How can one judge whether an old ink bottle with glass body and supposed silver fitting is really antique?

Real historical silver overlays always bear a hallmark; if this is missing, the authenticity is questionable. On the market many artificially aged ink bottles are in circulation that are only between just under 20 and 30 euros worth. Even high-quality photos do not always allow reliable distinction between original and replica.


Is a Montblanc Meisterstück 147 without box and receipt genuine, and is the asking price reasonable?

Based on the pictures, no indications of a counterfeit can be recognised, so the piece is most likely an original. The list price for the 147 is currently around 600 euros including travel case; a used example without warranty and original accessories for 275 euros is to be classified as ambitious but compared to other online offers still the cheapest. Anyone who does not urgently need a 147 generally fares better with some patience, since Traveller models are indeed rarer than 146s but are nevertheless offered repeatedly.


How can a Montblanc Meisterstück fountain pen with a completely gilded 14-carat nib, embossing Germany and without identity number be classified?

The combination of size, gilded 14-carat nib with M embossing and missing identity number on the cap ring speaks clearly for a Montblanc 144. The imprint Germany without the addition W.-Germany points to a production from 1989 onwards. On many 144s the gilding of the ring in front of the nib is typically attacked; careful polishing improves the look but cannot restore worn-off gildings.


Is a vintage gold-coloured Montblanc fountain pen with the nib embossings 4810, M, 140, MONTBLANC and 585 genuine, and what collector value does it have?

The writing instrument described corresponds to an original Montblanc from the late 1950s; due to the size it is presumably a 744 rather than a 742. Counterfeits of old vintage models are extremely rare and stem, if present, mostly from no-name vintage nibs that are visually easily to distinguish. This model is quite of interest for collectors and counts as a good everyday writing instrument; a concrete value statement can only be derived via realised sale prices of comparable examples.


Are water or condensation drops on the nib of a Montblanc StarWalker normal?

Condensation on the nib is a typical phenomenon when a writing instrument comes from a colder environment into a warmer room or is worn close to the body for a longer time. This also occurs on other models like 146 or 149, is unproblematic and does not impair writing. The drops evaporate by themselves after a few minutes.


Which Meisterstück variant is the most popular or best-selling?

Exact sales figures only Montblanc knows; the GFK also captures only the specialist trade and not the boutiques. In German specialist trade, the model 144/145 (Classique) lies clearly before the 146, while 149 and 114 Mozart hardly turn up due to small quantities; in the boutiques the gaps are smaller, but here too the Classique leads before the Le Grand. Internationally, the 149 is significantly more strongly positioned. Collector surveys often prefer Mozart and Le Grand but are not representative of the overall market.


How does one reliably recognise on eBay auction photos counterfeits like a false Scott Fitzgerald rollerball?

A reliable authenticity evaluation based on poor auction photos is for beginners often hardly possible; safer is the purchase from a specialist retailer or at collectors' fairs. Concrete recognition features for individual models and counterfeits are extensively described in the forum section Fälschungen erkennen. Anyone who internalises the topic can better assess typical weak points but should rather forgo online auctions with uncertainty.


What to do if a Montblanc 146P after a nib change in the boutique starts poorly, ink stands on top of the nib and the end piece no longer closes flush?

Ink above the nib between tip and breathing hole as well as untidy start-up mostly indicate that the nib after the change is not correctly seated. A second free exchange is generally not granted by Montblanc, so a renewed processing is sensible. Recommended is to pack the writing instrument shock-resistantly in bubble wrap and cardboard and to send with a covering letter directly to the Customer Service of Montblanc Simplo GmbH in Hamburg.


What price difference exists between the Montblanc Meisterstück Leather under-arm bags and the similar Platinum Leather bags?

The Meisterstück Leather under-arm bag cost until production discontinuation some years ago about 980 DM or around 500 euros; an Australian price of 1300 AUD corresponds to about 750 euros and lies thus above the then German shop price. The visually similar but stylistically different bag of the Platinum Leather series was made by Seeger and was price-wise just over the Meisterstück variant. Both ranges have not been offered by Montblanc for about three years, which explains the different resale price and bidding behaviour.


Is the Montblanc Heritage Collection 1914 Limited Edition 1000 worth its money at prices between 5,000 and 7,000 euros?

The value of a fountain pen is always subjective and is composed of the writing enjoyment as well as a hard-to-forecast resale value. Even particularly demanded models achieve on the secondary market very different prices, so an objective assessment is hardly possible. Without concrete experience values with the model, ultimately one's own gut feeling remains the essential decision basis.


Is a case offered as Montblanc Sienna case 906/2 from the 1970s to 1980s genuine?

The case shown comes from the 1970s to 1980s and is most likely an original, although a simple model from that time when Montblanc still carried a broad product range from school fountain pens to Meisterstücks. With the Sienna case, however, it has nothing to do; the designation in the offer is wrong. Anyone who ordered a real Sienna case should therefore insist on delivery of the correct model.


Where can information be found on model name, production time and collector value of an old Montblanc mechanical pencil and rotary fountain pen from before 1944?

For detailed model, dating and value information on vintage Montblanc writing instruments, The Montblanc Diary and Collectors Guide by Jens Rösler is the central reference. The book covers, among other things, rotary pencils and rotary fountain pens from the pre-war period and enables a well-founded identification. Supplementary hints and a book review can be found in the forum section on literature.


How are the first pictures of the Montblanc Writers Edition 2014 on William Faulkner to be judged?

The Writers Edition 2014 appears overall appealing, with especially the darker, contrasted nib pleasing, as is also a known stylistic device with other manufacturers. Critically seen is the newly designed grip section, since it lacks the ergonomic, curved form that, e.g., on the Meisterstück 146 is felt to be particularly pleasant. Thus the fountain pen leaves a mixed first impression.


Which Montblanc model is an old fountain pen with a digit in the turning-knob imprint, and is the writing instrument still everyday-suitable?

The piece described is most likely a Montblanc 344 or 324; the exact model number is usually in the imprint on the turning knob. Both models exist in two variants; the early version visible here falls in the period 1951 to 1953. These writing instruments count as reliable and are also today still everyday-suitable.


Which basic data and which collector value characterise the Montblanc push pencil 1646?

According to Collectible Stars by Jens Rösler and Stefan Wallrafen, the Montblanc 1646 was made from 1971 to 1973; it has a push mechanism, a matt-black plastic barrel with silver-plated tip, a matt-silver-plated cap as well as silver-plated clip and push head with a lead thickness of 0.92 mm. Today the model is fairly rare, since many examples were used until final wear. Near-new pieces achieve up to a maximum of about 100 euros and count primarily as a supplement to fountain pen and ballpoint, otherwise as a good utility writing instrument.


Which Cartier model is a writing instrument with a gilded cap?

A first, non-binding assessment points to the model Le Must de Cartier with gilded cap. A reliable identification is however not possible based solely on a photo. Further detail shots, especially of engravings and thread, can be helpful for a more precise determination.


Why does a Montblanc 234 1/2 sometimes have a brownish-discoloured end cap over the turning knob?

On Montblanc writing instruments of this time, housings are made of celluloid and end pieces of hard rubber. Hard rubber tends in the course of years to discolouration into brownish, which explains the colour difference between barrel and end cap. The discolouration is thus no defect but material-typical.


How does a complaint about a Montblanc StarWalker ballpoint proceed, which papers are needed and how long does it take?

