The Generation exists exclusively as a cartridge or converter pen; a piston pen of this line does not exist. If a supposed Generation is offered as a piston pen, it is usually the predecessor 'Classic' (not to be confused with the Meisterstück Classique) with the MB number 13xxx, produced from 1978 to the late 1980s. A typical weak point of these models are fine hairline cracks on the grip section at the cut ends where the nib ends; these cracks are often only visible under load. For comparison, sharp photos and matching with the model images on fountainpen.de help.