terms?", "a": "The Zebra is part of the reissue of the Mark Twain Crescent Filler series and is turned from a solid acrylic-resin block and hand-polished. It is a sac filler with the characteristic crescent push button together with safety ring; closed it measures about 14.3 cm and weighs about 32 grams. Fitted is a black stainless-steel nib, here in strength M, combined with a sprung clip. It lies balanced in the hand, writes immediately and without failure and tolerates also longer lying open without drying out.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How is a clogged Montblanc click pencil 251 made workable again, and how is it correctly filled with leads?", "a": "Basically, Montblanc pencils can be filled from the front by operating the mechanism and pushing the lead in. If a lead remains stuck in the barrel or the mechanism can no longer be pushed through, this indicates a jammed lead piece that must be carefully removed. Since the forum has not been actively maintained since 2007, an additional enquiry in the active Penexchange forum is worthwhile, which also covers pencils and mechanism topics. The standard leads available in 60 mm are generally suitable for such models.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a Montblanc fountain pen Simplo No. 0 with the nib hallmark 'Simplo 0 14k' be identified and assessed in value?", "a": "It is the Montblanc No. 0, a historical model from the early days of the brand; the digit denotes the size and stands for the second-smallest version (smaller was only the 00). Such early Simplo pieces are regarded as impressive and valuable. An eBay search helps only restrictedly with this model rarity; meaningful value statements are provided by experienced collectors. For a well-founded evaluation or a fair sale, an enquiry to Horst Schrage (max@maxpens.de), known for fair purchase offers, is recommended.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does eBay really offer a telephone service hotline with personal contact persons?", "a": "Yes, eBay has introduced a customer service with a telephone hotline (01805 - 626 000), which is secured via a customer-specific service PIN. On call, users are identified by name based on the eBay account name. The service is initially in a test phase in which only selected users have access; an extension to all members is planned. A prior verification of the email (e.g. via the My eBay inbox or by forwarding to spoof@) is advisable in order to exclude phishing.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can the Montblanc 75 Years of Passion and Soul (Ballpoint 164) be verified as an original, and are the unfamiliar imprints on cap and clip typical of authenticity?", "a": "With the Anniversary Edition 75 Years of Passion and Soul, there are body and nib versions whose engravings do not look exactly like the standard Meisterstück. Thus the Pix imprint on the inside of the clip can appear with an inconspicuous (R) and the cap embossing read only 'Montblanc-Meisterstück-' without the Pix addition. These features are confirmed as correct through comparison with the sister model 144. With remaining doubts, an authenticity check in a Montblanc boutique is recommended, which brings final certainty.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the inscription Montblanc-Meisterstück-Pix(R) on the cap of a 146 Le Grand mean and is this embossing normal?", "a": "The cap inscription with the component Pix(R) is normal on Meisterstück models like the 146 Le Grand and has been usual for decades. Pix is a historical brand name protected by Montblanc, which goes back to the ballpoint mechanism and appears as a trademark-secured addition on the caps. Background can be found in the more in-depth articles on the brand history of the house.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How are the properties of the Waldmann Pocket in sterling silver/black to be assessed regarding filling, nib and writing behaviour?", "a": "The Waldmann Pocket in black/sterling silver 925 is a compact cartridge fountain pen with plug-on cap; a converter does not fit due to the short inner barrel length. The nib is a steel nib by Schmidt (Iridium Point), available in M. In practical testing, the pen shows a regular, saturated ink flow, no start-up difficulties even after longer non-use or open storage and lies well in the hand despite the slim barrel when written with the cap posted. Dimensions: 12 cm closed, 13.5 cm with the cap posted.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which high-quality fineliner alternatives to Montblanc StarWalker and Stabilo 88 exist, and are the fineliner refills of various manufacturers interchangeable?", "a": "The fineliner refills by Montblanc, Faber-Castell (e.g. Graf-von-Faber-Castell roller) and many other manufacturers are made by Schmidt Technology and are largely identical in construction. Apart from the refill end and the thread, they correspond to the Euro standard for rollerball refills and can therefore be used in most housings that use this standard. The selection of brands and models with Schmidt fineliner refills is thereby very large. On the topic of choosing writing instruments for left-handers, personal trying-out in the shop is decisive, since the writing behaviour strongly depends on individual pen posture.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Hommage à Chopin with silver instead of gold trim a counterfeit, and how can a hesitant ink flow on broad nibs be remedied?", "a": "The Hommage à Chopin also exists as a Platinum variant with platinum-plated/silver-looking trim; a silver-banded Chopin is therefore not necessarily a counterfeit but often the more expensive Platinum version. Problems with the ink flow can generally be adjusted in a Montblanc boutique. Before that, the attempt with other inks (e.g. blue from Lamy, Pelikan or Montblanc) is worthwhile, since the flow properties vary significantly. Failures with broad nibs (B/BB) are frequent at first, since Montblanc nibs are flat and not strongly rounded ground; 'breaking in' concerns rather the hand than the pen. If the problem remains after several weeks, an examination by service is sensible.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one recognise high-quality Montblanc counterfeits, e.g. of Special Editions like the Writers Edition?", "a": "Even optically deceptive counterfeits can be identified by detail features: non-gilded cap and body rings, wrong feed, steel instead of gold nib as well as a packaging not matching the edition. Even individually-appearing clip numbers and nearly correct stars are now being imitated. Counterfeits predominantly occur with cartridge fillers; piston fillers like Writers Edition models are more elaborate to copy and thus comparatively rarely counterfeited – but occasionally yes. To minimise risk, purchase from a Montblanc boutique or an established specialist retailer is recommended instead of from unknown online providers.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What should be considered when buying a used mechanical typewriter from the build year 1960 regarding ribbons and function?", "a": "With mechanical typewriters from the 1960s, strike differences are to be expected that arise with a soiled or jammed typebar segment and can be remedied through a service; later golfball typewriters do not have this problem. Ink ribbons are not generally standardised but, depending on the model, still available in specialist trade. Before purchase of a concrete model (mentioned was e.g. a Privileg 160T), research on spare-parts supply and, if applicable, cleaning/service of the mechanism by an office-machine mechanic is worthwhile.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the positive business development of the Swatch Group say about the situation of the luxury sector and about the collector segment?", "a": "The Swatch Group makes its profit above all in the luxury segment with brands like Breguet, Glashütte Original, Blancpain or Rado, while the brand Swatch itself loses market share in the low-price area against competitors like Fossil or fashion brands (Esprit); a spin-off or rebranding was even considered. The positive group development is therefore no unambiguous indicator of an upturn in the classical luxury market. For collectors, the example shows how strongly collector numbers and values depend on the economic development of the brand: with Swatch, collector prices of formerly sought-after pieces have fallen significantly.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc model is an old writing set in a leather case with the imprint linea bianca, and did this model have a gold nib?", "a": "The set corresponds to the Montblanc Slim Line series from the 1970s/80s, recognisable by the star on the clip; the leather case with the imprint 'linea bianca', however, presumably does not come from Montblanc itself. Slim Line models had exclusively gilded steel nibs, never real gold nibs – a frequent confusion with the externally similar Noblesse series, which had real gold nibs. The value of the Slim Line models is limited; comparison values are best ascertained via current auctions, with the search term 'Montblanc' broadly set and the exclusion principle used. A chargeable value determination is offered e.g. by Stefan Wallrafen.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is known about Ric Lei Safety fountain pens from Leipzig, and can a crack on the hard-rubber body be repaired?", "a": "Ric Lei was founded by a former Montblanc employee (Richter) in Leipzig and produced qualitatively high-grade writing instruments in the style of a Montblanc octagonal Safety with heart-hole nib; detail information on the brand is rare and predominantly documented in collectors' forums. Hard rubber cannot be reliably glued; a cracked component must be newly made. For such repairs, reference is made to specialised workshops, e.g. Horst from maxpens.de.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the authenticity be secured when buying a Montblanc Solitaire Carbon/Steel ballpoint on eBay if the seller has only few ratings?", "a": "Even if the photo shown depicts a real Montblanc, that says nothing about the goods actually sent; more problematic than crude counterfeits are today virtual offers (sellers with few ratings, prepayment, identical texts/pictures). Sensible safeguards are the express question about originality, the offer of cash payment on collection and the written authenticity guarantee. If the seller refuses collection and gives no clear authenticity assurance, a purchase at higher amounts is to be advised against.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "When was the TV report on Stefan Fink and his workshop in the magazine K1 Journal aired on Kabel 1?", "a": "The report on Stefan Fink, originally announced for 6 September 2005, was postponed by Kabel 1 at short notice by around four weeks. As the new broadcast date in the magazine K1 Journal, Friday, 28.10.2005 at 18:45 was named.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How reliable are condition specifications in eBay auctions for high-quality writing instruments and what strategies minimise the risk?", "a": "Condition descriptions like 'good condition' or 'near-mint' are often strongly glossed over by private sellers; PayPal generally does not intervene with condition defects, provided the consignment counts as delivered. Known commercial collector dealers are by contrast reliable but mostly run their own shops outside eBay at often cheaper prices than in the auctions – direct enquiries are worthwhile. Compared with realistic collector prices at pen shows, eBay prices for used and rare pieces frequently lie significantly excessive. Recommended are detailed photos and descriptions on buying and selling as well as a basically sceptical attitude towards unknown private sellers.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc models are three inherited writing instruments with 925/750 hallmarks, a lapis lazuli look and a solid-gold body?", "a": "The gold pen is a 144 Solid Gold with 18kt overlay from the early to mid-1990s; later solid-gold models show a herringbone pattern of yellow and white gold, the gold layer is thin and the material value moderate, but the models are comparatively rare. The lapis rollerball is a 163 Solitaire Ramses II with lapis-lazuli cap and gilded silver body (vermeil). The third piece is a 144 Ramses II whose thin lapis-lazuli cap (frequent defect of the range) had broken and was subsequently sheathed in wood/horn by a third party – an unofficial DIY job, no Montblanc original state.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does an old wristwatch inscribed 'Montblanc' come from the Hamburg writing-instrument manufacturer, and does it have a watch history before 1997?", "a": "Before 1997, Montblanc Simplo GmbH did not produce watches; older watches with the inscription 'Montblanc' come from an independent Swiss watchmaker, which is now insolvent. When Montblanc Hamburg entered watch production, the trademark rights for the watch name 'Montblanc' were bought from a Swiss watchmaker, whereby Hamburg has been allowed to appear in the watch segment under its own star since 1997. From a pure collector's view of Montblanc writing instruments, the old Swiss watches are not relevant; their historical value and their connection to the brand history can nevertheless be interesting.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does a subsequent diamond decoration on a Montblanc Kafka from the Writers Edition reduce the collector value?", "a": "Subsequent modifications like applied diamonds on collector writing instruments are a matter of taste: supporters see it as a creative enhancement; critics complain about the loss of original symmetry and evaluate the conspicuous jewellery as a pure status signal. From a collector's view, it is no longer the original state, which generally reduces the value for classical collectors.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the use of the term 'Meisterstück' in the advertising of other manufacturers (e.g. Garmin) trademark-problematic for Montblanc?", "a": "The term 'Meisterstück' is in general language a quality term and no exclusively Montblanc-protected brand name; in trademark law there is a need to keep it free, which is why other companies may advertise with it. The trademark-law assessment can however vary in the individual case, especially with very similar handwritten design the topic of reputation exploitation could be discussed, as comparable domain and trademark disputes show. For the broad population, 'Meisterstück' is moreover not primarily associated with Montblanc but generally understood as an award of craftsmanlike top quality, so confusion danger is mostly not given.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does the Waterman Sérénité in wood also exist as a rollerball or ballpoint?", "a": "With the black Sérénité variant, the nib unit is exchangeable for a ballpoint or rollerball module; the barrels are not model-specifically fixed. It is therefore likely that this is also possible with the wood version; a direct enquiry to the manufacturer is recommended in order to clarify it bindingly.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Are frequent defects on cap thread, nib and body of a Montblanc StarWalker fountain pen typical, and how does Montblanc react with repairs outside the warranty?", "a": "On the StarWalker, the cap thread is inside of plastic, while the barrel thread consists of metal; with too firm tightening, the plastic thread can give way over time. Repeated defects of the same components are, however, not the rule. The warranty does not automatically extend through a repair; after expiry, the customer bears the costs, which for a cap can be around 120 euros. Goodwill is a matter of negotiation and to be weighed entrepreneurially between prior pricing-in of possible repairs and individual assumption of costs.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the grooves of a platinum-plated StarWalker Doué be cleaned without damaging the coating?", "a": "For gentle cleaning of the grooves and the platinum-plated surface, a soft brush is suitable, e.g. a soft toothbrush or the cleaning brush of an electric shaver, lightly moistened. Cloths alone do not reach the recesses sufficiently. Important is to keep mechanical stress low in order to avoid scratches on the platinum plating.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Does a Montblanc Leonard Bernstein exist as a cartridge filler with decorated body and silver clip?", "a": "Such a variant of the Leonard Bernstein Montblanc has never produced; the writing instrument shown is unambiguously a counterfeit, presumably of Chinese origin. Recognisable is this, among other things, by nib, feed, clip, grip section and 'converter', which do not correspond to the original features of Montblanc. The real Leonard Bernstein is designed as a piston filler with a gold clip.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which inks are suitable for a Sheaffer White Dot Triumph Sentinel from 1949, and is special treatment necessary after long idle time?", "a": "For historical Sheaffer models, exclusively water-soluble, non-sticking inks should be used; classic Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue and blue Faber-Castell ink are regarded as unproblematic. Pigmented or strongly coloured inks (black, red, iron-gall) are to be avoided, since they can attack the material. Before first putting it into operation, thorough flushing with tap water is recommended; regular flushing keeps the pen permanently functional.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What should be considered when buying a Montblanc Chopin (M145) as a gift, especially regarding nib width and eBay risks?", "a": "Decisive for later use is the right nib width that fits the writing habits of the gift recipient; otherwise the fountain pen remains unused. Before purchase, an inconspicuous test with other fountain pens is therefore recommended to determine the preferred line thickness. When buying from an established Montblanc dealer, the nib can typically be exchanged within 14 days; on eBay this safety net is not given, which is why caution is advised with private sellers and especially with providers with few ratings.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is known about the Montblanc models Meisterstück 12 and No. 38 from the 1960s?", "a": "Both models were made between 1959 and 1968. The Meisterstück 12 is the smaller Meisterstück fountain pen with piston filler and so-called butterfly nib; the No. 38 a ballpoint (not a rollerball) of the third line below the Meisterstück range. In black standard colour both models are relatively frequently preserved and accordingly not particularly valuable; collector prices reach especially deviating colour versions.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the 'S' in the mountain imprint on the cap of the first Montblanc Meisterstück edition (25) mean?", "a": "The 'S' in the broader mountain imprint of early Meisterstücks stands for 'Simplo' and refers to the company history: Montblanc emerged from the Simplo Filler Pen Company and later operated as Montblanc Simplo GmbH. In the later Meisterstück generations this 'S' was dropped; likewise the nib engravings were changed from '18 ct' to '4810' and cap rings supplemented.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How high are the repair costs at Montblanc when on a 144 a body crack and gold abrasion at the cap cone occur, and is this a justified defect?", "a": "With a justified material defect, Montblanc service generally takes over the repair free of charge; otherwise the flat rate 1 of 49 euros applies. Cracks in the barrel, peeling gold layer on the cap/nib ring or similar material defects should therefore be sent to service for assessment. Before shipping, cleaning, water-based rinsing and inspection are recommended; further factual information on scratches in the lacquer was not added in the thread.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the Montblanc Noblesse Oblige correctly named, or does 'oblique' refer to the nib form?", "a": "The model is officially called 'Noblesse Oblige'; the name plays on the saying 'noblesse oblige' (nobility obliges) and has nothing to do with the nib form. An obliquely ground nib would be called 'oblique', which is often confused with 'oblige'. Of the Noblesse Oblige, an older and a more recent version exist, distinguishable by logo and clip design. With authenticity checking of used-bought pieces, the front of the original nib is decisive; the feed is rarely subsequently retrofitted to fit.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is a bulk-filler prototype of polycarbonate with embedded quail-egg shells optimally implemented in design terms, especially regarding ink-view window and shell distribution?", "a": "For a better feel, it is recommended to place the eggshells more densely so that a three-dimensional effect arises through overlaps and the partial transparency does not seem 'undecided'. Instead of a continuously semi-transparent body, a clearly delimited ink-view window (densely above, running out towards the viewing window, or a separate small window) is visually more coherent. A screw cap on the filling grip requires a diameter-reduction step on the thread part, which is structurally a disadvantage. Hints on processing eggshell surfaces are also offered by Horst from maxpens.de, who has extensive experience with this technique.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc Meisterstück model bears the embossing D.R.P. 652405 as well as 4810/M/250 on the nib?", "a": "The nib inscription correctly reads 4810 (not 1810); this figure marks the height of Mont Blanc and is standard on Meisterstück nibs. For an unambiguous model determination based on the D.R.P. number and the imprint details, a photo is necessary. The further discussion was moved into a separate thread.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What are the causes of writing failures of a Montblanc 162 rollerball in certain writing angles, and can a fineliner refill provide a remedy?", "a": "Roller- and ballpoints regulate the ink flow via the ball in the tip, which simultaneously acts as a limitation; the sharp edges of the tip lead to tight tolerances in the writing angle. Failures can indicate a too dry refill or a slightly bent tip edge. A switch to another refill, e.g. a broader ballpoint refill or a Schmidt fineliner refill, can improve the ink flow and ease the angle range, since the 162 barrels accept both rollerball and fineliner refills.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why are historical Montblanc Safety fountain pens often falsely offered in trade and on eBay as 'compressor', and what should be considered when buying?", "a": "Safety fountain pens and compressor fountain pens have different filling systems; a movable, extendable nib is unambiguous identification of a Safety pen and rules out a compressor. Even employees of regular specialist shops often do not know historical writing instruments sufficiently, which is why wrong information frequently occurs, on which sellers then rely. Collectors should therefore check models themselves or verify via relevant collector forums and specialist literature. Additionally, secondary defects like wrong nib or wrong cap sleeve can further reduce the value, which is why high prices for such pieces are mostly not justified.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are older Montblanc Meisterstücks without serial number (146 converter, ballpoint, pencil) necessarily counterfeits, and what does the clip engraving 'W-Germany' or 'Germany' mean?", "a": "The absence of a serial number is no indication of a counterfeit, since Montblanc introduced serial numbers only relatively late; counterfeits today often even bear fictitious numbers. A 146 without platinum intarsia on the nib usually indicates production in the 1980s. The clip engraving 'W-Germany' stands for manufacture before reunification 1990, 'Germany' for later production. Further detail features can be compared via the historical model descriptions on fountainpen.de.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc model is a Meisterstück with 'Hermes' engraving, nib inscription 4310/140/585 and warranty slip 13 400?", "a": "It is a Meisterstück 144 from the 1950s with a promotional embossing 'Hermes' (promotional gift to business customers, no reference to the brand Hermès or Hermes abrasives). The nib engraving reads 4810/14C/585 (height of Mont Blanc and gold content); the model emerges from the number on the piston end (142, 144, 146 or 149); on the turning knob of the piston, often the nib width is noted (e.g. OBB). The dating to the 1950s takes place on the basis of the celluloid material and the non-melted-in, loosely sitting cap rings – from the 1960s the bodies consist of plastic with melted-in rings. The 144 was produced from 1949 to 1960; the model numbers 13 400 and 13 200 from the 90s warranty papers therefore do not fit this fountain pen.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does a Montblanc Bohème Steel ballpoint exist, and what price is appropriate for a used example in mediocre condition?", "a": "The Bohème Steel ballpoint exists; compared to the black precious-resin variant, it is significantly more expensive (new price around 690 euros). The value on the second-hand market depends strongly on the polishing condition: if scratches can be polished out, the purchase can be worthwhile; deeper damage on metal models can expose the coating, and a complete replacement by Montblanc is in such cases very expensive. For a near-scratch-free example, a price around 240 euros counts as a bargain, while offers in worn condition are to be critically checked.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How rare is a DEF nib (Durchschreibefeder, extra fine) on a Pelikan 400NN, and does it influence the resale value?", "a": "Durchschreibefedern (D nibs) on Pelikan 400NN are not exceptionally rare and occur regularly on the market. The nib variant alone has experience-shown only small price influence, since the majority of collectors prefer soft nibs; a noteworthy premium can only be achieved if a buyer specifically searches for a hard nib. On sale, the DEF characteristic should nevertheless be stated in order to specifically address interested writers.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What is a set of the brand Markant with several metal nib tips, a plastic pen with metal clip and accessory parts?", "a": "The description points to a drawing pen or India-ink pen set for architects and technical drawers, on which the metal tips serve different line widths. An unambiguous assignment, however, requires photos. With classical calligraphy, such sets have nothing to do.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What to do about ink leakage at the turning knob of a Montblanc 342, and can Montblanc service still repair this model today?", "a": "The 342 was a historical standard fountain pen, produced in large numbers; repairs via Montblanc itself are often disproportionately expensive compared to the market value. More sensible is repair by specialised restorers, who are listed in the repair lists of collector forums. Before the investment, the economic value of the writing instrument should be weighed against the repair costs; pigmented inks like 'Midnight Blue' should anyway be avoided in old holders.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How is the quality of the Sailor 1911 fountain pens with 21K Togi and Music Nib nibs to be assessed?", "a": "The Sailor 1911 models offer outstanding writing quality; especially the 21K Togi and Music nibs deliver a characteristic and very pleasant writing image. In overall impression, the writing instruments, however, appear rather plain; the housing of firm, acceptably scratch-resistant plastic does not stand out visually strongly from standard products, which is why the haptic 'wow effect' compared to some other brands is smaller. A pre-ordered nib adjustment (e.g. via Mottishaw) can further improve the writing impression.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How is a sale offer for a Montblanc L139 (M nib) to be placed at the right place, and which information on condition and price are necessary?", "a": "Sale offers for writing instruments belong in the forum section 'For Sale' and not in general discussion areas. Sensible is the supplementation with a photo (maximum 499 pixels wide) as well as concrete information on condition and price expectation, so interested parties can judge the offer.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How high are the current list prices (status 2008/2009) of the Montblanc Meisterstück Classique and Le Grand twist-action ballpoints in gilded and platinum-plated version?", "a": "At the Münster dealer the following prices applied: Classique twist ballpoint with gold trim 265 euros, platinum 275 euros; Le Grand twist ballpoint with gold trim 285 euros, platinum 295 euros. For comparison: in 2006 the Le Grand Platinum was at 270 euros, the gold Le Grand at 255 euros. Telephone price enquiries and occasional discount requests are frequently successful in MB shops. With purchase from commercial eBay providers under shop price, restricted or missing international manufacturer's warranty is to be reckoned with; campaigns like 10 percent Payback at Kaufhof can compensate the price difference with the internet.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can an S.T. Dupont money clip in palladium be checked for authenticity, and is a price around 300 euros for four pieces realistic?", "a": "S.T. Dupont counterfeits, especially in lighters and accessories, are technically often very high-quality, which is why a missing serial number or precious-metal hallmark alone is no unambiguous authenticity indication; the 'Made in England' stamp is, however, unusual for a French brand and should be questioned. Since the model is to be found neither via Google nor in the official product database, it is likely an older or already discontinued variant. For verification, it is recommended to send photos directly to S.T. Dupont or to involve specialised accessories forums before a purchase in larger quantities.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a manufacturer like Parker allowed to use three cap rings, or is this design trademark-protected for Montblanc?", "a": "Protected by trademark law for Montblanc is only the special combination of two narrow rings and one broader middle ring, but not three equally strong rings. Manufacturers with their own historical production of such ring combinations (e.g. Aurora, OMAS) may use these again in reissues. With the Parker Duofold, three cap rings already existed when Montblanc still used single- and twin-ring caps; an objection by Montblanc is therefore not possible.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which fountain pen in the range 100–150 euros is suitable as a replacement for a Pelikan IBIS Günther Wagner that offers a somewhat grippier surface and a stable, pressure-resistant nib?", "a": "Recommended is the Pelikan M200 as a successor replica in this price class with classical appearance and good nib stability. The M200 with DEF nib offers an extra-fine carbon-copy nib that tolerates strong pressing – suitable for a pressure-rich, fast writing image. Pelikan nibs are overall stable, so even with a vigorous writing style no problems arise. More in-depth Pelikan-specific recommendations can be found additionally in specialised Pelikan forums.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which brand model is a school pen from 1992 with a vividly red cap (with name plate), silver nib, grip section with notches, light wooden barrel and red end ball?", "a": "The description fits the Lamy school writing pen (Lamy ABC), a classical model of the Lamy writing-learning system with ergonomically notched grip section, exchangeable name plate on the cap and wooden barrel. Further information on the model and the writing-learning system can be found on the Lamy website.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Are the Manufactum upper-school exercise book and the folded letters offered there suitable for writing with a fountain pen?", "a": "On the upper-school exercise book itself, no experience values were available in the thread. The folded letters bleed strongly when written on with a fountain pen, so the ink looks ugly on the outside-visible address area. For a presentable inscription, ballpoint, pencil or roller is therefore recommended. The paper of the folded letters is thus not fountain-pen-suitable.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How should one react to a suspicious-looking eBay offer that is possibly a counterfeit or a hacked seller account?", "a": "With suspicious offers, a direct enquiry to the supposed seller is worthwhile, since accounts are regularly used by third parties and articles posted without the owner's knowledge. Before a transfer, the purchase should be aborted. PayPal indeed offers in case of justified complaints like counterfeits a refund, but the procedures are lengthy and connected with writing effort. In case of doubt, the purchase is to be refrained from.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Who will the Patron of the Arts Edition 2006 be dedicated to?", "a": "The Patron of the Arts Edition 2006 is dedicated to Sir Henry Tate.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc with only \"Montblanc Germany\" on the cap edge a 121, and did it also exist as a cartridge filler?", "a": "The Montblanc 121 was, according to the relevant literature (Collectible Stars by Stefan Wallrafen), made exclusively as a piston filler. A cartridge-filler variant is not documented; therefore the suspicion is close that it is a mixed assembly, e.g. with a body of a 220 and a cap from the 121. A counterfeit is with these editions practically ruled out, since they are uninteresting for counterfeiters. Ultimately the variant remains difficult to unambiguously assign.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What do the engraving \"universo\" and the abbreviation \"PL\" on a Montblanc 432 Stylo mean?", "a": "\"universo\" is most likely an individual promotional or gift engraving, as was usual on Montblanc writing instruments as corporate gifts; an official register of such engravings does not exist. The abbreviation \"PL\" does not denote the material but the colour or the celluloid of body and cap (platin-lined) and has nothing to do with platinum as metal. The 432 is a stylo, that is, a writer without nib, with a steel tube and a silver rod inside that controls the ink supply via capillary action. Stylos offered the advantage that document-proof inks could also be used, which would have gummed up a fountain pen.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "From what period does a Montblanc Pix 283 pencil come, and is a restoration sensible?", "a": "The Montblanc Pix 283 was made between 1954 and 1959. With signs of use like small scratches, much can be achieved with polish. More difficult is a worn-off gilding, which mostly requires a professional re-gilding. With the disassembly of older Pelikan or Montblanc models, utmost caution is in order; without experience, releasing the upper part oneself is basically advised against.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is the Montblanc Hommage à Max Reinhardt Edition 2011 designed, and how is it judged?", "a": "The Edition 2011 is designed with tiger eye as the decorative stone, whose characteristic structure, however, hardly comes into its own on press photos. While the workmanship is evaluated as successful, the design is regarded, compared to the Reinhardt editions of earlier years, as less convincing. Tastes here diverge, and the edition is anyway aimed at a special target group.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is a Montblanc Meisterstück with 14ct gold nib (star with 35) and moving piston mechanism to be classified, whose description turns out scant?", "a": "The writing instrument described is apparently a so-called Bastard, that is, an assemblage of at least three not-matching parts. The cap presumably comes from a 136, the nib from an even older model and the barrel probably from a 246. In this constellation, the components are only usable as spare parts, but not as a complete, original-true collector's piece.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How rare is the Montblanc Artisan Collection White Pearl or Magic Beauty II Mozart set, and what was the original retail price?", "a": "The White Pearl or Magic Beauty II sets are regarded as exceptionally rare and were in 2003 led only in a few boutiques; the edition of the Mozart sets is said to be in the two-digit range, that of the 144/164 somewhat higher. A purchase price of 750 euros for a Mozart set is classified as very cheap. The original retail price was, according to boutique information, around 860 euros for the 144/164 variant. The claim that the set is already 15 years old is wrong; correct is the first issue May 2003. Because of low demand and unfavourable dollar exchange rate, it is currently rather advised to hold than to sell.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Has Montblanc produced writing instruments without the characteristic star on the cap?", "a": "Yes, such writing instruments exist. They were made for the Arab market, since the star there evoked unwanted associations; therefore the trademark was modified or omitted. Examples are found already in the 50s and 60s. In Germany these variants turn up only rarely, e.g. on eBay. On the value, the absence of the star has, by collector experience, no significant influence; for some collectors such pieces are even particularly interesting.