On direct shipping to Montblanc, a photocopy of the correctly filled-in warranty sheet suffices; the large original packaging need not be sent along, but a secure protective packaging is compulsory. Shipping should take place as a DHL parcel, which is by default insured up to 500 euros; higher insurance is possible. Alternatively, the specialist retailer can take over the process against reimbursement of costs; and actually, boutiques and specialist retailers use special white plastic tubes for protection of the writing instrument. Processing generally takes more than three weeks; through factory holidays between Christmas and New Year, the return can be delayed until mid-January.


Why do old pen mechanisms dry up after a short time, and where can feeds be procured or repaired?

A too-fast drying mostly goes back to insufficient ink flow, whose cause typically lies in the feed or in a wrong nib position. Classical repair businesses generally work on nibs and mechanisms, not on feeds themselves. Feeds and nibs are, among others, made by the firm Bock, which is a suitable contact for corresponding enquiries.


From what period does the Montblanc PIX No. 16 push pencil come, and how is it to be classified?

According to the book Collectible Stars, the Montblanc PIX No. 16 was made between 1960 and 1970. It is an everyday model that is comparatively simple to find and has no pronounced rarity status.


What is to be made of a Montblanc Royal Black Diamond set with brilliants at a Christie's auction?

Even when achieving twice the estimate price, such a piece still counts as a bargain, although taste varies strongly; some collectors feel the fully brilliant-set fountain pen to be overloaded. The stones are throughout real brilliants in Top Wesselton quality with 56-facet cut and were set by hand into the solid-gold housing. The final price of around 20,000 USD stands in clear disproportion to the pure material and workmanship value and is in collector circles felt to be surprisingly low.


Which small, silver-coloured Montblanc ballpoints up to maximum 11.5 cm length are available for around 350 euros?

The Montblanc Solitaire Sterling HaWAM in Mozart size with the ID number 18178 is available via Scription for around 362 euros plus shipping and thus largely fits the requirements. Individual Mozart ballpoints from the Jungle Eyes collection are also still available but lie price-wise slightly above the limit. The requested Nikolai I in Platinum version is in this combination of size and price practically not to be obtained.


Which beautiful Slimline fountain pen under 200 euros is suitable for the loop of a notebook?

A suitable option is the vintage Montblanc Slimline fountain pen from the 1970s to 1980s, which is significantly under 200 euros and in format fits well in a notebook loop. Compared to this, modern writing instruments like the Montblanc Mozart are priced higher, while the Kaweco Sport series is frequently felt to be too thick.


Can a short waiting time between consecutive posts be set up in the forum to avoid double postings?

The forum is based on a combination of Joomla and Fireboard, so only functions can be used that this software already brings. An own programming of individual features is therefore not possible; a switch of the forum software would moreover endanger the valuable stock of old posts. Suggestions like a minimum pause between postings are collected and can in future be presented to a programmer responsible for the community.


How is the limited Montegrappa Bicentenario Giuseppe Verdi collection to be assessed?

The series is dedicated to Verdi for the 200th birthday and accordingly limited to 1813 examples, divided into 350 fountain pens, 650 rollers and 813 ballpoints. The cap bears a laser engraving of the Verdi portrait and his signature; the fountain pen is equipped with a rhodium-plated 18-carat gold nib; shop prices are at 675 euros for the fountain pen, 475 euros for the roller and 400 euros for the ballpoint. The design is perceived as elegant and stylish; laser engravings remain a matter of taste but are particularly well suited for reproducing faces and signatures.


How can it be judged whether a Montblanc fountain pen offered on eBay is genuine?

The piece shown looks largely genuine in the pictures; however, several indications speak against a reputable sale: hints of a Vietnamese lacquer presentation box, the separated spelling Mont Blanc instead of Montblanc and deliberately unsharp photos are typical warning signs. There is also the danger that a pen other than the one depicted is shipped. From bidding it is therefore to be advised against.


Did the Montblanc No. 94 also exist in solid white gold, and what does the unusual hallmark 580 instead of the usual 585 mean?

A white-gold variant of the No. 94 (around 1965) counts as very rare and is not documented in the relevant Montblanc book either. The hallmark 580 instead of 585 is in the jewellery area unusual but occurs on some historical gold alloys. That corresponds to a gold content of about 13.6 carat instead of the usual 14 carat (585). Such pieces count as rarities that even experienced collectors have so far not encountered.


How does one recognise on an old Montblanc No. 22 with a delicately engraved nib inscription and a piston insert inside whether an original or a counterfeit is present?

A delicately engraved nib inscription on a Montblanc No. 22 is no indication of a counterfeit but corresponds to the original version. If in the ink chamber instead of a piston mechanism a component with Montblanc imprint is located, it is a so-called piston converter. This converter can be removed and replaced with normal ink cartridges; the fountain pen is thus suitable for both filling types. Both pieces described thus count as real Montblanc pens.


Is a StarWalker Resin Black with a hollow clip inside without Pix embossing a counterfeit, or did that also exist on the original?

A StarWalker Resin Black with a hollow clip inside without the typical Pix embossing is most likely a counterfeit. Further indications are an unusually designed nib, an unscrewable star, striking rings on the grip section as well as a poor script quality on the clip. A direct comparison with a guaranteed genuine piece brings in such cases quick clarity. Buyers should note that even large auction houses often do not sufficiently control the sale of counterfeit branded goods and in case of dispute mostly only refer to the sellers.


How can a Montblanc ballpoint acquired via eBay and the matching case be checked for authenticity?

For an authenticity check it is necessary to post well-resolved pictures in the forum, since only thus an assessment is possible. Hints on correct uploading and on picture size can be found in corresponding forum posts that are linked in the forum helps. Indications like a matching Parker refill already point on a ballpoint to a counterfeit. Before a final evaluation, clear photos of pen and case should in any case be available.


What can one do if the cap of a Montblanc Rollerball 163 Solitaire sits clearly too loosely on the pen?

If the cap of a new Solitaire rollerball sits too loosely, that is a typical case for Montblanc service. If the purchase is less than two years ago and the warranty card is available, the worn-out inner cap is exchanged free of charge. Outside the warranty, the so-called service flat rate 1 applies, which for a high-quality writing instrument is nevertheless worthwhile. The simplest is to bring the pen for this to a Montblanc boutique.


What does the designation "Pix" on the middle ring of a Montblanc Meisterstück ballpoint stand for?

"Pix" is a protected model designation of Montblanc and no indication whatever of a counterfeit. The inscription is found on many Meisterstück ballpoints on the middle cap ring; on newer models partly also on the inside of the clip. For model determination (164, 161 etc.), the respective dimensions are helpful, which are listed in the forum sections on Montblanc models.


How can the authenticity of a Montblanc writing instrument be assessed based on unsharp eBay photos?

A reliable authenticity check based on unsharp photos is hardly possible. On the available pictures the pen looks basically genuine, but additional risk factors like a low seller rating (e.g. 90 percent) and a present engraving are to be heeded. Before the purchase, sharp detail shots should better be requested. Ultimately the decision lies with the buyer, who must weigh the risk.


To whom can one report brand piracy of writing instruments and lighters, and does a slightly altered spelling of the brand name suffice to be legally non-attackable?

Brand counterfeits can be reported directly via the contact forms of the manufacturers like Montblanc or S.T. Dupont. Alongside, associations like the Aktionskreis gegen Produkt- und Markenpiraterie (markenpiraterie-apm.de) or the international Alliance for Gray Market and Counterfeit Abatement (AGMA) exist, which however mostly only act for member firms. A slightly deviating spelling (e.g. "Dupon" instead of "Dupont") legally does not protect: with high confusion danger in the same product group, trademark protection still applies; a counterfeit remains a counterfeit. Even semantically similar designations like "Volkswogen" have been judicially objected to.


Is a plainly designed Parker Duofold with a sober cap end and narrow clip ring a counterfeit or a particular original model?

