› fountainpen.de FAQ Overview Vintage Finder Counterfeits DE ›

What do the various gold stamps and hallmarks like 333, 585, 750, 10K, 14KT, 18KT or 18K.T. on writing instruments mean?

Montblanc Vintage pens / oldies FAQ entry

The number stamps mark gold alloys: 333 = 8 carat, 585 = 14 carat, 750 = 18 carat. They state the fine-gold content. Additional hallmarks provide hints on age and origin. Important: a hallmark (always struck deeper) is to be distinguished from a pure model designation (engraved inscription) — for example a Montblanc pencil model called '10K' existed. As a standard work for determination, Jan Divis: 'Goldstempel aus aller Welt' is recommended. Logos and stars were earlier also stamped into hard rubber and celluloid.

Note: The fountainpen.de FAQ knowledge base is based on collector discussions from over 20 years. Specific market prices may be outdated — the underlying methodology remains valid. Back to FAQ overview ›

« Browse all FAQ entries