What option do specialist dealers have to borrow Montblanc plagiarisms for training purposes?

Specialist dealers are offered the option of borrowing various Montblanc counterfeits free of charge for one week to train their staff. Only shipping costs of 6.70 euros for a corresponding parcel apply; after one week the writing instruments are to be sent back insured. Available as demonstration pieces are a Bohème Solitaire Silver fountain pen, a StarWalker fountain pen, a Menuhin rollerball, an Anniversary Platinum fountain pen, a Sienna case, a Bohème case, a rollerball refill and various piston converters. Dates can be agreed in advance, since plagiarisms are already on loan until early September.


Which model is a round Montblanc writing instrument hallmarked silver 900, with four sliders and a separate lead reservoir under the cap?

What is described is a four-colour pencil, probably from the 1930s, in which different leads can be advanced alternatively via four sliders and the lead reserve is stored in the rear container under the screw-off cap. Collectors point to illustrations of similar models in the Rössler book on Montblanc, in which, however, no clear model numbers are documented for these early four-colour pencils, since Montblanc did not consistently work with model numbers at the time. An angular variant is shown on fountainpen.de under old-30er-4-colour-pencil; round versions with a circumferential clip ring are rarer but contemporaneously documented. An exact value statement is not possible without photo and condition assessment; collectors recommend posting good detail pictures on the forum and consulting the relevant collector literature (Rössler, Tischler).


How can the market value of a Montblanc pneumatic-push fountain pen from the 1920s be determined?

A reputable valuation requires precise model identification on the basis of detail photos as well as a condition assessment; general blanket statements are not to be expected from a collector forum, since the forum does not replace a professional valuation. Anyone who has no relation to older writing instruments and wishes to sell the piece reaches the broadest collector circle through eBay and thus a market-near price; the listing should contain a detailed description with clear pictures. A dealer offer of 160 euros lies in the lower range for a 1920s push-filler but, depending on model, condition and nib quality, can be appropriate or clearly below.


What did the annually published special edition 'Scriptum — The Most Beautiful Writing Instruments' offer, and when did it appear?

'Scriptum — The Most Beautiful Writing Instruments' appeared annually, initially in 1996 as a special edition of the magazine 'Chronos' and from 1997 to 2000 as a special edition of the magazine 'Scriptum, the magazine for writing culture'; the series no longer exists today. Each issue presented the new releases of nearly all renowned writing-instrument makers, including Montblanc, Pelikan, Faber-Castell, Parker and Waterman. Material, nib, mechanism, variants, special features, edition sizes and prices were described, supplemented by contributions on history, design, manufacture and inks. Readers could also vote for the 'Fountain Pen of the Year' by postcard and win attractive prizes.

The volumes appeared from Ebner Verlag in roughly 23 x 30.5 cm format with 130 to 160 pages as hardcover editions. They are no longer available in bookshops but can be found in online antiquarian shops and at auctions.


What is known about the new Bulk Filler fountain pen system from Conid (Fountainbel/Francis) of Flanders?

The Bulk Filler system developed by Francis and produced by Conid is based on a positive-displacement filling principle that uses the maximum ink capacity in a small space and was introduced on the first production batch with 60 demonstrator models. Clip, cap closure screw, filler knob, cap ring and threaded ring are made of titanium in the final version. Detail pictures, sourcing and pricing information are available on conid.be and in the detailed English-language presentation in the Fountain Pen Network forum; orders and price enquiries run directly via werner@conid.be.


What does the Montblanc leather care set offer, and what is it suitable for?

Montblanc offers its own leather care set specially attuned to the range. It is suitable for cleaning and care of all leather articles offered by Montblanc, including the sensitive ostrich-leather variant, and thus represents a manufacturer's own alternative to universal care products.


Is there a nibmeister in Germany at the level of Richard Binder or John Mottishaw who makes nibs flexible or replaces tipping?

In Germany there are skilled restorers who can grind and adjust nibs, e.g. the specialist known as Dr. Ink, reachable via doerrbecker.de. For demanding work such as replacing tipping, making a modern nib flexible or working in stub and italic grinds, the level in Germany, by collector judgement, does not reach Richard Binder or John Mottishaw. Therefore shipping to John Mottishaw (nibs.com) is recommended; the handling runs reliably and pleasantly via office manager Pat Ackor; phone arrangements are possible. Shipping and customs formalities to the USA must be factored in.

General questions on writing instruments


Which collector's book by Jens Rösler documents the history of Montblanc writing instruments from 1908 to 1947?

Jens Rösler's book 'The Montblanc Diary & Collectors Guide' is dedicated to the history of the Montblanc company and its writing instruments from 1908 to 1947. It provides an extensive overview of the fountain pens produced in this period and describes in detail the development of the firm. For every Montblanc collector the work is regarded as an indispensable standard reference; it is, however, out of print and only very rarely to be found second-hand. The book itself has thus achieved the status of a collector's object.


What characterises the GDR school fountain pen Heiko Junior in design, writing behaviour and robustness?

The Heiko Junior was a widespread school fountain pen from the GDR in the late 1980s, inexpensive, extremely robust and visually appealing. Its design follows the principle of adding nothing and leaving nothing out: trouble-prone details such as a clip were deliberately omitted, since these would quickly break off on a school pen anyway. The Junior was available among others in a subdued turquoise as well as in orange.

The plain steel nib offers the stability required for a school fountain pen but does not write hard like a 'nail'. Ink flow, however, is not equally good on all examples — some pens write very juicily, others rather sparingly. As a workhorse for daily use the Junior also satisfies today's demands. Travel, by contrast, it likes less: larger pressure differences, e.g. on aircraft, and stronger shocks it acknowledges with blots. Today the Heiko Junior can still often be found cheaply on the collector market.


Which standard work documents Pelikan writing instruments from 1929 to 2004, and what does it cover?

The book 'Pelikan Schreibgeräte / Writing Instruments 1929 — 2004', available from 4 October 2004, represents the long-awaited counterpart to the Rösler volume on Montblanc and is regarded as one of the most comprehensive works on the history of a single writing-instrument maker. It covers all Pelikan writing instruments over 75 years and comprises around 175 pages. Contributors such as the Pelikan expert Tom Westerich ensure that it should quickly become the standard work for Pelikan collectors.

Content-wise the book is divided into a first chapter on Pelikan history and a second on Vintage Pens from 1929 to 1980, supplemented by a special section on Pelikano writing instruments from 1959 to 2004. All new limited editions are also included; photos and tables provide a comprehensive overview. The book can be ordered directly from Tom Westerich. Since works of this kind — as the example Rösler shows — typically sell out quickly, an early pre-order is worthwhile.


Which Wenol (red or blue tube) and which alternatives are suitable for polishing fine scratches out of the precious resin of a Montblanc Meisterstück ballpoint?

On precious resin both red and blue Wenol work, with blue Wenol having finer abrasive bodies and therefore being somewhat gentler; perceptible differences in the end result are small. Since Wenol has not been available in drugstores for years (range cleanup), collectors source it online, even at increased prices. As an alternative, Displex has proven itself; originally developed for mobile-phone and watch acrylic glass, it delivers good results on the precious resin of Meisterstücks; on metal parts such as rings and clip Displex is, however, unsuitable, where Cape Cod or polishing cloths from Greg Stevens are recommended. Since every polish removes material, gold plating should be covered with adhesive tape before application and polishing limited to what is necessary.


How do you clean fountain pens that were filled with waterproof ink?

Fountain pens running waterproof ink should be cleaned every eight to fourteen days unless they are in daily use. If the ink has nevertheless dried, cleaning begins with a water bath of about six days, possibly with mild soap solution, in which the first ink pieces dissolve. Then the pen, or at least the nib unit, can be cleaned further in an ultrasonic bath; for cartridge pens, additionally tape-head spray from audio retailers, sprayed through the unit, helps to dissolve waterproof ink residues. Writing instruments of celluloid, ebonite or hard rubber must on no account go into ultrasonic, while materials from Pelikan and Montblanc are relatively insensitive there; gold plating already attacked on clip or nib can, however, dissolve further in the ultrasonic bath. Soiled gold nibs can also be cleaned with a damp silver-cleaning cloth, with the cloth being damp so it does not scratch. If nothing helps, the pen should be handed over to a repairer for disassembly.


What characterises the Heiko Filius, and which nib variants existed?

The Heiko Filius came onto the market in the 1960s and is the oldest of today's known Heiko models. It was available in various colour variants, e.g. green-marbled. As nib, optionally a steel nib or a glass nib was used. Today fully intact specimens can only rarely be found, since the cap often shows cracks.


How reliable is Montblanc's repair service, and what experiences do collectors have with defect remedy and quality control?

Collectors describe the Montblanc service as varied; many reported defects do not originate from factory production but only arise during sale or trial writing in the shop, since the factory's quality control is regarded as very strict. Workmanship faults on clip hemispheres (sharp-edged adhesive surfaces) as well as scratches and wave effects on the ink window are sometimes not faulted by the service but accepted as within tolerance, which leads to frustration. Ink leakage at the grip section of a heavily used 146P can be a consequence of a feed clogged with dust and ink residues and is remedied by replacing the affected component. When sending in repairs experienced collectors recommend documenting the matters precisely in writing and, in case of doubt, communicating directly with Hamburg instead of relying on the dealer alone.


What are oxidative discolourations on a Montblanc gold nib, and can you straighten bent nib tines yourself?

Pure gold does not oxidise, but on 14- or 18-carat gold nibs thin tarnish or ink-residue layers can form that are perceived as discolouration; these can be removed without problems by placing the nib for several hours in clear water and then wiping it with a cotton cloth, stubborn layers also with a silver-cleaning cloth. Vermeil nibs (gilded sterling silver) and gold-plated brass nibs of older construction tarnish more visibly; a missing silver hallmark indicates gold-plated brass, which can likewise be cleaned with a silver-cleaning cloth. Displaced or slightly bent nib tines (spreading) should not be corrected by laymen by pressing on paper, since this easily destroys the nib's tuning; for small misalignments going to a nibmeister or qualified specialist dealer is preferable.


Is a height difference between the two nib tines on the order of half a paper thickness still within tolerance on a Meisterstück?