Such plain Duofold models are no counterfeits but correspond to the 1987-introduced Duofold of the first new generation. The restrained design with sober cap end, thin clip ring and uncontoured nib embossing is characteristic and often led to authenticity doubts. Parker corrected these weaknesses between about 1994/1995 with a model revision. Via the date code embossed on the pen, the exact year of production in this period can be determined.


Is a ballpoint offered as "Bohème rouge" on whose ring "Rouge et Noir" stands a counterfeit?

It is not a counterfeit but the matching ballpoint for the line "Rouge et Noir". This variant was produced only for a short time and counts as a sought-after collector's piece but is price-wise so far only slightly above the standard version. Visually and functionally, the ballpoint fits well a Bohème fountain pen. Anyone preferring the actual Bohème rouge can in the collector environment attempt an exchange against a normal Bohème plus surcharge.


Can refill blocks for the Montblanc notebooks from the Meisterstück Collection be bought back, and are there replacement erasers for Montblanc pencils?

For the Montblanc notebook cases from the Meisterstück Collection, replacement blocks are very well separately available; a complete purchase of the case is not necessary. The blocks are available where the case was bought too, as well as in most Montblanc sales points; the price lies in the single-digit euro range (around 3.50 euros per block). Likewise matching replacement erasers for the Montblanc pencils are available and can simply be exchanged. In the shop, these spare parts are often not openly displayed; targeted enquiry at the sales counter, however, leads to the goal.


How does one fill an old Montblanc No. 34 piston filler with ink if the rear rotary piston can hardly be moved any more?

The Montblanc No. 34 is a classical piston filler, no suction filler with pipette like the old Safety models. The rear rotary piston must be movable for a complete filling process over several rotations. If it can only be moved barely, mostly the piston mechanism is dried up, and the pen should first be soaked for a longer time before further turning. Caution is in order, because the spindle of the piston mechanism can consist of plastic and easily breaks off with force application.


How reliably can an older Montblanc fountain pen with overlay and the matching pencil be checked for authenticity based on auction photos?

With old Montblanc fountain pens with overlay, caution is in order, because Montblanc at the time bought the overlays from third-party providers (often from Pforzheim) and many jewellers also made unauthorised overlays. Based on auction photos, it cannot therefore be reliably said whether an overlay officially comes from Montblanc. Added to this is that with pens depicted closed, the nib cannot be judged, which further complicates an authenticity confirmation. On the accompanying pencil, the visible details mostly look unproblematic.


Is a significantly smaller and front-heavy Montblanc rollerball with "W-Germany" embossing and "Meistersück" inscription an original?

A reliable judgement is only possible based on sharp photos; a textual description is mostly not enough for the experts. A smaller size and a slight imbalance need not be an authenticity problem, since Montblanc has built differently dimensioned models. Striking spelling errors in the engraving (like "Meistersück" instead of "Meisterstück"), however, would be a clear counterfeit feature and should be precisely checked. A check at a Montblanc specialist retailer is usually free of charge and quickly possible.


How can an old Montblanc push pencil of 585 gold with the engraving "M-W-E" be identified and dated?

Based on a pure description, a 585 gold pencil by Montblanc can hardly be identified, because several models exist in 585 gold. For a sensible estimate, clear photos should be posted. An engraving like "M-W-E" is mostly an individual initials or company engraving and no model marking. A dating to the 1950s or 1960s appears plausible but should be verified picture-based.


Are the pattern and the price of a Montblanc Solitaire Stainless Steel 2 ballpoint offered on eBay plausible, and were there two different versions of this model?

The offered ballpoint looks basically like an original; the demanded price, however, lies strikingly high. With private purchases without warranty, the price should lie noticeably below the shop price; therefore patience and comparison with further offers is recommended. Visual differences to the Solitaire Platinum-Plated Facet rest mostly not on two different versions of the Stainless Steel 2 but on different lighting conditions and picture qualities. On the polished, shiny steel, the matt engraving acts differently depending on background and can feign different patterns.


Is a writing instrument offered as Montblanc Writers Edition Alexandre Dumas without the original signature still genuine, and which price is realistic for the Limited Edition?

Despite initial doubts, the writing instrument fits the original version of the Writers Edition Alexandre Dumas, comparable to the reference photos on relevant collector sites. For value determination, a look at completed eBay auctions is recommended; there the prices usually fluctuate between around 280 and 460 euros; a realistic market value lies at about 310 to 320 euros. The edition of the Edition Alexandre Dumas is in total 16,000 pieces, of which 11,000 as individual pieces and 5,000 as a set. These figures are documented in the common overviews of the Writers Editions.


How does one deal with the fact that a Montblanc Meisterstück 146 Le Grand auctioned on eBay is documented only by unsharp photos, and how does one recognise authenticity?

Even with unsharp auction photos, decisive authenticity features can be recognised, especially the transitions between the cap rings. On originals the spaces are cleanly worked; on counterfeits typical "notches" are found there. A dealer's stamp in the service document, e.g. of Montblanc Deutschland GmbH in Hamburg, gives additional security. Anyone wanting as a beginner to be entirely sure is, on the first purchase, however better off in a Montblanc boutique.


Is an inherited gold-coloured Montblanc Noblesse pencil with thread guilloche pattern genuine, and in what period was it made?

The Noblesse pencil described is an original from the period end of the 1970s to 1980s. A peculiarity of this line is that the Montblanc logo in this phase was not executed in white but in black, which makes the pencil also interesting for collectors. However, the model was produced in larger numbers and is therefore regularly to be found on the second-hand market. The collector value remains correspondingly within limits.


Is an older Montblanc Meisterstück ballpoint without "Pix" inscription on the middle ring a counterfeit, and what does a slight red shimmer mean?

Older Meisterstück ballpoints were partly made with, partly without the Pix inscription on the middle ring; the absence is therefore no indication of a counterfeit. The Pix inscription was added in the course of the model history and is on newer writing instruments often to be found on the inside of the clip. A slight reddish shimmer on black Montblanc pens is even a reliable authenticity feature and arises through a very high concentration of the black dye in the plastic. Many counterfeits do not show this property.


Is it normal that in the ink chamber of a Montblanc piston converter a small spring runs along loose?

The spring inside the piston converter is series-fitted in all newer Montblanc converters and no production defect. It ensures that the ink, due to the small inner diameter, does not get stuck at one point but is constantly mixed during movement. Background is the capillarity of ink and inner converter wall. An exchange of the converter is therefore not necessary.


Is a supposed Montblanc Greta Garbo ballpoint stemming from a household clearance genuine?

The writing instrument found in the household clearance is, according to assessment in the forum, a counterfeit. Own research on the internet showed indeed similar models but no exact equivalent, which is already a warning sign. Detail pictures were due to the 150-KB restriction of the forum hard to post, which made a more detailed assessment more difficult.


Is a Montblanc Solitaire Vermeil offered on eBay with correct hallmark genuine, and does the model belong to the size 144 or 146?

The Solitaire Vermeil offered is an original; the hallmark confirms that cap and reservoir are made of vermeil. With the size question, caution is in order, since the Solitaire Vermeil as a small 144 Classique model is widespread. A clear distinction feature is the grip section: with the 144 Classique Vermeil it is typically gilded, which is not familiar to every provider. A dealer statement "surely a 146" should therefore be checked based on the dimensions and the design of the grip section.


Are on a ballpoint offered as Montblanc Meisterstück 164 with engraved serial number and unusual box oddities to be expected?

On the writing instrument itself, no obvious authenticity defects are recognisable; the rings and the engraved serial number look consistent. Striking, however, is the high retail price, which lies for the model significantly above the usual level. The unusual packaging is also explicable: such boxes are frequently used by airlines like Lufthansa as gift packaging and are no original Montblanc cases. That is, however, uncritical if the ballpoint is intended for writing and not as a collector's piece.


