How can the value of a Vintage Montblanc Rouge et Noir with nib number 2 in visually good condition be determined?

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.


Is the depicted writing instrument a counterfeit or an original?

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.


What does the book Montblanc Schreibgeräte 1980-2015 by Achim Sievers offer, and for which collector circle is it suitable?

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.


Is the depicted Montblanc Carrera rollerball genuine, and do the Montblanc refills made today fit it or is an adapter needed?

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).


Did a Pelikan 400 with a completely grey cap exist, or is it an unusual variant?

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.


Is the 25 Meisterstück still a Safety, and why does the model designation change from numbers like 1-12 to 25 or 45?

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.


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?

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.

General questions on writing instruments


How does the Montblanc Meisterstück Diamond Classic prove itself in long-term use after almost ten years?

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.


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?

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.


How is the inside of the Montblanc 144 constructed, and what changes has the model undergone in the course of its production?

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.


What to do against fine, hard-to-remove fluff or membranes in the ink window of a used-bought Montblanc 146?

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.


Are writing instruments of other manufacturers (Pelikan, Graf von Faber-Castell, Caran d'Ache, OMAS) also being counterfeited, or do counterfeiters concentrate on Montblanc?

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).


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 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.


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?

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.


How can pictures of an old Montblanc writing instrument be uploaded in this forum to enable a model determination?

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.


Which manufacturers offer aesthetically appealing, collection-worthy ink bottles?

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.


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?

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.


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 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.


How does one proceed against obvious counterfeits on eBay, e.g. of a Montblanc Kafka, if the marketplace itself does not intervene?

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.


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?

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.


Which manufacturer is behind a piston filler with the lateral engraving Westminster, presumably from the 1940s/50s?

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.


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?

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.


How does one recognise that a Montblanc Meisterstück set offered on eBay is counterfeit?

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.


Which model and which year is an inherited Cross fountain pen?

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.


Is the Montblanc H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco Wedding Pen an independent edition or largely identical to the earlier Monaco Pen?

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.


Are the depicted Montblanc writing instruments (fountain pen and ballpoint) from the 70s/80s real, and which models exactly are they?

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.


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?

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.


Is an offered fountain pen with overlay really a Montblanc, and how is such a purchase to be evaluated?

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.


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?

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.


What is the story of the Montblanc Texas Flag Pen, and is it to be classified as an official edition or a commissioned work?

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.


How do I remove a bluish discolouration at the tip of a Montblanc gold nib, and how can it be avoided in future?

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.


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?

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.


Are there matching cufflinks for the Montblanc Patron of Art Edition Gaius Maecenas, and what do they cost?

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.


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?

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.


Which model of the Montblanc Meisterstück watch line is shown on the depicted photos, and what value is realistic today?

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.


How does one recognise counterfeits of Montblanc rollerballs (e.g. a supposed LeGrand) on eBay?

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.


Should a Montblanc Meisterstück No. 14 have two gold rings at the ink-view window, and is a repair worthwhile with a missing ring?

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.


Which model is a Montblanc fountain pen with black metal cap, matt-chrome-plated grip section, MB-engraved chrome nib and 138 mm length?

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.


What is known about the historical mechanical-pencil set Friwo-Gold 521 by the firm Fritz Wortmann from the 1930s?

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.


How can one sell a Montblanc Meisterstück L25 with the inscription D.R.P. 508058 and what value does it have?

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.


Which Pelikan model is an unspecified old fountain pen currently being restored?

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.


How is the inner cap of a Montblanc Meisterstück fastened if it keeps coming loose when removing the cap?

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.


Is a strongly altered Montblanc 146 with overlay a counterfeit?

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.


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 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.


When was the Montblanc 1497 (149 Solitaire Solid Gold) introduced - 1983 or 1987?

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.


Which notebooks and papers are well suited for daily use with fountain pens, since Moleskine standard paper has proved unsuitable?

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.


How can the authenticity of an eBay offer of a Montblanc Fitzgerald or Greta Garbo ballpoint be judged?

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.