Between the two tines of a Meisterstück nib there must, by design, be no height difference; any visible step causes the nib to scratch when writing instead of gliding smoothly. A half-paper-thickness offset is therefore not a tolerance value but an alignment error that should be corrected by a qualified specialist dealer or in the boutique. In individual cases suspected defects turn out to be a pure nib-width misunderstanding: an F nib can seem scratchy to a writer used to an M nib, without there being a defect. For a really suitable writing experience collectors recommend, in case of doubt, exchanging the nib via Montblanc, although the cost (nib and lower section change) can lie in the region of 200 euros.


What overview of makers and history of the fountain pen does Andreas Lambrou's German edition 'Füllfederhalter' offer?

The German edition of Andreas Lambrou's 'Füllfederhalter' — original 'Fountain Pens, Vintage and Modern' — appeared in 1992 from Wilhelm Heyne Verlag Munich in the translation by Stefan Wallrafen, partly with different photos than the English edition. Lambrou offers an overview of the development history of the fountain pen and presents the most important international makers; a chapter on care and troubleshooting also belongs to it. Richly illustrated, the volume is a standard work for fountain pen collectors.

The table of contents covers the development of writing and writing instruments up to 1883, three US chapters on the phases 1883–1920 (birth and early development), 1921–1940 (the golden age) and 1940s to 1980s (modern design), followed by country chapters on England, Germany, France, Italy and Japan. Sections on modern fountain pens and limited editions, on handling fountain pens, plus appendix, bibliography, club lists, picture credits and index are added. In the German part the makers Soennecken, Kaweco, Osmia, Faber-Castell, Tropen, Rotring, Pelikan, Lamy and Montblanc-Simplo are presented in short biographies.


What was the Music Nib Project by Tom Westerich around the Omas Philharmony Edition?

The Music Nib Project by Tom Westerich publicly accompanied the conception and development of the Omas Limited Philharmony Edition. On the project's website photos of the prototypes were presented and the step-by-step improvement of individual details documented, so that interested collectors could follow the entire emergence process of the limited edition. Alongside this, the option of pre-ordering the fountain pen directly was available.


How do you correctly care for writing-instrument accessories made of ostrich or alligator leather?

Exotic leather types such as ostrich or alligator leather need special care. According to Montblanc, care wax is the only correct agent; moist or watery care solutions may rather damage the leather, since these leather types must have returned to them, by the wax, those natural oils and a high beeswax content that they lose over time. The wax should be applied very thinly and well massaged in, otherwise a whitish residue remains on the surface that, while not harmful, is unsightly. On crocodile leather such residues can, thanks to the smoother surface, be polished away again well with a microfibre cloth.


What characterises the Montblanc Limited Edition Golden Dragon 2000?

The Golden Dragon 2000 is a limited edition produced by Montblanc for the Asian market and is regarded as one of the most beautiful editions of the brand. Its design builds on model 139 and conveys a classically timeless appearance. Particularly striking is the clip in the form of a dragon, made of pure gold. Like all limited editions, this fountain pen also has an 18-carat gold nib and joins a tradition of Asian editions that, since the Imperial Dragon, has been a fixture at Montblanc.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Montblanc Imperial Dragon (1993): https://www.fountainpen.de/asia-imperial-dragon-1993-en.htm
• Asia Edition Year of the Golden Dragon: https://www.fountainpen.de/asia-golden-dragon-888-en.htm


What is to be known about the Reform brand and its writing instruments, and why is there so little literature on it in German-speaking countries?

Reform was a brand of the Mutschler firm of Heidelberg-Handschuhsheim, which most recently mainly acted as a supplier to other writing-instrument makers and ceased operations a few years ago. The Reform fountain pens, both piston and cartridge fillers, are regarded among collectors as technically and qualitatively high-class, but in German collector literature they are barely documented; in Tischler's Penkala the firm is listed in the appendix list of stationery makers. More detailed information can be found on hanskress.de (kress3.htm and kress-innenseite2.htm). In the USA and Thailand unused Reform pens are now traded for up to 25 US dollars, while at German flea markets they are often available for around 1 euro; the relevant knowledge in the USA comes mostly from German sources.


What experiences arise when writing with the De Atramentis scented ink 'pour homme, Davidoff Cool Water'?

The De Atramentis scented ink 'pour homme, Davidoff Cool Water' clearly smells in the bottle of the corresponding men's perfume, but in the filled fountain pen the scent is less directly perceptible. The ink was first tested in a Waterman Charleston as well as in two to three further pens with converter and piston filling; no abnormalities were to be observed. Neither deposits on refilling nor problems on switching to another ink occurred. On good paper the folded written text retains its scent for a few more days; on simple copy paper the scent dissipates quickly. The ink shows a rich Atlantic blue. The flacon contents are 20 ml, the weight about 230 g, the dimensions are roughly 4.8 x 4.8 x 6.8 cm including the lid.


Should you store a button-filler pen with or without an ink sac?

Storage with the ink sac fitted is unproblematic, provided the sac is not filled with ink; nothing is more unsuitable for old writing instruments than ink. After every writing test the pen should be flushed with water. However, plasticisers from the rubber tube can lead to discolouration, which is why those who play it safe completely remove the tube. The subsequent fitting of an ink sac is usually unproblematic; more important is that the nib clamp is in flawless condition, since strongly oxidised nib clamps can discolour the celluloid. When buying without a fitted ink sac, the grip section should not be re-glued to the barrel, so that the future fitting of a sac remains possible.


Is owning Montblanc fountain pens a sign of wealth, or rather an expression of consumer priorities?

In the forum the ownership of Montblanc writing instruments is rated as a question of individual priorities and not as an indicator of wealth. Terms such as well-off, rich or super-rich refer, by common definitions, to private wealth from about one, five or thirty million euros, which does not correlate with the acquisition of even high-priced writing instruments. Collectors draw the comparison to model railways, on which comparable amounts are invested without this being labelled wealth. Perception is reinforced by the exclusive brand image and media stagings such as the boulevard magazine in question, so that outsiders reflexively equate status symbols such as fur coat, Rolex or Montblanc with wealth, although the acquisition costs are quite bearable in a middle salary class.


Which paper is particularly well suited to a Montblanc Meisterstück LeGrand 146 in terms of even ink flow and clean script?

Collectors name as proven all-rounders Zanders Classic and Zanders Gohrsmühle, which among heavy writers are regarded as clearly better than the Rössler papers (e.g. Paper Royal) and are available as a glued block or as a writing pad. Clairefontaine is also recommended as very well suited to fountain pens and reasonably priced. For notes, simple 5 mm grid pads are good; on finer papers like Edelleinen by DFW visible feathering of the ink can occur. Anyone wanting to test several papers in parallel can have a selection sent by the Papierunion's paper consultancy in order to determine the suitable behaviour with one's own ink-and-nib combination.


Which Asia editions has Montblanc produced since 1993, and which numbers are known?

Since 1993 Montblanc has repeatedly issued writing instruments specifically for the Asian market. The start in 1993 was made by the Imperial Dragon, of which 5,000 fountain pens and 3,500 ballpoints with silver dragon clip were made, of which 1,500 as sets with fountain pen, ballpoint and pencil; in parallel 888 pieces with gold dragon clip appeared. In 2000 followed the Year of the Golden Dragon with 2,000 pieces and a gold dragon clip, as well as the Precious Dragon in 88 examples with a gold, diamond-set clip; in the Royal Collection 8 sets of four fountain pens each with diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds were additionally made. In the same year a Year of the Golden Dragon variant in 888 pieces emerged, whose cap and barrel consisted of Meissen porcelain. In 2002 the Qing Dynasty appeared in 2,002 pieces with a jade cap, a variant with 88 diamond-set examples and an eight-piece edition Qing Dynasty 8. Also in 2002 the SAKURA 333 came in 333 examples of Meissen porcelain with red-gold clip and rings, plus the Sakura Precious 88 with red-gold barrel and cap and floral motifs as well as the Sakura Precious Brilliant 8. In 2003 followed the Han Wu Ti 88 in an edition of 88 watches and 88 fountain pens, of which 44 were offered as sets, supplemented by the Han Wu Ti 8. For the Year of the Golden Dragon 2000 the master goldsmith Sabine Bach additionally made 8 bracelets with dragons of gold and diamonds, estimated at around 20,000 DM, as well as 66 rings with diamond-set dragon, estimated at about 10,000 DM, sold exclusively in the Asian boutiques.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Montblanc Imperial Dragon (1993): https://www.fountainpen.de/asia-imperial-dragon-1993-en.htm
• Asia Edition Year of the Golden Dragon: https://www.fountainpen.de/asia-golden-dragon-888-en.htm
• Asia Edition Sakura: https://www.fountainpen.de/asia-sakura-333-en.htm


What is known about Knips Patent Pencils and their connection to De La Rue & Co. and a Nuremberg firm?

Knips Patent Pencils are high-quality mechanical pencils made in the 1930s, with De La Rue & Co. acting as 'Sale Distributors for the British Empire'; actual production took place in Germany with a sourcing name based in Nuremberg, whose role as maker or distribution partner is not conclusively documented (cf. Stephen Hull's book on Onoto). The pencils were offered in five colours plus black and are characterised by an unusual click mechanism with two opposing pressure points which, alternately pressed, advance the lead. Octagonal versions in celluloid in different shades are particularly sought-after; condition and function of the click mechanism are often still flawless on the surviving examples. The pieces are rare and are actively but sporadically offered on the collector market.


Which topics does the second Lamy Edition 'Die Lust am Schreiben' by Hans Heger cover?

Hans Heger's 'Die Lust am Schreiben' is the second issue of the Lamy Editions and appeared in 1999 from Verlag Umschau Brauss in Heidelberg (ISBN 3-8295-6905-X). It is neither a large-format pictorial volume nor a classic writing-instrument or script history but reading and picture book at the same time, presenting the world of writing in self-contained, generously illustrated chapters. Heger combines, in feuilletonistic manner, topics such as children's writing, calligraphy and other aspects of handwriting and illuminates the art of letter writing, the ritual of the signature and famous handwritings of cultural history.


Which target group does Regina Martini's book 'Füllfederhalter' address, and what should buyers look out for?