How does one recognise a particularly well-made counterfeit of the Montblanc Annual Edition on eBay?

Even visually successful counterfeits of the Annual Edition can be exposed by several details. A clear indication is the packaging with black star and further typical fake features. Additionally, the Annual Edition never existed as a rollerball, so every corresponding auction is necessarily counterfeit. Even the depicted swords and the missing year deliver further hints; only the housing itself comes visually close to the original.


What can one do when eBay sellers use copyright-protected photos from fountainpen.de as supposed original pictures of their auction?

Such auctions are a clear warning sign: if the pictures come from fountainpen.de, they do not show the article actually offered, and potential buyers do not know what they receive. Bidders should in such cases keep their distance. Sellers can be asked via "Question to seller" for correction but often react only late or not at all. A report to eBay for stopping the auction is possible but needs a lead time of several working days, which is why running auctions can often not be stopped in time.


Which typical features expose Montblanc counterfeits on eBay, and does a purely gold nib automatically make a Meisterstück 146 suspicious?

Designs that Montblanc has never made as well as a wrongly positioned or missing cap ring or a missing ink-view window are clear counterfeit features. A completely gold nib alone is by contrast no indication of a counterfeit; there are quite genuine 146s with a pure gold nib. Very well to be recognised are fakes frequently by the nib engraving: counterfeit nibs typically bear the inscription "Iridium Point". Striking is additionally the concentration of counterfeit StarWalker models with some sellers.


How does one clean the cap of a Montblanc Le Grand when ink has accidentally run into it, and does water harm the cap?

The cap can without hesitation be rinsed with clear water; damage by the water is not to be expected. Afterwards one lets it dry in the air or dries the inside with a rolled-up paper tissue. Condensation or ink residues are normal in every cap; older models even had a small ventilation hole for this. Even with changes between cold and warmth, condensation occasionally forms, which is technically unproblematic.


Is a connection of this forum to the Tapatalk app for iOS and Android devices possible or planned?

A Tapatalk connection is technically basically possible via a plug-in but fails due to costs and effort: the forum is operated as a non-commercial hobby and already causes annual middle three-digit euro amounts. Plug-ins are additionally for security reasons generally used restrainedly. With an anyway planned update of the forum software in the coming months, it should be checked whether a Tapatalk integration is sensibly implementable. The connection is, however, not assured.


Can a green Montblanc Meisterstück from the 1930s be dated, and where does one get spare parts for a missing little star on the cap top?

Green Meisterstücks of celluloid stem from the 1930s and are rare, because coloured models were at that time less in demand and the green celluloid was less durable. Presumably it is a model 20 or 25; the exact model number stands usually on the back of the cap and can be determined from there. A small hole on the cap is structurally a ventilation hole and no defect. For spare parts and repairs of old Meisterstücks, Horst Schrage (max@maxpens.de) is a tried-and-tested point of contact.


Is a ballpoint offered on eBay as Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire 925 Silver with the note "replica" for around 55 euros genuine?

The star looks incomplete, and especially the colouring of the rings deviates from the known Solitaire Silver Thread version, which makes the ballpoint suspicious. The seller's own note of a "replica" does not make the matter clearer, since corresponding replicas in this form are not known. Hallmark "925", drop on the clip and "Germany" can also be present on good replicas and alone are no proof of an original. In sum, a purchase is not recommended; a final decision, however, must be made by the buyer.


Have on the early Montblanc Writers Editions like Hemingway, Agatha Christie and Oscar Wilde counterfeits already turned up?

On the early Writers Editions Hemingway, Agatha Christie and Oscar Wilde, no counterfeits are so far known. A complete certainty does not however exist with brand counterfeits. If fakes do turn up at some point, they can so far reliably be identified based on the nib. It is on these editions the most reliable authenticity feature.


How does eBay deal with the massively occurring Chinese Montblanc counterfeits, and how effective are reports to manufacturers and platform?

On eBay, numerous counterfeits turn up daily, from professionally made to poor plagiarisms, often from ever-new seller accounts from abroad. Reports to Montblanc lead, according to collector experience, to about 70 percent of the fake auctions being ended prematurely or after the end of the auction. eBay itself shows itself rather restrained in combating, since already the listing of the auctions brings fees. Striking is additionally that counterfeits, e.g. on the StarWalker Rubber, are getting significantly better in quality, which complicates recognition; Meisterstück counterfeits, however, are mostly obviously poorly executed.


When does the CAS collectors' get-together take place in Dortmund, and what is discussed at the meeting?

The CAS collectors' get-together in Dortmund took place on 3 December 2005 from 12:00 in the Franziskaner; the originally planned second date on 4 December was cancelled for lack of replies. Attending were eight collectors; the atmosphere was described as informal and informative. As the next meeting, February 2006 was already envisaged, at which everyone should bring duplicate, incomplete or defective writing instruments in order to make them functional again together. Possible dates would be the weekends 4/5 or 11/12 February 2006; the lighting conditions in the restaurant should still be improved for this.


How can one ascertain to which Montblanc series a ballpoint belongs that was given as a gift but shows indications of a counterfeit?

A ballpoint that resembles a Copernicus model is most likely a counterfeit, since the Copernicus exists exclusively as a fountain pen, and only in the variants 4810 and 888. On counterfeit nibs, the inscription "4810" or with very bad fakes only "Iridium Point" is frequently found, while packagings of counterfeits often stem from other models like the Bohème. Original Copernicus pens cost new around 1,700 euros; counterfeit versions are sold for 20 to 50 euros online and for 2 to 4 euros in China. For reliable clarification, the comparison with original photos on the Montblanc website or at fountainpen.de as well as the visit to a Montblanc boutique is recommended.


How can an inherited Montblanc Noblesse pen and the matching ballpoint be more precisely dated and classified?

A reliable model assignment and dating of the Noblesse line is hardly possible without a photo, since in the course of time several variants in different versions existed. A gold-coloured, ribbed case with Noblesse imprint on the ballpoint and a 585 gold nib on the fountain pen speaks for an older Noblesse version; the pen itself often bears no inscription. For reliable identification, photos of all inscriptions, nibs and trim should be posted in the forum, in case of doubt linked via external picture hosters. Only then can year of manufacture and value be seriously assessed.


Where does one find Montblanc dealers abroad (Poland, Russia, Czech Republic) with online presence, and is an online purchase from authorised dealers at all possible?

Authorised Montblanc dealers may generally not openly offer new goods via the internet, since they would otherwise no longer be supplied by Montblanc. Some dealers do carry Montblanc in their range but do not publicly show the products on their website; on individual enquiry, however, offers can be obtained by mail. Anyone who finds open online offers is dealing either with fakes or with goods from unauthorised sources. With older pieces no longer in the current programme, the requirements are less strict; in addition, many German online dealers ship on request also abroad.


Which Montblanc model is a ballpoint acquired in 1991 with metal housing?

The ballpoint described is the Montblanc "Leonardo". This model was offered in the 1970s in various metal housings. Even if the acquisition only took place in 1991, the pen thereby classifies itself structurally and stylistically into this older model range.


From what time does the Montblanc advertising with the octagonal Safety stem, and is this also available in the original (e.g. coloured)?

The octagonal Safety shown on the advertising is a very rare model and stems from the period 1924 to 1929. The advertisement itself was printed in the "Zeitschrift für Papier- und Schreibwarenhändler" of 1926; the copy is available at the Austrian National Library. Whether the advertising is elsewhere preserved in the original and in colour does not emerge from the thread. From a collector's view, similar octagonal Safetys had in recent years market prices around 100 to 120 euros.