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which model is an old Montblanc with 14C/585 nib, flat feed and no inscription on the turning knob, presumably 334 or 334 1/2?", "a": "Based on the features, a mixed model is likely present: the cap probably comes from the 334 1/2, the body from the 344. Two cap rings point to a cap of the second price series, while clip and cap crown (engraved instead of white-inlaid star) are to be assigned to the third series. The components thus do not belong to a uniform original model.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Will the Montblanc Cardinal Richelieu (Limited Artisan Edition, retail price 13,500 euros) gain in value in future?", "a": "The Richelieu belongs to the Limited Artisan Edition, which is not actively marketed by Montblanc. Owing to the high issue prices and the narrow collector circle, the value can after the first sale initially fall, especially with quick resale e.g. via eBay. Well-marketed, e.g. via auction houses, higher prices are possible. Ranges like Writers Edition or Patron of the Arts benefit more strongly from collectors who aim for complete series; with Skeleton and Artisan editions this is hardly possible due to high prices and small quantities. A reliable value forecast is not possible; a pleasing design and low limitation can have a positive effect.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How everyday-suitable is the Montblanc StarWalker Rubber & Metal, and is an expensive repair worthwhile?", "a": "With careful transport in cases, hardly any problems are to be expected; in the grooves, however, through reaction with skin sweat an oxide layer can form that is mostly easy to remove. Problems with the rubber surface are known but not universal. A repair, e.g. with a defective cap thread, is only worthwhile if one wishes to continue to use the writing instrument; after the exchange, warranty on the replaced parts again exists. As an alternative, Pelikan was discussed; the ductus does not appeal to everyone; personally the StarWalker was preferred.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is an eBay offer of a Montblanc Mozart set from a dealer without specialist-trade status to be evaluated?", "a": "On the photos, no signs of a counterfeit are recognisable; the set appears original. The assured two-year warranty, however, is problematic, since this can actually only be granted by authorised specialist retailers, who may not sell on eBay. Such offers often come from foreclosure sales of former specialist retailers or from clearance sales of office-furnishing houses that have discontinued the writing-instrument business. A warranty via the manufacturer is in such cases not to be expected.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is a Montblanc fountain pen without model number in the cap ring, with a gilded steel nib without 585 hallmark to be classified?", "a": "The writing instrument is officially not a 221, since the 221 always had a particular gold nib. An early model of the \"Generation\" 13100 can also be ruled out, since these had a model number in the cap ring and also a gold nib. The \"Classic\" line or older writing instruments from the third series come into question; the latter, however, had only one cap ring. The missing 585 hallmark unambiguously points to a gilded steel nib, which supports the classification as a cheaper model.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is there a list or source from which one can read the availability and current market prices of Montblanc Limited Editions?", "a": "A central, complete list does not exist. Larger stocks are kept by specialist retailers like Scription, whose offers and prices, however, are non-binding and quickly changing. For realistic value determination, it is recommended to search on eBay for completed auctions worldwide in order to see actually achieved sales prices. The auction prices stated by Montblanc on its own website often deviate significantly from eBay prices. Generally: some editions like the Hemingway retain their value close to the RRP; others like the J.P. Morgan are to be had under RRP.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What background information is there on the Montblanc Pope Black & White fountain pen?", "a": "The Pope Black & White had a launch price of 37,000 euros and counts accordingly as a high-priced, very exclusive piece. With a purchase in the USA at low dollar exchange rate, a price advantage could theoretically arise; however, on import into Germany, customs fees apply that can quickly eat up the advantage. Substantial further background information was not mentioned in the thread.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which classy case for a Montblanc 145 is recommendable that does not consist of fabric or leather and only accommodates one writing instrument?", "a": "In the thread, no satisfactory recommendation could be found that fulfils all criteria. Only the Andrée Putman case was suggested, which however is conceived for the 149 and would appear clearly too large for the 145. Other suitable alternatives without leather or fabric did not come to the participants' minds. The selection outside the common materials is thus strongly restricted.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How are simple inherited pen holders without brand marking to be classified historically and materially?", "a": "The pieces depicted are classical pen holders, that is, no fountain pens, and apparently brand pieces without identifiable manufacturer. A concrete determination or value statement is therefore hardly possible. The sentimental value as a memorial piece remains untouched.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Why does a Montblanc 146P suddenly write with significantly increased ink flow, possibly caused by frequent flights?", "a": "With frequent flights, the pressure change during climb and descent leads to more ink reaching the feed and partly the cap. A remedy is provided either by upright storage with the nib up or by carefully dabbing the lamellas under the nib with a tissue after the flight in order to absorb excess ink. If the strong ink flow remains, the nib can be slightly bent, which permanently increases the ink flow. The paper quality also plays an essential role for the flow behaviour.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where are high-quality ballpoints, e.g. Limited Editions by Montblanc, best sold?", "a": "Suitable sales routes are the for-sale section of relevant collector forums, platforms like penexchange.de and eBay. Particularly recommendable are collectors' meet-ups and fountain-pen fairs, e.g. in Hamburg; dates can be found for example on cas1996.de. There, market prices and personal contacts can be especially well realised.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc 149 nib whose slit clearly stands apart defective?", "a": "A wide nib slit is no necessary defect feature; the wider the slit, the higher the ink flow. From the factory the slit is, however, not so wide, so the piece described was presumably set by the previous owner for a saturated ink flow. Without macro shots of the tipping or a writing sample, the condition cannot be reliably judged. With an internet purchase without writing sample, it is therefore recommended in case of doubt to switch to pieces whose condition is clearly documented; regular 149s are anyway frequently available.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one fill an old Montblanc Masterpiece 642 with piston mechanism that has been unused for decades, and which ink is suitable?", "a": "With a writing instrument so long unused, ink residues almost always block the piston mechanism. It is urgently recommended to entrust the writing instrument to an expert who can properly make the mechanism workable. The plastic housing of these early Montblancs has lost plasticisers over the decades and is brittle, so it easily breaks with force application. Filling or disassembling oneself the fountain pen should therefore not be done.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can one tell whether a Montblanc StarWalker with eight transverse grooves on the body auctioned on eBay is genuine?", "a": "The StarWalker fountain pen can above all be unambiguously distinguished from the fake by the characteristic original nib; comparison photos can be found on relevant collector sites. The discussion about the transverse grooves primarily concerned the ballpoint, on which original and counterfeit are harder to separate. Important: an original StarWalker fountain pen can, by design, only be filled with cartridges, not with a converter, since the rough grip section contains a special component inside. If a converter fits, it is a fake.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which variants does the Montblanc Princesse Grace de Monaco Edition comprise?", "a": "The edition exists in two particularly limited variants: a version with only three examples and a variant with 29 pieces. Montblanc presents the edition on a specially set-up microsite and in an elaborate magazine that is available in the boutiques. The magazine contains large-format photos on Grace Kelly's career as well as on the further Limited Edition pieces. In the thread, no technical details beyond the existence of these variants and accompanying materials were named.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What did a Montblanc 144 cost in the early 50s?", "a": "In the year 1958, the shop price of the Montblanc 144 was 45 DM.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc 149 with an unusually designed star on the cap (variant for the Arab market) an original, and is a nib change sensible?", "a": "Yes, this model is original. The only difference to the regular Meisterstück is the modified star that Montblanc has used for certain Arab markets. Such pieces are rare in Germany. A nib change is not recommended: it would be a pity to fit a modern nib into an older piece, and additionally such a repair is very expensive. The achieved sale price of around 225 euros counts as a bargain.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Should one post the cap on the back when writing with the fountain pen or rather not?", "a": "That is a matter of taste and depends strongly on the respective writing instrument. Small models like the 114 Mozart or a Kaweco Sport need the posted cap for reasonable balance, while a 146 Solitaire with posted cap quickly becomes too heavy and unwieldy. With middle Meisterstücks like the 146, many switch depending on the situation. Anyone wishing to avoid cap impressions and polish effort on the body writes basically without the cap. A general rule does not exist.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why does a Sailor 1911 with ink-sac filling smear the fingers when writing, and what role does iron-gall ink play?", "a": "Possible causes are hairline cracks in the front part, a defective sac converter, damaged seals, an operating error or too deep a grip in which the fingers touch the nib corners. Iron-gall ink should be flushed out immediately, since it is unsuitable for many fountain pens and on drying can destroy the feed; in such cases only an exchange of the feed helps. Since with other writing instruments no problem occurs, grip errors are unlikely; the front part should be checked for visible hairline cracks.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Where is there a trustworthy private repair service for Montblanc writing instruments, e.g. for 146 models, and can one unscrew the nib oneself?", "a": "Recommended is the workshop of Horst (maxpens.de); an overview of repair options can also be found in the area Articles > Repair. A repair is only worthwhile with more valuable or still economically sensible writing instruments; with old 144s from the 50s, e.g., at most a cork change. Removing the nib is risky: usually the transition between grip section and body is heated, the grip section unscrewed and the feed together with the nib pressed out from behind. Too much heat deforms the celluloid, too little heat leads to breakage at the thread, which is why it is urgently advised against own attempts. An alternative is multi-day soaking and careful pulling out, however not without risk.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "How should one best store a collection of writing instruments: in collection folders or in a wooden case?", "a": "Both storage forms are possible; in practice, experienced collectors combine various storage forms like boxes, folders, showcases and trays. Important is that the writing instruments are protected from mechanical damage and light. Hints and articles on proper storage can be found in the forum archives and in relevant specialist articles. Providers like penboard.de offer suitable boxes at moderate prices, although not always with a glass lid.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Are the depicted Montblanc ballpoints Ballpix 780, Carrera 570 multi-colour and Junior 690 originals?", "a": "All three depicted pieces are originals. Important for the classification: Montblanc has only been a pure luxury-goods manufacturer since 1991; before that, the entire spectrum from cheap school writing instrument to luxury product was made. Owing to today's perception as a luxury brand, even used simple models from that time often achieve more than their original new price.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Since when was the Montblanc 164 ballpoint produced in Bordeaux, does it still exist, and are the matching packaging and short serial number correct?", "a": "Bordeaux Montblancs have existed since the 1920s; the 164 Meisterstück ballpoint, however, has only been made since the mid-80s and with numerous detail changes. The Meisterstück Classique series in Bordeaux is still available, while the Meisterstück LeGrand in Bordeaux was discontinued two years ago and the Mozart in Bordeaux the previous year. The box in question is authentic but was likely used more than 20 years ago. A 164 without an engraved clip-ring number in this old box is plausible; pieces with a number are, on the other hand, younger than about five years. Some dealers voluntarily forgo stocking but accept orders.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is the Montblanc Augmented Paper, how does it work and is it worth its price of 650 euros?", "a": "The Augmented Paper is a leather folder with a special pen in StarWalker style and Mozart ballpoint format that transfers handwritten notes from the pad to digital text with the help of a smartphone app. The underlying technology comes from Wacom, which makes long-term software maintenance likely; the comparable Wacom Bamboo Folio costs around 100 euros but offers no high-quality leather or premium writing instrument. Workmanship and handwriting recognition of the Montblanc variant are praised, provided one writes legibly. Negatively noted are the exclusively available A5 format, the limitation to single-sided writing and the binding to the Mozart ballpoint refill. Whether the price is justified depends on the value placed on the workmanship quality.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are the small holes on the closure cap of a Montblanc 342 normal, or do they indicate a counterfeit?", "a": "The holes on the cap are normal, structurally intended air holes for pressure equalisation and must be present. Counterfeits of the 342 are unknown, since the model is price-wise unattractive for counterfeiters; imitations primarily concern fountain pens with overlay or coloured celluloid. For checking older writing instruments, a detailed comparison of the nib with further models of the same series as well as specialist literature like Collectible Stars is recommended.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is an older lever filler with overlay an original Montblanc when a letter of Montblanc service from the twenties is available?", "a": "Despite the available letter, most likely no original is present. The letter from Montblanc is linguistically cautiously formulated (\"writing-instrument type that we have made\") and does not rule out that the concrete piece does not come from Montblanc. The overlay shows rather English production features; the clip could point to Pforzheim or an English manufacturer like Swan. Also the lever does not fit in this form to Montblanc production and would originally have been gilded. Additionally, the typical Montblanc star in the characteristic form is missing. Caution when buying such pieces is advised despite the accompanying letter.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Do Centrograph fountain pens come from the former Eastern Bloc, and can they be restored?", "a": "The manufacturer Centropen was based in Czechoslovakia; whether a concrete Centrograph piece actually comes from there cannot be reliably said without pictures. A restoration is generally not possible, since these fountain pens had an accordion tube as ink reservoir, which today is practically no longer procurable.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc nib with imperial-eagle hallmark and inscription \"NICHROM\" on a Montblanc 236 original, and which nib size should the model have?", "a": "The NICHROM nib with imperial eagle is no Montblanc nib and does not belong in a 236. Correct for the 236 is a nib size 6, be it as a gold or steel nib; the model number does not encode the line width but price class, construction and housing/nib size. Line widths are exclusively indicated with capital letters (e.g. F, M, B). With the third series (\"III MONTBLANC III\"), instead of numbers the letters a, b, c in a triangle were used, with a, b, c corresponding to the nib sizes 2, 4, 6. A 234 would consequently have a smaller nib than a 236.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can a supposedly old Montblanc fountain pen without model number and with an inconspicuous nib be identified based on photos?", "a": "The piece is a Montblanc SlimLine (SL) cartridge fountain pen, built between 1979 and 1982. It has a brass core with plastic surface, gilded trim and a gilded steel nib; the then shop price was about 49 DM. The SlimLine series was settled in the lower price segment, intended for school pupils and students, and lay below the Noblesse and the Meisterstück ranges. A rough model determination based on clear photos is mostly possible; with rare pieces a personal assessment is necessary.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How are the writing instruments of the brand Diplomat, specifically the Diplomat Excellence set, to be classified qualitatively?", "a": "Diplomat writing instruments are regarded as solid and well finished. The barrel is, compared to a Montblanc 146, somewhat thinner but lies roughly in the range of the Meisterstück Classique. Anyone preferring slim forms will be well served here. Detailed experience reports can be found in collector forums like penexchange.de.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a gilded Montblanc Meisterstück fountain pen with corn guilloche offered for 199 euros an original?", "a": "On the pictures, the fountain pen looks like an original, although the nib could come from an older model, since no hint of a central platinum intarsia is recognisable. An unambiguous bargain the price is not, especially since the piece shows an engraving; polishing out the engraving simultaneously removes the gilding at this point and makes an expensive re-gilding necessary. In addition, this model with corn guilloche is no longer being produced, which increases the appeal. The changeable auction behaviour (changed starting price, picture change, location change), however, gives cause for caution.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can one ascertain from the serial number whether an offered Montblanc StarWalker Midnight Black ballpoint with inside stamp \"Made in Germany\" is an original?", "a": "A reliable authenticity check via the serial number is only possible by Montblanc itself, since only the manufacturer can interpret the coding. Especially with StarWalker ballpoints, the counterfeits are often very well made, which is why increased caution is advised. If identical serial numbers already turn up on the internet in connection with counterfeits, that is a clear warning sign; with the number mentioned that was not the case, which is at least not a bad sign.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one recognise counterfeits of the Montblanc Lalique 4810 Limited fountain pen stand, which partly turn up without obvious features?", "a": "Recognisable are counterfeits, among other things, by a black star on the packaging as well as by the inferior packaging quality overall. There have, however, also been very well-made fakes without these obvious hints sold, e.g. by an American provider who earned around 160 US dollars per stand. Even experienced collectors have already fallen for well-made fakes like the Greta Garbo. Therefore: always compare carefully and inform oneself thoroughly before purchase.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Rouge et Noir fountain pen without a serial number on the clip ring despite the presence of Pix genuine?", "a": "Yes, the predecessor variants Noir et Noir and Rouge et Noir were delivered before the Bohème series without an identification number in the clip ring. The missing serial number is therefore no indication of a counterfeit. The writing instrument is therefore to be regarded as original.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which hard-to-obtain Limited Editions were most recently in stock in the Munich and Düsseldorf boutiques?", "a": "In the Munich boutique, among others, the Greta Garbo Limited 100 as well as the Golden Dragon 2000 were available, plus numerous Patrons of the Arts and Writers Editions. In the new Düsseldorf boutique, e.g., I Love NY, Gutenberg, Musashi, Russian Flag, Montblanc 100 rose gold, Bohème 100s and 75s, 144s and 117s, Juilliard Centennial Celebration as well as various 888s and 4810 editions, supplemented by the Golden Dragon were found. The Düsseldorf boutique is additionally regarded as particularly impressively designed, with a several-metre-long, illuminated art object of the Montblanc summit.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What consequences does the sale of the shops have for the future business area of the provider?", "a": "In future, exclusively writing instruments of limited editions of various manufacturers from earlier years will be offered; new goods will no longer be carried. The occupation with historical Montblancs will continue to be pursued. In the forum thread, no substantial further factual information beyond this business announcement was given.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can two inherited, supposedly original Montblanc writing instruments (Karajan ballpoint) be verified based on poor photos?", "a": "The pieces depicted are presumably Montblanc Donation ballpoints of the Karajan series. Owing to the dark, unsharp photos, a reliable authenticity confirmation is not possible, since well-made counterfeits are known. A typical indication of fakes is a thinly stamped clip pin instead of a massive original clip; therefore a detail shot of the back of the clip is recommended. Without better pictures, the final judgement remains open.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is the hair-fine nib slit produced in Montblanc nib manufacture?", "a": "The nib slit arises through hair-thin parting discs with which the nib is cut in a fine-mechanical step. This information comes from a factory-inspection report in the Fountainpen newsletter No. 5, which contains details on nib manufacture at Montblanc.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which ID number and which then retail price did the Montblanc Writers Edition 2001 Charles Dickens have?", "a": "The Charles Dickens from the Writers Edition 2001 cost 620 euros at market introduction. Montblanc assigns to every writing instrument of a Writers Edition its own ID number, which is found, among other places, on the outer packaging; alongside, the goods number (model number) exists, which marks the entire series and on the Dickens reads M 28710. The ID numbers additionally distinguish by nib width: on the Dickens, the F nib bears the number 2480 (with special packaging Autograph 2485), the M nib 2481 (or 2486) and the B nib 2482 (or 2487). The ballpoint has the ID number 2483 (or 2452), the complete three-set 2484 (or 2488 with nib M). This differentiation makes sense above all with orders, because it avoids confusion between the nib widths and packaging variants.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which model could the unknown fountain pen be?", "a": "Based on the available hints, the pen was estimated as a Montblanc 34 or a 32. The exact assignment depends above all on the length of the fountain pen, since these two models differ from each other in dimensions. An unambiguous identification is only possible with concrete dimensions.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which fountain pen in the range around 150 euros is suitable for daily, long writing in training, and how does one choose between models with steel or gold nib?", "a": "Today's fountain pens from the middle price segment technically all write at a comparably high level, which is why the decision strongly depends on subjective factors like ink flow, nib width, feel and look. Manufacturers like Lamy, Pelikan and Graf von Faber-Castell offer very good workmanship as well as reliable service. It is recommended to try out the models oneself before purchase and to bring one's own everyday paper in order to check the ink flow and nib width realistically. Ultimately, gut feeling decides, since with none of these models can one go significantly wrong.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What can one do if a Pelikan fountain pen has too strong an ink flow and smears the paper?", "a": "Frequently the problem lies in the ink used, since some types dry very slowly and tend to smearing; a switch to another ink, e.g. Montblanc or Jansen, can here provide significant remedy. Alongside, dried ink residues are a typical cause that glue up the feed and produce an irregular flow. A thorough flushing of the fountain pen with distilled water helps in many cases. On newer Pelikan models, the nib together with feed can be unscrewed and soaked overnight in a water glass, by which stubborn deposits are loosened.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Has the Montblanc Bohème ever existed as a gilded variant with a black onyx stone?", "a": "The Montblanc Bohème actually exists with a black stone on the clip; this is even one of the most-sold variants of the series, which formerly bore the name Rouge & Noir. The trim consists, however, not of white gold but is platinum-plated; a gilding with white gold Montblanc has never offered on the Bohème. The pieces described in the offer are most likely genuine; only the seller's material description is misleading. For a final judgement, meaningful photos are helpful.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the Montblanc Writers Edition William Faulkner look like, and is the early release date correct?", "a": "The Faulkner is a piston filler whose body and cap consist predominantly of transversely ribbed silver, presumably platinum-plated, similar to the cap of the StarWalker Doué. The barrel end with the piston mechanism as well as the upper cap end are made of brownish-shimmering precious resin. The nib is rhodium-plated and shows a gold-coloured engraving with clouds and a plane flying below them. The description was confirmed in the forum as fitting, although the early delivery date was surprising.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a stuck refill be removed from a 20-year-old Montblanc Solitaire 925 Faden ballpoint?", "a": "With stuck refills, it is recommended to open the ballpoint and to push from the front through the tip against the old refill with a new refill in order to carefully push it out backwards. This method generally works reliably and avoids damage to the mechanism.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc model is behind the cap-ring marking 1255 or 1266 in sterling silver with longitudinal guilloche?", "a": "It is presumably the Montblanc 1266, a Meisterstück piston filler with sterling-silver thread guilloche, which was made between 1971 and 1976 in small numbers. It has a rhodium-plated 18-carat gold nib. Early examples had a massive feed with a metal-mounted ventilation hole, later ones a flatter, more reliable feed. Due to the rarity, the collector value in flawless condition lies up to 1000 euros. In the standard work Collectible Stars, this model is not listed.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is one to deal with professional sellers who auction obvious counterfeits of old Montblanc writing instruments and do not react to hints?", "a": "Even experienced professional sellers occasionally offer counterfeits, e.g. from a normal 136 and celluloid assembled supposed rarities that can achieve high prices in the high four-digit range. Especially with old writing instruments, counterfeits are often so well made that even collectors do not recognise them at first glance. If a seller is pointed to a counterfeit and does not react or only refers to the previous owner, this behaviour is to be classified as bordering on fraud and damages his credibility. Buyers should exercise particular caution with such providers and have offers in case of doubt checked by experienced collectors.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can one buy Montblanc Limited Editions as a gift, and what is the difference between a Limited Edition and a Special Edition?", "a": "Current Limited Editions are available at every Montblanc dealer as well as directly in the Montblanc shop; older Limited Editions are found above all on eBay or at specialised collector sites like penboard.de or Fritz Schimpf. On the mentioned site liebl.exklusives-schreiben.de, on the other hand, no Limited Editions but normal editions and Special Editions were carried. The decisive difference: with Limited Editions the quantity is limited from the start, while Special Editions are only produced in a certain period but in unlimited quantity. To the Special Editions belong, e.g., the UNICEF editions, Brahms or Lennon. Which piece fits well into a collection can only be judged when the collector's holdings are known.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are there concrete hints of a Montblanc Limited Edition on Goethe?", "a": "Concrete and confirmed hints of a Goethe edition did not exist at the time of the discussion; even enquiries at Montblanc boutiques remained without result. Such an edition is among collectors regarded as an obvious idea, e.g. within the framework of the Writers Edition, but has so far not been announced. Anyone wishing to follow current rumours on coming Limited Editions finds these, by experience, early in the forum of fountainpennetwork.com.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are there at Montblanc counterfeits with plastic housings or are the counterfeits restricted to lacquered metal housings?", "a": "Montblanc counterfeits with resin or plastic housings have existed for some time, even if lacquered metal housings are more frequently encountered. A known example is the counterfeit of the Limited Edition Kafka, which also consists of resin. With the counterfeit of the Greta Garbo, even a new, significantly improved nib variant was discovered that comes very close to the original. The quality of the imitations thus continuously rises also in the area of materials and nibs, which makes identification for laypersons increasingly difficult.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "From what period does a green-marbled Montblanc Meisterstück with the patent number DRP 508058 and the marking 30 at the barrel end come?", "a": "It is the Meisterstück Stylo number 30, made between 1930/31 and 1934; the barrel number 30 refers to the then retail price of 30 Reichsmark. From the factory the model was originally not a fountain pen with nib but a push filler with stylo tip, to which the patent number mentioned unambiguously points. Often the black front part with the stylo tip was subsequently exchanged for a grip section with nib. On the green-marbled celluloid housings, discolourations as well as material shrinkages additionally often occur.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can one judge from unsharp photos whether a Montblanc 144 is genuine or a counterfeit, and can converters from other manufacturers fit?", "a": "A reliable authenticity check is not possible without sharp, detail-rich photos; especially the imprints on the nib must be clearly recognisable. A clear warning sign in the present judgement was a converter that unambiguously did not come from Montblanc. Converters of other makes can mechanically fit but do not speak for an original set. Imprints like Germany on the clip alone do not deliver authenticity proof.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the Montblanc Soulmakers 100 Anniversary Bohème offered on eBay a counterfeit?", "a": "The writing instrument is genuine; it is the officially issued Bohème 1906 Edition for the 100-year company jubilee of Montblanc. Further information and illustrations can be found at fountainpen.de on the page on the Anniversary 100 Bohème 1906. The model is actually comparatively little known, which can cause uncertainty in sales.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a damaged Montblanc Le Grand ballpoint with a hole in the star or a scratched 146 be repaired?", "a": "Repairs on Montblanc writing instruments are basically carried out only directly by the manufacturer; a spare-parts sale to end customers does not take place. The repair prices are, compared to other manufacturers, however moderate. Sensible is a call to Montblanc customer service in order to obtain a cost estimate in advance. The writing instrument can then either be sent in directly or given via a specialist retailer for repair, with the latter possibly entailing additional costs.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Where can one obtain the collector's book The List on Montblanc writing instruments, and how is its quality to be assessed?", "a": "The book is as a reference work, despite some weaknesses, unique; criticised, however, are the partly disproportionate illustrations and the mediocre picture quality, which can give laypersons a wrong impression of the writing instruments; an improved new edition is planned but temporally still open. Source is mostly Regina Martini, who offers the book regularly in her eBay auctions. Most recently the price was around 12.50 euros plus postage. Alternatively, Mrs Martini can also be enquired about directly.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Is a used Montblanc Meisterstück 164P for 129 euros via a classified ads platform a good purchase?", "a": "Whether the price is reasonable depends decisively on the actual condition and the completeness (original box, service guide). The provider named is known from eBay and has there already sold numerous allegedly near-new 164Ps, which gives cause for caution; queries about the origin of the pieces were not reliably answered. An authenticity check after purchase is therefore urgently recommended. Basically: with doubtful sources, one should keep one's hands off the deal, provided the authenticity and origin are not clarified beyond doubt.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What factual information was given on the C.A.S. collectors' get-together on 25 February 2007 in Dortmund?", "a": "The C.A.S. collectors' get-together took place on Sunday, 25 February 2007, from 14:00. The venue was the restaurant Zum Franziskaner, Düsseldorfer Str. 21, 44143 Dortmund (telephone 0231/586 21 18). In the restaurant, the possibility existed to take a lunch at one's own expense, although the kitchen was closed between 15:00 and 17:00. In total, eleven collectors took part.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What background and sources are there on the mentioned online video about fountain pens?", "a": "The video stands in connection with an article from the customer magazine of Deutsche Bank in the November issue, in which investment possibilities in the area of writing instruments are reported. Mentioned in it is also the work of the C.A.S.; the magazine used photos made available by the C.A.S. The corresponding report can be read as a PDF on pages 34 to 37 of the corresponding issue.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which reputable sources for high-quality Montblanc pens as a birthday gift are there on the internet?", "a": "Recommendable online sources for Montblanc writing instruments are the official Montblanc website with direct ordering possibility as well as the dealers fuellhalter.de, onlinehandel-AS.de and especially missing-pen.de from Rolf Thiel. The latter is classified as very recommendable. On the mentioned site liebl.exklusives-schreiben.de, no own experiences were available, so no evaluation could be given on it.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How does one correctly reply in the forum to a post, so that the reply is properly assigned to the original entry?", "a": "In order for a reply to be correctly sorted under the corresponding post, the reply button must be used, which stands directly under the respective post. There, at the bottom right, are the buttons Reply and Quote. If, instead, a button above the post is used, the reply can be sorted incorrectly.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Where can information be found on sales periods and original prices of Montblanc writing instruments from 1980 onwards like Traveller, Noblesse, Slim Line or Carrera?", "a": "The standard work Collectible Stars by Stefan Wallrafen covers writing instruments only up to 1979 and therefore offers no complete data for the desired models of the 1980s; some devices are additionally missing there entirely. A suitable point of contact for historical catalogues and supplementary information is Stefan Wallrafen himself, who has(d) extensive material but has in recent years given up holdings. Even if some models were produced longer than stated, the production periods named in the book are reliable for most devices. Original dealer catalogues from the period 1980 to 1985 are the most reliable source for exact sales periods and prices.