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