Regina Martini's book 'Füllfederhalter' is aimed primarily at beginning collectors and conveys first important hints on building a collection. Writing instruments of various brands are presented, but only partly with photos in colour or black-and-white. The guideline prices listed in the book were valuable orientation at the time of publication but are completely outdated today and show how strongly collector prices have meanwhile risen. Important to know: the book has appeared with absolutely identical content also in an edition with red cover, so a double purchase merely because of the cover is not worthwhile.


How is the quality of Montblanc writing instruments to be assessed in long-term comparison with Pelikan, Parker and similar brands?

Collectors confirm that Montblanc models remain largely unblemished on rings, nib and barrel even after long standing times, while on Pelikan pens gold platings tarnish more often or partially come off. On vermeil pens of both brands discolourations are, however, normal by design and not a quality defect. Montblanc's pricing policy is regarded as appropriate, since long-term use without loss of shine and writing performance and a high resale value put the acquisition costs into perspective. With Pelikan especially the M800 and M1000 with their brass mechanism are appreciated; the flexible nib of the M1000 requires getting used to, while the M800 offers a slightly stiffer but still very good nib and is available in four colour variants (black and green-, red- and blue-striped). Both makers deliver at a high level, with different emphases in nib character and material durability.


Which writing instruments do collectors carry with them daily, and how are they transported safely?

Daily kit ranges from a single ballpoint such as the Montblanc Starwalker to a multi-piece leather case (e.g. Sienna or a classic three-piece Montblanc case) with fountain pen, ballpoint and mechanical pencil. Frequently mentioned combinations are 146 with 164, 147 Traveller with Classique models or a 146P with 164P plus pencil with Faber-Castell push-on eraser. For meetings some collectors deliberately switch to rollerball or ballpoint to avoid a cartridge or ink change. Valuable and larger models are regularly transported in a leather case to avoid pressure marks and contact scratches; heavy writers rotate their daily selection weekly to keep the collection in motion. Transport in open trouser pockets is, due to risk of damage and ink stains, advised against by experienced collectors.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Montblanc Meisterstück 147 Traveller: https://www.fountainpen.de/c-montblanc-meisterstueck-147-en.htm


What is special about the Rotring commemorative volume 'A Red Ring Rolls Around the World' for the company's 25th anniversary?

The commemorative volume 'Ein Roter Ring rollt um die Welt', self-published in 1953 by the firm Rotring/Riepe-Werk, is an unusual form of company anniversary publication for the 25th anniversary, focused on the Rotring inkpen. It tells the probably fictional story of a Hamburg journalist named Wiek who is sent on a world trip by his newspaper and on his stops in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and America repeatedly encounters the inkpen — be it in Manaus in cinema advertising, in the port of Singapore during the unloading of Riepe crates or in Spain at the contract signing of a torero.

After his return to Hamburg, Wiek is sent on a report to the Riepe works; there readers learn about the founding in 1928 with the Stylo-Pen, predecessor of the inkpen, the war years, the rebuilding and the company development of the early 1950s. The bound volume has about 60 pages and contains travel photos, shots from inkpen production and pictures of the founder and important employees. Today the book is to be found in antiquarian shops or with collectors.


What are the causes of intermittent ink flow on a Montblanc Noblesse Oblige, and how can the problem be remedied?

The most common cause of intermittent ink flow is dried ink in the feed, especially when the pen has not been used or only sporadically over longer periods and was not flushed before being put away. Recommended is multi-day flushing with clear water; with strongly resinified residues, soaking the front section in water or an ultrasonic bath helps. Breaking in a new nib is a long process, since the iridium grain at the tip is only polished by use over long periods; a hasty nib swap is not the way. If the ink flow cannot be stabilised by cleaning, the writing instrument should be presented with a writing sample to a specialist shop so that nib geometry, hand position and writing angle can be assessed in interaction.


Which features mark counterfeits of the Montblanc Scott Fitzgerald as a blue rollerball?

Counterfeit limited editions from Montblanc are increasingly turning up, including Scott Fitzgerald, Octavian and Imperial Dragon. A typical example of a Scott Fitzgerald plagiarism is a version as a blue rollerball. The essential counterfeit features are: the Scott Fitzgerald never existed as a rollerball, but exclusively as a fountain pen, ballpoint and pencil. The original colour is white; all colour variations such as red, green, black and blue exist only on the plagiarisms. The barrel of the original is clearly thicker than on the counterfeit. On closer examination it is noticeable that on the grip section 'Bohème' is engraved, indicating the reuse of Bohème counterfeit parts; Montblanc itself does not reuse parts from other limited editions.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Patron of Arts Octavian (1993): https://www.fountainpen.de/patron-octavian-en.htm
• Montblanc Imperial Dragon (1993): https://www.fountainpen.de/asia-imperial-dragon-1993-en.htm


Are Montblanc inks water-soluble, how often must a regularly used piston filler be cleaned, and how does hard tap water affect things?

Montblanc offers both water-soluble inks and iron-gall inks such as the royal blue (component damage is, according to the maker, not to be expected, only more frequent cleaning is required); water-soluble inks can be removed with clear water, document-proof inks need more elaborate methods. With regular use, flushing with clear water before each refill (typically every three weeks) and an overnight stand in a glass of water suffice; the nib cannot bend in the process. Iron-gall residues dissolve with the cleaning agent of a silver-cleaning cloth or in an ultrasonic bath. Hard tap water, in experience, leaves slight limescale deposits and cleans worse than soft water, which is why in lime-rich regions the use of distilled or filtered water for the final rinse is recommended.


By which features can counterfeits of Montblanc watches such as TimeWalker or Sport Steel chronographs be recognised?

Counterfeits often give themselves away by missing or wrongly positioned date displays, e.g. when a TimeWalker Chrono is offered without the factory-placed date window between 4 and 5 o'clock, as well as by misshapen indices (e.g. an uneven 4 on the bezel) and cases whose strap connections do not match the typical TimeWalker connections. Sales behaviour also gives hints: when sellers do not clearly name brand and model but only suggest them via category and terms such as Meisterstück, or when the rest of the range is thematically incoherent, scepticism is in order. Counterfeiters are getting better, so meanwhile TimeWalker and SkeletonStar replicas are also in circulation; known sources such as replica-watch-town.com offer wide replica ranges. In the souks of Turkish holiday areas such watches are sold legally, which additionally drives distribution.


Which technical topics around the fountain pen does Hans Heger's Lamy Edition 'Füllhalter für Kenner' cover?

Hans Heger's book 'Füllhalter für Kenner' was supplied in the writing-instrument box of the Lamy Lady: buyers could send in an enclosed request card and receive the volume free from Lamy. With high technical background knowledge Heger vividly explains the construction and function of a fountain pen, illustrated throughout with the Lamy product range. The central idea is that a fountain pen is more than a writing instrument — it reacts to individual handwriting and combines highly developed technology with traditional craftsmanship.

The book is divided into chapters on the history of the fountain pen, design, materials, the nib and its manufacture, filling systems, the feed, the writing test, the grip section, the clip, fountain-pen ink, and care and maintenance; a bibliography concludes the work. Numerous photos and schematic illustrations supplement the text.


Can a Montblanc Meisterstück 146 with a nib without a visible carat marking be identified as genuine, and how do you proceed when checking the nib?

A missing visible carat marking is not necessarily an authenticity feature: on various transitional models, e.g. the 144 from the 1960s, the carat hallmark sits very deep on the nib body and disappears two-thirds into the section, so that without disassembly it is barely visible. Nibs from the 1980s also deviate in engraving and stamping from current nibs. Collectors strongly advise against pulling the nib out yourself, since the special slots on the body require a suitable tool and knowledge of the turning direction, and Montblanc uses a special sealant when reinstalling; a self-damaged nib seat can only be repaired in Hamburg. Instead, comparing the whole pen with the model overviews on fountainpen.de and, if necessary, an enquiry with Montblanc or an authorised specialist dealer is recommended.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Montblanc Meisterstück 146 (Le Grand): https://www.fountainpen.de/c-montblanc-meisterstueck-146-en.htm


Are Montblanc special editions like the John Lennon suitable as an investment, and is an eBay bargain sensible for a beginner?

Writing instruments are basically not suitable as an investment; only a few special editions hold or increase their value long-term, a price drop is not excluded, and the market is comparable to watches but more volatile. Collectors therefore advise buying primarily according to personal taste and not speculating on appreciation; a later value consideration only makes sense after decades. With limited editions it should be noted that nib exchange after some years can become difficult, because replacement nibs are not kept in stock indefinitely, which is why many collectors nevertheless use their special editions in everyday life. As an entry, classic standard models such as the 149 or 146 LeGrand are recommended; eBay offers from unknown dealers carry counterfeit risk, which can be avoided by buying from authorised dealers or established online shippers like scription.de. Complementary collector sources are penexchange.de and fountainpennetwork.com.


Which points are to be considered when buying a Montblanc Meisterstück 145 Chopin Platinum as an everyday fountain pen, especially regarding nib choice, source and price?

The Meisterstück 145 Chopin is absolutely everyday-suitable but may be too small for writers with larger hands; trial writing with the 145, 146 and 149 in the specialist trade with one's own paper is therefore recommended, since nib widths look different depending on paper. When buying, the boutique is the safest source; the renowned online shipper scription.de also reliably delivers genuine originals, often more cheaply; non-authorised dealers or eBay increase the counterfeit risk. An official price list Montblanc does not publish, since this contradicts the distribution philosophy; end-consumer prices within a country are, however, identical, only VAT creates small differences between countries like Germany and Austria. A piston filler is to be preferred over cartridge models; a leather case protects the writing instrument permanently. Older 1950s models like the 254 are an attractive but riskier alternative, since their condition is harder to assess.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Montblanc Meisterstück 145 (Classique): https://www.fountainpen.de/c-montblanc-meisterstueck-145-en.htm


Do typical cracks occur on Montblanc Meisterstücks made of precious resin at the cap ring or ballpoint tip, and how does Montblanc deal with them?

Cracks in precious resin, especially on the mechanical pencil in the area of the screwed-on clip mount and on the ballpoint at the point where the metal tip is screwed in, are reported in individual cases from the 1980s but are not typical of models produced since. Collectors with stocks from very different decades and with Meisterstücks made after 2000 have neither observed this phenomenon themselves nor regularly found it documented in auction listings. Solitaire writing instruments, due to their metal barrel, are crack-free by design and today significantly more expensive than the precious-resin variants. Spare parts and repair are still possible only via Montblanc itself; in the 1980s defective components were frequently exchanged free of charge, later only against the repair flat fee, which depending on the model can reach about a third of the new price.