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How high is the approximate value of a Montblanc Year of the Golden Dragon to be estimated?", "a": "Two different Year of the Golden Dragon exist: an edition of 2000 pieces as well as an edition of 888 pieces (among others in Meissen porcelain); additionally there are Special Limited Editions. The launch price of the 2000 edition was between about 2400 and 2800 euros. The variant with Meissen porcelain had a list price of around 3850 euros. As a utility pen, the model is only restrictedly suitable because of the very massive clip; as a collector's piece, however, attractive.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can one cheaply obtain original refills for the Montblanc Meisterstück Classique Line?", "a": "Outside eBay, bargains on original refills are hardly to be found, since mail-order dealers with such low-value articles often do not allow the minimum order value and prices online hardly differ from specialist trade. On eBay, 10-packs are occasionally offered; here, however, caution is in order, since refills are now also being counterfeited. Anyone wanting to be safe therefore buys best from the authorised specialist retailer or from Montblanc itself.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can a Montblanc pen bought as Edition Chopin with 18-carat gold nib be identified as an original and the correct model?", "a": "The fountain pen described is genuine, but it is not the Meisterstück 145 Chopin but the cheaper, meanwhile discontinued Meisterstück 144. An 18-carat gold nib indicates that the piece was originally intended for the French market, since 14-carat gold nibs are not permitted there. The longitudinally ribbed feed without lamellas is typical of older models; newer devices have lamellas on the feed. A matching piston converter can be bought in specialist trade for under 10 euros. On the 144 it is also normal that the cap bears neither a serial number nor a Pix embossing on the inside of the clip.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which corporate colours did Soennecken use between 1910 and 1925 for the packaging of its writing utensils?", "a": "A uniform corporate colour cannot be evidenced for Soennecken in this period; the available historical documents are often only available in black and white. Soennecken used various colours for different products, apparently without a recognisable system, and also printed the company inscription in different colours on the packaging. A systematic colour code for the nib boxes or distribution packagings is therefore not handed down. Since Soennecken today belongs to the brand group Branion and no own company museum exists, detailed information is difficult to obtain.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc leather case from an eBay auction could it be if it is not findable online anywhere?", "a": "An unambiguous identification of the case was not possible in the forum. The supposition that it could be the leather sleeve for the Leonardo Sketchpen was rejected based on a direct comparison photo. Possibly it is a free case from a special campaign, which given the unfindability in the regular range appears plausible. For large writing instruments above the LeGrand, such cases offer anyway no sufficient protection.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc is suitable as an everyday companion up to 500 euros, and what is known about the Lennon rollerball and the announced Hitchcock edition?", "a": "The choice between fountain pen, ballpoint and rollerball is strongly personal; a rollerball is, however, basically well everyday-suitable. Prices in specialist trade deviate only insignificantly from the recommended retail price, so the Lennon rollerball at around 510 euros lies in the usual range. On the announced Hitchcock special edition, no concrete pictures or prices were available at the time of the discussion. Special Editions are only made in a limited period and are after sell-out generally only obtainable via the collector market.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How old is a Montblanc Pix push pencil really, and how is its preservation condition to be evaluated?", "a": "The push pencil Pix was made from 1935 to 1950 and is thus rather between 70 and 80 years old, not older. On the example described, on the push button the cover as well as the clip are missing; the piece is therefore incomplete. Comparison photos of a complete pencil of this type can be found on fountainpen.de under old-72-mechanical-pencil.htm.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which writing instrument is an expensively auctioned supposed Montblanc vintage piece?", "a": "The piece is not a Montblanc but an extremely rare coral-red Pelikan, which explains the high auction price. Only the clip comes from Montblanc; the nib is from an unknown manufacturer. It is therefore an assembled pen whose value is based solely on the rare Pelikan housing.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one clean and care for the silver surfaces of Montblanc Limited Editions, e.g. on the Charles Dickens, Kafka or Fitzgerald, without causing damage?", "a": "Tarnishing silver surfaces is a normal chemical reaction and for many collectors visually unproblematic. For cleaning, a common silver-cleaning cloth is suitable, ideally with anti-tarnish protection for longer effect; Montblanc also offers its own silver-care set. To be considered is that every polish removes material, no matter which manufacturer; with vermeil writing instruments, too frequent polishing can wear off the gilding, e.g. on the Oscar Wilde. The natural oxide layer additionally acts as a protective layer that on removal restarts the corrosion process. A sealing with lacquer would be theoretically conceivable but would bring other disadvantages with it.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which tools are suitable for disassembling old fountain pens, especially for loosening stuck piston mechanisms or nibs?", "a": "For disassembly, pliers with jaws plastic-coated on both sides are recommended, as also used in the automotive area for spark plugs; such pliers cost from about 14 euros and are available under search terms like spark plug and pliers, alternatively via Tom Westerich from penboard.de. The advantage is the even pressure from all sides, which prevents splintering on the barrel. Stuck feeds with nib are better loosened by longer soaking, ultrasonic treatment (immerse only the grip section) as well as careful warming with a hair dryer; on hard rubber, only heat should be used. Stuck nibs can, after removal of the piston mechanism, be knocked out with a matching HSS drill (shaft first, light blows with a rubber hammer) and a hardwood block with drilled holes as a counter-support.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc model is an angular, partly matted and shiny gold ballpoint with the engraving Mont Blanc Germany?", "a": "Without a photo, a reliable determination is not possible; based on the description, the model fits most likely the Montblanc Leonardo Da Vinci. It is not a Limited Edition but an entirely normal ballpoint from the 1990s. Caution is in order if on the pen really Mont Blanc Germany is written separately, since the manufacturer spells itself Montblanc; such a spelling speaks clearly for a counterfeit. For final clarification, it is recommended to post photos in the forum.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can the steel bracelet of a Montblanc Star Large Automatic be extended, and where can one obtain individual links?", "a": "The extension seems to prove more difficult on the Montblanc steel bracelet than on many other brands; a new bracelet costs, according to dealer information, around 370 euros minus the clasp. In current dealer catalogues numerous clasp variants are listed, but individual links for bracelet extension are not to be found there. The metal bracelets are apparently delivered in the three sizes medium, large and XL. It is recommended to contact Montblanc customer service directly, since the similar procedure with other renowned watch manufacturers shows that procurement of individual links can be complicated or expensive; links kept when shortening are therefore valuable.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What background information is there on the writing-instrument brand Goldring, whose clip bears this inscription?", "a": "The brand Goldring was a rather small German manufacturer; corresponding works existed in Leipzig and in Bühl. Before the Second World War, in Germany thousands of writing-instrument manufacturers existed, so smaller brands like Goldring are only difficultly assignable. For a more precise determination, photos of the writing instruments are helpful. Supplementary information can be found occasionally on eBay as well as in the forum penexchange.de.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which model is a Montblanc ballpoint with the inscription METAL2 and Pix engraving under the clip, and is it genuine?", "a": "It is a Solitaire 164 Doué; the inscription METAL2 without 925 hallmark indicates that the pen consists of gilded brass and not of vermeil (gilded silver). Montblanc later replaced the vermeil version with gilded brass, since vermeil tarnishes with time and the gilding can become spotted. The Pix engraving under the clip is entirely normal: Pix was originally Montblanc's brand name for mechanical pencils and was later used on further writing instruments too, because the brand Meisterstück was not protectable in all countries. Pix is therefore frequently found on rings of various Meisterstücks and is no indication of a counterfeit.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Should one as an everyday pen choose a Montblanc ballpoint or rollerball, and which alternatives come into consideration?", "a": "The choice is strongly a matter of taste; a rollerball is, because of the cap and the visual proximity to the fountain pen, often preferred, while the StarWalker appears to some too modern. Particularly popular as an everyday rollerball is the Meisterstück Le Grand. From the view of writing culture, however: ballpoints have an unfavourable effect on handwriting; rollerballs even more strongly. Anyone who cannot or does not want to use a fountain pen should rather choose a click pencil with 0.9 mm lead for notes.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is one to deal with sellers who suddenly offer counterfeit writing instruments from apparently hacked eBay accounts?", "a": "Currently, hacked eBay accounts are being used in increased numbers in order to offer, often inferior, counterfeits originating from China; affected are not only Montblanc writing instruments but also brand products like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi and Nokia mobile phones. eBay can hardly keep up with deleting such auctions, and help for affected account holders is primarily only offered via English-language live chat. Striking is when an account suddenly offers completely different articles than before, which points to a takeover. Recommended is a daily check of one's own eBay account in order to recognise unnoticed third-party activities early. The eBay toolbar is said to offer some protection but does not replace regular checking.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does an enquiry of the serial number to the manufacturer offer certainty whether a Montblanc bought in a shop is genuine or a counterfeit?", "a": "A mere enquiry of the serial number to the manufacturer does not deliver certainty, since even counterfeits can be provided with fictitious serial numbers and Montblanc, without inspection, gives no authenticity statement. Certainty is given only by sending the writing instrument to Montblanc; genuine pieces are returned, counterfeits disposed of. By now also very well-made counterfeits exist that are not distinguishable from originals at first and second glance but hardly turn up in reputable shops. An experienced specialist, however, reliably recognises these counterfeits.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does a timeline for dating the Montblanc Meisterstück 149 analogous to the timeline for the 146 exist?", "a": "Helpful online resources for dating the Meisterstück 149 are a PDF in the blog whitestar_ftl on livedoor.jp as well as the thread Dating Montblanc 149s in the forum of fountainpennetwork.com. With the help of these overviews, models can be classified quite precisely temporally based on structural features. For example, a bicolour 14K nib combined with a two-part barrel, brass filling mechanism and ebonite feed points to a production time between 1985 and 1990.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can one have an old Pelikan ballpoint repaired if the stationery dealer can no longer perform this?", "a": "Enquiries on repairs of old Pelikan ballpoints are better placed in the forum penexchange.de, since there more Pelikan collectors and accordingly relevant specialist knowledge are to be found. Specialised collectors often know repairers who can also restore older models.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How high was the original new price of the Cartier Art Deco Dandy?", "a": "The Cartier Art Deco Dandy had at sales start a new price of 810 euros. The model is now sold out and is regarded as a comparatively sought-after collector's piece within the Cartier writing instruments. On the current collector price, however, no concrete information is available.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How should the forum deal with enquiries in which model identification is linked with the actual goal of a value determination for sale?", "a": "Striking is the frequency of combined enquiries about model and value that ultimately aim at a planned sale, without communicating this openly. Factual questions about model designation, age or production period are gladly answered in the forum, because the hobby rests on mutual information exchange. Pure price and value enquiries are by contrast usually referred to corresponding forum notice posts or deliberately left unanswered. Recommended is to continue giving factual information but to consistently exclude value questions.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Where was a three-piece Montblanc Franz Kafka Limited Edition set available at a special price in 2007?", "a": "The complete three-piece Kafka set was offered in August 2007 for 1350 euros minus 3 percent discount. Source was Papeterie Prygoda, Augustastraße 10, 45525 Hattingen, telephone 02324/22796.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can an old Montblanc lever filler with heart-hole nib, star marking 6 and Simplo imprint be more precisely dated and identified based on the description?", "a": "The fountain pen is most likely genuine; heart-hole nib, feed and barrel imprint speak for a manufacture towards the end of the 1920s. The cap seems somewhat shortened, and also the lever appears not to be original, since the correct lever had the Montblanc star engraved on the round lever end. Regarding the stated size 6, it is a comparatively rare model. A definitive determination requires further detail photos, especially of the barrel end and any further engravings.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Of which stainless steel does the Montblanc 144 Solitaire Stainless Steel actually consist, and how is the alloy composed?", "a": "The material used is the standardised stainless steel 316 L, which with only 0.03 percent carbon counts as exceptionally low in carbon; the L in the name stands for low carbon. Vanadium is, contrary to some older descriptions, not contained. The typical composition reads around 17 percent chromium, 12 percent nickel, 2.5 percent molybdenum, 2 percent manganese, 1 percent silicon as well as the rest iron. Steel grades are identified internationally via material numbers, whereby the DIN designations are the clearest and can be looked up in relevant material tables. The webpage on the 144 Stainless Steel was corrected after this hint.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which diaries and refill books exist in Montblanc's Diaries & Notes collection, in which colours, sizes and prices, and are there ruled inserts from third parties?", "a": "Montblanc also offers ruled refill books for the Diaries & Notes collection, which in boutique specialist trade was temporarily not correctly communicated. The individually available books cost without the expensive leather cover around 21.50 euros and have a plain black cardboard cover with silver star, so only the inner book has to be exchanged when it is fully written. The paper is ink-fast enough for common fountain-pen inks of various manufacturers; bleed-through occurs only in exceptional cases. The price lies clearly above commercially available notebooks, which with intensive daily use is a cost factor. Concrete size variants and colour specifications (e.g. black instead of only red, mustard, caramel) were not finally named in the thread; an on-site appointment in the boutique is therefore recommended.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc piston filler offered on eBay without a model statement on the middle ring a 144 or 145, and how does one recognise original or counterfeit?", "a": "The models 144 and 145 are exclusively cartridge fillers; a piston filler is therefore either a 146 or a 149. The model number is not necessarily engraved on the middle ring, so the absence of such an inscription is no authenticity criterion. Piston fillers like 146 or 149 are because of the elaborate mechanism usually not counterfeited, unlike the 145, of which there are by now very good copies. With suspicion of a counterfeit, a detail photo of the nib is worthwhile, paying attention to flat-engraved script and correctly seated rings. In case of doubt one should refrain from the bid and request pictures from the seller.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is the Montegrappa Peace Pen and why is it regarded as record-breaking?", "a": "Montegrappa has presented with the Peace Pen a fountain pen of platinum with large diamonds. The announced retail price of 1,000,000 US dollars makes it a candidate for the Guinness Book of Records. By comparison, classical models like a Meisterstück 144 or 164 seem price-wise negligible. A large view of the piece was viewable via the Vogue Gioielli website.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Can a gilded Safety filler with the inscription \"ASTORIA FABRICAT\" be an Astoria or Montblanc-Astoria filler?", "a": "Without a picture, the exact assignment can hardly be made. Astoria, however, made alongside Safety models also lever fountain pens in different sizes, among others in size 1, partly also with overlay. A designation \"Montblanc-Astoria\" could not be clarified in the thread; for a reliable determination photos should be posted.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What are the experiences with the Montblanc ink \"Je t'aime Love letters Ink\" and with scented inks or scented postage stamps in general?", "a": "The rose-scented ink \"Je t'aime Love letters Ink\" is, even after thorough cleaning with water, often still long perceptible in the fountain pen, which many users find disturbing. Overall, the enthusiasm for scented inks has cooled in the hobby circle, since the smell stubbornly remains in the writing instrument. As an alternative, the wine inks by Jansen are mentioned, whose scent is more discreet, is only slightly perceived during writing and does not permanently perfume the fountain pen. A combination with scented postage stamps is seen critically and counts rather as a burden for the addressee and postal delivery.", "board": "Ink", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Is the blue ink-view window of a Montblanc fountain pen from the 1950s (e.g. model 042/342) originally blue or does the colour come from dried ink?", "a": "The ink-view windows of the 1950s models like 342 or 042 were made at the factory of transparent blue plastic; a blue tone is therefore normal. Whether an allegedly \"never filled\" pen really is ink-free is difficult to ascertain externally; colour deviations at the transition to the grip section can indicate ink residues. When buying such pieces, scepticism towards seller statements is therefore in order. Especially from eBay providers in Singapore and neighbouring regions, due to frequent negative experiences, is advised against.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why do buyers bid on obviously counterfeit Montblanc writing instruments on eBay partly high amounts, and how should one behave as a buyer?", "a": "Even clearly recognisable counterfeits regularly achieve three-figure bids on eBay, because buyers often do not inform themselves sufficiently or deliberately speculate on a supposed bargain price. A geographical concentration e.g. in the new federal states cannot be evidenced; location indications can be set arbitrarily. Basically, prepayment on eBay bears a high risk, since the effort to enforce rights in case of dispute mostly exceeds the goods value. Anyone not wanting to pay the boutique price must calculate the risk of being cheated. Safe procedure are careful checking of the pictures, research of the model features and avoiding obvious plagiarisms.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can one judge after an eBay purchase whether a Montblanc Meisterstück 144 is genuine?", "a": "Based on the posted auction pictures a tendency can often already be recognised; a serious authenticity check, however, requires the pen in hand. In the specific case, the piece depicted on the photos seemed original, which however does not rule out that after shipping another example is delivered. Therefore one should after receipt carefully compare the delivery with the auction pictures and, in case of deviations, use the eBay buyer-protection deadlines.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does the Montblanc Meisterstück No. 149 exist with both 14-carat and 18-carat gold nibs?", "a": "On the Meisterstück 149, both 14-carat and 18-carat gold nibs were actually fitted. The variant depends on the year of manufacture and country of destination and can also overlap within a series. A 14-carat nib is therefore no indication of a counterfeit. Overviews of the various 149 variants can be found in collector databases like pentrace.com as well as in older forum posts.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does a minus sign after the nib width (for example \"B-\") on an old Montblanc 149 from the 1950s mean?", "a": "If the sign really looks like a minus, the thread gives no unambiguous explanation. If the sign rather looks like a small \"L\", it is a special left-hander nib with a one-sided flattened tipping. A detailed overview of nib markings and their meanings can be found in newsletter No. 1 of 2005.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are the briefcases shown in a particular online offer really original Montblanc products or counterfeits?", "a": "The briefcases linked in the post are counterfeits. They are sold via corresponding dubious sources. A purchase of such pieces is therefore advised against.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which ID number and which price does the round Montblanc bookmark with punched-out logo have?", "a": "The ID number 08723 is correct; the non-binding recommended retail price is 45.00 euros. Sources are authorised specialist retailers, e.g. the renowned online provider scription.de for high-quality writing instruments and accessories.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "When and where does the CAS collectors' get-together Dortmund take place in April 2005?", "a": "The second CAS collectors' get-together 2005 took place on 10 April 2005 at 14:00 (lunch from 13:00) in the restaurant \"Zum Franziskaner\" at Düsseldorfer Str. 21, 44143 Dortmund. The kitchen of the restaurant is closed between 15:00 and 17:00. Registrations and queries were possible via the email address Fuellhalter2004@yahoo.de. A short report on the meeting was subsequently published in the forum under the section \"Sammlertreffen\".", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Are there Montblanc fountain pens that were used as door handles, and how often are these still to be found today?", "a": "Such oversized Montblanc fountain pens as door handles exist and are highly sought-after among collectors, but extremely rare and correspondingly expensive. On eBay they turn up only at larger time intervals, then at high prices. The pieces are massive (presumably brass) and generally have no clip; on the back there are two fastening holes, which makes them unsuitable as a stand model. A known example was located at Kölner Gürzenichstr. 7 (today Füllfeder-Zentrale Kellner & Sohn).", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What are the adjustable nibs from an old architect's compass set and what were they used for?", "a": "They are ruling pens that were dipped in India ink and used with a wooden grip for technical drawing. Without a wooden grip, they can be fitted to a compass in order to draw precise circles of nearly any line thickness. The nib is always drawn diagonally over the tracing paper, which is why taking up too much India ink must be avoided, since otherwise unsightly blots can arise. Such devices belonged to the standard equipment in the architecture training of the 1970s.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Why is no ink-view window recognisable on the Montblanc Meisterstück 144G from the year 1952, and how can this be remedied?", "a": "All 144s from the 1950s were made with a viewing window; a model without a window did not exist. The celluloid of the window can, however, darken strongly over the course of decades and appear dark red to almost black. Dried ink residues inside can also visually close the window. Multi-day flushing with water often brings the window better into view again; with moderate water hardness, tap water suffices; otherwise distilled water is recommended.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is there a public directory of the codes on Montblanc clips for unambiguous model determination?", "a": "A publicly accessible directory of the clip codes does not exist. The codes serve Montblanc as an internal authenticity feature and are deliberately encoded so that only the company can fully read out the information. Publication would undermine the purpose of this coding, especially with regard to counterfeits from China.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Meisterstück ballpoint acquired on eBay with a serial number on the upper ring and Pix engraving genuine?", "a": "Based on the pictures shown, the ballpoint appears genuine. Authenticity features are, among others, the Pix engraving, the clean rotary mechanism for extending the refill as well as correctly seated rings and engravings on the upper ring. For reliable confirmation, high-resolution detail shots of all relevant spots are necessary.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Did Montblanc actually have service guides in the unusual get-up shown in the eBay auctions?", "a": "The packaging depicted and the service guide correspond to a variant used by Montblanc in the early 1990s. The combination is therefore consistent and no indication of a counterfeit.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can stains on the gilded clips of Cross writing instruments be removed without damaging the pen?", "a": "Cross writing instruments have a lifetime warranty that also covers the free refurbishment of stained or damaged clips. The simplest way is therefore to send the pen directly to Cross or to have it sent there via the specialist trade with a small processing fee and postage reimbursement. Own polishing attempts are not necessary and bear the risk of damaging the surface.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What experiences are there with fountain pens by Nakaya?", "a": "Nakaya fountain pens are described as very good writers. An ordered variant without clip in Tamenuri lacquer becomes somewhat redder in the course of time and develops its own patina. Photos often only insufficiently reproduce the actual colour character of such lacquers.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is the leather of a particular offered Sienna case an unusual variant or the normal version?", "a": "The case shown is the normal Sienna leather version in Italian leather and looks genuine. Really rare are, by contrast, variants of ostrich leather (Anniversary 75) as well as of mastic leather; the latter never officially came on the market and existed only as a prototype at Seeger.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is known about the first issue of the limited Montblanc \"Presidential Pen\" range on George Washington?", "a": "The edition \"George Washington\" is the first issue of the Presidential Pen range and limited to 50 examples. Distribution is exclusively via Montblanc boutiques in the USA. Collectors evaluate the look predominantly positively but criticise the presumably very high price and partly the textual staging. Further information and pictures can be found via kulturgutschrift.de. Awaited with anticipation is the subsequent Marlene Dietrich issue, which is regarded as more accessible price-wise.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is the Montblanc Magical Black Widow 88 to be acquired and what price is called up for it?", "a": "The Magical Black Widow 88 is hardly to be found in Germany, since only about two to three examples were sold to Germany; the majority went to the USA. An international search, e.g. via English-language collector forums, is therefore more promising. Privately called-up sale prices move in the range of around 30,000 euros. The piece No. 1/88 was additionally offered at a Bonhams auction in Los Angeles in February 2009.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is an old Montblanc fountain pen offered on eBay with an untypical clip a real Montblanc, and if so which model?", "a": "The fountain pen is a real Montblanc; the unusually designed overlay, however, does not come from Montblanc but from the Stuttgart jeweller MAENNER. MAENNER refined in the 1930s writing instruments of various brands (Montblanc, Pelikan and others) with silver or gold work and supplemented partly matching pencils with the same overlay. These pieces were officially distributed via the field staff and stationery dealers of the brands and delivered in original cases, in whose lid lining \"MAENNER Stuttgart\" stood. Such refinements are sought-after collector pieces today.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is an eBay shop to be evaluated that uses the same original pictures for many models and demands payment via Western Union?", "a": "From such providers it is urgently advised against. eBay expressly warns against payments via Western Union, since via this no buyer protection exists. Even the promise of a purchase-price refund in case of complaint helps no further if the goods are not even shipped or a postal address is missing. The uniform use of pictures for all models (e.g. regardless of the plating) is a typical feature of disreputable shops. Even if the depicted original pictures look genuine, one should refrain from such auctions.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which model is a Montblanc piston filler with converter bought on eBay, is it genuine and how does one remedy failures during writing?", "a": "Based on the pictures, it is a Montblanc 145 (Chopin/Classique) with piston converter; a counterfeit it is not according to the pictures provided. Writing failures often arise through ink deposits, especially if black ink was used previously, since it contains more suspended particles than blue ink. Helpful is, at every ink change, to flush the fountain pen with warm water and thereby keep the ink channels free. With longer writing breaks, it is recommended to fill the converter halfway with water and insert it, so that the ink line does not dry out. Platinum-plated 145s are very sought-after on the second-hand market and accordingly achieve high prices.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why does the Montblanc 144 Doué Hematite have a screw thread on the cap, unlike the normal 144, and is posting the cap on the metal barrel during writing sensible?", "a": "Most Solitaire 144 variants have a screw thread, since a screwed connection is more durable and all current Meisterstücks are uniformly constructed. Early Solitaire Ramses models still had a plug-on cap; due to the high barrel weight, however, this loosened easily, which is critical with precious-metal barrels. When posting the cap on the back of a metal barrel, scratching of the surface is additionally threatened, which is why this is advised against; the cap lip itself can also take damage, as is often observed with old Safety pens. Such Solitaire pieces are anyway rather jewellery pieces than robust utility devices. For writing without the cap posted, additionally, the fact speaks that the Hematite thereby does not become too rear-heavy.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is to be made of the Montblanc John Lennon Edition (limited and unlimited versions), and does John Lennon thematically fit a Montblanc luxury pen?", "a": "The John Lennon Edition appears in several variants, including an unlimited issue as well as a version limited to 1940 pieces. From 2010 the pieces are available; whether they will also be offered in Germany was open at the time of the discussion. The light, silver colouring is felt by some collectors as rather feminine. In content, the thematic connection between John Lennon and Montblanc is seen critically, similarly to previously with the Mahatma Gandhi Edition, because the reference between personality and luxury fountain pen feels far-fetched. The name reference recognisably serves as justification for higher prices of limited editions.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which range does a completely black Montblanc fountain pen with \"Bosch\" imprint on the cap come from, and how old could it be?", "a": "An exact model determination is not possible without pictures. Montblanc made in the 1980s and 1990s writing instruments for Bosch and other companies with individual advertising imprint as special versions. The fountain pen is therefore likely to come from this period and is a regular series version personalised by advertising imprint.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is known about the Montblanc edition \"Hommage à Max Reinhardt 2005\" for the Salzburg Festival?", "a": "The edition \"Hommage à Max Reinhardt 2005\" supported the Young Directors Project of the Salzburg Festival. It was exclusively available during the festival (25 July to 31 August 2005) in the Montblanc boutique Salzburg (Alter Markt 1). The worldwide edition was 30 examples, 10 pieces per colour variant.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are Montblanc Solitaire Doué fountain pens now also being counterfeited, and how does one recognise a counterfeit?", "a": "On a Solitaire Doué shown in the discussion, the star on the cap appears unusually angular and \"jagged\", differently than on the original with clearly rounder points. A comparison with the cap of a guaranteed genuine Solitaire 144 Stainless Steel confirms this difference. Added to this are a hardly credible nib design that rather recalls models of the 1950s, an unsharply taken photo and a seller with only few ratings. Before a purchase, additional detail photos should be requested; in case of doubt, the auction is to be advised against.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can in Berlin old Montblanc and other writing instruments from an inheritance (including Monte Rosa, Sheaffer, Lamy) be correctly assessed and sold?", "a": "The pieces described are predominantly not particularly valuable utility and school fountain pens, e.g. with the Monte Rosa a school fountain pen from the 1950s. Value surprises are therefore not to be expected. In Berlin, the collectors Fritz Diesbach and Ulrich Krüner are regarded as reputable contacts for evaluation and sales advice; contact is possible via the telephone book. A professional evaluation on the spot helps to achieve realistic prices and to market writing instruments correctly.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why does a link to the picture gallery of the 45 Meisterstück on fountainpen.de not work, although the menu was allegedly corrected?", "a": "The original link contained an error; correctly it reads old-30er- instead of old-20er. Even after correction on the server, it can take 24 to 48 hours until changes are visible to all users. The reason for this are proxy servers e.g. of Telekom, which cache static web pages and thereby deliver buffered between server and end user. In the meantime, many browsers therefore still display the old or faulty version of the page.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Is the tendency to stage the ballpoint as an art object also transferable to fountain pens, and which artists are known to work with fountain pens?", "a": "While the ballpoint is increasingly taken up as material of modern art projects (e.g. in exhibitions like \"The Biro Limited Edition\"), the fountain pen remains so far largely untouched. Artistic work with the pen, however, plays a role: architect Helmut Jahn uses, according to Montblanc Chronicle, always a good dozen Montblanc fountain pens for designing his buildings and executes his sketches with brown sepia ink. Such original drawings now achieve high prices on the art market, which underlines the importance of the pen as an artistic tool.