The example described is an original. On the ring at the clip, both serial number and inscription 'Germany' are engraved by default; reduced engraving quality compared to a piece bought in store need not be an authenticity defect. The exact coding of the serial number is, however, only known to Montblanc and cannot be assigned externally to a production batch. Even a missing logo print on the lead reservoir is no unambiguous authenticity indication.