A reliable authenticity check is most sensibly carried out directly in a Montblanc boutique, where the fountain pen can be inspected and judged. Often the first Montblanc becomes the entry into a more extensive collection, since the appeal of such writing instruments experience-shows quickly entails further purchases. Collectors point out that the packaging also delivers hints about the age of a writing instrument. Accompanying this, original ink is often acquired, e.g. in Sepia, in order to undertake the first writing attempts.