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can one judge from photos whether a Montblanc rollerball is genuine?", "a": "Based on the posted photos, the rollerball shown appears original. A final authenticity check is, however, beyond pictures only safely possible in hand, since details like engraving depth, material weight and mechanism must be judged.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What consequences does the ECJ ruling on the distribution of luxury articles have for online dealers and collectors, and how is it evaluated?", "a": "With the ruling, the ECJ strengthens the rights of branded-article manufacturers by recognising the luxurious aura as an essential quality feature. Thus manufacturers may more strongly steer the distribution of high-quality brands, by which online trade and especially discount or third-party platforms can be restricted. Collectors see this critically, because tendencies emerge that manufacturers want to push back the trade of own second-hand goods, and platforms like eBay as a marketplace are endangered. In the discussion, an eBay petition for restriction-free online trade was therefore also supported. The complete ruling text the ECJ provides under the file number C-59/08.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How high is the sale value of an inherited Montblanc Hemingway fountain pen in used but good condition?", "a": "For a serious value statement, two points are decisive: whether it is the ballpoint or the fountain pen and whether the original packaging and the special service guide are present. Both have a considerable influence on the achievable price, since complete sets are traded significantly higher. In the specific case, it is a fountain pen without packaging and without service guide; a concrete price range was not finally named in the thread.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can a leaking Montblanc 242G with a dried-out cork seal be repaired oneself, or is it sensible to use only the nib further?", "a": "A 242G is collector-wise not particularly valuable; the gold nib, on the other hand, is very beautiful; if the writing tipping is missing, the nib is, however, unusable. A self-repair is not recommended for laypersons, because work on the old material can quickly lead to a total loss. Montblanc itself no longer repairs these old models due to a lack of spare parts; restorations are taken on exclusively by specialised restorers, who have to demand corresponding prices. A proper restoration is worthwhile above all with culturally and historically more significant pieces; on the 242, it is economically to be weighed.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which retail price is realistic for a Montblanc Meisterstück 742 in Rolled Gold?", "a": "A serious price statement is hardly possible without a photo and condition description, since the preservation condition is decisive. As a rough indication, an example in good condition most recently achieved around 200 euros on eBay. Further information on value determination can be found in older forum posts on comparable models.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What did the Montblanc set \"300 Years St. Petersburg\" with the Patron of Art Editions Peter & Catherine the Great cost, and how are the sets numbered?", "a": "In May 2003, Montblanc compiled 300 St. Petersburg sets from remaining stock of the Peter & Catherine 4810 edition as well as 100 sets from the 888 stock. The 4810 sets cost 2,970.00 euros, the solid-gold 888 sets 8,670.00 euros; the individual editions lay at 1,483.00 euros (4810) or 4,334.00 euros (888). The edition numbers are not running consecutively from 1 to 100/50 but resulted coincidentally from the remaining stock; however, the pen pairs within a set are always equally numbered. The sets were delivered in special outer packaging with description and leaflet, the 100 solid-gold sets in a special wooden box; distribution took place exclusively via Montblanc boutiques worldwide. Critically seen is when boutiques later significantly higher prices (e.g. 9,100 euros for a Catherine 888) adapt to individual auction results and thereby suggest an artificial increase in value.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How and where does one best sell a Montblanc set like the Imperial Dragon 1993?", "a": "For the sale of high-quality writing instruments, three routes come into question: an advertisement in the collectors' forum (free of charge but limited reach, especially not international), an eBay auction (large reach but high fees) and sale via professional dealers. The latter is, especially for more expensive pieces like the Imperial Dragon, recommendable, since specialised dealers have well-funded collector contacts and can take pieces on commission; usual is a commission. As proven contacts, Tom Westerich and Lutz Fiebig are named, both reachable via penboard.de.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why does a Montblanc Meisterstück LeGrand rollerball only start writing after \"persuasion\", leak or fail after a few days, and could it be down to the cap?", "a": "It cannot definitely be due to the cap. Frequent causes are dried-up refills that have already been stored longer in specialist trade; Marathon refills do not necessarily last longer than standard refills. Start-up problems of this extent are very unusual, which is why individual factors like writing angle, imprint, paper as well as consistent closing after use are to be checked. A well-founded judgement is ultimately only possible if rollerball, refill and user are jointly assessed in a boutique. Until then, the rollerball should always be kept closed and not too strongly pressed.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does a black Montblanc mechanical pencil No. 10 K from the year 1935 exist, and how rare is it?", "a": "Mechanical pencils with the model number 10 K were made at Montblanc between 1925 and 1939. In black hard-rubber version they are not a particularly rare collector's piece, unlike the variants in silver or gold, which are significantly rarer. A fixed price of 400 euros for the black model is therefore ambitious and not justifiable by rarity.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a \"Mont Blanc Meisterstück ballpoint, near-new\" offered on eBay genuine or a counterfeit, and can Montblanc legally proceed against sellers of counterfeits?", "a": "The ballpoint offered under eBay article number 112440688012 is unambiguously a counterfeit; in particular, the engraving shown does not exist in this form, and the rings are not correct. Sellers of such pieces are often \"newcomers\" without sales history who know exactly what they are offering. Montblanc does not proceed against every auction but forwards, after targeted hints, auctions with counterfeits to lawyers, which can become very unpleasant and expensive for sellers. Buyers should consistently keep their distance from such offers.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can inherited writing instruments like a supposed Meisterstück 144 and a ballpoint 164 be identified and which sale prices are realistic?", "a": "A reliable model determination is not possible without meaningful pictures; descriptions and comparisons with the model pictures on the homepage, however, help with prior assignment. For value determination of relatively young writing instruments, forums are not the right place; the real market value is most likely ascertained by an eBay auction with a starting price of 1 euro, since higher starting prices experience-shows lead to lower closing prices. As a guideline, a Meisterstück 164 including papers and original packaging was sold on eBay for 135 euros; a LeGrand ballpoint typically lies at 180 to 200 euros. Prerequisites are good photos and a correct description based on the model specifications.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can the length of a Montblanc Meisterstück in millimetres be derived from the model number (e.g. 146 for LeGrand)?", "a": "On some 146 examples the model number actually approximately agrees with the length in millimetres; however, this is no general rule and does not apply to all models or product types. Thus, e.g., the ballpoint 164 is not 16.4 cm long. The dimensions of individual models have additionally slightly changed in the course of decades, which makes the model number as a length indication additionally unreliable. More plausible is the assumption that the numbering rather orients itself on the diameter or on the length-to-diameter ratio, without giving the exact diameter.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one further disassemble the piston mechanism of a Montblanc 146 after barrel and cork seal are already unscrewed, and is the repair of a defective mechanism worthwhile?", "a": "A completely broken rotary mechanism of the 146 can practically not be repaired in a reasonable cost-benefit ratio, since often the second sleeve at the front towards the cork seal is torn. Before further disassembly steps, first the year of manufacture should be determined and the defect precisely localised, e.g. based on photos or comparison pictures of known collector sites. On reassembly, the new cork must be set with the mechanism screwed in, since from behind there is no access; tightness is the decisive criterion. Overall, the repair counts as very elaborate; a 142 can be restored comparatively more easily.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does Montblanc really no longer make really thin-writing EF nibs, or with a nib exchange is a real extra-fine line width to be expected?", "a": "The claim that Montblanc no longer makes thin-writing EF nibs is not accurate; between M, F and EF a clear difference must be recognisable. If an exchanged nib does not write like an EF, it should be complained about and exchanged again. The perceived line thickness depends additionally strongly on the paper used: smooth test pads in boutiques as well as dipping the nib into ink during test writing make the stroke appear thicker than on usual writing paper. On normal paper, the difference to nibs of other brands is mostly significantly smaller.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which model is a Montblanc ballpoint that is merely marked with \"Mont Blanc - Germany\" and bears no further type information?", "a": "It is a ballpoint from the Montblanc Slim Line or SL series, recognisable by the plastic logo in the clip; not from the Noblesse range, as a frequently cited book wrongly states. The new price was then below ten DM; the model is therefore no high-quality collector's piece but is suitable as an everyday-suitable writing instrument. It can be difficult to still procure matching ballpoint refills; in the forum there are tips on this. In literature and on relevant websites, Noblesse and SlimLine are repeatedly confused, so source statements are critically to be checked.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why can private messages suddenly no longer be opened or displayed in the community's PMS system, although the inbox reports full mailboxes?", "a": "The problem occurs regularly when the shared email storage fills up because many users do not delete old messages. It is therefore asked to manually remove no-longer-needed messages so that the system works smoothly again. Additionally, the current PMS system is no longer up to the increased usage volume, which is why a replacement by a new system has already been announced, whose availability however is still pending. Until then, the PMS function should only be used restrictedly.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Is it possible to exchange the F nib of a new Montblanc Marcel Proust for an M nib, and what costs or restrictions are to be expected?", "a": "A nib change is basically only possible directly at Montblanc; independent workshops do not come into question. With the Marcel Proust, however, the exchange counts according to the boutique's information as not feasible, since no replacement nibs are kept in stock. In 2002, writing instruments with high limitation numbers and F nib turned up again, but only in this one nib strength. A cost-effective alternative would be to find someone willing to undertake a private nib exchange.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a writing set offered as \"Opera de Paris\" a known brand or rather an advertising article without collector value?", "a": "The set offered is no renowned brand product but an advertising article of a no-name manufacturer, presumably from Chinese production with the model name \"Opera de Paris\". The fountain pen is at most equipped with a gilded steel nib, so neither high-quality nor worth collecting. Optically the set may appear appealing; for writing it counts as unsuitable. Even the seller himself conceded on enquiry that they are merely simple promotional utensils.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can an older celluloid piston fountain pen with Bock Heidelberg nib and the marking \"LM\" be unambiguously identified?", "a": "Bock nibs were fitted in a multitude of writing instruments, so the nib alone allows no assignment. Until the end of the Second World War, there were several hundred manufacturers in Germany, of which most are unknown today. If the fountain pen itself bears no unambiguous manufacturer marking, an identification is hardly possible; the letters \"LM\" also do not necessarily help further. An additional point of contact for such enquiries is the forum penexchange.de.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can light scratches on the surface of a Carbon Steel fountain pen be reduced or removed?", "a": "It is recommended to present the writing instrument to a jeweller and have the metal professionally polished. From commercially available polishes like Wenol it is advised against, since they are too coarse for the fine surface and can experience-shows significantly worsen the appearance after application.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "What is the auction of nibs in favour of press freedom by Reporters Without Borders about?", "a": "Reporters Without Borders auctioned between 19 and 29 October 2006 six high-quality fountain pens with handwritten dedications by prominent writers, actors and journalists on eBay in the section \"Stars & Charity\". Patronages were taken over, among others, by Julia Jentsch, Ulrich Wickert, Marietta Slomka, Henning Mankell, Harry Rowohlt and Reinhold Beckmann. The campaign was supported by Pelikan, Faber-Castell, Cleo, Waterman and Parker. The proceeds went to the worldwide engagement of the organisation for freedom of the press and opinion.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Are the Montblanc perfumes and face waters offered in eBay auctions in strikingly simple packaging really original goods or frequently counterfeits?", "a": "The plain, cheap-looking packagings do not correspond to the usual get-up of Montblanc fragrances as can be seen in official channels like Douglas or on the Montblanc website. Original fragrances like Individuel, Présence or StarWalker are described in full there and labelled with product names. On eBay, the proportion of counterfeit perfumes is generally very high, and the imitations including packaging are by now so well made that they are hardly recognisable on photos. With the offers mentioned, counterfeits are therefore most likely to be assumed; in fact, often only water with Montblanc imprint is sold.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can two presumably older Montblanc cartridge fountain pens without further model designation be assigned to a concrete model based on the nib image, cap and serial number?", "a": "The first pen with completely golden nib and flat ends can presumably be assigned to the Generation range or a model range around the mid/end of the 1970s; it is rather an entry-level model with correspondingly low collector value. The second writing instrument with two-tone gold nib and inscription \"Meisterstück\" belongs to the Classique range, presumably a 144 (recognisable by the plug-on cap). Today usually only on the 149 is the model number engraved on the cap ring; older examples often bear no visible model statement. Via the serial number engraved under the clip (e.g. CG235...), the production date can be enquired about with Montblanc customer service, which helps with narrowing down the model.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What distinguishes the variant Montblanc Meisterstück Ultra Black, and what are the so-called \"Bespoke\" nibs?", "a": "The variant is characterised by rhodium-plated trim and clip as well as a matt surface and counts as visually particularly appealing. The nib engraving too stands out positively compared to the engravings on the body. \"Bespoke\" nibs designate nibs individually made for the customer, e.g. in special grinds like Soft B. Such a special nib alone weighs in at about 1,000 euros.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can a Montblanc Meisterstück 144 be genuine although no serial number is engraved in the clip ring?", "a": "A missing serial number in the clip ring is on older 144s no authenticity exclusion, since Montblanc only introduced consistent numbering from a later point. Original features are, among others, the inscription \"Pix\" under the clip, a completely gold nib without platinum intarsia as well as a flat feed, which additionally points to an older example. The 144 was, after the relaunch of the Meisterstück Classique size, delivered either as a cartridge or converter filler. With remaining doubts, a direct picture comparison and the search for older forum discussions help further.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which hints and what price range are to be considered in the private sale of a rare Montblanc Masterpiece 146G in grey striped?", "a": "For a serious sale enquiry in the forum, clear information is indispensable: salutation with first names, meaningful pictures (ideally with a note bearing the seller's name in the picture) and a concrete price expectation. In the specific case, a guideline price of about 1,100 euros was named by another collector. In the forum it is additionally pointed out that private auction-style offers à la eBay are seen critically, since the forum is not primarily intended to achieve maximum prices.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What total length does a Montblanc Meisterstück 146 from the 1980s have?", "a": "A 146 with monochrome golden nib, which usually indicates a manufacture between about 1987 and 1992, shows a total length of 14.2 cm. This value matches already documented dimension specifications on Meisterstück writing instruments since the 1980s.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "In which material variants did the Montblanc Bohème Je t'aime exist and in what price range did these lie?", "a": "The Bohème Je t'aime existed in several versions: of black precious resin (resin), of sterling silver as well as of white gold, in each case as cartridge fountain pen and ballpoint. The precious-resin variant is a real version made by Montblanc but no longer appears on the Montblanc website today, since the series was discontinued. The white-gold version was around 11,000 euros per piece and had hearts of real rubies on the clip. Current prices for the other variants can most reliably be enquired about directly with Montblanc or in a boutique.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "From what time did Montblanc introduce the serial number in the clip ring, and why does an older 165 Solitaire silver pencil bear only the inscription \"W.Germany\"?", "a": "On this recurring question there are already several forum threads in which the introduction of clip-ring serial numbers has been discussed in detail. Answers can be found most quickly via the search function with the keyword \"Seriennummer\". A missing serial number is not unusual for older examples and no authenticity exclusion.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc model is an attic find that externally recalls the Noblesse range, and what value is realistic?", "a": "The writing instrument found is a Montblanc Quickpen, an independent, inexpensive model without reference to Noblesse or Slim Line. The original retail price was DM 19.50 including a felt-tip and a roller refill. High-priced auction offers for comparable pens are completely excessive; such \"moon prices\" appear frequently but are rarely achieved. The Quickpen is thus no valuable collector's piece but a usable original Montblanc.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can one ascertain by hallmarks and engravings whether an inherited Montblanc ballpoint with \"Meisterstück\" inscription is genuine?", "a": "Indications of an original are in particular hallmarks with precious-metal specifications (e.g. 585, 750, 925 or 950) on the cap area. An engraving of the inscription \"Meisterstück\" on the gilded tip from which the refill emerges is, by contrast, untypical and rather indicates a counterfeit, since on a real Montblanc usually no inscription is placed there. An unambiguous judgement succeeds best based on clear detail photos of the cap rings, the hallmarks and the named engraving spots.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What experiences are there with Montblanc accessories like travel bottles, manicure sets and stainless-steel razors, and what possibilities for personalisation exist?", "a": "The large travel bottle holds 170 ml, the small one 85 ml. The stainless-steel razor is compatible with Mach3 blades, so no special Montblanc blades are necessary. Travel bottles, shoe-polish and shaving accessories cannot be engraved themselves; only the product packaging can be provided with initials. The manicure set can be embossed from inside, with all embossings being done at the factory or by sending in to Montblanc.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the entry into Montblanc writing instruments with an unexpectedly acquired piece worthwhile, and how can authenticity be reliably checked?", "a": "A reliable authenticity check is most sensibly carried out directly in a Montblanc boutique, where the fountain pen can be inspected and judged. Often the first Montblanc becomes the entry into a more extensive collection, since the appeal of such writing instruments experience-shows quickly entails further purchases. Collectors point out that the packaging also delivers hints about the age of a writing instrument. Accompanying this, original ink is often acquired, e.g. in Sepia, in order to undertake the first writing attempts.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can an older push-button fountain pen with the inscription \"4810 Montblanc Meisterstück\" and a barely legible DRP number be unambiguously assigned to a model?", "a": "For identification of a push-button Meisterstück from this era, especially the model number on the turning knob at the rear end is decisive, e.g. 20, 25 or 30. Dimensions like length and diameter alone do not suffice for a reliable assignment. If the number on the turning knob is no longer legible due to signs of use, the exact model determination can experience-shows fail even with a magnifier. Inscription, nib engraving and brand name on the cap merely confirm the rough belonging to the Meisterstück range.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What can be the cause that on a Montblanc Writers Edition William Faulkner between the metal ring and the precious resin ink leaks out and causes inky fingers?", "a": "During normal writing no inky fingers should arise; if between the front metal ring and grip section ink emerges, a defect is to be assumed that cannot be unambiguously diagnosed without inspection. It is recommended to present the writing instrument to a Montblanc boutique or to Montblanc service. The repair by Montblanc service worked reliably in the specific case; an initially issued invoice was generously handled in the boutique. If after filling ink first emerges, this can at least temporarily be controlled by carefully wiping the area (e.g. with a tissue); if fine scratches later arise on the grip section, these can be caused by putting on or screwing on the cap.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are rust spots on the silver-coloured nib carrier of a Montblanc Bohème a known problem, and how should one proceed?", "a": "On the very first Bohème writing instruments, rust problems demonstrably existed, which were remedied in later production series, since Montblanc exchanged the entire inner workings against rust-free components. Anyone noticing rust spots should contact Montblanc customer service; in comparable cases repairs were carried out free of charge as a gesture of goodwill. Alternatively, the writing instrument could also be restored by experienced repairers, e.g. by polishing the end ring and loosening the front sleeve screwing, but first the official Montblanc service should be used. \"Normal\" rust is on a Bohème in no way to be expected.", "board": "Storage and care of writing instruments", "category": "General questions on writing instruments"}
{"q": "Can a Bordeaux Montblanc 146 Le Grand already bear a serial number in the clip ring, or does this variant basically exist only without a number?", "a": "The 146 in Bordeaux existed not only until 1990 but significantly longer; production ran for at least ten more years, and in the trade corresponding writing instruments often still lay for many years. Therefore real Bordeaux Le Grand models exist both without and with serial number in the clip ring, and a serial number is no indication of a counterfeit. The acquisition of a Bordeaux 146 with serial number is thus unhesitating.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Did the Pelikan 140 exist in two different sizes, or can an apparently larger example be a mixed construction?", "a": "The Pelikan 140 was made from 1955 to 1963 in a uniform size; the total length of about 12.5 cm named in collector sources is consistent. A significantly longer example with 13.1 cm and a deviating piston mechanism or feed is therefore no \"large 140\" but generally a barrel from the 400 range, on which a 140 cap was subsequently placed. The concrete 400 barrel can, based on the feed, probably be dated to the 1970s. The identification of Pelikan models is overall due to frequent parts combinations confusing.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is on the Montblanc 146 \"75 Years of Passion and Soul\" the brilliant in the \"O\" of the inscription correctly twisted by 180 degrees opposite the clip, or can this be corrected?", "a": "The brilliant should at delivery state actually not be offset by 180 degrees opposite the clip; such a position is especially with a limited edition unusual and suggests that after delivery manipulation took place. A correction is possible and can be carried out directly on the spot in Montblanc boutiques.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are there suitable converters for the Caran d'Ache Ecridor XS, and how strict is the requirement to use only original cartridges?", "a": "For the compact fountain pen Ecridor XS there are no suitable converters, since the construction height needed for the filling mechanism would reduce the ink volume unreasonably. The section is also specially shaped, so only original Caran d'Ache cartridges fit precisely. In practice, cartridges of other manufacturers (e.g. Visconti) can partly also be used without problems, but with deviating dimensions there is a risk of leakage and ink stains. Anyone wanting to be on the safe side uses the manufacturer's original cartridges.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is the purchase of a Montblanc Meisterstück 149 worthwhile for someone who writes only very rarely and predominantly fills in forms, postcards or money transfers?", "a": "For the applications mentioned like money transfers, postcards or parcel slips, a fountain pen is actually unsuitable, since conventional ink runs with moisture and can be altered with ink killer; here a ballpoint or a fountain pen with document-proof ink is more sensible. Nevertheless, nothing speaks against acquiring the 149, since writing with ink has its own appeal and can stimulate the discovery of diary, calligraphy or handwritten correspondence. To be noted, however, is that the 149 is too large for many shirt pockets and is therefore more suitable as a stationary writing instrument at the desk; in mobile work situations, models like LeGrand or Classique are more practicable. Dryness or leakage are with proper care and regular use no noteworthy problem.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does the accompanying brochure of the Montblanc Agatha Christie have the same format as that of the Hemingway, or do the originals differ?", "a": "The Hemingway brochure is actually larger than the accompanying brochures of other Writers Edition writing instruments; the larger format thus corresponds to the original and is no indication of a deviating or non-genuine document.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are there affordable alternatives for the repair of a Montblanc 244 with a disintegrated cork seal if the Montblanc quotation lies at around 310 euros?", "a": "The price set by Montblanc is high but can be explained by warranty service as well as the effort for procurement of the no-longer-used cork seals. Significantly cheaper are generally specialised independent repair workshops and experienced collectors who offer such restorations. An overview of corresponding workshops can be found in the forum under the section \"Reparatur\". With comparable result, the effort with these specialists, and thus also the price, is mostly considerably lower.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why does a Montblanc pencil of the range DB 02 or DB 01 in one variant bear a star on the turning knob, in the other however not?", "a": "Without high-quality detail pictures, the difference cannot be unambiguously explained; one possibility is that the cap on one of the pencils is missing, which on some models makes the star appear removed. There are actually Montblanc pencils (e.g. of hard rubber, with cap) on which the body itself bears no star. The DB pencils are with about 8 cm length very small and presumably designed for address or notebooks. A final judgement requires the writing instrument in hand, since photos often do not adequately reproduce such details.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can one ascertain solely on the basis of the serial number of a Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire Stainless Steel whether the writing instrument is genuine?", "a": "The meaning of the serial numbers is secret; therefore only Montblanc or an authorised specialist retailer can bindingly check the authenticity. Counterfeits also frequently bear serial numbers, so the mere existence of a number has no meaning. A positive indication is when the serial number is laser-engraved (\"grey\") and not stamped; certainty, however, is only brought by presentation to the specialist retailer. If the number begins with an \"8\" instead of with the letter \"B\", a counterfeit is to be assumed, since originals use corresponding letter prefixes.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Has Montblanc ever officially offered a black Bohème ballpoint with a white or transparent stone in the clip?", "a": "A Bohème with a transparent stone Montblanc has offered exclusively in the model Bohème Platinum Crystal, that is, not in the black variant. With a black Bohème with a white stone in the clip, a counterfeit is therefore to be assumed. Additional indications of this are untidy transitions between cap top, clip and cap; on the original these components close flush. A definitive clarification can be made by Montblanc service.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can a gifted Montblanc Meisterstück with the engraving \"Pix\" and \"Montblanc Meisterstück Pix\" on the ring be classified as an original despite a missing serial number?", "a": "The writing instrument is most likely an original, presumably a Montblanc Meisterstück 164 (ballpoint), available, among others, in gold and platinum version. A missing serial number can have various reasons: on writing instruments made before 1991 there was not yet consistent numbering; occasionally the number was simply forgotten to be laser-engraved during production. The engravings \"Pix\" under the clip and \"Montblanc Meisterstück Pix\" on the ring are characteristic features of an original.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a Montblanc 144 acquired on eBay be reliably verified as an original, and which inks are unproblematic?", "a": "An authenticity check most likely succeeds through careful comparison with documented features as well as assessment based on clear detail photos; in the specific case, the fountain pen was classified from description and pictures as 100 percent genuine. A reputable eBay purchase including personal handover is quite possible, even if the risk of counterfeits remains real. Unproblematic are water-soluble standard inks like the original Montblanc ink; non-water-soluble inks can on longer idle time clog up the feed. Iron-gall inks (blue-black) are also to be seen critically, since they can contain acidic components (formerly even sulphuric or hydrochloric acid).", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What experiences exist with fountain pens of the brand Danitrio, especially with models with Maki-e lacquer decorations?", "a": "Concrete experience reports on Maki-e models by Danitrio are only restrictedly available; available are experiences with an eyedropper fountain pen with Tamenuri finish, which corresponds to the typical size (Mikado) of the Danitrio Maki-e models. The procurement took place via internetpens.net (Bevin Cheng), with advice and service being positively highlighted. Statements on the price-performance ratio of the actual Maki-e models, however, remain open.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is an offered Montblanc that at first glance looks like a counterfeit actually counterfeit or a real Mozart?", "a": "On closer examination it is an entirely normal, original Montblanc Mozart from the Meisterstück range. The optical similarity to known counterfeits stems from the fact that the model is shown on many relevant comparison sites together with plagiarisms. Anyone who does not know the model can therefore easily mistake it for a counterfeit, which in the specific case led to a misjudgement.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are the Montblanc models 254 and 24, which do not appear on relevant collector sites, nevertheless independent versions?", "a": "Both models are documented in collector literature: the Montblanc 254, similarly to the 252, was made between 1954 and 1959 in various versions; the Montblanc 24 was produced parallel to the 22 between 1960 and 1970. For further research the search functions of collector forums like penexchange.de are recommended, even if there search terms like \"Montblanc 24\" are partly ignored due to too-frequent occurrence. Collectors' meet-ups, e.g. get-togethers in the Pforzheim region, offer additional possibilities for knowledge exchange.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which German-language, private and non-commercial collector websites with well-founded contents on the subject of writing instruments are recommendable?", "a": "Recommended are especially maxpens.de, the site by Werner Rüttinger (ruettinger-web.de) as well as top-pens.de by Gerhard Baur. For specialised topics, waterman-kirkel.com (Volker Köhl, Waterman) and bleistiftsammler.de are insightful. An extended overview can also be found in the Open Directory Project under the section Schreibgeräte as well as in the link collection of the forum. Decisive is that the site really conveys collector information and does not primarily serve own trade.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Can the electronics of a laser pointer be built into the housing of a Montblanc writing instrument, and is there a sensible alternative to the DIY solution?", "a": "A DIY conversion of a Montblanc Le Grand ballpoint to a laser pointer is technically conceivable but, among other things, due to the certifications required in Germany for laser pointers, legally problematic. As an alternative, ready laser pointers in form and look of a LeGrand ballpoint exist, e.g. the \"Photon Ultimate\", which have a laser-beam exit instead of the star as well as a rotary mechanism as on a real ballpoint. These are partly obtainable via international platforms, with shipping conditions and possible customs fees to be heeded. Thus a visually coherent overall picture can be achieved without modifying an original writing instrument.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which costs are to be expected for the exchange of a cap on a Montblanc Meisterstück 145 via the Montblanc service, and is a repair basically sensible?", "a": "Repairs on newer Montblanc writing instruments, including the cap exchange, can be carried out exclusively via Montblanc itself (possibly mediated by an authorised dealer). In the specific case of the 145, a price of 85 euros for the cap exchange was named by phone, which compared to the acquisition of a complete replacement pen is a sensible option. Generally, however, spare-part prices are often very high, and with some repairs, e.g. small damages on gilded rings, three-digit to high quotes are possible. Before a repair, the offered price should therefore always be compared with the costs of used writing instruments.