Which topics does Dietmar Geyer's collector book 'Schreibgeräte sammeln' cover?

Dietmar Geyer's book 'Schreibgeräte sammeln — Vom Faustkeil zum Griffel, vom Federhalter zum Füllfederhalter und Faserschreiber' traces the history of writing and its tools from the hand axe to the modern fibre-tip pen. Geyer covers, among others, so-called agent pens — James Bond, played by Roger Moore, is said to have used a solid-gold Montblanc as a life-saving weapon in 'Octopussy' — as well as fountain-pen materials such as hard rubber, galalith and bakelite. The book recalls historically vanished and still existing fountain-pen makers along with their famous brands and describes, in a short industry report with numerous colour photos, how a fountain pen comes into being.

Separate chapters are devoted to ballpoints, quill pens, pencils, steel nibs, inks and fibre tips; shaping, idiosyncrasies, design, decoration, accessories and two collector stories supplement the volume. It is illustrated with carefully selected photos and pictures from old original advertising. The book appeared in 1989 from Verlag Laterna Magica (ISBN 3-87467-391-X).


Which fountain pens are suitable for drawing with pressure-dependent line width, and where do you get flexible or stub-modified nibs?

What is described as a pressure-sensitive nib is a flexible nib that, through varying writing pressure, delivers variable line widths. Such nibs are mostly found in pre-war writing instruments, especially in Watermans up to about 1930; in modern series-produced fountain pens flexible nibs are practically no longer fitted, apart from a few Japanese exceptions like the Pilot Falcon or Nakaya, whose flexibility, however, often falls short of historical nibs. Anyone wanting to have a modern standard nib ground flexibly or have a stub grind worked in is best served by specialist nibmeisters such as John Mottishaw (nibs.com); he can regrind an M nib both narrower and more flexibly. Special editions like a 149 Special Anniversary should not, however, be used for this, since modifications affect collector value; regular series writing instruments are more suitable. The Music Nib is an alternative for line variation without flex behaviour.


Which cultural history of writing and drawing tools did Wilhelm Eule write in 1955 in 'Mit Stift und Feder'?

Wilhelm Eule's volume 'Mit Stift und Feder — Kleine Kulturgeschichte der Schreib- und Zeichenwerkzeuge' appeared in 1955 from Fachbuchverlag Leipzig and comprises 164 pages with 113 illustrations. The book vividly explains the history of writing and describes the filling techniques of fountain pens current at the time of publication as well as the then almost new ballpoint. The pencil and its manufacture are also extensively covered.

Eule explains the writing tools of history from the chisel through the scriber, spatula, stylus, reed pen, brush and goose quill to the pencil, steel nib and the fountain pen of the 1950s. He also covers writing surfaces such as stone, wood, papyrus and parchment and devotes separate articles to chalk, ink and Indian ink, the compass, the ruling pen and — over four pages — the writing of the blind. Today the book is only available second-hand.


What experiences exist with Montblanc Loveletter Ink regarding cleaning, scent and ink residues?

The Loveletter Ink (Je t'aime) delivers a pleasant Bordeaux red and a rose-like scent that on paper quickly dissipates, but in the bottle is pungent. Water solubility and erasability are inconsistently stated in the trade; collector reports show, however, that red shades are basically more problematic than blues and adhere longer in the feed. A serious disadvantage is the lasting odour off-gassing of the pen: even after weeks of flushing and refilling with neutral-scented ink, the smell often persists for four and a half weeks or longer, which can be unpleasant in closed rooms. Recommended is therefore use in an only occasionally used pen, thorough flushing immediately after writing dry, and prolonged airing of the opened pen over several days.


Which topics does Eric Le Collen's book 'Feder, Tinte und Papier' cover?

Eric Le Collen's book 'Feder, Tinte und Papier' covers not only writing instruments and their makers but also tells the history of writing from antiquity through the Middle Ages to the present, including associated writing models and accessories. It is divided into the sections Writing Companions, A Thousand Years of the Goose Quill, Of Ink and Paper, The Steel Nib, The School of Writing, The Fountain Pen as American Dream, The Ballpoint Generation and Useful and Worth Knowing. In the last section numerous addresses of collectors, museums, clubs, auction houses, repair and restoration workshops and writing-instrument shops from Germany, France, Great Britain, Switzerland and Austria are listed. The richly illustrated book appeared in 1999 from Gerstenberg Verlag, Hildesheim (ISBN 3-8067-2860-7).


Which writing instruments does the 1997 Bonhams auction catalogue gather, and which highlights does it contain?

The auction catalogue 'Bonhams Knightsbridge — Fine and Rare Vintage Fountain Pens and Lighters' from 1997 documents a writing-instrument auction of the English auction house Bonhams Knightsbridge. Numerous older fountain pens from all over the world were auctioned, supplemented by some lighters, ink bottles and stands, each accompanied by estimated prices. Besides internationally known and unknown brands, many German makers like Montblanc, Pelikan, Kaweco and Faber-Castell are also represented.

The cover image shows the aviation pioneer Amy Johnson with 'Amy Johnson's Gold Presentation Pen from F. D. Waterman', a memento of her solo flight from England to Australia between 5 and 24 May 1930; the auction house estimated it at 3,000 to 5,000 pounds. Comparatively cheap, by contrast, is a black Montblanc pen set number 136 from the late 1930s with an estimate of 250 to 350 pounds. From the 1990s at least three further Bonhams writing-instrument catalogues exist.


How can a Montblanc Bohème Platinum Doué bought on eBay be checked for authenticity?

Collectors compare the piece with the documented Bohème Platinum Doué pictures on fountainpen.de; a brown crocodile barrel is not a regular Bohème Doué variant but a counterfeit, since this barrel was never officially offered. Black stripes on the Montblanc ring are present on the genuine Bohème and not a counterfeit indicator, contrary to initial assumption. Auction ident numbers like IY1073508 Germany alone offer no authenticity guarantee, since counterfeits frequently mark such numbers. With a misrepresentation in the auction text (also implicitly through category choice), the legal warranty claims to rescission and the right to challenge for mistake exist; even subsequent deadlines despite the exclusion clause of private sellers are enforceable in such cases.


What does the unusually formatted book 'Collectible Fountain Pens' by Juan Manuel Clark offer?

Juan Manuel Clark's 'Collectible Fountain Pens' appeared in 2001 from Flammarion in Paris (English edition 2002) and stands out through its square format of about 14 x 14 cm at a thickness of around 2.7 cm. Unlike many collector books, the writing instruments are not treated maker by maker; for each fountain pen depicted, the author instead tells small stories — e.g. about the Ink-Controlled Fountain Pen of the firm Klio of Hennef/Sieg, originally only obtainable by sending a form with a 50-cent piece to the Spencerian Pen Co. in New York. Other pieces are described with date of production, material and design notes.

Represented are, among others, the German brands Faber-Castell, Klio, Montblanc, Pelikan, Rotring and Soennecken. Content-wise the book is divided into Introduction, Vintage, Precious, Thematic, Unusual, Index and Addresses & Acknowledgments. A short overview of the emergence of writing and writing instruments and a section on advertising items round off the work. Even if the texts can be challenging for readers without English skills, the pictures compensate.


How can counterfeits of writing instruments from the 1930s and 1940s be recognised?

Alongside counterfeits of current Montblanc products such as Meisterstück, Bohème or Scott Fitzgerald, counterfeits of older writing instruments from the 1930s and 1940s have increasingly been offered in recent years. Typical of these counterfeits are very well-executed imprints that correspond to the original writing instruments to nearly one hundred per cent. The base bodies used are often worthless older writing instruments fitted with the imitated imprints. The differences from the original are usually immediately obvious if one has at least a rough idea of what kind of writing instruments were produced at the time. Original comparisons show typical deviations in shape, material and finish. Anyone wishing to consult historical original writing instruments for comparison can orient themselves to documented collections.


How do you correctly clean and store dip nibs such as quill or glass nibs so that they neither encrust nor bend?

Both steel and glass nibs should be cleaned immediately after every writing process before ink or Indian ink dries; with normal fountain-pen inks lukewarm tap water suffices; with Indian inks suitable cleaning fluids are needed. Quill pens are basically removed from the holder and stored lying flat, not standing, so as not to deform the delicate slit. With glass nibs careful handling is important, since the fine grooves break easily. Regular cleaning is the most important measure for prolonging life, supplemented by dry, dust-free storage in a case or drawer away from direct sunlight.


What does the commemorative volume 'schwarz auf weiß. 50 Jahre Geha' report on the history of the Hannover stationery maker?

The commemorative volume 'schwarz auf weiß. 50 Jahre Geha' appeared on the 50th anniversary of the Geha company (1918–1968) and was distributed to specialist trade customers, friends and long-serving employees. It begins with the founding in 1918 by the brothers Heinrich and Conrad Hartmann in Hannover; from the initial letters of 'Gebrüder Hartmann' the founders derived the company name 'Geha'. Also described are the important inventions, the build-up of manufacture and the variety of products — from fountain pens and inks via duplicators, stencils and ribbons to carbon paper — each illustrated with numerous black-and-white and colour photos.

Particularly impressive are the shots from the production halls in which still many employees can be seen at the machines, e.g. in the assembly and inspection of fountain pens, ballpoints and mechanical pencils — a picture that makes clear the change to today's strongly automated production.


What content does the Montblanc brochure 'Collectables — Creations of Passion 2004' have?

'Montblanc Collectables — Creations of Passion 2004' is the new edition of a brochure first published in 2003 covering all Montblanc writing instruments with an edition from 333 pieces. Presented are, alongside the Writers Editions and the Patron of the Arts editions, also special limited editions like the Lalique desk set and the Skeleton Star Edition. A criticism is that the associated watches — e.g. for the Skeleton Star Edition, which is only complete as a set — are not included in pictures and that the Limited Anniversary Edition is missing. Overall the brochure nevertheless provides a good overview of the collector's pieces from 1991 onwards and can be obtained free of charge from Montblanc.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Patron of Arts Lalique (1991): https://www.fountainpen.de/patron-lalique-en.htm


How do you remove a fresh black Lamy ink stain from a white cotton shirt?