How does the Montblanc Skeleton "Romantic Heart" look, in what edition did it appear and how high is the price?

The Montblanc Skeleton "Romantic Heart" was made in an edition of 14 pieces on the basis of the LeGrand and specially issued for the US market for Valentine's Day. The price is around 72,000 euros. Pictures and further information can be found in relevant international collector forums like the Fountain Pen Network.


Why does the regular VAT rate apply to Montblanc writing instruments and limited collector editions and not the reduced art rate?

Which products are subject to the reduced VAT rate is conclusively regulated in Annex 2 of the VAT law; writing instruments are not listed there, so they are generally taxed at the regular rate. Limited editions too are tax-wise classified as writing instruments and not as artworks. From the tax-law view, such pieces can however in a professional context count as "work tools" and thus be deducted via income tax, e.g. via multi-year AfA depreciations. Thus a part of the higher VAT can in the individual case be compensated again, provided the tax office recognises the professional use.


Is a fountain pen offered as "Rouge et Noir" with three rings on the grip section and a non-retractable nib actually this edition or another model?

Description and pictures do not fit the real "Rouge et Noir" but the "Bohème Rouge". The "Rouge et Noir" corresponds design-wise to the "Noir et Noir", has golden trim, a red stone in the clip, no ring on the grip section and a matching imprint ("Rouge-et-Noir") on the rear ring. The "Bohème Rouge" by contrast shows the typical three rings on the grip section. Of the "Bohème Rouge" there are two sizes: a small one with retractable nib and a medium one with piston converter, which represents a size and not a generation distinction.


Why does the office market Staples sell Montblanc refills, cartridges and ink bottles but no Montblanc writing instruments?

Staples carried years ago, at least in Hamburg, also Montblanc writing instruments, which were offered as a discounter under the RRP. Thereupon Montblanc stopped, according to reports in the Hamburger Abendblatt, the supply of writing instruments. Refills, cartridges and ink continue to be carried, because Montblanc itself maintains an own online refill shop and the distribution of consumables is less strongly regulated. Montblanc refills also fit some writing instruments of other manufacturers (e.g. David Oscarson or Caran d'Ache), while Montblanc ink cartridges are proprietary.


Did the Montblanc Special Edition Greta Garbo also exist as a rollerball with a black upper part, or is such a variant a counterfeit?

Of the Greta Garbo there officially existed three variants as fountain pen and ballpoint, however never a rollerball and no version with black upper part. A version offered as Greta Garbo rollerball with black upper part is therefore most likely a counterfeit. Even the detail of the pearl on the clip looks on such pieces often poorly attached, which confirms the suspicion. In case of doubt the writing instrument should be presented to a specialist retailer.


What is known about the break-in at the Montblanc boutique Hamburg and the associated stolen goods?

In November 2008, the Montblanc boutique in Hamburg was largely cleared out in a single night after a fashion show; the booty was a total value of around one million euros. With the arrest of the receivers of stolen goods in Hamburg, goods worth 400,000 euros could be secured; the rest remained missing. The perpetrators apparently tried to dispose of the stolen goods within Germany, including models like Bismarck, Francois, Mozart and Dietrich. Anyone offered one of these pieces should notify the police or Montblanc.


Did the Montblanc Carrera ballpoint also exist with a cap, or only with a click mechanism?

The Montblanc Carrera ballpoints were made exclusively with clip-lever mechanism; a variant with cap did not exist in this model range. Anyone seeking a classical Montblanc ballpoint with cap must therefore switch to other model ranges.


Is a Montblanc Ramses II fountain pen offered on eBay genuine, and how high lies the market price?

The auction photos show a real Montblanc Ramses II in original version. In near-new condition, the market price on eBay usually moves around 400 to 420 euros. To be noted is the nib width BB of the specifically depicted piece, which is primarily suitable for signatures and not for longer texts.


How do company engravings like an "MW" enclosed in a circle affect the collector value of a Montblanc Meisterstück from the 1950s?

The "MW" enclosed in a circle is a known, regularly turning-up company mark whose meaning is not finally clarified in the forum. Such company engravings usually reduce the collector value noticeably, which is why experienced collectors often leave corresponding pieces alone. An enhancement can arise only if matching packaging or advertising materials unambiguously assign the piece to a known firm, comparable to the documented Warner Brothers 146. Without such context, the pen remains mostly uninteresting for collectors.


How can on eBay auctions additional photos be embedded free of charge by using the gallery function of one's own website?

On eBay only the first photo is free of charge; further photos and larger picture displays are chargeable. These costs can be circumvented by storing photos on one's own server and embedding them in the auction. Via the gallery function in the user menu, for example with the zOOm Image Gallery, a new album can be created. For this, the item "Create / edit photo gallery" is selected, a gallery name and optionally a description entered, the publication option deactivated and "Create" clicked. Afterwards the photos can be uploaded, either as a ZIP archive with all pictures or as individual files whose number is fixed beforehand and then transferred to the server via "Browse" and "Upload". The photos stored this way can then be embedded in eBay auctions. Every author has 10 megabytes of free storage available; the maximum traffic is 250 megabytes per month, which is generally also sufficient for power sellers.


What role did the jewellery designer André Ribeiro play for Montblanc, and which editions did he design?

Montblanc limited editions captivate many collectors because they unmistakably reflect the character of their namesake and the corresponding cultural epoch while also having to address the contemporary zeitgeist. It is precisely these writing instruments that touch collectors emotionally and bind them to the Montblanc brand. In addition to design and craftsmanship perfection, such editions place particular demands on their designers. This article is dedicated to André Ribeiro — and through him to the other creators as well.

Already his first project at Montblanc (from 1990), the Meisterstück Royal, is extraordinary: one of the most valuable fountain pens in the world, set with around 4,200 diamonds. In parallel, Ribeiro worked on the development and technical execution of the Meisterstück Platinum. Both projects required exceptional technical know-how, since their goal was, among other things, to position Montblanc as the most exclusive and most craftsmanship-perfect writing instrument manufacturer. The Platinum and Royal editions (market launch 1993) prove this impressively.

Ribeiro is also responsible for several Patron of Arts editions. His first in this series is a good example: with two designs he was able to convince the management at an early stage, so that in 1997 both variants — Catherine the Great and Peter the Great — were brought to market. That was a novelty; before and after that there was only one writing instrument per year.

Next followed the Marquise de Pompadour edition (project started in 1998, market launch in 2001) — also impressive through its particular combination of gold and porcelain. A material mix that was later taken up in further limited editions (Year of the Golden Dragon 888, Sakura 333, Ludwig van Beethoven, Leonard Bernstein) and in the Annual Editions.

In 2005, with Pope Julius II, another Patron of Arts edition from Ribeiro's hand appeared. According to his own statement he is currently not working on any further editions for Montblanc but is concentrating on his own projects. As a jewellery designer he continues to create very special pieces. He has remained true to his style: an independent material mix and strong contrasts. Today Ribeiro is regarded as THE expert when it comes to working rubber into jewellery — no one else currently succeeds in combining rubber, gold and diamonds with comparable craftsmanship perfection.

