Montblanc Vintage 1930–1939 Meisterstück lever fillers 20, 25, 35 and 45
Described on this page
Meisterstück lever fillers — the numbers 20, 25, 35 and 45, 1925 to 1930; only the versions with two cap rings reach into the 1930s
There are photos on this website of the coral red 20; for the other versions the table gives the data of the reference works.
Key facts
- Production
- 1925–1930 (“Collectible Stars” I); until 1929 according to “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and the number index of volume II1
- Filling system
- lever filler: a lever on the barrel presses the ink sac together by means of a steel bar2
- Lever
- two-part plain or gold-filled (1927–1930), on the 20 and 25 also inscribed “MONT - BLANC” with star (1928–1930)3
- Cap
- until 1928 without rings and clip, then two cap rings; inserted ball clip, ball clip or pressed-in clip4
- Nib
- gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star5
- Colours
- black and coral red; from 1928 also malachite green, azurite blue, lapis blue, burgundy, red ripple, in 1928/29 pink6
- Dimensions
- 15.6 to 17.6 cm at 1.25 to 1.55 cm in diameter (volume I; with the cap posted)7
- Versions
- 27 entries — see table
Not to be confused with
Meisterstück safety pens
The same numbers with a retractable nib, 1924–1934, from 1934 as 102 to 108.
Meisterstück push-knob fillers
The successor from 1929 with a push knob at the end of the barrel, without lever.
Lever fillers of the main line8
The plain Montblanc lever fillers numbered 00 to 6, 1922–1930 — not Meisterstück pens.
Sources and notes
- “Collectible Stars” volume I; volume II; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” (MONTBLANC GUIDE, Meisterstück lever fillers).
- “Collectible Stars” volume I.
- “Collectible Stars” volume I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” (MONTBLANC GUIDE, clip and lever).
- “Collectible Stars” volume I; collectiblestars.com; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”.
- “Collectible Stars” volume I; forum post of 18 April 2007.
- “Collectible Stars” volume I; collectiblestars.com (materials).
- “Collectible Stars” volume I; collectiblestars.com (“length with cap posted”).
- “Collectible Stars” volume I.
Besides the safety pen, the Meisterstück was also made as a lever filler from 1925 to 1930, numbered 20, 25, 35 and 45
How the lever filler works
The lever filler had been patented in America by Walter A. Sheaffer in 1908. A pivoted lever on the barrel presses an ink sac together by means of a steel bar, and the sac fills with ink again when the lever is put back.
Montblanc made lever fillers from 1921 to 1929, with changing lever shapes
Numbers and production
“Collectible Stars” volume I lists the lever filler as a Meisterstück from 1925 to 1930, numbered 20, 25, 35 and 45. So these numbers existed at the same time as safety pens and as lever fillers, from 1929 also as push-knob fillers. With the push-knob filler of 1929 the Meisterstück received a system of its own, and the lever filler was discontinued.
Whether there was also a 30 and a 40 lever filler has not been resolved. The table of volume I knows only the 20, 25, 35 and 45, but the number indexes of volumes I and II also give the 30 and 40 as lever fillers, and the Diary lists pink in the numbers 20, 25, 30 and 40.
Cap and clip
The first pens had neither cap rings nor clip: the 25, 35 and 45 from 1925 to 1928, the 20 from 1927 to 1928, each in black and in coral red. From 1928 they had two cap rings and various clips — the inserted ball clip, Montblanc’s first fixed clip (1927–1930), and the ball clip (1929–1932)
Colours and materials
Besides black and coral red, these colours existed from 1928
- malachite green
- azurite blue
- lapis blue
- burgundy
- red ripple hard rubber
- in 1928/29 also pink, in the Diary “rose-quartz pink”
Coloured celluloid pens existed from 1928
Lever, nib and imprints
From 1927 the Meisterstück pens had a two-part plain or a gold-filled lever, from 1928 to 1930 the 20 and 25 also one inscribed “MONT - BLANC” with the star
According to the collectiblestars.com database the cap reads “4810” and “MONTBLANC MEISTERSTÜCK” with the mountain symbol, the barrel “SIMPLO ORIGINAL MONTBLANC”. On the coral red 20 on the page Meisterstück no. 20 lever filler the barrel also reads “PA-TENT angem.” (patent pending). The number is on the end of the barrel.
Dimensions
As to dimensions, volume I gives these lengths at 1.25 to 1.55 cm in diameter; according to the collectiblestars.com database they are measured with the cap posted:
- 20: 15.6 cm
- 25: 16.6 cm
- 35: 17.4 cm
- 45: 17.6 cm
All versions 1925–1930 27 entries
Each version on its own row. A dash (—) marks missing information. “Photos” links to a page of this website or to an individual pen at penboard (↗, opens in a new tab).