The method proven in the forum begins with liquid bile soap, applied directly to the stain, left to act for about fifteen minutes and rinsed out with water. Treatment with a heavy-duty detergent such as Persil and a complete machine wash follow; after this procedure the stain is gone without trace, without the fabric being visibly stressed. As an emergency solution on purely white textiles, bleaching with chlorine is also mentioned, e.g. for table linen; collectors advise, however, to start with bile soap before resorting to the radical cure. On coloured or sensitive fabrics chlorine and aggressive ink removers are to be avoided.


How does the Montblanc service handle a nib exchange (e.g. from B to M) on a Meisterstück 146 Platinum bought used on eBay?

Nib exchanges on Meisterstücks are, by collector experience, generally unproblematic and cost only the repair or service flat fee (about 49 euros at the time of the report); shipping and the exchange of the existing nib for another regular nib width are handled via authorised specialist dealers or the boutiques. Difficulties arise, in experience, when the nearest dealer is not a full-service concessionaire and merely enquires further with Vienna or Hamburg, or when a piece offered on eBay as unused is rated by Montblanc as not original-packaged. Response times from Montblanc to direct enquiries can, according to forum reports, be ten days and longer; a second written exchange or addressing the head office Hamburg or the boutique in Jena directly usually accelerates the process.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Montblanc Meisterstück 146 (Le Grand): https://www.fountainpen.de/c-montblanc-meisterstueck-146-en.htm


Is a Mont Blanc Meisterstück Pix in the version shown an original, and how can you proceed with eBay purchases when the piece turns out to be a plagiarism?

Collectors classify the depicted Mont Blanc Meisterstück Pix as a counterfeit; Montblanc does not offer any model with this designation and design; the piece is a pure fantasy product of the counterfeiters, sold in China for very low amounts to tourists. To acquire it for around 100 euros is therefore a clear loss. With PayPal payment the buyer protection is available; a mediation procedure with subsequent refund is possible if the plagiarism can be proven, e.g. by a written authenticity assessment from Montblanc or an authorised dealer. Before legal escalation collectors regularly first attempt direct contact with the seller; a duty to disclose counterfeit characteristics also exists when the seller themselves claims to have known nothing of the counterfeit.


Is it normal that a Caran d'Ache Léman accumulates a fine ink film above the nib slit?

A thin ink film that, after short writing, emerges upward from the nib slit is to be observed to varying extent on pens of very different brands (Montblanc, Pelikan, Faber-Castell, Omas, Parker, Waterman) and is not necessarily a defect. The phenomenon can be related to the chosen ink, the nib design or to a high ink amount in the feed and occurs sometimes only during storage, sometimes also during writing. If the ink film is purely a visual nuisance, presenting the pen to the dealer is advisable; the dealer checks flow and nib alignment; on suspicion of a defect, switching to another ink and thorough flushing is recommended before the pen goes for repair.


Why is the Markant M 7720 regarded as one of the most refined writing instruments of GDR production?

The Markant M 7720 was produced in the late 1980s and is regarded as the high point of East German fountain-pen manufacture. With a retail price of 36 marks it belonged to the more expensive writing instruments of the GDR; for comparison, a Heiko Junior cost only 3.20 marks. Equipment and finish set the model clearly apart from the simple school pens of the same time.


Which two books deal with the Faber-Castell dynasty, and where do they place their focus?

Juliane Nitzke-Dürr's work 'Lothar Freiherr von Faber' is dedicated to the history of the Faber-Castell dynasty, with the focus on Lothar von Faber (1817–1896) — the first great entrepreneur of the family and founder of the worldwide reputation of the Faber name. The book is divided, among other things, into chapters on company history, the first three generations, expansion and marketing, the patriarch's social responsibility and corporate development to the present. It appeared from Ullstein Verlag, comprises around 158 pages with numerous black-and-white illustrations (ISBN 3-548-35872-1) and is only available second-hand.

In addition there is the novelistic biography 'Eine Zierde in ihrem Hause. Die Geschichte der Ottilie von Faber-Castell' by Asta Scheib. It tells the life of Ottilie, who in 1893 at sixteen became sole heiress of the pencil factory A.W. Faber, and her marriage to Count Alexander zu Castell-Rüdenhausen, embedded in the lust for life and end-of-the-world mood of the fin de siècle. It appeared as a Rowohlt paperback with 494 pages (ISBN 3-499-26399-8), likewise only second-hand.


What cultural history of writing instruments does the book 'Griffel — Feder — Bildschirmstift' by Jürg-Peter Huber offer?

Jürg-Peter Huber's book 'Griffel — Feder — Bildschirmstift', published in 1985, is — as its subtitle 'Eine Kulturgeschichte der Schreibgeräte' (A cultural history of writing instruments) reveals — an overview of the history and emergence of the various writing tools from antiquity to the then-present. With numerous photos and illustrations the author conveys a vivid insight into the epochs of writing and its environment, including computer technology of the early 1980s.

The content overview includes introduction, ancient writing, a thousand years of quill, paper, the office a hundred years ago, the pencil, the development from steel nib to fountain pen, ink, writing in school, the ballpoint ('Rolling on'), felt-tip, fibre-tip and a look into the future, writing instruments and graphology, from typewriter to text system, exotic writing types of other countries, a scribbler's glossary with tips for collectors, writers and readers, and an index.


Which characteristics and colour variants does the GDR fountain pen Heiko Sprint have?

The Heiko Sprint stands out from the more subdued Heiko Junior by its striking appearance — the often bright orange barrel can be recognised from afar. In writing behaviour both models are practically identical. The Sprint was produced in several colour variants, including green — also in an army green — blue, orange, red and a more subdued turquoise.


Can a fountain pen be built completely by oneself, and which components are bought in?

Self-building a fountain pen is basically possible; nib and feed are usually bought from the firm Bock, since the manufacture of these components requires considerable experience and special tools. Barrel, cap, mechanism and closures can be made on a lathe from suitable materials such as precious resin, acrylic, hardwood or metal. Anyone wanting to develop an independent filling system finds a practical reference, e.g. in the Bulk Filler system (Conid/Fountainbel), whose developer realised his own patented principle after several years of self-building. Due to the high artisanal and technical effort, self-builds are rare; collectors advise long learning periods and orientation toward established Bock nibs in order to ensure writing quality and ink flow.


Of which alloys are the gold nibs of high-quality fountain pens made, and how corrosion-resistant is the gold used?

Gold nibs are not made of fine gold but of alloys with silver and copper components, since pure gold would be much too soft and too little elastic. With 18-carat gold the gold content is just over half, with 14-carat only about 38 per cent. In France previously predominantly 18-carat nibs were sold; meanwhile 14-carat nibs are used there; only Solitaire models still have 18-carat nibs. Allergy sufferers, for skin tolerance reasons, often reach for 18-carat or special alloys like gold-titanium; problematic is only the low-alloy 333 gold. Pure gold is very corrosion-resistant and does not tarnish under normal conditions. For authenticity testing of precious metals, hallmarks and acid tests help.


What characterises the picture book 'In einer Zeit rasender Geschwindigkeit' by Montblanc?

The volume 'In einer Zeit rasender Geschwindigkeit brauchen wir Dinge, die uns innehalten lassen', published by Montblanc, is a deliberately quiet book. Factual knowledge is sought in vain there; rather, it invites the reader to pause and understands itself as a contemplative work. As is usual for Montblanc, the edition is very aesthetic and lovingly designed.


How can Montblanc cufflinks acquired on eBay be checked for authenticity?

A high number of positive ratings does not protect against counterfeits, since powersellers also occasionally sell plagiarisms, sometimes without knowing it themselves. Cufflinks are regarded as particularly counterfeit-prone products, and the quality of the plagiarisms is increasing. Authenticity features lie in the workmanship of the bolts (ribbed and solid) and the arrangement of the stars, which on originals are positioned in opposite directions on the two cufflinks. Packaging and materials can vary depending on batch, since these are bought-in items. A reliable authenticity check can only be carried out by a Montblanc boutique; the regular specialist dealer is not allowed to carry these accessories. In doubt, the legal right of return should be used.


What does the Brause commemorative volume 'Vom Werden unserer Schrift' for the company's 100th anniversary contain?

The commemorative volume 'Vom Werden unserer Schrift' was published by the firm Brause & Co. on its 100th anniversary and presented to friends and supporters of the house. On around 50 pages the history of writing from antiquity to the then-present of 1950 is described in detail, supplemented by numerous writing epochs and writing styles. A short company history and a report on the emergence and production of the fountain pen are no less missing than a self-critical look at contemporary technology: the board muses that the mechanics and handling of the models of that time already seem old-fashioned and that the fountain pens of 1950 might in a few years be regarded similarly disparagingly — without foreseeing the long-term collector value of these pieces.


What is the correct spelling of the brand name Montblanc?

The brand name is always written in running text as one word, i.e. Montblanc or MONTBLANC. The two-word spelling Mont Blanc by contrast denotes the mountain. Confusion arises through the two-line trademark with the star, which optically separates the lettering; this has, however, no influence on the correct spelling of the name. Historically there were various variants in the lettering, single-line in capitals, with mountain or star symbol, in upper and lower case and in italics.


How is the Montblanc Historical Pen Anniversary Edition equipped, and do rollerball and ballpoint fit a historical edition?

The fountain pen is as exact as possible a recreation of the first Rouge et Noir writing instruments and uses the slide mechanism of the Montblanc Semi-Safety of 1908, but with cartridge filling instead of pipette filling, which avoids contamination. The edition is limited to 15,000 fountain pens, 45,000 ballpoints, 30,000 rollerballs and 10,000 pencils; the combination with ballpoint and rollerball is criticised by some collectors, since these writing instruments do not historically fit the original, but is equally usual on earlier Writers Editions like Hemingway or Agatha Christie. The precious resin is disappointing for some collectors; some would have preferred celluloid in jade green or lapis blue. Modern materials and a modernised historical nib together with a matching leather case are used. The list price lies around 600 euros for the fountain pen.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Montblanc Writers Edition Hemingway (1992): https://www.fountainpen.de/writer-hemingway-en.htm
• Montblanc Writers Edition Agatha Christie (1993): https://www.fountainpen.de/writer-christie-en.htm


Which ink and which models are suitable for getting started with collecting antique Montblanc fountain pens, and what about repairs and replacement nibs?