Can one use the Montblanc Jules Verne ink without hesitation in a Jules Verne fountain pen?

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.


Do Montblanc fineliner refills fit the LeGrand rollerball?

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.


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?

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.


Where can a Pilot Falcon and a Pelikan M400/M600 (or M605) be reliably bought, ideally from the same dealer?

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.


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?

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.


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 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.


Which scented inks from De Atramentis are particularly recommendable?

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.


Which launch price and which market prices are realistic for the Montblanc Skeleton Star 333 (limited edition)?

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.


What does the marking J on a Montblanc Safety nib mean?

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.


How do solid-gold and bimetal nibs differ on Montblanc Meisterstücks, and what advantages or disadvantages do they have?

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.


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?

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.


Does the black ink from Montblanc contain iron-gall, similarly to the black-blue?

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.


Is Commerzbank allowed in an advertising campaign to depict an altered fountain pen leaning on a Montblanc 146P, without violating trademark law?

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.


Which case is suitable for the scratch-free storage of a Montblanc 146 and a 161 ballpoint, ideally with separate chambers?

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.


In what size is the new Masters for Meisterstück Firenze Limited Edition offered?

The edition is again in the size of the 146, that is, the medium-sized Meisterstück, not in the 149 format.


Is the Montblanc 234 1/2 with glass nib offered on eBay as 'unique vintage' genuine?

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.


Did the Meisterstück No. 14 wing nibs from the 60s already exist in different nib widths?

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.


Are the Montblanc push fillers with swastika overlay offered as 'NAZI Pen' genuine, or are they counterfeits?

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.


Can one use a converter instead of cartridges in the Montblanc Generation, and which one fits?

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.


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?

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.


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?

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.


Which refill fits a Montblanc 215 ballpoint, and can the nib be freely chosen at the refill entry?

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.


In which price class do Astoria fountain pens move, and what distinguishes the brand?

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.


Does ink corrosion occur only with iron-gall inks or also with modern inks like Dr. Jansen ink when used for a book?

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.


What value does a Montblanc Andora set for the opening of the Montblanc boutique Hannover 2001 have?

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.


Which high-quality, much-usable fountain pen with piston filling system is recommendable up to 150 euros?

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.


Is a Montblanc Meisterstück 144 in aubergine or Bordeaux with a black grip section genuine, or is it a counterfeit?

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.


Are small ink traces at the transition between nib and body of a StarWalker fountain pen a defect that falls under the warranty?

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.


Is a Montblanc Meisterstück Pix '10 Years Vodafon' genuine, can one use cartridges or ink bottle, and is the cinnamon ink still available?

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.


What does it mean if ink accumulates over time at the bottom of the holder of a Montblanc Desk Base 204?

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.


Are noble wooden pen stands of hard woods like maple or olive wood suitable for storing valuable writing instruments?

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.


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?

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.


Where does the stable skin that forms on some ink bottles during longer storage come from, and how does one deal with it?

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.


What value do several Montblanc vintage fountain pens (3 x 31, 342, 344g) in mediocre condition, partly with bent nibs and engraved caps, have?

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.


What is known about the upcoming Montblanc Donation Edition Arturo Toscanini, especially on the retail price?

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.


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?

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.


What should forum users heed regarding a planned maintenance of the forum software, and what known follow-on problems occur thereby?

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.


Which Montblanc model is a fountain pen that recalls the Carrera but carries a clip in the style of the Generation?

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.


Can one tell from a single photo and seller description whether a Montblanc Bohème Bleu Platin is an original or a counterfeit?

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.


How does one best store ink, and can it fade with direct sunlight?

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.


How can a Montblanc 244 be disassembled to renew the piston seal?

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.


Did the Montblanc Meisterstück 149 also exist from the factory with a 14-carat, two-tone nib?

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.


How are Montblanc watches to be evaluated qualitatively, and what experiences are there with service and models?

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.


Is it normal that a Montblanc 146 with B nib permanently has ink standing on the upper nib surface?

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.


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?

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.


Who makes the Kaweco Sport offered at Manufactum as a 'revived classic', and is it the same one as via other sources?

