On the models of the 1950s Montblanc stamped two pieces of information at the end of the barrel: on one side the model number, here 344, on the other the code for the nib. “KM” stands for a ball nib in medium, the K denoting the ball-ground, very smooth-running tip and the M the width. “KF” accordingly means a ball nib in fine. Ball nibs are popular above all in Asia, which makes such a pen of extra interest to collectors there.
The 344 belongs to the firm's third line, a superior school pen with the star outlined on the cap top. It was built in several variants, which is why the model number alone will not pin down exactly when it was made; clip shape, cap ring and nib imprint have to be drawn on as well.
In price terms the 344 sits at the lower end of collectable Montblancs, at roughly 50 to 80 euros depending on condition (as of 2005). A sound piston, an undamaged nib and a cap ring free of cracks matter more to the value than which variant it is.