For older writing instruments, exclusively water-soluble ink such as Pelikan 4001 royal blue is recommended, since other inks can clog the feed or discolour the material; red inks are particularly aggressive. As entry-level models the Meisterstücks 142, 144 and 146 from the 1950s are suitable, as well as the models 252, 254 and 256, which are uncomplicated and everyday-suitable and mostly cost under 400 euros. Repairs are carried out by specialist restorers like Horst at maxpens.de or Penleo; Montblanc itself can replace some parts but not remake nibs, since for that its own moulds would be required. When buying, attention should be paid to nib width, the existing iridium tip and cracks in caps. Push-fillers leak more quickly, which is why piston pens are more everyday-suitable.


How does a repair via Montblanc service correctly proceed, and what experiences with processing times are realistic?

For repairs the writing instrument should be sent in via the authorised specialist dealer, who uses a Montblanc service envelope with a unique service number; only via this number is the process traceable in the Montblanc SAP system, and enquiries can be answered competently. The direct point of contact for enquiries is the respective service centre, not the boutique — in Vienna, for example, the service centre on Kärntnerstraße. Usual processing times lie at two to three weeks. Hard-start problems on new nibs can also break in by themselves after a few writing operations. Experiences with the service vary considerably, from very accommodating handling to unanswered enquiries via the online contact form. Important is the proper stamping of the warranty booklet at purchase.


Which makers and models does the picture book 'Füllfederhalter' by Giorgio Dragoni and Giuseppe Fichera present?

The volume 'Füllfederhalter' edited by Giorgio Dragoni and Giuseppe Fichera portrays a multitude of writing-instrument makers, including prominently Montblanc. The first chapters are devoted to the cultural significance of writing and the development history of the fountain pen. In the second part a selection of striking models is presented, e.g. the Rouge et Noir, several Astoria pens, the Montblanc 139, as well as modern pieces like the Lorenzo de Medici. A famous passage on page 173 honours the Meisterstück series as the line that breaks all records regarding size, beauty, durability and robustness. The work is partly still available in the regular book trade.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Astoria — brand overview (fountainpen.de): https://www.fountainpen.de/astoria-en.htm
• Patron of Arts Lorenzo de Medici (1992): https://www.fountainpen.de/patron-lorenzo-en.htm


Which collector book on fountain pens did Jonathan Steinberg write, and what focus does it set?

Jonathan Steinberg's book 'Füllfederhalter' concentrates on writing instruments from 1900 to 1945. A single maker is not particularly highlighted; Montblanc pieces are represented but, from a Montblanc collector's perspective, rather underrepresented. Nevertheless it is an appealing volume with numerous illustrations of old fountain pens and many explanations and notes, providing a good overview of this epoch.


Of which materials does the Markant Unis P consist, and what impression does it create?

The Markant Unis P was made in the late 1980s and combines particularly light, brushed aluminium with black plastic. This material pairing creates a harmonious colour combination and gives the writing instrument a high-quality impression that stands out from the rest of the GDR range.


Which inks are suitable for historical Montblanc fountain pens, and is it true that only Pelikan ink is solvent-free?

A completely solvent-free ink does not in principle exist, since water itself is an inorganic solvent; the claim that Pelikan ink, in contrast to MB ink, is gentler on historical pens is not substantiated. Recommended for old pens is Pelikan 4001 royal blue or Montblanc royal blue, both well water-soluble and so easily rinsed from the feed. In general, caution is warranted with coloured and especially red inks, since they are more aggressive and can eat into the material. Iron-gall ink should absolutely be avoided in old pens. Ink can indeed spoil or grow mould, which is why use of ink no older than three years and regular cleaning of pens is recommended. Open shelf life is, according to Pelikan, about five years for ink bottles and twelve months for cartridges.


How are the recent price increases on Montblanc writing instruments to be evaluated, and which models offer good value for money?

Prices reflect supply and demand in the luxury market; Montblanc, as part of the Richemont group, is one of the strongest-growing brands in the segment. Collectors evaluate this ambivalently, since rising prices do raise the value of one's own collection but make new purchases more difficult. For better value, Writers Editions, Solitaires, StarWalker and Bohème are recommended; the Meisterstücks have always been the high-priced top segment. Direct comparison with DM prices from the late 1990s comes out unfavourably for the current list prices. Some collectors fear an image loss similar to that of certain watch brands. Despite the prices the Meisterstück counts as a classic that remains recommendable.


What characterises the Heiko 444 from the 1970s technically?

The Heiko 444 from the 1970s was one of the first fountain pens of GDR production with a hooded nib and is thus a technical special model within the Heiko line.


Is it appropriate to use a Montblanc fountain pen in everyday school life, or should it be limited to special occasions?

Opinions are divided. One position warns of social conflicts when a pupil shows off a Montblanc, since this in a heterogeneous student body with different financial backgrounds can quickly be perceived as arrogant. Another position emphasises that what matters above all is how one handles the writing instrument and not abstinence; whoever appreciates the comfort and uses the device unobtrusively should do so. In professional life collectors tend to argue for understatement and use in meetings more discreet models like 145 Platinum or classic Lamy or Pelikan pens, instead of standing out with a 146 or 149. Decisive is the user's attitude; with restrained behaviour a Montblanc is also accepted in the school context.


Why is Andreas Lambrou's 'Fountain Pens of the World' regarded as the standard work for collectors of high-quality writing instruments?

Andreas Lambrou's 'Fountain Pens of the World' has established itself as the standard work among collectors of high-quality writing instruments. In the volume all major brands are represented, including of course Montblanc. Convincing above all are the numerous professional photographs that show some of the rarest and most beautiful writing instruments ever produced. Together with the books by Jens Rösler and Rösler & Wallrafen, the volume counts among the indispensable reference works for collectors of old fountain pens.


Is the Astoria fountain pen offered an original, and what price would be appropriate?

Astoria is a brand historically connected with Montblanc; Astoria nibs are original and models from the 1920s and 1930s do exist. A safe assessment is only possible from clear pictures of the section, feed and blind cap. In the concrete case, an atypical section, unusual imprint and atypical blind cap argue against Montblanc/Astoria; the piece could rather originate from Osmia. Often no-name pens with Astoria nibs and subsequent engravings are passed off as valuable pieces. Damage such as hairline cracks, chips and discolouration should also be checked. With uncertainty and a price in the four-figure range, the purchase is advised against.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Astoria — brand overview (fountainpen.de): https://www.fountainpen.de/astoria-en.htm


How are the market chances of a new TWSBI piston pen DIAMOND from China to be assessed, and should the pen be fully disassemblable?

In the entry price segment around 35 euros there are already established competitors like Pelikan, Lamy, Kaweco and Online, so a clear differentiation via target group, marketing and added value is decisive. Other Chinese brands like Duke find it hard going on the German market. The names TWSBI and DIAMOND are criticised as not very catchy for the target group of pupils and students. Full disassemblability for cleaning and maintenance is hardly relevant for end customers and carries the risk that laymen cause damage; for dealers, however, it can be of interest for spare-parts stocking. As added value, individualisation via interchangeable modules such as grip segments, writing modules with various line widths or gold nibs presents itself. A grey demonstrator would be desirable as a visual highlight.


Which additional colour variant of the Markant Pionier 2 is known?

Besides the well-known versions, the Markant Pionier 2 was also produced in a white colour variant. This expands the spectrum of known colour shades of the model and shows the versatility of GDR writing-instrument production in the 1960s.


How is the Montblanc Patron of Arts Edition 2011 Gaius Maecenas designed, and at what price is it available?

The edition is dedicated to Gaius Maecenas and exists in two variants: the 4810 version in white with silver and the 888 version with golden cap. The cap is provided with a verse, the clip is sword-like, the cap of the 888 version is modelled on Dali. The price of the 888 version lies around 7,500 euros. First official pictures are available via the Montblanc boutiques and via collector blogs.


Why was the Parker Vacumatic discontinued, and is a present-day purchase sensible for everyday use?

The Vacumatic was replaced by the simpler and more robust Aerometric system, which was used from the 1950s also in the Parker 51; the Vacumatic system did have a larger ink volume but was more maintenance-intensive. Repair requires special tools to open and a rubber diaphragm, only obtainable in the USA; many restorers refuse the repair; in Vienna it is reliably carried out at Penleo (Leo Grahofer). Restored Vacumatics can be used for about 20 years after professional servicing. Everyday use of an unrestored piece is advised against. Material and writing quality are excellent, the nibs mostly rigid, the feed very good, the leak resistance better than with the Parker 51. As a modern replacement with similar design the Visconti Wallstreet or the Manhattan with High-Vacuum Powerfill mechanism is recommended.


How is an auctioned Montblanc 144 with 18-carat nib to be assessed, and which polish is suitable for precious resin and fittings?

18-carat nibs on the 144 are not unusual, since they were produced for the French market and also turn up in Germany; they are not a sign of manipulation. The 144s from the 1950s consist of celluloid; later models of precious resin (Plexiglas); production ended around the year 2000. For polishing the precious resin, Wenol is used by Montblanc itself; alternatively Mellerud polish for acrylic and plastic or Displex, which slightly dissolves the topmost layer and fills scratches. The fittings are gold-plated or platinum-plated on brass; every polish removes material, which is why polishing should be done as rarely as possible. Real scratches in the gold plating cannot be polished out, since they are deeper than the coating; only tarnished surfaces can be refreshed.


Can ink in a fountain pen freeze, and from what temperature should one be cautious?

Ink does indeed freeze already at slightly sub-zero temperatures; a Montblanc royal blue, for example, already at -0.3 to -0.5 degrees Celsius, since ordinary inks are water-based. The pen does not write in the frozen state and writes more weakly during thawing; ink puddles can form around nib and feed during thawing. Cartridges do not necessarily burst in tests, but the fill level can change due to the anomaly of water and the closure ball can discolour. With normal outside cold and storage in an inside pocket of the jacket there is practically no danger. With really arctic temperatures it is recommended to leave pens in the warmth. Pencils are suitable as a cold-insensitive alternative.