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.


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?

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.


How does the filling system of the Montblanc Franz Kafka work, and is the silver inner tube an exchangeable converter?

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.


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?

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.


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?

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.


How can a yellowed Montblanc star on the plastic cap of a Carrera be brightened again?

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.


Can one judge on the basis of small, low-resolution photos whether a Montblanc Platinum Resin writing instrument is genuine?

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.


How is the Montblanc Rita Hayworth Limited Edition 46 evaluated regarding design and price justification?

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.


Which movements does Montblanc fit, and are these manufacture calibres or bought-in movements?

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.


Is Tom Westerich (Penboard) still reachable if he does not respond to emails?

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.


How can one tell from the online description and the photos in the clip area whether a Montblanc Bohème ballpoint is genuine?

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.


Does the Montblanc Club 4810 still exist, or is a reissue planned?

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.


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?

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).


Which Waterman model is a fountain pen with the nib engraving 'Waterman Paris 18K – 750' and 'Waterman France' on the grip section?

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.


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?

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.


Can writing instruments be sensibly combined with other high-quality accessories like watches, shirts, shoes or suits, without this becoming financially unlimited?

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.


What value do unused nibs and pen parts from the 1950s and 1960s, e.g. by Kaweco, have, and how can they be marketed?

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.


What is known about the Montblanc Leonardo Sketch Pen in sterling silver, which occasionally appears as a rare variant in US auctions?

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.


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?

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).


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?

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.


How strongly do customer wishes — e.g. for a Jane Austen or Goethe edition — flow into Montblanc's decisions on the Writers Edition?

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.


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?

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.


How can one judge from an unsharp photo whether the clip of a Montblanc 146 is genuine or counterfeit?

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.


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?

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.


What does the new Conid Bulk Filler concept with exchangeable body sleeves and the Streamline Demonstrator offer, and how can these be acquired?

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.


Can one judge from photos whether a used-bought Montblanc StarWalker Resin is genuine?

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.


What characterises the ringless Sailor special editions of 2016?

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.


How is the Limited Edition presented for Pelikan's 75-year jubilee evaluated regarding design, mechanism and price-performance ratio?

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.


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?

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.


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)?

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.


Can one recognise from a photo whether a supposed Montblanc fountain pen is a counterfeit and which model it is supposed to be?

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.


How can the service experiences of Lamy be compared with those of other manufacturers like Waterman/Sanford for a nib exchange?

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.


How can one watch the NDR video report on the 100-year Montblanc jubilee, and in what format is it played out?

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.


How can a Montblanc Meisterstück fountain pen bought at an antique market in Barcelona be identified and put into everyday use?

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.


How large were the Montblanc Meisterstück models 142, 144, 146 and 149 from the 1950s in comparison to today's versions?

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.


Which shape and inscription are sensible for an embossing pliers or embossing press for private paper, and where are reputable sources?

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.


How can an Omas 360 be disassembled, and what should be considered in the reassembly?

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.


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?

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.


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?

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.


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?

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.


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?

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.


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?

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.


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?

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.


What is known about the Montblanc pill box in question, especially on origin and character of this object?

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.


Are the colourful inks by Dr. Jansen, e.g. the colour tone Terra di Siena, unproblematic for older Montblanc fountain pens like the 342G?

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.


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?

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.


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?

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.


Is the Montblanc Annual Edition 2006 with the motifs 'Daphne', 'Pantalone' and 'Yellow Tiger' actually limited to 300 pieces?

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.


What would an 'ideal' Montblanc Meisterstück fountain pen look like if one were free to combine design elements of old and new models?

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.


Is a supposed Montblanc 146 acquired on eBay genuine, and which nib width does it possess?

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.


Is the Montblanc ballpoint presented an original or a counterfeit?

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.


Why does a pop-up message about a new private message appear in the forum although the inbox is actually empty?

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.


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?

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.


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?

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.


Does it affect, with the purchase of a Limited Edition, value, warranty and resale whether the warranty slip is stamped or not?

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.


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?

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.


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?

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.


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?

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.


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 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.