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can it be explained that a Montblanc Meisterstück 144 in Bordeaux with solid-gold nib is engraved on the clip ring not with \"W-Germany\" but only with \"Germany\"?", "a": "The change of the engraving from \"W-Germany\" to \"Germany\" took place in October 1990, while the black-grip-section variant with solid-gold nib was mainly made in the middle of the 1980s. A plausible explanation is that within a repair by Montblanc the clip or the entire cap was exchanged for a then-available spare part; writing instruments with temporally \"mixed\" components are therefore not unusual. A subsequent cap exchange by a dealer is also conceivable, especially since the cap of the 144 is susceptible due to its thin material. The writing instrument thus basically remains a real Montblanc but combines components from different production phases.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are there besides Montblanc other manufacturers that have produced fountain pens with a brass telescopic filling system?", "a": "The screw-telescopic system originally goes back to Luxor (H. Herborn), who developed corresponding mechanisms of hard rubber or aluminium. Reform made push-telescopic mechanisms which, however, deviate structurally. Montblanc itself did not invent the telescopic system but only contributed to the further development of the guidance; according to current knowledge, Montblanc is today the only provider with a brass telescope fitted in this form. An identical mechanism of other current brands is not known.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What should a newcomer pay attention to when buying a Montblanc Meisterstück LeGrand, and which care and filling instructions are to be heeded?", "a": "The first Montblanc should as far as possible be bought in specialist trade and not on the internet, since only there advice on nib width, size and handling is possible; an unsuitable nib width reduces the writing enjoyment independently of the quality of the fountain pen. With test writing it is recommended to bring one's own paper and to take one's time. Filling takes place by unscrewing, dipping the nib in the ink bottle, drawing up and wiping off excess ink at the grip section; an illustrated instruction can be found in the supplied warranty and service booklet. Royal-blue, water-soluble inks are unproblematic; other inks require regular flushing before drying out; otherwise the care is with proper use minimal.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are there Montblanc fountain pens that can optionally be filled with cartridges or an exchangeable piston converter, and what size category do they fall into?", "a": "Models like the Meisterstück Classique range, especially the 144 and 145, can be filled optionally with cartridges or a piston converter. The 144 Classique is with about 11.8 cm open or 13.5 cm closed length the second-smallest representative of the Meisterstück construction range. Writing experiences with the 144 in nib width BB are described as butter-soft and with good start-up behaviour, in connection with original Montblanc ink. The 144 has been taken from the regular programme by now but is available used in private and auction markets.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can one recognise a supposedly old Montblanc set that was actually subsequently \"Montblanc-ised\", and how does a seller deal with corresponding hints?", "a": "Indications of a subsequent brand counterfeit are, among others, a logo that does not correspond in size, placement or plasticity to the known Montblanc conventions, as well as a star with a white ring that has only been used in recent times and therefore does not fit a declared old set. Complementarily, comparison with Montblanc stickers from today can indicate pure sticker application on old pieces. Atypical style elements that fit no documented original product of the stated era are an additional warning sign. If a seller reacts to corresponding factual hints demonstratively dismissively or insultingly, this is a further indication that it is not a reputable original auction.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it correct that on the Montblanc Writers Edition Fitzgerald the actually white body shimmers amber on some examples?", "a": "The body of the Fitzgerald edition (ArtDeco) was originally made in white; brownish or amber-coloured shimmers arise when the plastic was over a longer time exposed to UV radiation, e.g. in illuminated shop windows. On some examples, however, the discolouration affects the entire body evenly and not only the one-sidedly exposed side, which can indicate further material influences or even storage in light. It is no separate production variant but an age-related discolouration. Originally, the Fitzgerald exists in clear white and in differently strongly browned intermediate stages.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can inherited fountain pens and mechanical pencils with silver body without recognisable brand be classified, and can defective filling mechanisms be repaired?", "a": "A judgement of model, manufacturer and value is hardly possible without pictures, since construction and filling system (e.g. removable overlay, ink tank, converter) cannot be reconciled without inspection. It is therefore recommended to post detail photos of the writing instruments so construction and filling system can be precisely determined. Only on this basis can statements be made on the quality, on the potential value and on sensible repair routes for the no-longer-rotatable converters.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is it worth repairing a Montblanc 146 with a broken-off ring on the barrel oneself, or should one leave that to a specialist?", "a": "A self-repair of a Montblanc 146 is basically not recommended, since special tools and several years' experience are required. Especially the newer 146s are difficult to repair, so they should rather be given to the specialist retailer or directly to Montblanc. Montblanc often exchanges such parts without problem within the warranty. A simple gluing on of the broken-off ring is not advisable, because this component anchors the nib and is sealed with silicone against the housing.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Schiller set offered in the USA via an Italian provider an original good, and is the price reasonable?", "a": "The Schiller set shown looks authentic based on the pictures. The called-up price of over 1100 euros is, however, too high, since the Schiller edition is regularly still led in many shops and is thus cheaper to obtain. Even the shipping costs of around 27 euros and the unclear exchange rate in US dollars speak against the purchase from this provider. The same seller had previously offered a complete display box of 146s for 1500 euros without finding a taker. A purchase in Germany is therefore safer and generally cheaper.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it normal that the rotary mechanism of a new Montblanc Bohème noir fountain pen scratches when extending the nib?", "a": "A scratching noise when extending the nib is on the Bohème not normal and mostly indicates ink residues in the rotary mechanism. If the fountain pen was only recently bought (within the warranty period), an exchange at the seller is recommended. If a careful cleaning does not help, the device should be sent to service at Montblanc.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Is there a matching mechanical pencil (Pix) for the Montblanc 244?", "a": "A Pix belonging directly to the Montblanc 244 is not known. As a visually fitting supplement, a model 272 with identical clip comes most likely into question.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are photos of a Montblanc Andrew Carnegie 4810 desired for a picture collection in the forum/on fountainpen.de?", "a": "Missing photos of writing instruments are always welcome for the website, especially of editions for which no pictures yet exist. Owing to high professional workload of the webmaster, posting can however take a longer time. Contributions by collectors are gladly accepted and will gradually be integrated into the overview.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a damaged vintage Montblanc 139 be repaired whose rear end shows a crack and a worn thread?", "a": "A Montblanc 139 with a cracked sleeve and broken-out thread can be saved through a special repair by shortening the barrel and reducing it in diameter in order to install a new sleeve with stepped bore and thread. In the case described here this was implemented in so-called Hemingway style with a red hard-rubber sleeve; a visually original-true variant in black would alternatively be possible. The method counts as suitable to make heavily damaged vintage models functional again and is visually accepted by the owner, provided the effort is fully documented.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "When were Montblanc 146 fountain pens delivered in a simple cardboard box instead of in the padded clamshell box?", "a": "Until about 1993, factory-new Montblanc writing instruments were delivered to specialist retailers in a works packaging of thin cardboard; this, however, did not serve as sales packaging but was exchanged when sold against the higher-quality gift box. Today, delivery takes place in blister packaging. Such a cardboard box is therefore an original packaging and no indication of a preceding repair. Only earlier comparable cardboard boxes were occasionally also used by service for return transport, which however allows no conclusion about the condition of the pen.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can it happen that on eBay offers only the packaging is counterfeit but the fountain pen itself looks genuine?", "a": "In the case described, not only is the packaging with black star counterfeit but the fountain pen itself too. Unambiguous indication is the nib with the inscription Iridium Point Germany, which would never be found on a real Montblanc. Structural details like the missing thread on the grip section (only plugged in instead of screwed) also expose the counterfeit as a typical LeGrand imitation. More difficult is recognition with StarWalker or Bohème counterfeits, which are on photos hardly distinguishable from originals but in hand are immediately noticeable. Pleasing is that Montblanc and eBay are increasingly successfully removing such offers.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How should one evaluate an eBay fountain pen whose packaging is obviously counterfeit but the pen itself on the pictures still looks genuine?", "a": "If the packaging is recognisably counterfeit, one should basically keep one's distance from the purchase, even if the fountain pen still appears genuine on the mostly deliberately detail-poor photos. On closer inspection, e.g., the grip section often does not look original-true, and the assured properties cannot be verified based on poor pictures. Even if the seller acts in good faith, that does not protect the buyer legally and financially. The risk of receiving a fake is in such cases simply too great.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the picture collection of Montblanc fountain pens on fountainpen.de still being extended, and are submitted photos welcome?", "a": "The picture overview is continuously being extended, and contributions by collectors are expressly welcome. Owing to strong professional workload of the webmaster, the incorporation can however take a longer time, since several hundred not-yet-posted photos are already available. Anyone wishing to contribute their own shots can send in a list of available writing instruments, after which it is decided which pictures are still needed.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What value does an original three-piece set of the Montblanc Writers Edition Edgar Allan Poe have?", "a": "Complete three-piece sets of the Edgar Allan Poe Edition have occasionally been auctioned for around 1600 euros, which is rather at the upper end of the market price. Value-determining are in particular the completeness of the papers, the condition of the writing instruments and the presence of consistently identical serial numbers (limited to 3000). General hints on value determination of writing instruments can be found in corresponding forum threads. A realistic market price lies rather below the achieved peak values.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does a rollerball variant of the Montblanc Imperial Dragon exist?", "a": "A rollerball from the Imperial Dragon range has never existed. From the Imperial Dragon only fountain pens in two variants, a ballpoint and a pencil appeared. Every piece offered as Imperial Dragon rollerball is thus necessarily a counterfeit and typically corresponds to an imitation produced in China for a few euros.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Has Montblanc produced briefcases from the Meisterstück series also in brown, or are all exclusively black?", "a": "The leather bags from the Meisterstück series were made exclusively in black. Brown leather articles by Montblanc do indeed exist in other collections like the West or Eastside line, but a briefcase from the Meisterstück line in brown is not known. The brown bag offered in the concrete case on eBay is therefore most likely a counterfeit.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a Montblanc ballpoint designated as Solitaire Vermeil without a hallmark be dated and classified materially?", "a": "A piece without a precious-metal imprint is no real vermeil (gilded silver) but merely gilded brass; even real solid-gold writing instruments always bear a corresponding hallmark (585 or 750). The absence of a serial number and the sole engraving Germany point to a model from the time before 1991, since Montblanc only introduced serial numbers from this year. It is therefore an older version of the Solitaire Korn in gilded brass. This information can be confirmed by the relevant Solitaire Vermeil Korn overview on fountainpen.de.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why can a long post composed in the forum suddenly be lost on sending?", "a": "Responsible is usually the temporary login in the forum: with longer inactivity, the user is automatically logged out for security reasons, so on sending the post is lost. Anyone wishing to avoid this should activate at login the option \"I want to remain logged in\". Additionally, network settings on one's own computer can cause problems, e.g. when the MTU value of a WLAN router is set over 1400; in such cases no posts can be made any more.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How does one recognise on a Montblanc 149 (or 146) offered on eBay whether it is genuine, especially when the nib embossing appears unusual?", "a": "If the description does not clearly identify the model as a 149 and the nib does not fit the rest of the construction (for example 14C embossing on a supposed 146), one should for safety reasons keep one's distance. With real new Meisterstück nibs, the edges are covered with gold and the centre with platinum. Particular caution is in order when a seller uses foreign photos, e.g. pictures stolen from fountainpen.de; such auctions are ended via the eBay VeRO programme. Generally it is recommended, when buying, to accept only own photos and plausible seller histories and in case of doubt rather to acquire from trustworthy collectors in the forum.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Pelikan depicted on the internet a vintage model or a modern reissue?", "a": "The piece shown is most likely the Pelikan M200 Retroset, which appeared as a reissue some years ago. It is thus no real vintage version but a modern reedition in classic design.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Did Montblanc 146 fountain pens with a monochrome 14-carat gold nib exist, and are these authentic?", "a": "Yes, real Montblanc 146s from the late 1970s exist that were delivered exclusively with a monochrome 14-carat yellow-gold nib. The absence of the bicolour nib is therefore no sign of a counterfeit. The inner mechanism (piston in metal version) as well as the imprint 4810 14K confirm the authenticity. Fastening details like the cap top screwed in from inside are also typical structural features of the period.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How old is a Montblanc Pix 350 mechanical pencil with the inscription Germany, and is the metal used real gold?", "a": "The Montblanc 350 was made from 1971 to 1984 and is relatively frequently encountered. Clip and rings are not of real gold but only gilded; only models with the hallmark 585 or 750 actually contain solid gold. Until 1991, Montblanc was a normal writing-instrument manufacturer with a broad range from school supplies to the Meisterstück and positioned itself as a luxury brand only thereafter, which is why the 350 today has no very high material value. As a sentimental memorial object or as a utility piece, however, it can nevertheless be valued.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where and in what form is the Montblanc Egyptomania Edition available?", "a": "The Egyptomania Edition is available both on the French and on the German Montblanc website; only ink and pen pouch of the range are partly not depicted there. The edition is visually judged very positively; some, however, feel the fountain pen, due to its comparatively narrow diameter, as too thin. Anyone preferring thicker fountain pens may not find the ideal size here.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is an eBay rollerball with strikingly pointed star corners despite a serial number and heavy weight an original?", "a": "A star with unnaturally pointed corners is a clear counterfeit feature; equally typical are visible furrows between the three cap rings. Despite a serial number and higher weight, it is therefore a counterfeit. Detailed comparison overviews of typical counterfeit features can be found on fountainpen.de, e.g. in the PDF comparison of rollerball counterfeits. Anyone buying a Montblanc at strikingly low prices or from disreputable providers should reckon with counterfeits.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "When is a Montblanc warranty card issued without filled-in fields for model and clip-ring number, and what meaning does it have?", "a": "Such incompletely filled-in warranty cards often come from internal employee sales in which MB employees acquire writing instruments at special conditions and partly resell them, which is observable above all in November and December on eBay. Since Montblanc by the serial number typically captures only the manufacturing date, not the purchase date, cards without entered model and clip-ring number theoretically suit several writing instruments. Precisely for this reason they can be misused for sale together with counterfeits, especially since blank warranty cards and packagings are at times auctioned on eBay. By now, warranty cards themselves are also being counterfeited, so even filled-in cards are no reliable authenticity proof. Certainty offers ultimately only purchase from specialist trade or from known sellers.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What size does the Montblanc Meisterstück offered in the Lufthansa Worldshop have, and how does it compare to a Pelikan M600 or M800?", "a": "The writing instrument offered in the Lufthansa Worldshop is a Montblanc 145 (Platinum Line Classique). In direct comparison, a Pelikan 620, for example, is somewhat thicker; in overall size, both, however, are not far apart. Anyone seeking a fountain pen roughly in the size range of an M600 to M800 will find in the 145 a comparable, slightly slimmer counterpart.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a cheaply offered, near-new set of the Writers Edition Fitzgerald on eBay trustworthy or rather a counterfeit?", "a": "Based on the available hints, nothing speaks against the Fitzgerald set being genuine. The inner packaging equipped with cloth and holding clamps was standard at Montblanc until at least 2006 and is therefore no counterfeit indication. The original retail price in 2002 was around 1310 euros; the Fitzgerald edition does not count as particularly sought-after, which is why the currently called-up auction price is to be classified as market-customary but not as a bargain. To be noted is that the white material of the edition can over time yellow to an amber tone. With uncertainty, it is recommended to suggest the handover directly in a Montblanc boutique.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can manufacturer, age and value of a fountain pen with gilded 18-carat overlay and an unknown brand name be determined?", "a": "The unknown brand name and the construction of the overlay point to Italian production; an unambiguous assignment is, however, difficult without further sources. Hints in the forum refer to the book by Jean Rösler, in which some small brands are described as sub-brands of known manufacturers like Montblanc. An exact dating and value estimate is only possible through direct comparison with similar Italian jewellery pens, which is why an enquiry in Italian collector forums is also worthwhile. With private manufacture without traceable maker, the value remains above all a material one (gold content of nib/overlay) as well as an emotional one.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can a longer-stored unknown Montblanc fountain pen together with rollerballs be unambiguously identified?", "a": "Based on clear photos, the models can mostly be well determined: in the specific case, it is two Montblanc Meisterstück 163 rollerballs with a Sienna leather case as well as a school fountain pen which, according to information from Montblanc, is the model 422 from the Classic product family and was led between 1977 and 1984 (shop price 1984: 21 DM). For reliable identification, a look at the model overview on fountainpen.de and in case of doubt a direct enquiry to Montblanc customer service with photo are worthwhile. With forum entries, meaningful pictures in sufficient resolution should be supplied in order to avoid suppositions.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one recognise today a very well-made Montblanc Hematite counterfeit?", "a": "Even high-quality-looking Hematite counterfeits show classical weak points that stand out on closer examination. Typical indicators are a not-original-true designed body end, deviating rings, a poorly executed star and an unusually-looking nib. Even if the counterfeit deceives in overall impression, these detail differences can be used for recognition. Concrete proof photos of such auctions are generally only briefly available and protected by copyright.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it permissible to publish complete Montblanc price lists or individual prices on the internet?", "a": "The publication of complete Montblanc price lists on the internet is not permitted; corresponding posts are consistently deleted in the forum. Against naming an individual price on request Montblanc, by contrast, mostly has no objection. Responsible for compliance with these rules is in each case the webmaster or shop operator. Pure links to other sites are generally permissible, although the legal situation in some special cases remains unclear.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does the Montblanc Meisterstück 144 exist as a cartridge fountain pen, and where can the 144 or a Noblesse Oblige be newly acquired?", "a": "The Meisterstück 144 of the 1980s and 1990s is a cartridge fountain pen into which a piston converter can also be inserted; an earlier 144 from the 1950s was, by contrast, a pure celluloid piston fountain pen. Both the Noblesse series and the 144 have meanwhile been discontinued and are at most still to be found as collector or shopkeeper stock with smaller dealers. Buying from providers in Hong Kong or China is urgently advised against, since there counterfeits are frequently shipped, even when the photos show originals. Added to this are higher shipping costs and customs fees on foreign purchase.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one distinguish a Montblanc Meisterstück 146 from a 147, and which inks are suitable for the model?", "a": "The main difference lies in the filling system: a 146 is a piston filler, a 147 is filled with cartridges. With the choice of ink one is not restricted to Montblanc, since Montblanc sources its inks anyway from suppliers; suitable are all inks designated for fountain pens, e.g. Pelikan 4001 or Faber-Castell. India ink and similar special inks are, on the other hand, not permitted. Ink can age but is, with dark, cool storage, usable for many decades; only with mould or visible changes should it be replaced.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "From what period does the Montblanc Deskbase set 204 in green onyx version come, and is the model designation 204 also applicable to the fountain pen?", "a": "The Montblanc 204 desk pen and the matching base were produced between 1954 and 1959; remaining stock was on the part of Montblanc presumably still delivered until 1961. The time span named in the Rösler/Wallrafen book until 1969 counts as not consistent, since the wing-nib fountain pens were then succeeded by models with butterfly nibs (design Albrecht Graf Goertz) and correspondingly different sockets. The fountain pen officially also bore the number 204. The rolled-gold version counts as higher-quality than today's electrolytic gildings, since it requires more craft skill. The component plugged into the pen receptacle is called a socket.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Has Montblanc actually auctioned together with UNICEF fountain pens and handwritten statements of celebrities via eBay?", "a": "Yes, Montblanc has in cooperation with UNICEF carried out an eBay campaign running for about a month with celebrity autographs and used 149 fountain pens under the account montblanc_unicef_auction. The campaign was surprising, since Montblanc usually emphasises specialist-trade purchase and views eBay purchases rather critically. The charitable purpose and the high attention led to significantly increased bids, although they were mostly normal 149s. The hint of the auction was communicated via the Montblanc website.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which internet sites offer extensive information around exclusive writing instruments like the Aurora Umberto Nobile?", "a": "A comprehensive information source on the hobby is the website kulturgutschrift.de, which provides numerous articles on various writing instruments and editions, including the Aurora Umberto Nobile. The site counts as a valuable supplement for collectors, since well-researched contributions on brands and models are not frequently to be found.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What distinguishes the Montblanc Artisan Edition Caspar David Friedrich, and how is it assessed?", "a": "The Caspar David Friedrich Artisan Edition is designed in champagne-gold version with brown applications modelled on the mountain ridges from the painting Wanderer above the Sea of Fog. The nib is highlighted as particularly finely worked and as the visual highlight of the pen, while the overall feel is felt to be not particularly attractive and weaker than the Gaudí edition. The retail price is around 18,500 euros. Spanish-language background information and pictures can be found, among others, at cruzaltpens.com.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one remove on an old Montblanc 333 1/2 the press-fitted piston mechanism, and where does one get a matching vintage nib size 4 1/2?", "a": "The piston mechanism of the 333 1/2 is mostly glued or welded in, so loosening with heat and pliers or driving out through a thin brass tube does not in many cases lead to success; a special procedure or a workshop visit is then necessary. In the specific case the removal succeeded ultimately only with luck. For replacement nibs in old sizes, the search on eBay Germany is recommended, where such vintage pieces are frequently offered in non-functional condition and accordingly cheaply, so the nibs can be removed for further use.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What was said in the Welt am Sonntag interview \"Schreiben tut der Seele gut\" by Dr. Manfred Lamy, and which writing instruments were presented with prices?", "a": "The interview with Dr. Manfred Lamy under the title \"Schreiben tut der Seele gut\" appears in print significantly more concise and less substantive than his other statements; presumably numerous passages were editorially shortened. The complete conversation is not available in the online version but only appeared in the print edition of Welt am Sonntag. In the print version, additionally, writing instruments with prices are depicted, including OMAS Doctor's Pen 2010 (around 1650 euros), Graf von Faber-Castell Pen of the Year (around 2200 euros), Caran d'Ache Secret Journey III (around 8500 euros), Lamy Dialog 3 (around 200 euros), Namiki Rabbit in Moonlight from the Emperor's Collection (around 8400 euros), Montegrappa Alfa Romeo (around 700 euros) and the Montblanc John Lennon Special Edition (around 680 euros).", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How does one fill an old Montblanc 32 with ink, of what do the gold-coloured parts consist, and from what period does the model come?", "a": "The Montblanc 32 is a piston filler that was produced approximately from 1959 to into the 1960s. For filling, the piston is unscrewed at the knob, the nib up to the grip section dipped in the ink and the piston subsequently screwed in again. The gold-coloured components consist according to current knowledge of gilded brass, that is, not of real gold. If the fountain pen draws no ink and the piston can be completely unscrewed, this indicates a defect of the piston mechanism, which generally should be professionally repaired.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are Montblanc 144 Ramses II or Nikolai I genuine even without original packaging, and why do they often turn up on eBay only in simple cases?", "a": "The 144s of the Ramses II and Nikolai I editions frequently offered in simple cases on eBay are generally genuine; counterfeits of these writing instruments are so far not known to the forum. Many collectors value the writing instrument itself and not necessarily the original box, so this is frequently missing on the second-hand market. With direct purchase at Montblanc, by contrast, no one would forgo the high-quality original packaging. Collectors must therefore decide for themselves whether the writing instrument alone or the complete packaging has priority.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why does a Montblanc Meisterstück 114 cost significantly more in a duty-free shop on a Danish-German ferry line than in Germany?", "a": "Within Europe, VAT rates vary and partly luxury taxes exist, so writing instruments in European foreign countries can be considerably more expensive, as also known from car prices. Concretely, the 114 cost in Germany 240 euros gilded or 265 euros platinum-plated, while the price in the ferry shop was 335 euros. It is thus possible that on board Danish tax rates or simply a surcharge of the on-board dealer apply. Anyone wishing to buy cheaply better acquires the fountain pen in a German boutique or with a specialist retailer like scription.de, especially since there nib widths are freely selectable and engravings are offered.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why are Montblanc 146s in Bordeaux partly smaller than a black 146, and were there size changes over the course of time?", "a": "Montblanc significantly changed the format of the 146 in 2000 and designed the model clearly larger or thicker, which was also officially advertised. Bordeaux 146s from older production are therefore actually smaller than the later black models and not identical in construction, which explains in particular the non-interchangeability of the caps. There is thus no defect or counterfeit feature but merely a design change between the production periods. Detailed dimension comparisons of older and newer Meisterstücks are already documented in the forum.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "From when has Montblanc replaced the black inner lining of the packaging by a white one?", "a": "The sequence is the reverse: previously the Montblanc packagings had a black inner lining, which was still to be seen in some shops until about 2006. From this time Montblanc introduced the today current packagings with white inner lining.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one classify an old Montblanc Safety pen from family possession with octagonal form, and what is it worth?", "a": "The piece described is an octagonal Montblanc Safety No. 2 with OB nib; the engraving 20B refers to the nib width OB. The fountain pen is very similarly to be classified as the documented Astoria No. 02 Octagonal Safety Filler. Cracks basically reduce the market value significantly but are emotionally hardly relevant for family heirlooms. Comparable octagonal Safetys are regularly traded on eBay and lie in market value significantly above that of a damaged Meisterstück 14, which is economically classified rather as a parts donor.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a research enquiry of the marketing chair of TU Berlin on the topic of communities serious, and should one participate?", "a": "The enquiry counts, after telephone consultation with the responsible person, as serious and is therefore recommended for participation, presumably within the framework of a diploma thesis. Universities are with scientific studies dependent on volunteers outside the student circle. The survey is anonymous, and for scientific surveys the guidelines of the ADM e.V. apply, according to which data may only be further processed anonymously and no conclusions about individuals are permissible. Sensitive questions, e.g. on salary, can be skipped without consequences.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can one with an eBay purchase of a Montblanc 146 with an unusual nib constellation have the authenticity checked?", "a": "The model described is a real Montblanc 146 with a barrel as was fitted until into the 1980s. The deviating nib indicates that it was exchanged over time, e.g. in favour of another nib width. A missing or strokeless ink window combined with a bicolour nib is therefore no necessary counterfeit feature. Anyone nevertheless wanting a final assessment can turn to a reputable vintage specialist retailer or an experienced collector.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a 30-35 year old Parker set consisting of ballpoint and fountain pen be identified?", "a": "The set described is a Parker Classic ballpoint and a Parker 75 fountain pen, which despite similar guilloche embossing come from two different model series and thus do not form a matching set. The Parker 75 was produced from 1964 for over 30 years and belongs to the most frequent Parker writing instruments; the Parker Classic has been made since the early 1970s and partly until today. An exact age can hardly be determined from general pictures, but a range of 30 to 35 years is quite plausible. The housings are only gilded and not of solid gold.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Why was forum registration temporarily switched to manual approval?", "a": "Owing to a SPAM wave with temporarily 20 to 50 new registrations per hour, the registration was supplemented so that not only an email confirmation but additionally manual approval by the webmaster is necessary. Reading without registration remains possible; only posting requires the check. With very high registration volume (in an example about 300 registrations per day), it can happen that regular registrations are also accidentally rejected; in such cases one should turn by email to the webmaster. The measure is temporarily set up and will be loosened again as soon as the spam pressure subsides.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can a silver Montblanc ballpoint for the 75-year anniversary with mother-of-pearl star, brilliant and serial number be classified?", "a": "The writing instrument described is the Classique Rollerball Solitaire 163 in sterling silver with vermeil thread guilloche and rose-gold trim from the Limited 1924 Edition for the 75-year anniversary. The authenticity can be well checked by comparison with the documented features on relevant collector sites. Further information on this edition can be found on fountainpen.de under the Anniversary Limited Editions. From disreputable auctions in which pictures of real pieces are misused for other types of models, caution is in order.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the high price for the collector's book by Jens Rösler on the Montblanc Diary and Collectors Guide justified?", "a": "The price for the book rises since years approximately half-yearly by around 50 euros, since the work is out of print and only available in limited numbers. It counts among collectors as a standard reference and nearly indispensable reference for pre-war Montblanc writing instruments. Owing to supply and demand, prices around 200 euros are by now seen as appropriate. Anyone who already owns a copy is well served; everyone else should regard the acquisition as long-term sensible.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a layperson check whether a Montblanc 149 acquired on eBay is genuine?", "a": "Based on clear detail photos, the authenticity of a 149 can generally be reliably judged. In the specific case it is an original from the 1980s and not the current model. Older examples are thus not automatically suspicious but can quite well be authentic. With uncertainty, it is recommended to post additional close-ups and compare them with reference pictures.