Which features characterise the Markant Pionier 2 in the pink variant from the 1960s?

The Markant Pionier 2 dates from the 1960s and impresses with a design that was modern and trendy for its time. The model has a permanently fitted piston for filling with ink and is therefore not a cartridge pen. The pink version is one of the more striking colour variants and underscores the fashionable character of the line.


Which makers and models does the area of GDR writing instruments comprise, and where can collector information be found?

The variety of GDR writing-instrument makers is significantly greater than commonly assumed; one dedicated collector has gathered nearly 100 makers in the area of the former GDR; further ones probably exist. Well-known brands include, among others, Markant and Heiko, e.g. the Heiko from the late 1980s with hooded nib. A consolidated list with makers, types and production years does not currently exist, since source material both on the internet and in books is thin. A regular collectors' regulars' table on GDR fountain pens takes place in Dresden. Exchange between collectors runs predominantly via personal contacts and forums.


Which Montblanc Limited Editions does the work 'Creations of Passion' present, and what target group is it intended for?

The volume 'Creations of Passion', published by Montblanc itself, presents all limited writing instruments of the house from 1991 to 2003, provided their edition comprises at least 333 pieces. The truly rare editions with smaller editions thus regrettably remain unconsidered, which can disappoint the ambitious collector. The book addresses primarily beginners and new collectors who have just discovered their passion for Montblanc writing instruments and want a quick overview.


Where can collector boxes for 10 to 20 high-quality writing instruments be obtained?

Montblanc offered a collector box of black piano lacquer for 20 writing instruments in two layers, which is officially probably no longer in the range but is partly still obtainable via boutiques such as Munich. Alternatives are found at specialised suppliers: the Sini collector case via fountainpen.de, wooden boxes from maxpens.de for about 13 pens, and collector boxes with glass lid from Lindauer for around 20 pens. Via penboard.de from Tom Westerich there is a cheaper box for 40 pens at around 90 euros. For individual quantities, custom-making by a leather worker is recommended; a small case for seven pens costs about 80 euros. In regular stationery trade such boxes are barely in stock; a direct enquiry with the supplier is usually necessary.


With which writing instruments do figures from politics and celebrity write?

Observations are anecdotal and inconsistent. In Austria members of the federal government often use Graf von Faber-Castell pens; the Federal President and the President of the National Council use Pelikan, while Jörg Haider was associated with several Montblanc Limited Editions. Christian Wulff presumably writes with Cartier or S.T. Dupont; Ron Sommer used a 146 Solitaire Silver with thread guilloché. The actor Johnny Depp owns several Montblanc Limited Editions; Sylvester Stallone once wrote with a Montegrappa Golden Dragon. For a systematic overview no reliable source exists.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Asia Edition Year of the Golden Dragon: https://www.fountainpen.de/asia-golden-dragon-888-en.htm


Are the high penalties for buyers of brand counterfeits in Italy proportionate, and how is the trade in plagiarisms tackled?

Penalties of 10,000 euros for the purchase of single counterfeits are mostly criticised as disproportionate; pursuing the street vendors and commercial suppliers would be more sensible. Anyone who knowingly buys a plagiarism is generally not in the target group of the original brand anyway, so the maker hardly loses direct turnover; more problematic is the image damage from visible counterfeits in public spaces. More serious are sellers who offload plagiarisms at original prices to unsuspecting customers. On eBay a private report is legally insufficient, since only the trademark holder can have auctions ended via affidavit; eBay itself intervenes only hesitantly. Consistent exclusion of repeatedly conspicuous sellers by eBay is debated as a sensible solution.


On the occasion of which event did Kurt Grobecker's 'A History of the Firm Montblanc' appear, and where does the focus lie?

Kurt Grobecker's volume 'A History of the Firm Montblanc' was published for the inauguration of the new Montblanc building. Alongside the writing instruments, the book pushes into the foreground the people who shaped the company. Drawing on numerous historical advertising brochures, Grobecker traces both the successes and the more difficult phases of the company's history. The conclusion is a picture gallery of celebrities who own a Montblanc fountain pen.


Does mobile-display polish like Displex damage the gold plating on writing instruments, and what does Montblanc service do in such cases?

Ultimately every polish, whether Displex or Wenol, attacks the gold plating, which is why writing instruments should be polished as rarely as possible. Displex is well suited to precious-resin surfaces but can lead to dissolution effects on gold alloys such as fittings and pen stands. Subsequent re-gilding of fittings is mostly not possible, since these are firmly bonded to the resin. The Montblanc service offers in such cases an exchange of the affected part for a new one; a pen stand was, for example, exchanged for 49 euros. Damaged original parts are shredded or burned by Montblanc, since only flawless goods may be used.


How do Montblanc Special Edition, Limited Edition and Artisan Edition differ?

The terms Special Edition, Limited Edition and Artisan Edition are used differently at Montblanc. Special Editions are produced only with a temporal restriction; the quantity, however, can be freely chosen by Montblanc within the production period — many or few writing instruments may be made. Examples are the Special Anniversary Edition produced only in 1999 and the Menuhin Edition, whose production period was not infinite, but whose exact quantity is unknown. Limited Editions are restricted both in production period and quantity. An example is the Patron of the Arts Edition J.P. Morgan 2004: the writing instruments were produced only in 2004; afterwards the moulds were destroyed; the edition was 4,810 pieces in the regular variant and 888 pieces in the solid-gold version. Artisan Editions are extremely rare and generally very expensive writing instruments produced only in quantities of 1, 4, 10 or under 333. An exception are editions like Jungle Eyes as somewhat more regular variants. A typical example of an Artisan Edition is the Carnegie Ruby Edition based on a Carnegie of 2002 and set with rubies.


Can Montblanc ballpoint refills be used in rollerball models?

In all rollerballs that take Classique rollerball or fineliner refills, the Montblanc ballpoint refill including extension plug also fits without an additional adapter. With slim Slimline models a self-built adapter would be necessary. With cramped writing posture and strong pressure, however, the slim form is not recommended; rather a thicker writing instrument like the LeGrand rollerball, since this reduces cramping. For left-handers the ballpoint is usually the better choice but should still be sufficiently thick. With some rollerball models like the Meisterstück Platinum Line Classique Rollerball the local dealer denies compatibility, which is to be checked individually.


What happens with a customs hold on transfer, and what should be considered when importing branded goods and leather goods?

Customs in such cases checks both the authenticity of the branded goods and compliance with the species protection law on animal hides like crocodile or ostrich. Both can mean retention of the goods and a criminal procedure. If both points are clarified, the goods are valued and import and value-added tax (together about 20 per cent) are levied on the estimated value. For crocodile and alligator leather a CITES species protection certificate is mandatorily required, which must be applied for before export; subsequent application is not possible. Even with proven genuine branded goods the shipment is not released without CITES papers, and an administrative offence may be imposed. The buyer bears the risk alone, since these requirements often do not emerge from the article description.


What overview of limited writing instruments up to 1999 is given in Bernard Bernolet's book 'The List'?

Bernard Bernolet's book 'The List', with texts by Marc Van der Stricht, was published in 1999 in Belgium in 21 x 29.7 cm format as a softcover with about 140 pages and claims to cover all limited writing instruments published up to 1999. Most of the editions presented date from the 1990s; the oldest is a Parker '75 Spanish Treasure Fleet' of 1965, made of silver salvaged from the Spanish treasure fleet sunk off Florida. Per page five Limiteds are presented with photo and short description, with year of production, edition size, issue list price, possibly current collector price, material and history given for each.

The writing instruments depicted come from Belgium, China, Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Taiwan and the USA. Critically to be remarked is that the nibs are treated as stepchildren — material is barely named, and on the often somewhat unsharp or print-limited photos the nib markings are mostly not recognisable, which does not suit collectors who see the nib as the heart of the fountain pen. Notes on contributors, their collections, relevant clubs, magazines and books round off the volume. Overall 'The List' is a useful reference work for an overview of the variety of special editions produced.


Which topics does the reference work 'Werkzeuge des Geistes' by Friedrich E. Linscheid cover?

Friedrich E. Linscheid's richly illustrated reference work 'Werkzeuge des Geistes' is dedicated to writing implements and accessories through the change of style epochs and addresses interested laypeople as well as long-standing collectors. It appeared from Universitätsverlag Carinthia, Klagenfurt, with about 180 pages (ISBN 3-85378-409-7). It is divided into two main areas: one on writing with chapters on the original sources and evolution, schools and writers, scripts and printing; and one on writing implements with sections on development, writing surfaces, inks and colours.

In the second main part writing implements are presented in the style epochs Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Classicism, Historicism, Art Nouveau and Art Deco up to the 1920s and 1950s; further chapters cover Asian writing implements, travel writing implements, utensils, desks and lecterns, writing sets, pen holders, metal nibs, slate pencils and slates, the pencil, fountain pen and ballpoint, seal stamps and letter openers, typewriters and telegraphs, and collectors and museums. Appendix, bibliography and picture credits round off the work.


What was the Heiko flush cartridge of the VEB Füllhalterwerk Wernigerode used for?

The flush cartridge of VEB Füllhalterwerk Wernigerode was a cleaning device for cartridge pens. It consists of a small bellows connected to a roughly 25 mm short plastic cartridge. The associated packaging measures around 7 cm in height with a base of about 3 by 3 cm and bears on three sides a pictorial instruction. Although the plastic cartridge has no tip like a conventional ink cartridge, cleaning works reliably on usual cartridge pens.


What stresses do automatic watches withstand in everyday sport, and at what intervals is a service sensible?

An intact automatic watch should withstand normal sporting activities and shocks like fast cycling over cobblestones; if parts come loose, this points to a pre-existing damage or improper prior use, which when buying second-hand watches via eBay without warranty is a known risk. For extreme stresses sport or diving watches with screw-down crown, thicker glass and stable case are better suited. Signs of a due service are deviations of more than five seconds per day or a clearly reduced power reserve. As an interval, about four to five years is recommended on everyday watches; on rarely worn watches only when problems appear, except on rare movements with difficult spare-parts supply. Letting watches sit without movement harms them; a service usually costs several hundred euros.


What does the Markant Trend Set with the model designations P 804 and K 804 comprise?