For his creations he has already received numerous prizes, including the 'Red Dot' of the Design Centre Essen, an award for exceptionally high design quality. His pieces of jewellery can be admired in various museums such as the Cooper-Hewitt Museum (New York), the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (Paris) and the Schmuckmuseum Pforzheim. Further information about Mr Ribeiro's jewellery is available at any well-stocked jeweller as well as online at http://www.andre-ribeiro.de/.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Meisterstück Royal (set with ~4,200 diamonds): https://www.fountainpen.de/solitaire-royal-en.htm
• Patron of Arts 'Catherine the Great': https://www.fountainpen.de/patron-catherine-888-en.htm
• Patron of Arts 'Peter the Great': https://www.fountainpen.de/patron-peter-888-en.htm
• Patron of Arts 'Marquise de Pompadour': https://www.fountainpen.de/patron-pompadour-en.htm
• Patron of Arts 'Pope Julius II': https://www.fountainpen.de/patron-pope-julius2-en.htm
• Asia edition 'Year of the Golden Dragon 888': https://www.fountainpen.de/asia-golden-dragon-888-en.htm
• Asia edition 'Sakura 333': https://www.fountainpen.de/asia-sakura-333-en.htm
• Overview of all Patron of Arts editions: https://www.fountainpen.de/patron-en.htm


What is the story behind the Montblanc Jean Todt 146 — one of the first fully customised Montblanc editions?

Around the year 2000 (possibly even slightly earlier), a very special Montblanc 146 appeared in an auction on eBay.com — quite unlike anything seen before: completely gold-plated, with a dark-red cap and an engraving on the barrel that was supposed to represent tyre tracks. It was not particularly pretty — but very, very special. A modest bid was placed, but the pen was not won: the final price was about five times as high as the own bid, around 2,600 USD as best recalled.

A few months after the auction, a newspaper article revealed that Jean Todt (at the time responsible for the Ferrari Formula 1 team) is an ambitious collector of Montblanc and Montegrappa writing instruments. He had even managed to persuade Montblanc to build him his own fountain pen — with a red cap and a gold-plated body. Todt apparently lost it later or it was stolen from him. That made it clear: the piece from the auction was almost certainly exactly this Todt pen.

The remarkable point: up to then it was not generally known that Montblanc also accommodates fully individual customer wishes. The Jean Todt 146 therefore counts among the very first fully customised Montblanc writing instruments and marks a milestone in the brand's history — the beginning of what was later professionalised as the bespoke service via the Artisan Studio.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Montblanc Meisterstück 146 (Le Grand): https://www.fountainpen.de/c-montblanc-meisterstueck-146-en.htm
• Skeleton Edition Ferrari Jean Todt: https://www.fountainpen.de/skeleton-ferrari-jean-todt-en.htm
• Overview Skeleton Editions: https://www.fountainpen.de/skeleton-en.htm
• Overview Artisan Editions (Bespoke): https://www.fountainpen.de/artisan-en.htm


What are fully customised writing instruments, and which manufacturers offer such bespoke editions?

Beyond the sale of regular limited and special editions, several established high-end writing instrument manufacturers also produce fully customised one-off pieces to the customer's specification — known in English as bespoke pieces. On commission, materials, engravings, precious metals and gemstone settings are produced according to personal preference and — in many cases — the family or company symbolism of the commissioning customer.

Pioneers in this discipline are Montblanc with the Artisan Studio in Hamburg and Montegrappa, both well known for their made-to-measure pieces. Caran d'Ache, Visconti, Krone, Stipula as well as specialised manufacturers such as Yard-O-Led, Conway Stewart, Bexley and individual boutique pen makers also offer bespoke services. Frequently used design elements include solid gold barrels with hand-engraved motifs, enamel work, gemstone settings and the use of historical or symbolically charged materials (e.g. meteorite iron, mammoth ivory or precious woods).

Early publicly known examples are the Montblanc Jean Todt 146 mentioned earlier as well as various one-off pieces from the Montblanc Artisan Studio. An overview of spectacular ultra-high-end editions and individual commissions from the international luxury writing-instrument scene is offered, among others, by an article in Robb Report: https://robbreport.com/shelter/art-collectibles/21-ultimate-gifts-writ-large-234857/ — there pieces are shown whose prices quickly reach five- to six-figure amounts and which, in choice of materials, engraving and gemstone setting, leave the boundaries of classic writing instruments far behind.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Montblanc Artisan Editions (Bespoke): https://www.fountainpen.de/artisan-en.htm
• Limited Artisan Editions: https://www.fountainpen.de/limited-artisan-en.htm
• Patron of Arts (edition series): https://www.fountainpen.de/patron-en.htm
• Skeleton editions: https://www.fountainpen.de/skeleton-en.htm


What is special about the Montblanc Copernicus edition (4810 and 888), and which production error occurred?

In 2003 the Montblanc Copernicus was released as a Patron of Arts edition in two variants (4810 and 888). Even the first photos convinced many collectors: the barrel (though the thick silver rings were not to everyone's taste), the mother-of-pearl star – still something special at the time – and above all the nib with its engraved yellow sun made the piece a highlight. More than one collector even sold off other writing instruments to be able to afford the Copernicus 4810 and pre-ordered it immediately.

On opening the packaging, however, many were in for a surprise: in all photos online, on the Montblanc homepage, in the brochures and even in the service booklet, the sun on the nib engraving was rendered in yellow (gold-plated); what was actually delivered, however, was a nib whose sun was platinum-plated and only the outer rim gold-plated – exactly the other way round. A silver sun looked not only counter-intuitive but also visually much less appealing.

An enquiry with the Montblanc hotline yielded the response that on all nibs of this edition the sun was platinum-plated and the rim gold-plated. Asked why brochures, service guide and homepage showed exactly the opposite, the answer was that this design change had been made at short notice once the brochures had already been printed; a reason for the reversal of the gold-plating, however, was not given.

Only later did the trade reveal what had really happened: a Montblanc employee allegedly had not read the design specifications correctly, so that all nibs were plated incorrectly. This was reportedly only noticed once the entire production was already faulty – too late for a correction. Astonishingly, the deviation apparently went unnoticed by anyone during production.

Two to three years after release, a Copernicus prototype with the originally intended (correct) nib – sun in yellow, rim in platinum – was auctioned on eBay France. The price achieved was significantly above the regular edition level. Montblanc, incidentally, took several years to bring the photos on its own website in line with the nib variant actually delivered.

Further information and pictures of both variants can be found on the overview pages of fountainpen.de:
• https://www.fountainpen.de/patron-copernicus.htm (Copernicus 4810)
• https://www.fountainpen.de/patron-copernicus888.htm (Copernicus 888)

Further related pages:
• Patron of Arts 'Marquise de Pompadour' (Ribeiro's previous edition): https://www.fountainpen.de/patron-pompadour-en.htm
• Overview of all Patron of Arts editions: https://www.fountainpen.de/patron-en.htm


Which two surface variants exist on the Montblanc Hemingway, and how was this first Writers Edition received by the market?

In 1992 the Hemingway was released as the first edition of the Writers Edition series. Today it counts among the most sought-after pieces of the series and would be a most welcome addition to many a collector's collection. What is often forgotten: in the first years after release the Hemingway was not really in demand – or to put it differently, it lay in many shop windows like lead. The colour combination with its striking orange in particular did not initially appeal to many buyers. As late as 1997, five years after market launch, the Hemingway was still available in many boutiques and at specialist dealers without any waiting time.

On opening two then still factory-sealed Hemingway ballpoint pens, a peculiarity emerged that is not yet widely known: the first ballpoint pen corresponded to the familiar variant with a slightly rough surface – the barrel skin looks as if it had been sandblasted (exactly how this rougher finish is achieved is not known). With the second ballpoint pen, however, the surprise was complete: this Hemingway was entirely smooth – neither clip nor barrel showed the typical rough surface.