Fountain pens 27 entries
| No. | Years | Type | Version | Filling system · nib | Source | Photos |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | blackwith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 15.60 cm, Ø 1.25 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and “Collectible Stars” II: until 1929 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 20 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | malachite greenwith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 15.60 cm, Ø 1.25 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and “Collectible Stars” II: until 1929 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 20 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | azurite bluewith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 15.60 cm, Ø 1.25 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and “Collectible Stars” II: until 1929 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 20 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | lapis bluewith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 15.60 cm, Ø 1.25 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and “Collectible Stars” II: until 1929 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 20 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | burgundywith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 15.60 cm, Ø 1.25 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and “Collectible Stars” II: until 1929 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 20 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | coral redwith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 15.60 cm, Ø 1.25 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and “Collectible Stars” II: until 1929 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II; page of this website | own photos |
| 20 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | red ripplewith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 15.60 cm, Ø 1.25 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and “Collectible Stars” II: until 1929 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 25 | 1926–1930 | Fountain pen | coral redwith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 16.60 cm, Ø 1.35 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and “Collectible Stars” II: until 1929; according to a forum post with a coral red cap top also a coral red section; “25” at the end of the barrel | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II; Fountain Pen Network | — |
| 25 | 1927–1930 | Fountain pen | red ripplewith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 16.60 cm, Ø 1.35 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and “Collectible Stars” II: until 1929 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 25 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | blackwith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 16.60 cm, Ø 1.35 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and “Collectible Stars” II: until 1929 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 25 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | malachite greenwith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 16.60 cm, Ø 1.35 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and “Collectible Stars” II: until 1929 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 25 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | azurite bluewith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 16.60 cm, Ø 1.35 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and “Collectible Stars” II: until 1929 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 25 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | lapis bluewith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 16.60 cm, Ø 1.35 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and “Collectible Stars” II: until 1929 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 25 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | burgundywith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 16.60 cm, Ø 1.35 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and “Collectible Stars” II: until 1929 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 35 | 1927–1930 | Fountain pen | red ripplewith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 17.40 cm, Ø 1.45 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and “Collectible Stars” II: until 1929 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 35 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | blackwith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 17.40 cm, Ø 1.45 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and “Collectible Stars” II: until 1929 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 35 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | malachite greenwith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 17.40 cm, Ø 1.45 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and “Collectible Stars” II: until 1929 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 35 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | azurite bluewith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 17.40 cm, Ø 1.45 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and “Collectible Stars” II: until 1929 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 35 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | lapis bluewith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 17.40 cm, Ø 1.45 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and “Collectible Stars” II: until 1929 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 35 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | burgundywith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 17.40 cm, Ø 1.45 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and “Collectible Stars” II: until 1929 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 35 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | coral redwith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 17.40 cm, Ø 1.45 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide” and “Collectible Stars” II: until 1929 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 45 | 1927–1930 | Fountain pen | red ripplewith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 17.60 cm, Ø 1.55 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”: until 1929; “Collectible Stars” II: until 1927 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 45 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | blackwith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 17.60 cm, Ø 1.55 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”: until 1929; “Collectible Stars” II: until 1927 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 45 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | malachite greenwith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 17.60 cm, Ø 1.55 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”: until 1929; “Collectible Stars” II: until 1927 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 45 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | azurite bluewith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 17.60 cm, Ø 1.55 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”: until 1929; “Collectible Stars” II: until 1927 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 45 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | burgundywith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 17.60 cm, Ø 1.55 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”: until 1929; “Collectible Stars” II: until 1927 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
| 45 | 1928–1930 | Fountain pen | coral redwith cap rings, various clips; dimensions according to “Collectible Stars” I: 17.60 cm, Ø 1.55 cm; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”: until 1929; “Collectible Stars” II: until 1927 | lever filler gold nib “18 CT” with the model number in the star | “Collectible Stars” I; “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”; “Collectible Stars” II | — |
Sources
Facts from the following sources: “Collectible Stars” volumes I and II (Rösler/Wallrafen), “The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide”, “Meisterstücke for the art of writing”, the collectiblestars.com database, maxpens.de, forum posts in the archive of this website, in the Penexchange forum and on the Fountain Pen Network, individual pens at penboard (only as a link to photos) and the pages of this website.
This page gives no values or prices — neither original shop prices nor current offers.
Literature
- aJens Rösler, Stefan Wallrafen: “Collectible Stars I — MONTBLANC 1908–1947”. 2014. ISBN 978-3-00-044233-9. On this website “Collectible Stars” volume I. more about the book ›
- bJens Rösler: “The Montblanc Diary & Collector’s Guide”. Christians Verlag, Hamburg 1993. ISBN 3-7672-1174-2. On this website “Diary” for short. more about the book ›
- cJens Rösler, Stefan Wallrafen: “Collectible Stars — Montblanc writing instruments from 1946 until 1979”. 2001. On this website “Collectible Stars” volume II. more about the book ›