The Markant Trend Set consists of a fountain pen with the designation P 804 and a matching ballpoint K 804. Both writing instruments are kept in a uniform design and form a coordinated set from GDR production.


Are oblique nibs also suitable for daily use and longer exams?

Oblique nibs like OB or OBB produce a clearly more varied, calligraphically appearing script but require practice; the writing position must be adapted to the nib. For left-handers oblique nibs are not suitable. For fast writing over several hours, e.g. in exams, thin and well broken-in nibs like F or OM are better suited than very broad OBB nibs, since at speed and pressure legibility takes priority over script. Regular M nibs can also produce a calligraphic effect depending on grind. Important remains that the nib width fits one's own handwriting and writing strength.


What should be considered when transporting fountain pens on flights, and are cartridge or piston pens better suited?

Decisive is storage with the cap up, ideally in hand luggage or in a case in the inside pocket; in this way both cartridge and piston pens stay leak-proof. Critical are the pressure-change phases during ascent and descent, in which ink can leak out; after the flight leaked ink should be wiped off. On reaching cruising altitude the pen can be used normally; ink flow is usually noticeably more saturated during ascent and descent. Lying storage in a suitcase can lead to ink residues in the cap but does not damage the writing instrument. The pressure differences are smaller in modern aircraft than earlier; balanced cabins reduce the leak risk.


What characterises the Montblanc picture book 'Die Seelenmacher — Acht Porträts'?

'Die Seelenmacher — Acht Porträts' places not the writing instruments but the employees of Montblanc as the actual stars at the centre. The volume impresses above all through its photography, with which the products — writing instruments, bags and watches — are emotionally charged. The message is that a Montblanc bag is more than a utility item: it embodies life experience, patience and precision. This achieves a particularly emotional form of corporate communication.


How is a Montblanc 342 to be disassembled and cleaned, and what do the markings on the writing instrument mean?

For disassembly the piston screw is fully turned back so that a gap arises between knurl and screw; the knurled disc as part of the mechanism is loosened in a multi-jaw collet of a lathe. The cap top can be unscrewed with a piece of leather or bicycle tube, never with pliers, since these destroy the cap top. The feed sleeve with the two slots is unscrewed with a matching assembly key, and the feed driven out from rear to front with a punch; alternatively, after soaking in an ultrasonic bath or in water, nib and feed can be pulled out. The small bore in the cap is a ventilation hole against condensation, which however accelerates drying. The M on the piston screw denotes the nib width Medium. All threads are right-hand threads; the grip section is often firmly glued and should then not be loosened.


For which target group was the Heiko Trend intended, and what characterises it?

The Heiko Trend was intended for writers who had outgrown the school pen but could not yet afford a Heiko Primus. It impresses with its clear shaping and an ergonomically formed grip section that makes it a pleasant everyday companion.


What should be considered when buying a glass-nib fountain pen, and where are modern glass nibs available?

Glass nibs are breakage-prone, and replacement is hard to obtain. Historical glass-nib fountain pens were produced mainly between the late 1920s and mid-1940s, e.g. as safety or push-fillers; at Montblanc there were corresponding models like 442 and 444, today rare and expensive and able to cost around 500 euros. No-name glass-nib pens are available much more cheaply on eBay in the single-digit euro range. Modern glass nibs are supplied by Dr. Franz-Josef Jansen on de-atramentis.com from about 8 euros. Glass nibs were earlier used for document-proof inks that would clog usual nibs and feeds. With glass-nib pens the maker Haro is only reachable via the second-hand market.


Is an unknown Montblanc Meisterstück rollerball an original or a counterfeit?

The model shown is unanimously classified as a counterfeit, since Montblanc has not produced a comparable writing instrument. The star also looks atypical with overly angular tips, and the workmanship does not match the quality of platinum-plated or white-gold original parts. Such fantasy products are made in the Far East at production costs of about one euro and are also fitted with counterfeit refills that say nothing about authenticity. Even on plagiarisms of existing models, quality differences are clearly visible in detail shots. A definitive clarification is most safely obtained in a Montblanc boutique through direct comparison. Notes on typical counterfeit features are offered by the section 'Vorsicht Fälschungen' on fountainpen.de.


Why can a green-marbled Heiko fountain pen without imprint not be unambiguously named?

Not all Heiko writing instruments bear an imprint with the model name, and original sales brochures from GDR production are barely findable. A clear model designation is therefore not possible on some pieces. That the green-marbled example is an upmarket model, however, can be inferred from the comparatively elaborately designed clip, which is above the level of a simple Heiko Filius.


What causes start-up problems on fountain pens, and how can they be remedied?

Starting problems can have several causes: viscous or thick inks like some Montblanc inks cause skipping on certain nibs; Waterman inks often flow better. Dried ink residues clog the feed and can be removed by repeated flushing with cold water or soaking, possibly also in an ultrasonic bath, but not on wood or celluloid pens. With new pens with converter, the high adhesion of plastic can slow ink flow. A nib unsuitable for the writing position is also a frequent cause, especially with oblique nibs and signatures with a flying start. Paper also influences starting behaviour considerably; testing in specialist trade should be done with one's own everyday paper. With nib tipping grind, the nib's set angle decides whether ink flow starts reliably.


What features does the Montblanc Safety Pen No. 15 have, and how is it filled?

The Montblanc Safety Pen No. 15 is classically filled with a pipette from above; alternatively, filling can be done by carefully holding the nib of a piston pen into the opening of the safety pen and releasing ink from the piston pen into the safety pen. In the example described, the barrel shows several inscriptions: at the top in white the maiden name of a previous owner, below that the barely readable inscription 'Simplo Original Montblanc' with the mountain symbol in the middle. On the turning knob the designation '15 OB' is engraved. The cap bears the lettering 'Montblanc' with mountain symbol and the poorly readable dealer detail 'Füllhalter-Spezial-Geschäft Königsberg Pr. Junkerstr. 11'. The nib is a 14-carat gold nib of width M with the Montblanc circle imprint. The pen is tight and writes flawlessly after filling.


What should be considered when posting the cap, removing an engraving, a general overhaul and a nib swap on a Montblanc?

On the 144 Solitaire Carbon the cap, by design, does not hold securely on the barrel and can leave scratches; an inserted piece of paper can serve as an improvised solution; a real fix does not exist. An engraving cannot be removed subsequently; replacement of the cap sleeve is only possible if it is significantly damaged; a service flat fee 2 covers cap exchange and general overhaul excluding nib; an individually purchased cap is significantly more expensive. On sending in, it should be stated that no new engraving is to be carried out. A nib exchange without a stamped service booklet requires assessment by Montblanc and an individual cost estimate. The piston mechanism with seal change is also handled via the service flat fee; concrete amounts are quoted by every boutique.


What is known about the unidentified Heiko model from the 1960s?

From the 1960s a Heiko fountain pen exists whose exact model designation is so far unknown. Among collectors it is treated as an independent, early Heiko model, documented by surviving examples.


What characterises the GDR fountain pen Markant Merkur in the red-marbled version?

The Markant Merkur existed in several colour variants, including red, blue and green, and in two different sizes. A peculiarity of this model is the marbling, not worked into the material but applied as a foil. From this follows the disadvantage that this foil can come off if the pen is, for example, left in water too long. Well-preserved examples show the typical red-marbled look of the GDR writing instrument in full beauty.


Which brand and history stand behind the old fountain pen Rifka?

Rifka stands for Rheinisch-Westfälische Füllhalterfabrik Gebrüder Wippenhohn, founded in 1926 in Bonn; due to strong competition there, e.g. from Soennecken, the company moved to Westphalian Greffen (city of Harsewinkel, district of Gütersloh). The roots go back to a 1924 GmbH of head teacher August Schlickmann, who wanted to develop a fountain pen with metal pin instead of gold nib and a wooden holder with ink tongue under the design-protection name Fix. The own writing-instrument production was unsuccessful; the company took Pelikan products and other brands into its range and turned into a wholesaler. In altered form the firm still exists today.


Which current fountain pens have flexible nibs as seen in calligraphy videos?

Truly flexible nibs are practically no longer made today; the nibs shown in calligraphy videos are usually 80 to 100 years old, and machine-made modern nibs are throughout hard. Asian makers like Sailor offer special calligraphy nibs. Flexibility is determined by gold content (21 carat is softer than 18 or 14 carat), grind and shape of the nib. Anyone seeking a flexible pen is dependent on the second-hand market, e.g. via fountainpen.de or penboard.de, or must ask in specialised trade for flexible nibs.


How is the new Montblanc Meisterstück Tribute to the Mont Blanc Edition designed and to be assessed?

The edition is not an official Limited or Special Edition; it addresses, in design, a female target group and uses white as the central colour; the grip section bears engraved altitude figures of various mountains. The size corresponds to the Classique Meisterstück series; the weight rather to the LeGrand line. Used is not classic precious resin but lacquered brass. Assessments range from rejecting (too fake-like, too much aimed at the rich and beautiful) to positive. An official pencil does not exist; individual special commissions were made by Montblanc on customer request through mechanism conversion from the rollerball. The associated cufflink set rounds off the collection.


Which Limited Editions does Montblanc announce for 2017?

The Great Characters Edition 2017 is dedicated to the Beatles; the annual edition leans on Yellow Submarine; the Limited Edition shows white with the UK flag. The Writers Edition is dedicated to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. From 2017 the 4810 variant of the Patron of Arts is dropped and converted to an annual edition. The Unicef Edition appears in April and comprises a Skeleton variant at around 9,000 to 9,700 euros, a Solitaire in blue lacquer with silver-coloured letters of various alphabets, a Doué variant with laser-engraved metal cap and a standard variant in black precious resin with letter ring on the cap; supplemented by special ink, Booknote and Augmented Paper. There is also a fully silver-coloured Rouge et Noir edition with rubies and, with each limited edition, its own limited ink.


What does the M on a Montblanc nib mean, and how can the nib width be recognised?

The M on a Montblanc nib stands for Montblanc and not for the nib width Medium; all Montblanc nibs bear this mark. The nib width is not stated on the nib itself or on the feed and can only be determined by inspecting the tipping or by a writing test. Nibs vary slightly even within the same classification due to handwork, which is particularly noticeable on EF nibs.