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it normal that in the barrel of a Montblanc StarWalker Doué a second cartridge rattles?", "a": "With most cartridge fountain pens it is usual that a reserve cartridge is carried as ink supply in the barrel; exceptions at Montblanc are only the Bohème series as well as the Mozart format. On the StarWalker the second cartridge should however not rattle; an enquiry at Montblanc in Hamburg confirmed that this is no standard behaviour. Anyone wishing to avoid the effect can simply remove the reserve cartridge. If the rattling occurs permanently, the writing instrument should be complained about at the specialist retailer.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can the ID number on an inherited Montblanc fountain pen be re-registered to the new owner?", "a": "The number on a Montblanc writing instrument is a pure serial number that has no reference to the owner. Writing instruments are not registered to persons; a rewriting is therefore neither necessary nor possible. From the number, at most production-related data can be derived; the exact meaning only Montblanc knows. The inherited pen can be used without further formalities.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does an allegedly deviating mechanism justify a premium for a Montblanc 342 from 1950 offered as a prototype?", "a": "The designation prototype is, with a 342 of usual look, generally not justified; it is mostly a normal series example. Writing instruments with an untypical component mix are at Montblanc no rarity, especially from wartime, and do not lead to a value increase. On the contrary, a deviating mechanism rather indicates a tinkered piece and reduces the value. High price demands of individual sellers say nothing about the real market value but bet on uninformed buyers.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can one judge from photos whether a used-bought Montblanc 145 Chopin is genuine?", "a": "On the available shots, no features are recognisable that would indicate a counterfeit, so the pen is most likely an original. Since complete sets together with original packaging are also being counterfeited, for reliable judgement preferably more than one detail photo should be presented. Ink flow and writing behaviour are with a well-preserved original generally flawless. In case of doubt, the direct comparison of the nib with documented features of real pieces is worthwhile.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which model is an old Montblanc rollerball from the 1980s with unclear assignment to Noblesse or Slimline?", "a": "The writing instrument depicted is the Montblanc Quickpen of stainless steel, which was produced between 1979 and 1986. The retail price was depending on year between 14.50 and 19.50 DM. The Quickpen was delivered in an about DIN A5 sized silvery cardboard packaging with clear-plastic slider and three refills, one rollerball, one fineliner and one felt-tip refill. It is not identical with the models Noblesse or Slimline.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does the most recently observed price decline of Montblanc Meisterstücks from the 1950s explain itself through a trend?", "a": "The prices on the collector market for vintage Meisterstücks fluctuate considerably and can only restrictedly be traced to individual trends. By way of example, a 139 brought about a year ago around 4500 USD, while current prices lie significantly lower; even a 149 with silver rings lost significantly in value within a short time. The collector market behaves in this respect similarly to the stock market, with partly not understandable up and down movements. Trend statements should therefore be regarded with caution.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can piston converters, e.g. from Rotring, be used in the Montblanc StarWalker?", "a": "Even if foreign piston converters like the one from Rotring fit mechanically into the StarWalker, their use should be avoided. Montblanc has deliberately excluded the use of converters on this model, because ink residues that remain when dipping into the ink bottle in the resin grip section cannot be completely removed. The consequence are inevitably contaminations in the cap and on the fingers. Cartridges are therefore on the StarWalker the only sensible filling method.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can an older Montblanc fountain pen without platinum intarsia be identified and checked for authenticity?", "a": "The piece depicted is an original, namely a Meisterstück 144 Classique from older production that does not yet show platinum intarsia on the star. Such models appear at first glance different than the current versions but are authentic writing instruments. Comparative detail shots from collector sites and earlier forum posts help with unambiguous assignment. The 144 Classique counts as a very beautiful and popular fountain pen.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Did the old Pelikan models Ibis and Rappen have flexible or rather stiff nibs?", "a": "With the nibs of the old Pelikan Ibis and Rappen models there is no uniform picture; depending on the example, they can turn out flexible or rather stiff. A flat-rate statement is therefore not possible. For more detailed assessments, an enquiry in a specialised Pelikan forum is recommended. Hints like the nib size and the inscription 585K Gold help with model assignment; among the typical construction count individual narrow cap rings, a green ink window and hard rubber as material.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Where can one find in the USA resellers or second-hand shops for older Montblanc writing instruments before 1960?", "a": "Concrete German-language tips on sources in Miami, New York, Las Vegas or Los Angeles are hardly available. For the search for US dealers, flea markets and second-hand addresses, an enquiry in the English-language forum fountainpennetwork.com is recommended. There, posting is however restricted in some areas and only possible from a certain minimum number of contributions. Anyone not yet having a sufficient posting count can first introduce themselves in the Introductions area and there include the question.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What information can be found on the fountain-pen brand Wende?", "a": "Wende fountain pens existed that were filled by means of a push button from behind via a pipette rubber sac. The size corresponded roughly to a Montblanc 146; the material was presumably brown Bakelite, and the nib consisted of gold. On the cap, USA was engraved, without thereby an unambiguous origin being secured. The filling system was at the time even in stationery shops little known.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How is the new Pelikan Limited Edition Temple of Artemis from the 7 Wonders range to be assessed in design terms?", "a": "The edition counts overall as interestingly designed, although the striking gold capital is felt to be too large and dominating. Positive to highlight is that Pelikan has given the edition its own form and not again used the indeed beautiful but widespread Souverän form as base. The design of the Pelikan LEs of recent years is otherwise partly felt to require getting used to. Concrete price information is not given in the thread.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is the Meisterstück 149 of the Unicef Edition by Jahn or Putman still available in trade, and at what price?", "a": "A dealer in Traunstein most recently offered the Unicef edition for around 688 euros. Concrete further sources are not named. Since it is a Limited Edition, availability and price depend on the respective provider. An enquiry to the specialist retailer or to Montblanc itself is recommended for current information.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a silver-plated cassette with high-fine pocket pencils No. 1 by Graf von Faber-Castell still available and which price is reasonable?", "a": "The silver-plated cassettes are currently only offered with normal pencils, no longer with the fine pocket pencils. The collector value of the empty box itself is around 40 euros; individual boxes without pencils are now and then traded on eBay. Compared to the former shop price, a purchase at the current market price generally represents an advantage. The box hardly has a value-increasing effect on the contained pencils; the price counts as appropriate.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How high was the original shop price of the Montblanc J.S. Bach fountain pen?", "a": "According to the Compendium of limited editions issued by Montblanc, the shop price of the J.S. Bach fountain pen was 400 euros. Further price-relevant information was not mentioned in the thread. It is a Limited Edition from the Patron of Arts or Donation range, which is documented in specialised collector sources. Current market prices can deviate from this.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Do all pencils of the Montblanc Writers Edition have the same lead thickness and is the lead interchangeable?", "a": "Most pencils from the Writers Edition are equipped with a lead thickness of 0.7 mm. There are, however, exceptions, e.g. the Oscar Wilde mechanical pencil with a lead of 0.9 mm. A tolerance for deviating lead thicknesses is not provided on these writing instruments; a switch to thinner or thicker leads is therefore not possible. Before buying replacement leads, the respective model should be checked.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can current nibs be fitted to a Pelikan M250 from 1991 instead of the existing BB nib?", "a": "Whether current Pelikan nibs fit a M250 from the build year 1991 cannot flat-rate be answered, since construction details can vary over the years. For reliable information, contact with a designated Pelikan expert, e.g. via the website rüttinger-web.de, is recommended. Alternatively, the question can be asked in a specialised Pelikan forum. Both routes experience-shows lead to competent answers on nib compatibility.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc pen auctioned for 120 euros an original or a plagiarism?", "a": "The piece depicted is a real Meisterstück 145, which at this price counts as very cheaply acquired. The nib quality is still the clearest authenticity feature, since counterfeiters here still lag behind the original, even if the plagiarisms overall are getting better and better. The material is actually plastic or plexiglass, which Montblanc markets under the term precious resin. On any cracks in the cap, attention should nevertheless be paid to safety so as not to reduce the value.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc 121 with 750 gold nib and amber-coloured viewing window from the 1960s genuine and what value does it have?", "a": "The Montblanc Meisterstück 121 was produced from 1970 to 1973/74 with thick feed and from 1974 to 1979 with flat feed; a dating to the 1960s therefore does not quite fit. It is an original and not a counterfeit; no plagiarisms of this model are known. The collector value is rather low, because the model is still too young for a pronounced collector demand. As a reliable daily writer, the 121 is, however, still usable.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What value does a Montblanc Charles Dickens 3-set have whose pen bears a different serial number than the other parts?", "a": "Complete Charles Dickens sets with identical serial numbers are currently traded on eBay for about 1000 euros, occasionally also for 1200 to 1300 euros. Boutiques can generally not call up or offer this market price. Sets with deviating serial numbers tend to be given a value discount; an exact quantification of the loss is, however, difficult possible. Before purchase, comparison with current auction offers is worthwhile as orientation aid.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can current sale prices and list prices of a Montblanc collection be ascertained, e.g. for household contents insurance?", "a": "Official price lists are rarely to be found on the internet, since Montblanc deliberately does not create global price transparency, and prices vary by country. As reference points, the price list of 2010 with a percentage surcharge serves as well as the online shops of large dealers like Schacht-Westerich or Montblanc's own online shop. With Limited Editions, Montblanc avoids the publication of shop prices, since these rise in the boutiques over time; hints can be partly found in old Creations of Passion brochures. Anyone taking shop prices as evaluation basis lies generally on the safe side, because the market value of most Writers Editions does not exceed this price; with very rare pieces, auction prices achieved in the past, e.g. from Bonhams, are helpful.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a leather case offered at an auction from older production a real Montblanc case?", "a": "The leather case shown is a real Montblanc product from the 1970s or 1980s. The workmanship, however, is comparatively plain and simple and not comparable to current Montblanc leather cases. Anyone valuing the model above all for visual reasons can acquire it without authenticity concerns. An expectation of today's quality level is however inappropriate.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does the plastic bag in the original packaging of a Limited Edition influence the collector value?", "a": "The plastic bag in the original packaging has no significant influence on the value of a writing instrument and can be disposed of without hesitation. Anyone valuing the appearance can have the packaging re-sealed by Montblanc free of charge within half a year after acquisition. On eBay, sealed original packagings tend to achieve somewhat higher prices. Even at renowned auction houses like Bonhams in Los Angeles, only previously checked writing instruments are auctioned.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What information is available on the Montblanc Solitaire Facets Edition and in which sizes is it available?", "a": "The edition is officially called Meisterstück Solitaire Platinum-Plated Facet, whose body and cap are platinum-plated and show a broad cubic structure. First presented was a 146 with M nib under the number 38237; according to information from Montblanc the model was additionally offered in size 144. By now the range is available as LeGrand and Classique fountain pen as well as ballpoint, rollerball and pencil. The look with the cubic surface structure is a matter of taste and is controversially perceived.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the Montblanc Solitaire Platinum Plated Facet 8 with B nib suitable as a study companion, and is the slim variant the right choice?", "a": "For intensive writing in studies, the resin grip area of the Montblanc fountain pens speaks, since models with a metal grip can slip more easily from the hand during longer exams. The nib strength should fit the size of the handwriting; a B nib is rather for large, an F or M nib for smaller handwritings. With the Solitaire model, weight and look of the slimmer variant often decide in favour of this construction. Advantageous is additionally that the nib can be exchanged at the specialist retailer free of charge if the chosen strength does not convince during writing.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "From what production time does a Montblanc ballpoint 77 acquired on eBay come and is it genuine?", "a": "The Montblanc 77 is an original and was produced according to the standard work Collectible Stars between 1960 and 1961. It is thus an authentic vintage writing instrument and not a counterfeit. Further authenticity features can be traced based on the illustrations documented there.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How are the current gift packagings and warranty booklets of the Montblanc models 146 and 146P to be classified, and are they internationally uniform?", "a": "The packaging type depicted has been used as standard for Montblanc writing instruments including the classic Meisterstück for about a year, however not exclusively for the 146P. These standard gift packagings are delivered by Montblanc free of charge to authorised dealers and are filled exclusively by specialist trade with the writing instrument and warranty booklet; an official sale of the empty packagings does not take place. Solitaire and higher-quality models receive deviating, independent gift packagings. From China, counterfeits of these packagings are by now also in circulation, which complicates the visual authenticity check additionally.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which converters fit into an older fountain pen for which the current Montblanc converters with thread do not grip?", "a": "Older models do not need a converter with thread like the variants today common at Montblanc; the modern converters therefore only restrictedly fit. Instead, converters without thread, e.g. from Waterman or Pelikan, can be used without problem. Before purchase, comparison of the fastening type is recommended, since the thread on vintage fountain pens does not fit. About the exact price of the individual converters, no information is given in the thread.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What significance does the 2006 stamp block with writing instruments by Cleo Skribent as motif have?", "a": "Nowadays stamps can also be created by private providers with self-chosen motifs, so writing instruments by Cleo Skribent as motif are no peculiarity of the state post. Such stamps are above all suitable as individual promotional gifts for companies. In the postal sector, in recent years several private service providers like Turbo P.O.S.T., PIN AG and Westdeutscher Post Service have come on the market with their own stamps. The actual collecting appeal of such stamp editions is manageable.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Do the Montblanc Greta Garbo fountain pens bear a serial number, and if so, at what place?", "a": "Of Montblanc three versions of the Greta Garbo models exist: two limited editions with 100 or 1905 pieces as well as the unlimited model with an ivory-coloured cap and matching ballpoint. The limited pieces always bear their individual edition number including the total edition as engraving. On the unlimited models, only a very small identification number, only legible with a magnifier, is located in the clip ring. A classical serial number as on old Montblanc writing instruments no longer exists on today's models.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "From what time does the dark-green Montblanc lever ballpoint with the designation 380 Germany come?", "a": "The Montblanc ballpoint 380 was, according to Collectible Stars, in total produced from 1971 to 1979, with three different versions existing. The dark-green variant was only made between 1971 and 1975 and is depicted on page 73 of the standard work. Thus the pen can be relatively precisely classified temporally. For an unambiguous assignment to the respective variant, a sharp photo of the writing instrument is helpful.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does Montblanc actually produce unusual products like knives and are such pieces unrestrictedly worth collecting?", "a": "Such unusual products are generally not made by Montblanc itself but by commissioned third-party firms that either produce exclusively for Montblanc or only apply name and logo. Therefore, these pieces do not have a special manufacture-related value, since they did not arise in the Montblanc manufacture. A certain collector value they nevertheless retain, because they officially belong to the brand world. Whether a particular concrete piece, e.g. from an auction, is original should be checked case by case.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which ink and cleaning method are to be recommended for a Montblanc Bohème, and how does it stand with disassembled body sleeves?", "a": "Black inks count across manufacturers as problematic and can on the Bohème more frequently lead to difficulties; a switch to blue-black or blue is recommended. With persistent problems, the visit to the specialist retailer is sensible, since an on-site check helps most. For cleaning the Bohème, separate instructions can be found in the forum; decisive is that no water reaches the mechanism. Anyone with questions about components like the front body sleeve or wishing to delve deeper into the topic can additionally use a factory visit or a local collectors' table.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it a defect if the screwed-on cap of the Montblanc 146P shows some play at the lower edge?", "a": "The lateral play at the lower cap edge described is structurally caused and represents no defect, provided the cap overall sits firmly on the barrel. It lies within the usual production tolerance and is deliberately produced by a softer inner cap so the cap edge leaves no marks on the barrel when posting and removing. Decisive for the flawless function is that the fountain pen does not dry out with the cap screwed on and writes immediately when writing. Despite the play, on screw threads occasional scratches on the barrel can arise, which technically cannot be completely avoided.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a Montblanc button filler without star emblem on the cap and without nib inscription be classified?", "a": "The single cap ring points to the inexpensive 3xx series, whose star is merely engraved into the cap top. The form speaks for a production period from the 1930s. Nib and possibly feed could have been exchanged in between, and whether cap and barrel belong together is not unambiguously to be clarified without inspection. Unlike the designation suggests, the body does not consist of plastic, since plastics only became common in writing instruments in the 1950s.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is there a German dealer that distributes current Conklin fountain pens?", "a": "A specifically Conklin-specialised German dealer is not known, which is why the brand is frequently sourced via American providers. At martiniauctions.com, Conklin writing instruments are occasionally offered. Alongside, full-range providers like Albrecht Schroeder carry a broad brand spectrum from Aurora to Yard-O-Led; a telephone enquiry or contact via the web form can be worthwhile. A systematic source for current Conklin models in Germany, however, is missing.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Of which sub-series does the Montblanc Precious Dragon 8 series consist?", "a": "The Precious Dragon 8 series comprises four sub-series that appeared under the designations Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond. The individual pieces count among collectors as interesting variations of the Dragon series. Concrete price information or further technical details are not named in the thread. For illustration, the thread refers to pages of Airline International with illustrations of all four sub-series.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How reliable is an eBay seller for a Montblanc StarWalker Special Edition Ballpoint Pen 38302 and are there counterfeits?", "a": "Description, instruction and positive ratings as well as a stated phone number and a more than two-year-long membership at eBay speak for a reputable handling. The seller has additionally in the past already sold Montblanc articles with positive ratings. Based on the photos, the offered writing instrument appears authentic. For additional safeguarding, payment via PayPal is recommended, since buyer protection thereby applies.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is the quality of current counterfeits of Montblanc vintage rollerballs to be assessed?", "a": "The quality of the counterfeits is significantly improving, so current vintage-rollerball plagiarisms are visually no longer easy to expose. Striking are partly contradictory detail engravings, e.g. inscriptions like Hemingway on a cap that does not fit the model designation. Generally, as a rollerball there are anyway no comparable originals from the corresponding vintage range. Anyone valuing the characteristic tie clip finds as a legitimate alternative e.g. the Astoria models, which also show such a clip.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a disintegrating casein star on a Montblanc push filler of size 6 from the 1930s be conserved or replaced?", "a": "With a disintegrating casein star, in the short term a covering with cold enamel helps in order to stop further decay. The self-manufacture of casein as a replacement material is occasionally discussed; corresponding recipes exist; their practical suitability, however, is unclear and would have to be tried out case by case. For a professional restoration, contact with specialised restorers like maxpens.de is recommended. A pure polish, as is usual with intact stars, should be avoided on damaged casein stars.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Meisterstück 146 auctioned on eBay with the engraving Montblanc Meisterstück No. 146 genuine?", "a": "The writing instrument depicted is one hundred percent genuine and comes from the 1980s. The engraving Montblanc Meisterstück No. 146 is typical of this production phase and therefore differs in size and form from later models like the Traveller of 2001. The condition is additionally described as very good, the purchase price as appropriate. There is thus no suspicion of counterfeit.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a Mont-Blanc fountain pen found in an old garage be classified and is a sale worthwhile?", "a": "The piece is likely a Mont Blanc 17.5 with push-button mechanism from the 1930s, which is far too good to throw away. Before a sale, it is recommended to observe the price development of similar writing instruments over some weeks on eBay in order to gain a realistic classification. There is no hurry; keeping it or a later, well-prepared sale are more sensible than a hasty disposal. For a value statement, it is additionally helpful to obtain further information on the model and its preservation condition.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one recognise a counterfeit of a supposed Montblanc wallet from eBay stock?", "a": "A wallet offered on eBay with an unusual division is likely actually a counterfeit, since Montblanc has not produced an article with this inner division. Typical indications are coarse, untidy seams, a formless-looking workmanship as well as the absence of usual equipment features like a hard-money compartment. Suspicious are additionally providers who sell several supposedly gifted branded articles in short intervals in parallel. In case of doubt, the authenticity should be compared to known originals or the purchase refrained from.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can the Meisterstück Unicef Edition ballpoint still be acquired?", "a": "If the writing instruments are no longer available in regular trade, a direct enquiry to Montblanc whether remaining stock still exists is first worthwhile. Should this not be the case, essentially the second-hand market, especially eBay, remains as source. There older editions turn up regularly; however, authenticity and condition should be heeded.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc case with the designation \"Oxford\" an original?", "a": "The case \"Oxford\" is a real Montblanc product from the 1970s to 1980s, qualitatively however clearly settled below the later Siena cases. It was intended as a cheaper variant, among others, for the Slimline and Noblesse models. The designation can be found on an enclosed cardboard strip together with the model number 2450 and the article number 12067. On the official website, this older range is no longer documented.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which production periods and edition sizes do the Montblanc Donation Pens (Bernstein, Menuhin, Bach) have?", "a": "The Leonard Bernstein writing instruments were produced about 1999 to 2001, the Yehudi Menuhin pieces 2001 to 2003; official quantities are not known. The Bach fountain pen appeared in February 2001, was planned to 12,000 pieces, the ballpoint to 8,000. Unlike the other Donation Pens, the Bach models bore an individual edition number on the cap. The stated final figures were however not quite reached, since the pieces delivered at the start did not yet receive an engraving and the production ended at the availability of the clips; in total significantly less than 20,000 Bach writing instruments were made.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How reliable are warranty slips on eBay auctions for Montblanc writing instruments?", "a": "Warranty slips too are being counterfeited; not seldom one receives a complete counterfeit including packaging and service guide. A warranty slip and an original packaging do have their own value but do not replace an authenticity check on the writing instrument itself. Important is not to be impressed by externals, since the combinations range from genuine pen with false slip to false pen with genuine slip. Initialling without a clearly recognisable seller's stamp is therefore no reliable authenticity proof.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which older Montblanc models (1940–1970) with a flexible gold nib are suitable for beginners with a budget under 150 euros?", "a": "An unambiguous recommendation does not exist, since the individual writing behaviour varies strongly. Worthwhile is a look at models from the 40s and 50s, alongside the classical Meisterstücks also the cheaper variants of the second price series like the 24x, 25x and 34x ranges, whose nibs count as particularly soft. Before purchase it should be decided whether a free-standing or a partly hooded nib is preferred, as usual in the 50s to 70s. A BB nib grade can also write very softly; a try-out or specialised sources help with the choice.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "May an administrator on a member's request delete all of their forum posts?", "a": "The deletion concerned not the regular forum posts but exclusively articles in the content area of the website, on which the author had all rights and which he could not directly remove himself. In such a case, the author's wish has priority, even if the loss of qualified contributions is regrettable. A separate section \"Prices\" is not provided in the forum. Regular postings are not removed on mere request but only on violations against the forum rules.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Can nibs also be exchanged on Montblanc Limited Editions and in which period is that possible?", "a": "As long as corresponding nibs are in stock, an exchange is basically possible, outside the 14-day period however mostly for a fee. A subsequent manufacture of individual nibs is, on the other hand, not practicable, because the tools needed for production are destroyed after expiry of an edition; only plans and drawings remain. Since nibs are made with specially fabricated stamping tools, an individual hand manufacture cannot be economically represented. For a concrete piece of information on a particular edition, a direct enquiry to Montblanc is recommended.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why was the Unicef banner removed from the Fountainpen website?", "a": "The banners were always displayed free of charge and brought the operator no income. The reason for removal was demands of third parties to supplement the imprint by a VAT number, since a commercial activity was falsely assumed. Instead of banners, references to Unicef campaigns will in future take place editorially, e.g. via links. The website is expressly non-commercial, and the imprint was adapted to the requirements of the MDStV.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How is a writing instrument with built-in camera function (e.g. Hyundai Silver Eye) to be classified in data-protection terms and practically?", "a": "Devices with inconspicuous camera function raise considerable data-protection questions, since secret recordings are not permitted in many situations. Comparable are smartpens like the Livescribe models, which however primarily serve audio recording and digitisation of notes and are usually used with the consent of conversation partners. The Hyundai Silver Eye is unlikely to establish itself on the market, especially since successors with higher resolution like the Golden Eye already exist. Users should in any case check whether corresponding recordings are legally permissible.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What can be the cause when a long-stored Bohème fountain pen after filling does not write?", "a": "Most frequent cause is insufficient cleaning before storage; dried ink — especially black — can block the feed. A thorough cleaning with lukewarm water solves the problem in many cases. With a roughly six-year-old Bohème from an official specialist retailer, a counterfeit is very unlikely, since counterfeiters only after market establishment dare copies of new models. If the writing instrument despite cleaning remains dry, it should be presented to a dealer or to the manufacturer for assessment.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are the Montblanc publications, e.g. \"In einer Zeit rasender Geschwindigkeit\" or the \"Kleine Chronik des Hauses\", still available?", "a": "The book \"In einer Zeit rasender Geschwindigkeit…\" is not yet too old and was at least in individual boutiques, e.g. at KaDeWe, handed out on request. A direct enquiry to Montblanc is sensible; the manufacturer occasionally refers, with out-of-print titles, to specialist magazines like \"Schreibkultur\" and \"Kult am Pult\", which partly still have remaining copies. Auction platforms can also be a source. Older publications like the \"Kleine Chronik\" are regularly hardly still to be obtained.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one recognise that a found Montblanc ballpoint is a counterfeit, and what value does it have?", "a": "Often the counterfeit is already recognisable at first glance, because the model has never existed in this form at Montblanc. A typical example are poor copies of the StarWalker; for comparison the section \"Counterfeits\" of the relevant collector sites helps. Economically, such pieces are worthless: in China they cost 2 to 3 euros for tourists; in Germany the distribution is anyway forbidden. A sale on eBay is therefore not permitted and should not take place.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is known about the Solitaire Nikolai (Platinum) regarding production time, prices and authenticity check?", "a": "The Nikolai Platinum was officially produced from 2000 to 2002 but was still for some years in sale; official quantities are not available, since it is no Limited Edition. The retail prices were in 2000 for the Classique fountain pen around 825 euros, in 2002 895 euros; currently Classique models are offered used at about 895 euros, LeGrand variants significantly higher. To the equipment belonged a special outer sleeve and an additional booklet; otherwise the scope of delivery corresponds to the other Meisterstücks. An authenticity check via the serial number is basically possible at Montblanc, ideally via a specialist retailer; a reliable value forecast, however, cannot be made.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire fineliner in carbon look with finely laser-engraved serial number an original?", "a": "The model described corresponds to the Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire Silver Fibre Guilloche, which is documented on the relevant information pages of the collector community. The features like finely rounded logo corners and the laser-engraved serial number speak for an original. Visual deviations from current collections, e.g. missing ridges on the cap, can be explained by the older model range. For detail comparisons, a look at the product-related pictures in the collector archive is recommended.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a leaking Meisterstück 25 (Safety pen) be re-sealed?", "a": "For the repair new seals are needed; a competent point of contact is the workshop of Max Schrage (maxpens.de), which fits the seals professionally. If the nib after cleaning slips back during writing, this is mostly because the seal does not show the necessary radial preload. With the installation of a new, correctly preloaded seal, both the leakage and the nib problem can be remedied in one step. A self-repair is, without experience with Safety pens, not recommendable.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What should be considered when buying a Montblanc Monte Rosa, especially from abroad?", "a": "The Monte Rosa model 042 has a barrel diameter of 11.6 mm, a length without cap of 114 mm and with screwed-on cap of 127 mm. Gold trim can tarnish even without ink contact, which does not necessarily reduce the value. With foreign purchase, additional costs for money transfer and especially customs are to be calculated — the customs costs can reach around 30 percent of the goods value. Therefore, before a bid, a complete cost calculation should always be drawn up.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can one judge from pictures whether a Montblanc 144 is genuine?", "a": "With a Montblanc 144 assessed via pictures, in particular the appearance of the nib speaks for an original; counterfeit Montblancs with real nibs are not known. A reliable confirmation, however, additionally requires the assessment of further details like clip, engravings and serial numbers. In the concrete case described, the piece is assessed as very likely genuine.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is the article \"Gewinnbringende Edelfedern\" of \"Welt am Sonntag\" on investment in writing instruments to be evaluated?", "a": "The article is in the collector community predominantly seen critically. Especially the quantities named are regarded as misleading, since they do not correctly reproduce the actually produced amounts. Writing instruments are as a pure investment only conditionally suitable; collecting-technical and personal aspects stand in the foreground. Sound information is to be found rather in specialised collector circles and specialist publications than in general business sections.