An enquiry through the dealer, who in turn contacted Montblanc, revealed: at least for the ballpoint pens, two surface variants do indeed exist – a rough one and a smooth one. Why these two finishes exist has not been conclusively clarified to this day; possible explanations include an early pre-series run, a special production batch or a later adjustment to the manufacturing process. For the Hemingway fountain pens, on the other hand, only the variant with the rough surface is so far known. For collectors it is therefore worthwhile, when acquiring a Hemingway ballpoint pen, to take a close look at clip and barrel – the smooth variant is likely to be considerably rarer.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Montblanc Writers Edition 'Hemingway' (1992): https://www.fountainpen.de/writer-hemingway-en.htm
• Overview of all Writers Editions: https://www.fountainpen.de/writer-en.htm


What is the story behind the Montblanc Skeleton "I love NY" edition, and why of all places was it not available in New York?

After the Skeleton Star edition 333 (see https://www.fountainpen.de/skeleton-star.htm) sold out within a very short time, Montblanc brought a whole series of further Skeleton variants to the market. An overview can be found at https://www.fountainpen.de/skeleton.htm in the Limited Flag Pens section.

Among the country-specific Skeleton editions there was also the "I love NY" variant, produced in just 50 pieces. This edition counts among the most sought-after and rarest Skeleton pieces of all. However, a curious trademark mishap occurred: Montblanc had apparently failed to properly secure the rights to the well-known "I love NY" logo (designed by Milton Glaser, protected by the New York State Department of Economic Development).

The consequence: while the edition could be sold regularly in Asia or, for example, in the Paris boutique, it was of all places not available in New York – precisely at the very location to which the edition was dedicated. A remarkable example of how important the correct clarification of licensing and trademark rights is, especially for strongly regionally focused limited editions.

Direct model page: https://www.fountainpen.de/skeleton-i-love-ny-en.htm


What distinguishes the Montblanc Imperial Dragon from the Agatha Christie, and which official pins existed for it?

When Montblanc launched the Writers Edition Agatha Christie in 1993, a country-specific variant was sold in parallel in Japan under the name Imperial Dragon. The background: snakes – like the characteristic clip on the Agatha Christie – do not have a particularly good image in Japanese culture, whereas dragons are traditionally regarded as bringers of good luck and as symbols of power, prosperity and protection. A country-specific adaptation therefore made perfect cultural sense.

What many collectors are not yet aware of:

(1) The Imperial Dragon is slightly larger than the Agatha Christie because the ring in the cap is wider on the Imperial Dragon. At first glance both models appear almost identical; a direct size comparison, however, reveals the difference in the cap area.

(2) For the Imperial Dragon, Montblanc also officially offered matching pins in two variants: one in silver and one gold-plated. The exact production limit is not known. Even at the time of release, these pins were quite expensive and extremely rare – and in the years that followed, they hardly ever surfaced again, even on eBay they were offered only very occasionally. For collectors, these official Imperial Dragon pins therefore represent a particular rarity today, complementing the main piece.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Montblanc Imperial Dragon (1993 Japan edition, 4810 pieces): https://www.fountainpen.de/asia-imperial-dragon-1993-en.htm
• Montblanc Imperial Dragon 888 (limited variant): https://www.fountainpen.de/asia-imperial-dragon-1993-888-en.htm
• Writers Edition 'Agatha Christie' (1993, snake clip): https://www.fountainpen.de/writer-christie-en.htm
• Overview of all Writers Editions: https://www.fountainpen.de/writer-en.htm


What was the original price of the Montblanc Black Diamond and what resale value do these diamond writing instruments achieve today?

The Montblanc Black Diamond is among the most spectacular writing instruments in the brand's history: the fountain pen is set with 4,810 diamonds – the number references the height of Mont Blanc in metres and is also the code of the Montblanc gold nibs. It thus joins the small group of ultra-high-end editions with which Montblanc underlines its position as the most exclusive writing instrument manufacturer.

The retail price of the Diamond writing instruments was around 100,000 to 125,000 euros per piece. Anyone who buys such a piece does so primarily out of collector or status interest – as an investment the edition cannot be recommended, since the gap between list price and actual resale value is considerable.

Concrete examples show this clearly: one Black Diamond changed hands second-hand for around 16,000 euros; another piece achieved approximately 20,000 euros. At Christie's, "A Royal Black Diamond Fountain Pen" came under the hammer with a result in the same range – that is, at less than one-fifth of the original retail price. Comparable auction results can be researched via Christie's lot database (e.g. christies.com/lotfinder, search term "Royal Black Diamond Fountain Pen").

For collectors this means: such diamond editions are undeniably luxurious and impressive from a craftsmanship point of view, but they are not suitable as a store of value. Anyone looking for value stability is generally significantly better served by classic limited editions or selected vintage pieces.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Montblanc Meisterstück Royal (diamond edition, comparable piece with ~4,200 diamonds): https://www.fountainpen.de/solitaire-royal-en.htm
• Overview of all Skeleton editions: https://www.fountainpen.de/skeleton-en.htm
• Overview of Annual Editions: https://www.fountainpen.de/annual-editions-en.htm


What is the story behind the Montblanc Gift Collection 2004, and what connection does it have to the Jungle Eyes edition?

What does a manufacturer do when its sales forecasts have been overly optimistic and products need to be moved? Today, writing instrument manufacturers use classic distribution channels such as Vente Privée (e.g. Pelikan, Faber-Castell, Montegrappa, Tibaldi) or Amazon VIP (Montblanc) to clear residual stock. The situation, however, is different when it is not complete writing instruments but only individual components – caps, barrels and the like – that remain from editions that have already been discontinued. Such parts are too valuable simply to be thrown away.

It was exactly this consideration that the decision-makers at Montblanc are likely to have made in 2004. At that time, the Jungle Eyes edition (Artisan series) was taken off the market, but individual components were still available. From these arose the Montblanc Gift Collection 2004: writing instruments in which components of the discontinued Jungle Eyes were reused, though in some models with quite independent design features – and for which, in every case, additional components were specifically produced.

The Gift Collection 2004 is exceptionally rare today. Rumours suggest the production run at the time was in the very low three-digit range, which makes the pieces particularly interesting for Montblanc collectors. A dealer remarked at the time, half-jokingly, that in ten years hardly anyone would remember this edition and many would even consider it fakes because of the unusual design – a prediction regularly confirmed when the Gift Collection surfaces on the auction market.

Sample photos of the Gift Collection 2004 based on the Jungle Eyes edition can be found on the overview pages of fountainpen.de:
• https://www.fountainpen.de/artisan-jungle-eyes-mop.htm
• https://www.fountainpen.de/artisan-jungle-solitaire-mop.htm
• https://www.fountainpen.de/artisan-solitaire-platinum-doue.htm

Overview of all Artisan and Jungle Eyes variants: https://www.fountainpen.de/artisan-en.htm


What are the most important do's and don'ts for the care, storage and cleaning of vintage fountain pens?

Vintage writing instruments – whether made of hard rubber (ebonite), celluloid, cellulose acetate or related cellulose resins (e.g. Forticel, called Radite II by Sheaffer) – respond far more sensitively to improper handling than modern resin pens. Anyone who wants to enjoy a collection over the long term should therefore follow a few proven rules. The points below are sorted in descending order of importance: the first items prevent the most common and most severe damage; those further down add detail for fine-tuned care.

RECOMMENDATIONS (Do's)

1. Storage: dry, dark, not airtight. Steel map cabinets with shallow drawers, for example, work very well. Direct sunlight and very bright light must be avoided, as the UV component attacks hard rubber as well as celluloid and cellulose acetate. UV-absorbing glass is only of limited help: the infrared component (heat) still passes through the glass and can literally bake the pens.