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Where can the Galileo TV report on the creation of the \"Prince Rainier III Limited Edition 81\" be watched, and what added value do Montblanc's official online channels offer?", "a": "The complete Galileo episode can be retrieved via the online archive of ProSieben as a Flash stream; there the respective current issue can be found. The German-language version too is accessible this way, not only the English variant. The official Facebook page of Montblanc offers a direct channel, but the content added value is, according to the assessment of the discussants, manageable. For more in-depth information on Limited Editions, specialist forums and boutiques are the more productive sources.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is known about the old Montblanc letter cards with historical poster motifs and are they still available?", "a": "The individually packaged greeting cards were issued about ten years ago by Montblanc and distributed via selected top dealers, with manageable success. Originally there were ten different motifs; four have for some time been sold out; the remaining six are only kept in very small remaining quantities by individual dealers \"under the counter\". About six years ago they were officially taken out of the programme. Meanwhile Montblanc offers new cards in ten-packs at around 29.50 euros with more modern motifs that are no longer fully printed.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why does a Montblanc 146 nib give significantly under during writing and spread sideways, and what can be done about it?", "a": "Older Montblanc nibs are generally significantly more flexible than today's and also more flexible than comparable Pelikan nibs, so a certain giving is normal. A lateral spreading, however, often indicates a bent nib, which cannot be clarified by remote diagnosis; an assessment in a Montblanc boutique or by a specialist is recommended. Excessive ink flow can also be down to the feed or to a leaking piston that draws extra air. An independent correction of the nib geometry is only restrictedly possible; in case of doubt, a nib exchange is the most reliable solution, which however can come close to the value of a new fountain pen.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How are the three writing instruments of the Max Reinhardt Edition (Salzburg Art Director's Pens) visually to be classified?", "a": "The various Salzburg Art Director's Pens, also designated as Max Reinhardt editions, are generally regarded as requiring some getting used to in design. The three pens discussed here are felt in this respect to be hardly surpassable. The taste judgement remains naturally individual. Content-historical details on the edition are not added in the thread.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do the Montblanc 144 and the 145 (Chopin) differ in size?", "a": "The differences between 144 and 145 Chopin have already been extensively treated in the forum and can be found via the search function. New information on the dimensions was not added in the concrete thread; reference is made to the existing posts on the size and on the writing feel of the two models. A search via the forum search delivers here the most reliable information.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where does one obtain a matching converter for the Sheaffer Connaisseur?", "a": "Matching converters for the Sheaffer Connaisseur are available from the specialist trade of Rolf Thiel (missing-pen.de). There the article is listed in the online shop and can be directly ordered. A self-adaptation of other converters is not necessary. The Sheaffer models count among collectors as very recommendable.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "What book recommendation is there on the 250-year history of Faber-Castell?", "a": "Recommended is the jubilee book \"Faber-Castell Since 1761 – Die illustrierte Geschichte einer Bleistiftdynastie\", which appeared on the occasion of the 250-year company jubilee 2011. On Amazon, the book can be browsed online beforehand, which conveys a good impression of the contents. It is suitable both for collectors and for historically interested persons around the topic of pencil and writing culture.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Does the Pelikan ballpoint K400 have a thread of plastic or of brass, and is a plastic version original?", "a": "The Pelikan K400 exists both with plastic and with brass thread; both variants are original versions. The change to the brass thread took place presumably at the end of the 1990s or the early 2000s. A plastic thread is therefore no indication of a repair, an assembly from parts or a confusion with the 200. Both variants are found on auction platforms.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What can be the cause of a striking smell reminiscent of vomit on the Faber-Castell Castell 10 from the 60s/70s?", "a": "Such a striking smell is not normal and does not occur on most fountain pens. Most frequent cause are ink residues, e.g. from mouldy ink; a thorough cleaning with water is therefore the first step. If that does not help, the material processed itself can be the cause, since other writing instruments too can smell unpleasant due to material. To cover, a scented ink can if applicable be used; if the smell remains permanently, material ageing as cause is likely.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "When and where does the next CAS collectors' get-together take place in January 2005?", "a": "The first CAS collectors' get-together of the year 2005 took place on 30 January 2005 from 14:00 (lunch from 13:00) in the restaurant \"Zum Franziskaner\", Düsseldorfer Straße 21, 44143 Dortmund. Participating were six collectors, of whom several from the first acquaintance meetings as well as newcomers from the forum and the personal circle of acquaintances. Registration ran via the organiser's contact address. Further information on the regional collectors' meet-ups can be found on the association page.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "What price is reasonable for a new, originally packaged Montblanc Ramses II 146, and how everyday-suitable is it?", "a": "The new price was originally over 1,000 euros; on eBay, depending on condition, about 550 to 700 euros are usual; a dealer offer around 798 euros for a new, originally packaged piece counts as fair. Since vermeil surfaces scratch easily, when buying used, attention should be paid to scratch marks. The Ramses II is everyday-suitable; all writing instruments with metal surface are however somewhat scratch-sensitive. On travel, protection in a matching case from Montblanc is recommended.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are the nibs of the older Montegrappa Espressione (with silver fittings) of steel or of gold, and how can this be checked?", "a": "On the older Espressione models, by experience, it is 18-carat gold nibs; steel variants are not known in this range. Gold nibs are basically marked by an imprint with the gold specification, which here however can be missing. For checking, a direct comparison with documented originals or an assessment by a specialist is recommended. Without an imprint a final residual uncertainty remains, but a steel nib is on this model very unlikely.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a price of around 2,900 euros for a Montblanc Hemingway fountain pen realistic?", "a": "Almost 3,000 euros are predominantly assessed as clearly excessive; realistic depending on condition appear about 1,500 to 1,800 euros, in individual cases also less. With an absolutely shop-new, sealed example in the original packaging, collectors in private sale can however quite call up 2,900 euros and more, especially with auctions with competing collectors. On eBay such peak prices are rarely achieved; at the same time fraud risk and authenticity problem are higher there. Overall the edition with 20,000 pieces was comparatively large, which should be reflected in the pricing.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which model is an unusually-looking ballpoint offered as \"Montblanc\"?", "a": "The piece in question is a counterfeit of a Scenium ballpoint. The workmanship looks unaesthetic and does not correspond to the originals. Such copies have no collector value and should not be further sold. An identification as an original is here ruled out.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it unusual that Montblanc writing instruments on eBay can be financed by instalment payment?", "a": "Instalment financing is widespread on eBay for many high-priced auction articles and is nothing special for Montblanc writing instruments. The seller thereby receives his money immediately; the buyer pays in instalments to the financier. An instalment payment is, however, always more expensive than direct purchase and must be serviced until repayment. Anyone who cannot directly afford a writing instrument should therefore refrain from financing.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which changes does the update of the forum software of the Fountainpen forum bring with it?", "a": "During the about 30-minute maintenance, the forum was raised to a more recent software version, above all to close possible security gaps. On the layout only minor changes were made; new are, among others, additional buttons, e.g. a direct link to the forum rules. Functionally, the forum remains largely unchanged usable for users. In terms of content, no posts are lost thereby.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How is the \"Welt am Sonntag\" report \"Die echten Edelfedern\" on investment in writing instruments to be evaluated?", "a": "The contribution is assessed as superficial and partly outdated – for example, the group affiliation of brands is no longer correctly represented, since Omas at the time of publication had for some time no longer belonged to LVMH. In terms of content too, the statements on quantities and value developments are partly inaccurate. Writing instruments are as an investment object only conditionally suitable and should be acquired primarily out of collector interest. Sound information is to be found rather in specialised collector circles.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Is a reduced Bohème \"Noir et Noir\" for 300 euros worthwhile, and how does the Jungle Eyes fit in price-wise?", "a": "The regular list price of the Bohème Noir et Noir is around 395 euros, so 300 euros at a closing specialist retailer is a fair offer. Important is not to confuse the \"Noir et Noir\" with the later \"Bohème Noir\"; both models differ visually and were produced in different periods. The Jungle Eyes lay price-wise between about 850 and 950 euros, depending on the model size – the 114 Mozart variant was cheaper than the 144. With new writing instruments, discounts are usually small; in specialist trade the risk of being taken advantage of is low.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can one recognise that a pen allegedly coming from Montblanc is a fantasy product and thus a counterfeit?", "a": "With pieces unambiguously recognisable as counterfeits, the model has never existed in this form in the original range; the entire design is a fantasy product. Apart from the applied star, in such cases no detail fits a real Montblanc model, which points to cheap reproductions without serious imitation intent. Helpful for one's own assessment is comparison with documented original ranges on collector sites. Missing certificates are an additional warning sign.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which recognition features exist on current counterfeits, e.g. on the StarWalker and on the Meisterstück?", "a": "Frequent counterfeit variants comprise the StarWalker with rubber surface, easily recognisable by the black end piece, as well as versions in red and white that were not offered like this in the original. On the Meisterstück too, fakes turn up repeatedly, both as individual pieces and as sets. The counterfeits look generally optically inconsistent and in workmanship clearly below original quality. Before purchase, a comparison with the corresponding collector sites on original models should take place.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can one judge the authenticity of a Montblanc Octavian?", "a": "Important indications are a complete documentation and especially matching numbers on the warranty card and on the fountain pen itself. If these papers with correctly assigned edition number are present and pictures and description match known originals, an authentic piece is most likely to be assumed. Especially with rare Limited Editions like the Octavian, such proofs are a central authenticity criterion. In case of doubt, an additional assessment by a specialist should take place.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can the production date of a Montblanc Meisterstück be ascertained based on the serial or clip-ring number?", "a": "The production date cannot be read off the clip-ring number. Neither Montblanc nor the trade have an interest in making lying times or concrete production dates transparent. For the end customer too, this information is generally not relevant, since quality and warranty are not tied to the production date. A temporal classification is at most roughly possible via the model, the nib design and the scope of delivery.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Who can repair a Montblanc Slimline Noblesse 1122 if the manufacturer rejects the repair due to a lack of replacement nib?", "a": "Since the Noblesse 1122 (1978–1980) was a model of the cheaper class and has not been produced for over 25 years, it is understandable that Montblanc no longer keeps replacement nibs. Economically, a repair is anyway seldom sensible, since a well-preserved replacement device is often cheaper to obtain on eBay than any repair flat rate. A lifetime warranty on writing instruments of this price class is also unrealistic with other manufacturers and is hardly granted even on significantly higher-quality products. Anyone nevertheless wishing to have it repaired can turn to specialised writing-instrument workshops.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Did the Montblanc Limited 1924 Anniversary Edition really include sunglasses?", "a": "In the catalogue for the 75th Anniversary Edition, sunglasses with black frame, round dark lenses and mother-of-pearl star with rose-gold rim on the temple were depicted or drawn. Actually produced and sold, however, such glasses were according to current knowledge not – neither within the framework of the 1924 edition nor of the Special Anniversary Edition. Possibly they were originally planned but did not come into series. Reliable original examples have not surfaced in collector circles.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Must an original Montblanc 234 1/2 necessarily have a nib with the designation 4 1/2, and what does the 1/2 in the model designation mean?", "a": "According to the reference \"Collectible Stars\", the 234 1/2 was built not only with a gold nib but also with a steel nib, although only in the normal version and not in the luxury variant. A 585 gold nib is thus one but not the only original configuration. The designation 1/2 is part of the model system and does not necessarily allow conclusions about a specific nib inscription. For a final authenticity judgement, nib inscription and model variant must be considered together.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does a Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire Faden Guilloche bear at the tip the engraving \"MONTBLANC\", and what does that say about the authenticity of an eBay offer?", "a": "The piece offered in the named auction is a counterfeit, even if a comparatively well-made one. The engraving at the tip does not agree with the original conventions. Generally, when buying branded products on eBay, caution is in order, since counterfeits are difficult to recognise for laypersons based on photos. Collector sales of reputable providers are by contrast quite a source, provided seller profile and description are critically checked.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Has Montblanc actually produced simple imitation-leather cases with snap-button fastener, or is it a counterfeit?", "a": "Even a simple, black imitation-leather case with snap-button fastener and star logo can be an original. Until the repositioning as a luxury manufacturer from 1991, Montblanc produced the entire spectrum from the cheap school fountain pen to the high-quality Meisterstück and correspondingly also simpler accessories. Cases from the 50s therefore often appear \"cheap\" compared to later leather versions but are nevertheless authentic. A simple visual or material impression does not suffice to rule out originality.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is known about the Montblanc Skeleton Edition \"Gaudi\", and where are pictures of it available?", "a": "The edition named is a skeleton fountain pen whose design is oriented on the architecture of Antoni Gaudí. A content connection of Montblanc to Gaudí cannot be clearly derived from the posts. Pictures and further impressions of the piece can be found on the collector site cruzaltpens.com in the post on the model. As with many special editions, the design is a matter of taste; in collector circles, the Gaudi is overall positively received.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "From what period does the Montblanc 334 with the barrel engraving \"D.R.P. angem.\" come?", "a": "The Montblanc 334 was produced in the years 1935 to 1936 and is thus the immediate predecessor of the better-known model 334 1/2. The designation \"D.R.P. angem.\" stands for \"Deutsches Reichspatent angemeldet\" (German Reich patent applied for) and is typical for writing instruments from this period. Information on the internet is rare on this model, since it was only briefly made.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which model is a gilded Montblanc rollerball with longitudinal grooves, and what is known about material and original retail price?", "a": "It is a Montblanc Noblesse rollerball from the third and last series of the Noblesse range (not to be confused with the later Noblesse Oblige range), produced at the end of the 1990s. The material is gilded brass, with the gilding very thin and rubbing off comparatively quickly. The blank, shiny field on the cap is regularly intended as an engraving field; a hallmark or serial number does not exist on these pieces. The then retail price was about 125 to 135 DM, by which the model was significantly cheaper than the black Meisterstück rollerballs of plastic.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What do the engravings on a Montblanc Meisterstück with imprint \"Deutsche Bahn EUR bln 6%2010\" mean, and how can the value be assessed?", "a": "Pens with such imprints are to be classified as advertising pens, that is, special productions with company or occasion engraving. A serious value statement for non-current, used writing instruments is generally not possible, especially not for advertising examples. In the forum such evaluations are not made for basic considerations. The letter abbreviations with numbers are the regular serial numbers of the Meisterstücks, followed by the origin specification \"Germany\".", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the authenticity of a fountain pen auctioned on eBay be assessed, and is the price paid appropriate?", "a": "Based on the pictures, only a first authenticity suspicion can be formulated; absolute certainty exists only when the actually delivered piece can be checked. If the seller is known and respected in the collector scene, the risk drops considerably. Compared to the official new price of around 425 euros, eBay prices can lie significantly below, which with renowned providers can nevertheless be a fair deal. An additional check by a specialist retailer or experienced collectors is always recommendable.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire Ceramics Black Prisma with shifted serial number and clip engraving \"Made in Germany\" genuine?", "a": "A slightly offset serial number on the cap ring does not speak against authenticity; on Montblanc such tolerances occur. The clip engraving \"Made in Germany\" is also regular: on older writing instruments there the engraving \"PIX\" is found; on newer models it was replaced by \"Made in Germany\". If the other details match, the piece can be classified as an original. A definitive authenticity confirmation can however only be given by Montblanc itself.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why do the decorative rings on a Montblanc Meisterstück 142 loosen, and how can the defect be remedied?", "a": "The body and cap materials of older Meisterstücks consist of celluloid, which shrinks over the course of decades. As a result, the placed decorative rings come loose and can rotate or even fall off. A repair with adhesives like Uhu is not recommended. Instead one should turn to a specialised restorer for vintage fountain pens who can professionally re-fix the ring.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does it speak against the authenticity of a Montblanc 163 rollerball if only \"W-Germany\" stands on the clip and no serial number is laser-engraved?", "a": "Serial numbers were laser-engraved into the clip as standard at Montblanc only from about 1991. The engraving \"W. Germany\" indicates that the writing instrument was made before reunification 1989, so the missing serial number is in this case normal and does not speak against authenticity. Without pictures, however, no final judgement can be made. In case of doubt, the piece should be presented to a specialist retailer.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are \"waves\" or deformations around the clip ring of a Montblanc writing instrument a defect or normal wear?", "a": "A remote-diagnostic judgement is difficult; a comparison with a display piece in the Montblanc specialist shop is sensible. If a defect is actually present and the purchase is less than two years ago, the clip can be exchanged within the warranty on presentation of the receipt free of charge at the factory. Outside the warranty, the repair costs for a clip exchange move between about 49 and 79 euros, which at the new prices of the writing instruments counts as appropriate.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can a Parker Duofold Special with inscription \"GEO.S.PARKER-PEN-MADE IN U.S.A PATENTED\" be a counterfeit?", "a": "The pen is a vintage Parker that was presumably made before 1945, in the 1930s, in the USA. Counterfeits of historical Parker writing instruments of this construction have so far not turned up, so the authenticity risk is low. The housing consists of celluloid; the nib is solidly made of gold. To be noted is that the Vacumatic filling technique is hard to repair in Europe, since corresponding special knowledge and tools are seldom available.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can a fountain-pen collection be sensibly managed on the computer?", "a": "A simple Excel sheet is generally completely sufficient for managing a fountain-pen collection. The advantage of this solution is that every spreadsheet can be individually adapted to the respective collector's piece and photos can be embedded without problem. Special management software or a CD-ROM is not necessary for this purpose.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which costs are to be expected for the repair of a bent nib of a Montblanc Voltaire?", "a": "If the nib only has to be straightened, costs up to about 100 euros are to be reckoned with. A complete nib exchange moves, by experience, between 200 and 300 euros, which on the Voltaire economically still remains sensible. A binding estimate is only made by Montblanc service in Hamburg, which is why the writing instrument must be sent in directly or via a specialist retailer. After receipt of the quote, it can be decided whether the repair is carried out or the piece is returned unrepaired.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Meisterstück model is a black-gold fountain pen with 135 mm length, serial number \"X 61781150\" and 14K nib?", "a": "With the dimensions and properties mentioned, it is a Meisterstück 144. A monochrome yellow-gold nib with longitudinally ribbed nib holder points to an older variant of the model, e.g. from the 1980s. This variant differs from the later bicolour nibs but is unambiguously to be classified as a 144.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "To whom can one turn to have the value and age of old Pforzheim ballpoints with brand names like \"Sarastro\" or \"Admiral\" assessed?", "a": "For the evaluation of such older ballpoints, an enquiry to Dirk Barmeyer offers itself, e.g. via the platform penexchange.de. The collector community for such ballpoint brands is small, which correspondingly affects the market value. If anyone can give well-founded information, it is most likely this specialist.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a reddish-brown leather case in the style of a Montblanc Siena without metal ring around the logo an original or a counterfeit?", "a": "At first glance, much speaks for an original, since imprint and further details fit Montblanc cases of this type. Unusual, however, is the absence of the metal ring around the logo, since this was actually standard. A definitive authenticity evaluation can only be given by Montblanc customer service, e.g. via the contact form on the official homepage. To be noted is that there is no \"one\" counterfeiter but many different sources with strongly varying quality, so no individual detail reliably proves authenticity.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the purchase of a Montblanc wallet worthwhile, or are there more robust alternatives?", "a": "If a wallet is regularly carried in the back pocket, even a Montblanc model rarely lasts longer than a year without visible wear. As a more long-lasting alternative, the brand Bree is named, whose soft leather adapts better to deformations. Another option is the English solution with coins carried loose in the front pocket and banknotes in a clip, which increases seat comfort and overview. Before purchase, a visit to a boutique is recommended in order to check the quality directly.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Did the Montblanc Unicef campaign \"Sign up for the right to write\" include 149 fountain pens with engraved inscription of personalities like Sarkozy?", "a": "The campaign indeed comprised 149 fountain pens engraved with the signature of a respective personality. In total 149 persons from politics, culture and art gave a handwritten statement, which was subsequently auctioned together with the engraved fountain pen and a photo in an about 60-by-60-centimetre plexiglass frame via eBay. There is confusion risk with the 4810 packagings of Sachs, Jahn and Putman, which contain plain 149s without engraving. Whether Sarkozy was officially involved cannot be unambiguously confirmed from the available lists.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Of which material does the Montblanc 28 ballpoint consist, and how can it be polished up without damaging the gilding?", "a": "The Montblanc 28, presumably from the 1970s or 1980s, consists of normal plastic, since Montblanc has only been positioned as a luxury manufacturer since 1991. A refurbishment by Montblanc itself is on this model not economically sensible. Polishes act like fine abrasive material and can quickly remove the generally very thin gilding of clips and rings, which is why one should work with fine grit and only in daylight. A counterfeit is on this model de facto ruled out, since the former market value would not have made a counterfeit worthwhile; with missing model number and inscription \"W. Germany\", a model of the Classic range is presumably present.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc 146 with B nib that is said to be three to four years old and \"only written in\" reasonably valued at 300 euros?", "a": "How often a fountain pen was written with is largely irrelevant for the condition of the nib: gold nibs have an iridium tipping at the tip that survives many generations of intensive use without measurable change. Statements like \"only written in\" or \"broken in\" are from a collector's view rather marketing formulas. The exact age too is mostly not unambiguously ascertainable, since writing instruments are partly stored in trade for years. With B nibs, which are more frequently offered than F or EF, it is worthwhile comparing several offers and not rushing the purchase.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which edition sizes and which gemstones characterise the Montblanc Artisan editions like \"True Princess\", \"White Pearl\" and \"Jungle Eyes\"?", "a": "Montblanc gives no official quantities on these Special Editions, so only estimates are possible; the editions of \"Jungle Eyes\" and \"True Princess\" lie presumably below those of the Writers Edition, since the expensive pieces sold worse. Particularly rare is the White Pearl Edition, since it was never officially offered and is moreover the only Meisterstück without the three cap rings; it was initially delivered only in Germany. The stones used in the Jungle Eyes editions are: green = tourmaline, cognac = Madeira citrine, yellow = Palmeira citrine, purple = amethyst, blue = topaz; white (mother-of-pearl) and black (onyx) belonged to the Gift Collection 2004. Mozart sizes are overall rarer to encounter than the 144 sizes.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can counterfeits of Montblanc writing instruments be reported on eBay?", "a": "Ebay has under the section \"Contact\" a reporting tool with which auctions of plagiarisms can be directly reported to the platform. After entering the report, the reporter automatically receives a confirmation to the deposited email address. In practice, such offers are frequently removed by eBay after a short time. The active use of this tool is recommended in order to make market access more difficult for plagiarism providers.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc 144 with a completely smooth hard-rubber feed without grooves an original, and does it actually come from the 1970s?", "a": "The piece described is an original 144 from the 1980s, not from the 1970s. The variant with a completely smooth feed without grooves was actually delivered in this time and is not unusual. Authenticity problems therefore do not exist. The frequently demanded price of around 219 euros is, however, ambitious; used older 144s are available on the market already from about 80 euros.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What significance do the model numbers like 146 or 149 have in the Montblanc Meisterstück series?", "a": "The numbers simply denote the respective model within the Meisterstück series and differentiate size and equipment of the writing instruments, comparable to model classes of other brand manufacturers. A complete overview of the numbering together with the matching writing instruments can be found on relevant collector sites. Via the subpages linked there, further model information can also be accessed.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a non-centred hyphen between \"Meisterstück\" and \"Montblanc\" on the cap of a Meisterstück 144 a sign of a production error or a counterfeit?", "a": "Neither one nor the other: with the imprints by Montblanc there have been and are numerous different variants, and the positioning seems partly inconsistent. It can be assumed that this aspect was not strictly standardised in production. A decentralised hyphen is therefore no reliable authenticity criterion. An official authenticity guarantee can exclusively Montblanc issue after sending in the piece.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do the Montblanc StarWalker and the Bohème differ as fountain pens, and which model is rather to be recommended?", "a": "Both fountain pens are officially designed for cartridge operation, with on the StarWalker a converter also being usable without problem. The StarWalker counts as the more progressive writing instrument in design and material; its nib consists of 585 gold and is available in the strengths F to B. The Bohème is more classical and distinguished and has a peculiarity: the nib is turned back into the body after use, which makes it less suitable for quick notes. Which model better fits depends on design preferences and usage behaviour.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which fountain pen in the price range around 150 euros with a piston filling system is suitable for a rather small handwriting?", "a": "Waterman drops out due to the stated criteria, as does a Pelikan, whose models in this price class tend to fall too small for the requirements. The Lamy 2000 is a recommendable choice for the described usage purpose. The often heard myth that an EF nib has a worse ink flow than an M nib does not apply; decisive are matching ink (e.g. Lamy Royal Blue) as well as the care condition of the fountain pen. With small handwriting, practically only EF, F or MK come into question; a test in a well-stocked specialist shop with qualified advice is sensible.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc model could a pen with silver clip, ring and nib without model number be, whose star at the end piece is set lower?", "a": "Based on the features described, an unambiguous identification is difficult. In question come, e.g., a Montblanc 320, but the clip rather suggests a model 420; then, however, the nib does not fit. Possible is a mixed construction from parts of a 320 and a 420 cap. The individual components in any case stem from the 1970s.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Should the nib of a Montblanc 149 from the Unicef Edition be three-part, and which nib width regularly belongs to the set?", "a": "With an offer with a two-tone instead of three-part nib, it is to be assumed that an older 149 from the 1980s or early 1990s was inserted into the Unicef packaging. Limited Editions can however at Montblanc also be individually ordered in a deviating nib width, e.g. if the standard width M is felt to be too broad. An F nib in the Unicef set is therefore indeed untypical but can be legitimate. The sets regularly come with an M nib.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is an older-looking Montblanc ballpoint from an unknown model an original?", "a": "The model mentioned is an original ballpoint that was produced in the period 1961 to 1970. Such pieces are relatively frequently to be encountered on the market. For this reason, the collector value remains within manageable limits.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why is there a coil spring inside the piston converter of a Montblanc Meisterstück 144?", "a": "The coil spring in the converter is intentional and occurs regularly on Montblanc converters; it controls the ink guidance or flow behaviour. In the forum there are several posts under the keyword \"Spirale\" that extensively deal with the function and meaning of this component. As long as the function of the converter is not impaired, there is no reason for maintenance by Montblanc service.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are a dust inclusion in front of the diamond of a Montblanc StarWalker as well as pronounced scratches on the barrel of a Scenium reasons for complaint?", "a": "If on the StarWalker actually a production defect like an enclosed dust particle in front of the diamond is present, that is within the warranty period subject to complaint at the seller; a filled-in warranty certificate is required for this. The complaint can also take place in another Montblanc-owned boutique, not necessarily where it was bought; with concessionaires this does not apply for fairness reasons. On the Scenium rollerball, abrasion of the matt lacquer by friction with clip or cap is material-typical normal and is no reason for complaint, especially since the model is for Montblanc conditions regarded as inexpensive.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Do counterfeits of the Montblanc Document Marker exist, and what significance does the black dot in the clip have?", "a": "The black dot in the clip is a regular marking that serves to distinguish the Document Marker in the case from same-format pens. If this dot is missing, that indicates in doubt that it has fallen off; the piece remains, however, genuine. Older Markers of the LeGrand series originally did not have different clips, so examples without dot can also be original. Specific counterfeits of the Document Marker are not widespread.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What should be considered with a first Montblanc purchase, e.g. a Platinum Line 165 mechanical pencil from eBay classifieds, regarding authenticity?", "a": "There are numerous counterfeit features, which vary depending on the model. A helpful indicator for an original is the inscription \"Pix\" under the clip, which must not be engraved but executed as raised protrusion. Basically, it is recommended before purchase to thoroughly study original photos on the Montblanc homepage and only to buy models that are visually beyond doubt familiar. A definitive authenticity evaluation based on photos, however, remains restricted.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc model is the Meisterstück Ceramics Black Prisma, and is there a counterfeit risk?", "a": "It is the Ceramics Black Prisma variant of the Montblanc Meisterstück, a special variant of the regular model. On the pictures presented, no counterfeit can be recognised. An official guarantee for authenticity can however only be given by a specialist retailer or Montblanc itself. To be noted is that the barrel of these models scratches relatively easily; with a suitable cleaning cloth, surface traces can however be remedied again.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it reputable on eBay auctions to demand a fee per line of information about a fountain pen?", "a": "The procedure described is assessed by experienced collectors as disreputable and does not correspond to the usual practices among collectors. Added to this is that on eBay it is forbidden in an auction to refer to one's own website. Often such offers are less real collector service than an advertising measure for one's own books or websites. Collectors support each other in relevant forums typically free of charge.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can beginners assess the appropriateness of prices for vintage fountain pens, e.g. on eBay?", "a": "As orientation aid the book \"CollectibleStars\" is recommended, which delivers not only rough price ranges but above all also assessments of the rarity of the individual writing instruments. The rarity is often the more important indication for realistic market prices than the pure price specification. Important, however, is that all statements presuppose a good preservation condition; damages or strong wear reduce the value significantly. The book is available via relevant collector sites and also directly at collectors' meet-ups.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Does the Montblanc 149 also exist from the factory with platinum-plated instead of gilded trim?", "a": "Montblanc has produced the 149 exclusively with gilded trim; an official variant with platinum-plated or rhodium-plated trim does not exist. Pieces with silver-shiny trim therefore arise subsequently, by the originally gilded trim being rhodium-plated. Such conversions are no factory states but individual changes outside the regular model programme.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which barrel diameters, model designations and nib-width abbreviations do the Montblanc pens from the 1950s and 1960s show?", "a": "In the 1950s and 1960s Montblanc produced piston fountain pens designed by Graf Goertz in two sizes: the x2 range with a barrel diameter of 11.5 millimetres and a total length of 128 millimetres with the cap closed as well as the x4 range with 12 millimetres barrel diameter and 135 millimetres length. Three model lines existed: the Meisterstücks (No. 12 and 14) with the stylised mountain as cap ring, a second range with two cap rings (No. 22 and 24) as well as, as better school or entry-level pens, the numbers 32 and 34. Production ran from 1958/59 to 1969. With nib widths, the abbreviations F stand for fine and M for medium; further variants of the series comprised additional strengths.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc 139 with a flawlessly yellow ink window without visible stripes a counterfeit or an assembled body?", "a": "A yellow-looking, freshly appearing ink window without recognisable stripes is striking: if the fountain pen had been little used, the stripes would have to be present; if it had been heavily used, the window would have to be darkly discoloured by ink residues. Both speak against an unchanged original body. Also the nib looks compared to the rest of the older components like the D.R.P. number possibly younger. Overall the piece thus appears dubious and suggests that at least the body or parts of it were subsequently made or brought together.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are a missing 925 stamp and a \"W-Germany\" inscription without serial number in the clip plausible on a Montblanc Solitaire with brass body and silver corn guilloche?", "a": "This constellation is plausible: writing instruments with brass body and silver corn guilloche bear no 925 stamp, and the inscription \"W. Germany\" points to a production before reunification 1989. Serial numbers were standard-introduced at Montblanc only after the fall of the Wall, which is why their absence is normal on these pieces. To what extent remaining stock of \"W. Germany\" clips was still fitted after 1990 is not finally clarified. With a consistent description, proper photos and a reliable seller, from a collector's view little speaks against the purchase.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc set offered on Willhaben with strikingly-looking stars an original or a counterfeit?", "a": "The set described is a particularly crude counterfeit. A clear indication are the Montblanc stars, which look glued on instead of inset or integrated. Such plagiarisms are made in China for only one to two euros per piece. The purchase is unambiguously to be advised against.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the model number of an inherited Montblanc Meisterstück be determined, and can an engraved name engraving on the clip be removed?", "a": "An existing engraving on the clip can be most safely removed by exchanging the engraved spare part for a new one. Polishing is possible but mostly leaves a visible dent and is therefore not to be recommended. For model determination, comparison with overview pages on the classical Montblanc Meisterstücks is worthwhile, which list all common models together with pictures and dimensions. A realistic sale price can only be named after exact model assignment and condition evaluation.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How high were edition and price of the Montblanc Limited Edition \"Ancient Games\" for the 2004 Olympic Games?", "a": "The Limited Edition \"Ancient Games\" belonged to the Atelier Privés range and was sold in July 2004 exclusively via the Greek Montblanc boutiques. It was limited to 28 pieces. The body consists of solid yellow gold with a white marbled cap. The introduction price was 14,800 euros.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Solitaire Vermeil offered on eBay with unambiguous hallmark to be regarded as an original?", "a": "Based on the pictures, especially the recognisable hallmark, the Solitaire Vermeil looks very credibly like an original. The auction itself also makes a reputable impression. The risk thus appears overall low. An on-site collection from the seller would be the safest variant; if it is not possible, shipping with a reliable service provider is an acceptable alternative.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are utopianly high retail prices (e.g. 59,000 euros) for a Montblanc 164 Demo on online auctions realistic?", "a": "Demo writing instruments are indeed rare but achieve on eBay typically only prices between 500 and 1000 euros. Demands of around 59,000 euros are completely unrealistic and count as a brazen attempt to fleece unsuspecting buyers. Such moon prices stand in no relation to the actual collector value.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Since when does Montblanc use laser-engraved identification numbers on its writing instruments, and how old can a rollerball without this number be?", "a": "Montblanc writing instruments from the 1980s and before do not yet have a laser-engraved identity engraving; these numbers were only introduced about ten years ago. Rollerballs themselves, however, only exist at Montblanc since the 1970s with the model Quickpen, and the Meisterstück programme offers rollerballs only since the 1980s. A rollerball without laser-engraved number can thus quite be two to three decades old but is no really old writing instrument in the narrower sense.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why are source references to the web address embedded in forum photos and what effect does that have against unauthorised picture use?", "a": "Since photos of the forum page were repeatedly used without permission by third parties in online auctions, source references are copied directly into the pictures, while the copyrights remain with the photographer. Platforms like eBay generally automatically delete auction photos with embedded web address, so the unauthorised use practically resolves itself. Anyone who has contributed their own photos and is not satisfied with the concrete form of the watermark can request individual adjustments.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc StarWalker Resin fountain pen with a striking thread and visible plastic on the grip section possibly a counterfeit?", "a": "Nib and feed of a StarWalker Resin sourced from online trade can quite correspond to the original, even if the thread visually deviates from examples in authenticity guides. A definitive evaluation of the grip-section material is difficult without inspection. For safeguarding, an authentication enquiry to Montblanc with the serial number is recommended.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can one tell on eBay whether a Montblanc StarWalker Rubber ballpoint is genuine?", "a": "Based on auction photos, the authenticity of a StarWalker Rubber is mostly not unambiguously to be judged, and the risk remains that the depicted goods do not correspond to the delivered ones. Additionally, the rating history of the seller and the lack of a manufacturer's warranty in the eBay purchase are to be heeded. A provider known as reliable who only carries original goods can significantly reduce the risk; in case of doubt, the purchase from a specialist retailer is to be preferred.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Le Grand without PIX inscription on the back of the clip necessarily a counterfeit?", "a": "Older Meisterstücks, e.g. until the middle of the 1990s, do not yet bear a PIX engraving under the clip, so its absence is no unambiguous counterfeit feature. Counterfeit piston fillers in Meisterstück style are also extremely rare; most counterfeits concern other models. A final confirmation of the authenticity can be made by a Montblanc boutique.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Mozart 114 with reversed colouring of barrel and cap an official model?", "a": "A 114 variant with unusual colour or material combination between barrel and cap is as a regular factory product by Montblanc almost certainly to be ruled out. Probably original parts like cap, front part and nib were combined with a subsequently made, individual barrel. Such a writing instrument has not left the factory in this configuration.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Did Montblanc have a calendar pen, and what is known about it?", "a": "Montblanc bought in at the end of the 1950s to the early 1960s a calendar pen and offered it in combination with a pocket calendar or notepad in a leather sleeve. As refill, a 3/4-length seamstress refill was used, which today is no longer regularly available. The pen is therefore a rather rare collector's object from this era.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the authenticity of a Montblanc Cervantes offered on eBay be checked when the provider uses replica photos?", "a": "With the Cervantes, counterfeits frequently occur that are partly even visually confused with the Copernicus, because the counterfeiters themselves mix up the models. An authenticity check based solely on foreign or replica photos is not possible; in such cases the purchase is risky and not recommended. Replicas are sold for very low prices freely on the internet, which additionally aggravates the counterfeit problem.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Sheaffer model is a fountain pen with a characteristic nib, and how is it filled?", "a": "Based on the nib form, much speaks for a Sheaffer Crest. This model can be supplied with ink both via cartridges and via the for Sheaffer typical rubber-sac filling system. Which variant concretely is present can only be shown by inspection of the inside of the barrel.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Meisterstück ballpoint with dedication engraving a rarity, and how does an engraving affect the value?", "a": "The offered ballpoint is genuine but not rare; a new, unengraved cap is at Montblanc available for at most about 49 euros. An individual name or dedication engraving is on pure utility pieces mostly regarded as value-reducing. It can however quite be value-increasing if the engraving documents a prominent owner and a comprehensible proof of ownership is available; in a concrete collector project, additionally, only 25 instead of the stated 1000 pieces were engraved.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is an extremely slim Montblanc pencil with rotary mechanism and about 5 mm diameter, and is it to be classified as a PIX?", "a": "A very slim Montblanc pencil with rotary mechanism at the end part is no PIX but a rotary pencil. The designation PIX was originally reserved exclusively for push pencils before Montblanc used the name for other products for reasons of brand-protection law. There are additionally significantly smaller rotary pencils than the piece described.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Meisterstück fountain pen with a plastic-looking, gold-coloured thread a counterfeit?", "a": "Such a piece is generally an original, however frequently not a 146 but the smaller 144. The 144 was made until the end of the 1990s; the example described should be based on the feed about from the late 1980s to early 1990s. The supposedly painted plastic on the thread is actually gilded brass.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are an old piston fountain pen with imprint Student/Iona 454 and a Safety pen with Montblanc nib and imprint Rama-Post actually Montblanc writing instruments?", "a": "The piston fountain pen described is definitely no Montblanc; the material rather looks like post-war plastic, while the form recalls the 1930s, which points to a so-called no-name manufacturer. With the Safety pen, the nib clearly comes from Montblanc, but whether barrel and mechanism are also original parts can only be clarified by inspection. Since Montblanc at that time was already a premium manufacturer and children did not count among the target group, an advertising campaign with the children's magazine Rama-Post is very unlikely; manufacturers like KaWeCo or Soennecken would come into question.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can one recognise that a supposed Montblanc Copernicus is a counterfeit?", "a": "Comparing the piece with real pictures of a Montblanc Copernicus, obvious differences are immediately noticeable, e.g. a red, gilded surface instead of the original decoration. The nib of such counterfeits is generally of very poor quality. Such plagiarisms are made in China for a few euros; in Germany their sale is not legally permissible.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which model is an inherited Montblanc fountain pen from the 1940s to 1950s with an elaborate overlay?", "a": "Provided the nib is provided with the embossing 4810, everything points to a Montblanc 144 from the 1950s. The additionally present silver or precious-metal overlay was not made by Montblanc itself but by the firm B&E and applied subsequently.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How is the Montblanc Le Grand pencil 167 with 0.9 mm leads correctly reloaded?", "a": "The Le Grand pencil is basically reloaded from the front via the tip, not via the barrel. A slight play of the inserted lead can indicate that during turning too far back was turned, so the lead loses its hold. The exact instruction as well as hints on product care Montblanc provides on its website for download. Standard lead strength is 0.9 mm and noted on the loading compartment.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are the Montblanc spectacle frames frequently offered on eBay together with case counterfeits?", "a": "The spectacle frame described looks together with the case genuine; on counterfeit writing-instrument packagings the inscription or star is generally black on a white background; here the arrangement is, however, correct. An unambiguous model confirmation was not possible based on the catalogues, since spectacle frames are a sideline area. When buying such spectacles, the way via specialist trade or the Montblanc boutique is basically recommended rather than via auction platforms.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can a Montblanc Mozart with an 18-carat instead of 14-carat gold nib be genuine?", "a": "A Mozart with 18-carat nib is most likely an export model destined for the French market, where fountain pens are standard-equipped with 18-carat gold nibs. On the 149 too there were corresponding differences between domestic and export versions. Based on the photos nothing speaks against the authenticity of the writing instrument.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can one judge whether an old ink bottle with glass body and supposed silver fitting is really antique?", "a": "Real historical silver overlays always bear a hallmark; if this is missing, the authenticity is questionable. On the market many artificially aged ink bottles are in circulation that are only between just under 20 and 30 euros worth. Even high-quality photos do not always allow reliable distinction between original and replica.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Meisterstück 147 without box and receipt genuine, and is the asking price reasonable?", "a": "Based on the pictures, no indications of a counterfeit can be recognised, so the piece is most likely an original. The list price for the 147 is currently around 600 euros including travel case; a used example without warranty and original accessories for 275 euros is to be classified as ambitious but compared to other online offers still the cheapest. Anyone who does not urgently need a 147 generally fares better with some patience, since Traveller models are indeed rarer than 146s but are nevertheless offered repeatedly.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a Montblanc Meisterstück fountain pen with a completely gilded 14-carat nib, embossing Germany and without identity number be classified?", "a": "The combination of size, gilded 14-carat nib with M embossing and missing identity number on the cap ring speaks clearly for a Montblanc 144. The imprint Germany without the addition W.-Germany points to a production from 1989 onwards. On many 144s the gilding of the ring in front of the nib is typically attacked; careful polishing improves the look but cannot restore worn-off gildings.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a vintage gold-coloured Montblanc fountain pen with the nib embossings 4810, M, 140, MONTBLANC and 585 genuine, and what collector value does it have?", "a": "The writing instrument described corresponds to an original Montblanc from the late 1950s; due to the size it is presumably a 744 rather than a 742. Counterfeits of old vintage models are extremely rare and stem, if present, mostly from no-name vintage nibs that are visually easily to distinguish. This model is quite of interest for collectors and counts as a good everyday writing instrument; a concrete value statement can only be derived via realised sale prices of comparable examples.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are water or condensation drops on the nib of a Montblanc StarWalker normal?", "a": "Condensation on the nib is a typical phenomenon when a writing instrument comes from a colder environment into a warmer room or is worn close to the body for a longer time. This also occurs on other models like 146 or 149, is unproblematic and does not impair writing. The drops evaporate by themselves after a few minutes.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Meisterstück variant is the most popular or best-selling?", "a": "Exact sales figures only Montblanc knows; the GFK also captures only the specialist trade and not the boutiques. In German specialist trade, the model 144/145 (Classique) lies clearly before the 146, while 149 and 114 Mozart hardly turn up due to small quantities; in the boutiques the gaps are smaller, but here too the Classique leads before the Le Grand. Internationally, the 149 is significantly more strongly positioned. Collector surveys often prefer Mozart and Le Grand but are not representative of the overall market.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one reliably recognise on eBay auction photos counterfeits like a false Scott Fitzgerald rollerball?", "a": "A reliable authenticity evaluation based on poor auction photos is for beginners often hardly possible; safer is the purchase from a specialist retailer or at collectors' fairs. Concrete recognition features for individual models and counterfeits are extensively described in the forum section Fälschungen erkennen. Anyone who internalises the topic can better assess typical weak points but should rather forgo online auctions with uncertainty.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What to do if a Montblanc 146P after a nib change in the boutique starts poorly, ink stands on top of the nib and the end piece no longer closes flush?", "a": "Ink above the nib between tip and breathing hole as well as untidy start-up mostly indicate that the nib after the change is not correctly seated. A second free exchange is generally not granted by Montblanc, so a renewed processing is sensible. Recommended is to pack the writing instrument shock-resistantly in bubble wrap and cardboard and to send with a covering letter directly to the Customer Service of Montblanc Simplo GmbH in Hamburg.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What price difference exists between the Montblanc Meisterstück Leather under-arm bags and the similar Platinum Leather bags?", "a": "The Meisterstück Leather under-arm bag cost until production discontinuation some years ago about 980 DM or around 500 euros; an Australian price of 1300 AUD corresponds to about 750 euros and lies thus above the then German shop price. The visually similar but stylistically different bag of the Platinum Leather series was made by Seeger and was price-wise just over the Meisterstück variant. Both ranges have not been offered by Montblanc for about three years, which explains the different resale price and bidding behaviour.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is the Montblanc Heritage Collection 1914 Limited Edition 1000 worth its money at prices between 5,000 and 7,000 euros?", "a": "The value of a fountain pen is always subjective and is composed of the writing enjoyment as well as a hard-to-forecast resale value. Even particularly demanded models achieve on the secondary market very different prices, so an objective assessment is hardly possible. Without concrete experience values with the model, ultimately one's own gut feeling remains the essential decision basis.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a case offered as Montblanc Sienna case 906/2 from the 1970s to 1980s genuine?", "a": "The case shown comes from the 1970s to 1980s and is most likely an original, although a simple model from that time when Montblanc still carried a broad product range from school fountain pens to Meisterstücks. With the Sienna case, however, it has nothing to do; the designation in the offer is wrong. Anyone who ordered a real Sienna case should therefore insist on delivery of the correct model.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Where can information be found on model name, production time and collector value of an old Montblanc mechanical pencil and rotary fountain pen from before 1944?", "a": "For detailed model, dating and value information on vintage Montblanc writing instruments, The Montblanc Diary and Collectors Guide by Jens Rösler is the central reference. The book covers, among other things, rotary pencils and rotary fountain pens from the pre-war period and enables a well-founded identification. Supplementary hints and a book review can be found in the forum section on literature.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How are the first pictures of the Montblanc Writers Edition 2014 on William Faulkner to be judged?", "a": "The Writers Edition 2014 appears overall appealing, with especially the darker, contrasted nib pleasing, as is also a known stylistic device with other manufacturers. Critically seen is the newly designed grip section, since it lacks the ergonomic, curved form that, e.g., on the Meisterstück 146 is felt to be particularly pleasant. Thus the fountain pen leaves a mixed first impression.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc model is an old fountain pen with a digit in the turning-knob imprint, and is the writing instrument still everyday-suitable?", "a": "The piece described is most likely a Montblanc 344 or 324; the exact model number is usually in the imprint on the turning knob. Both models exist in two variants; the early version visible here falls in the period 1951 to 1953. These writing instruments count as reliable and are also today still everyday-suitable.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which basic data and which collector value characterise the Montblanc push pencil 1646?", "a": "According to Collectible Stars by Jens Rösler and Stefan Wallrafen, the Montblanc 1646 was made from 1971 to 1973; it has a push mechanism, a matt-black plastic barrel with silver-plated tip, a matt-silver-plated cap as well as silver-plated clip and push head with a lead thickness of 0.92 mm. Today the model is fairly rare, since many examples were used until final wear. Near-new pieces achieve up to a maximum of about 100 euros and count primarily as a supplement to fountain pen and ballpoint, otherwise as a good utility writing instrument.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Cartier model is a writing instrument with a gilded cap?", "a": "A first, non-binding assessment points to the model Le Must de Cartier with gilded cap. A reliable identification is however not possible based solely on a photo. Further detail shots, especially of engravings and thread, can be helpful for a more precise determination.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Why does a Montblanc 234 1/2 sometimes have a brownish-discoloured end cap over the turning knob?", "a": "On Montblanc writing instruments of this time, housings are made of celluloid and end pieces of hard rubber. Hard rubber tends in the course of years to discolouration into brownish, which explains the colour difference between barrel and end cap. The discolouration is thus no defect but material-typical.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does a complaint about a Montblanc StarWalker ballpoint proceed, which papers are needed and how long does it take?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why do old pen mechanisms dry up after a short time, and where can feeds be procured or repaired?", "a": "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.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "From what period does the Montblanc PIX No. 16 push pencil come, and how is it to be classified?", "a": "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.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is to be made of a Montblanc Royal Black Diamond set with brilliants at a Christie's auction?", "a": "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.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "Which small, silver-coloured Montblanc ballpoints up to maximum 11.5 cm length are available for around 350 euros?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which beautiful Slimline fountain pen under 200 euros is suitable for the loop of a notebook?", "a": "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.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Can a short waiting time between consecutive posts be set up in the forum to avoid double postings?", "a": "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.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How is the limited Montegrappa Bicentenario Giuseppe Verdi collection to be assessed?", "a": "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.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "How can it be judged whether a Montblanc fountain pen offered on eBay is genuine?", "a": "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.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "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": "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.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "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": "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.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a StarWalker Resin Black with a hollow clip inside without Pix embossing a counterfeit, or did that also exist on the original?", "a": "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.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can a Montblanc ballpoint acquired via eBay and the matching case be checked for authenticity?", "a": "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.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What can one do if the cap of a Montblanc Rollerball 163 Solitaire sits clearly too loosely on the pen?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What does the designation \"Pix\" on the middle ring of a Montblanc Meisterstück ballpoint stand for?", "a": "\"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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can the authenticity of a Montblanc writing instrument be assessed based on unsharp eBay photos?", "a": "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.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "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?", "a": "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.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a plainly designed Parker Duofold with a sober cap end and narrow clip ring a counterfeit or a particular original model?", "a": "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.", "board": "other manufacturers", "category": "Other manufacturers"}
{"q": "Is a ballpoint offered as \"Bohème rouge\" on whose ring \"Rouge et Noir\" stands a counterfeit?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Can refill blocks for the Montblanc notebooks from the Meisterstück Collection be bought back, and are there replacement erasers for Montblanc pencils?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one fill an old Montblanc No. 34 piston filler with ink if the rear rotary piston can hardly be moved any more?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How reliably can an older Montblanc fountain pen with overlay and the matching pencil be checked for authenticity based on auction photos?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a significantly smaller and front-heavy Montblanc rollerball with \"W-Germany\" embossing and \"Meistersück\" inscription an original?", "a": "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.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can an old Montblanc push pencil of 585 gold with the engraving \"M-W-E\" be identified and dated?", "a": "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.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "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?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "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?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "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?", "a": "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.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is an inherited gold-coloured Montblanc Noblesse pencil with thread guilloche pattern genuine, and in what period was it made?", "a": "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.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is an older Montblanc Meisterstück ballpoint without \"Pix\" inscription on the middle ring a counterfeit, and what does a slight red shimmer mean?", "a": "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.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is it normal that in the ink chamber of a Montblanc piston converter a small spring runs along loose?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a supposed Montblanc Greta Garbo ballpoint stemming from a household clearance genuine?", "a": "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.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Solitaire Vermeil offered on eBay with correct hallmark genuine, and does the model belong to the size 144 or 146?", "a": "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.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Are on a ballpoint offered as Montblanc Meisterstück 164 with engraved serial number and unusual box oddities to be expected?", "a": "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.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one recognise a particularly well-made counterfeit of the Montblanc Annual Edition on eBay?", "a": "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.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What can one do when eBay sellers use copyright-protected photos from fountainpen.de as supposed original pictures of their auction?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which typical features expose Montblanc counterfeits on eBay, and does a purely gold nib automatically make a Meisterstück 146 suspicious?", "a": "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.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does one clean the cap of a Montblanc Le Grand when ink has accidentally run into it, and does water harm the cap?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a connection of this forum to the Tapatalk app for iOS and Android devices possible or planned?", "a": "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.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "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?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a ballpoint offered on eBay as Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire 925 Silver with the note \"replica\" for around 55 euros genuine?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Have on the early Montblanc Writers Editions like Hemingway, Agatha Christie and Oscar Wilde counterfeits already turned up?", "a": "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.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does eBay deal with the massively occurring Chinese Montblanc counterfeits, and how effective are reports to manufacturers and platform?", "a": "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.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "When does the CAS collectors' get-together take place in Dortmund, and what is discussed at the meeting?", "a": "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.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "How can one ascertain to which Montblanc series a ballpoint belongs that was given as a gift but shows indications of a counterfeit?", "a": "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.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can an inherited Montblanc Noblesse pen and the matching ballpoint be more precisely dated and classified?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "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?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Which Montblanc model is a ballpoint acquired in 1991 with metal housing?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "From what time does the Montblanc advertising with the octagonal Safety stem, and is this also available in the original (e.g. coloured)?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How does the Montblanc Skeleton \"Romantic Heart\" look, in what edition did it appear and how high is the price?", "a": "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.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why does the regular VAT rate apply to Montblanc writing instruments and limited collector editions and not the reduced art rate?", "a": "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.", "board": "Other", "category": "Other"}
{"q": "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?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Why does the office market Staples sell Montblanc refills, cartridges and ink bottles but no Montblanc writing instruments?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Did the Montblanc Special Edition Greta Garbo also exist as a rollerball with a black upper part, or is such a variant a counterfeit?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "What is known about the break-in at the Montblanc boutique Hamburg and the associated stolen goods?", "a": "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.", "board": "Limited Editions", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Did the Montblanc Carrera ballpoint also exist with a cap, or only with a click mechanism?", "a": "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.", "board": "Vintage pens / oldies", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "Is a Montblanc Ramses II fountain pen offered on eBay genuine, and how high lies the market price?", "a": "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.", "board": "Identifying fakes", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How do company engravings like an \"MW\" enclosed in a circle affect the collector value of a Montblanc Meisterstück from the 1950s?", "a": "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.", "board": "Montblanc — general", "category": "Montblanc"}
{"q": "How can on eBay auctions additional photos be embedded free of charge by using the gallery function of one's own website?", "a": "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.", "board": "Auction tips", "category": "Articles from the collector portal"}