2. Keep concrete climate values. Rule of thumb: temperature 18–22 °C (64–72 °F), relative humidity 40–60 % (ideal 45–50 %). Larger swings, heat above 22 °C or sustained humidity above 60 % significantly accelerate material aging, mould and bloom formation.

3. Correct storage position. Always store writing instruments nib-up or at least horizontal – never nib-down. Otherwise ink runs into the cap, the feed dries unevenly, and the next writing session starts with a clogged or skipping nib. Inside a pen case, prefer holders that enforce this position.

4. Store pens empty and cleaned – with one exception: pens with cork seals or piston gaskets should not be stored dry. For longer periods they are filled exclusively with distilled water so that cork and seals remain supple.

5. Use only fountain-pen-safe inks. Any ink containing pigments or particles – including nanoparticle inks such as Platinum Carbon Black – can clog the feed and nib. Nanoparticle inks are nominally safe but require significantly more frequent flushing. Not every ink described as 'fountain-pen-friendly' actually is: Winsor & Newton calligraphy inks contain particulate matter, as do all shimmer inks. Anyone who insists on these special inks should clean their pen at least twice as often as with a plain solution ink. New inks that are not yet established on the market should always be treated with caution; they belong in 'throwaway' pens. The same applies within a brand: just because Ink A is safe does not mean Ink B from the same maker is.

6. Ensure air circulation. Celluloid and cellulose acetate continuously release acids. In an airtight cabinet these gases accumulate and accelerate the decay of the very pieces that are meant to be protected. For large cabinets a small PC fan in a hole in the back panel is a good solution; alternatively, transparent vinyl pads on the corners of the lid keep it from sealing completely.

7. Actively control humidity. In humid environments without air conditioning or a good dehumidifier, small silica gel packets in the cabinet are recommended. Depending on conditions, they need to be replaced several times a year; saturated packets can be regenerated in the microwave on the defrost setting (7–10 minutes). Excess humidity accelerates oxidation of hard rubber, corrosion of metal parts and the appearance of bloom on cellulose resins; on casein materials the consequences are particularly drastic.

8. When in doubt, call in a professional. If a restoration exceeds your own abilities, a qualified specialist should take over. Stubbornness or lack of knowledge are common causes of irreparable damage. As a rule of thumb: most damage to old pens comes not from neglect but from botched repair attempts. Structural cracks and stuck mechanisms in particular are clearly a job for the workshop.

9. Address problems promptly. Nibs with poor ink flow, scratchy noises or generally 'cranky' writing behaviour belong in the hands of a nib technician, as do stiff pistons and fillers that take up significantly less ink than they used to.

10. Isolate visibly decomposing celluloid pieces. So-called celluloid rot (celluloid decomposition: pungent camphor-like odour, crystalline efflorescence, sticky surface, sudden discolouration) is contagious: the released acids and aldehydes accelerate the decay of neighbouring cellulose pieces. Affected pens must therefore be stored strictly separately and not returned to the main collection, even if the odour seems to subside.

11. Inspect stored pens regularly. Take pens out periodically and wipe them down with a soft 100% cotton cloth (no synthetic fibres – some are hard enough to scratch the surface). At the same time, look for signs of crystallisation or fluorescence in the celluloid; fluorescence is an early warning sign of incipient crystallisation.

12. Trap harmful substances. Chemical buffers (alkaline substances such as sodium bicarbonate or calcium carbonate) or molecular traps (zeolite) are advisable. Accelerated aging tests show that zeolites work significantly longer and more effectively than simple buffers, because they bind not only acids but also the upstream aldehydes. MicroChamber interleaving paper (Conservation Resources International), which contains a high-grade zeolite, has proven its worth; it is laid out over the pens inside the drawers.

13. For long-term storage of hard rubber pens and of celluloid pens in colours prone to discolouration, removing the sacs is the best approach. Colours prone to discolouration include Jade, Black & Pearl, Parker's Moderne Green & Pearl, Sheaffer's Ebonized Pearl, Wahl's Cathay as well as Waterman's Onyx and Persian – the list is not exhaustive.

14. Look after hard rubber. A very thin coating of mineral oil helps preserve appearance and material: when manufactured, hard rubber contained mineral oil, much of which has diffused out over the decades. For interior cleaning of cap and barrel, mineral oil with cotton swabs is likewise preferable to water.

15. Use silicone grease very sparingly and only where needed. It spreads quickly across the entire pen during handling, blocks gas exchange and thereby accelerates the decomposition of cellulose materials. Grease also attracts dust, which builds up into a layer whose removal can in turn damage the surface.

16. Know your material. Fragile finishes – such as gold plating on inexpensive steel nibs – should not be polished. Dried ink can be removed with a slightly moist cotton cloth; vigorous polishing quickly rubs the gold plating away. The same applies to cap and trim rings, levers and clips on third-tier pens (and on cheaper models of the top brands, such as the Parkette).

17. On restoration, replace latex sacs with silicone sacs. As they age, old latex ink sacs release sulphur-containing gases that can discolour and damage surrounding plastics. If a vintage pen is being resacced anyway, a silicone sac should be fitted: it is chemically inert, long-lasting, and avoids the sulphur problem.

18. Use the right adhesives for reassembly. For ink sacs and non-threaded joints, shellac (orange shellac is standard – it cures hard yet remains water-soluble when needed) is used; for threaded joints, thread sealant. Both were standard throughout classic fountain pen manufacturing, are reliable, and can be loosened again with heat, so that future repairs remain possible without damage.

WHAT TO AVOID (Don'ts)

1. Never store pens filled with ink or tap water. Both contain dissolved substances that can precipitate out, cloud or stain transparent parts and block piston mechanisms. Pen flush also must never be left in a pen permanently.

2. Never soak hard rubber in water, especially not in warm or hot water. Light-aged hard rubber reacts with water in seconds and turns brown. Hard rubber may also swell when exposed to water for an extended time. A John Holland saddle filler, for instance, placed cap-down in a glass to remove an ink stain, was indeed freed of the stain – but at what cost.

3. No heat guns, no hot-air blowers, no hairdryers on full power for celluloid. Celluloid is nitrocellulose and therefore highly flammable; above about 70 °C (158 °F) the material starts to suffer noticeable damage, and hot-air tools easily exceed this. Warming for the loosening of stuck joints is permissible only under careful control (e.g. a warm water bath or a heating mat with thermostat).

4. No Teflon tape. Unlike proper sealants, Teflon is a lubricant; threaded assemblies will loosen and can come apart unexpectedly. Wrapping on more tape in compensation pushes the outer wall (usually the barrel) outwards – with a risk of cracking. Drastic example: a Sheaffer Honor Masterpiece (around 1941, solid gold, today worth more than 5,000 USD) in which a previous restorer had fixed the shrunken section in the barrel with Teflon tape – only because the barrel is made of 14-carat gold (and not of celluloid or a less forgiving metal) did the pen survive the operation.

5. No alcohol and no organic solvents (e.g. nail polish remover, acetone, thinner) on celluloid or other cellulose resins – they attack the material. Common household cleaners are equally unsuitable.

6. No petroleum products on hard rubber or on rubber parts such as sacs, gaskets and seals. They destroy natural rubber components. The only exception is the thin mineral oil treatment of hard rubber mentioned in the recommendations.

7. No general-purpose lubricants such as WD-40 or 3-in-One Oil. WD-40 contains petroleum distillates and destroys rubber parts. 3-in-One Oil is a mixture – partly plant-based – which also tends to congeal and gum up mechanisms.

8. No super glue, Gorilla Glue or other extremely strong adhesives. They cannot be undone; the only way to open a pen sealed this way is to break it. For safe and reversible joints: shellac for sacs and non-threaded joints, thread sealant for threaded joints (see point 18 of the recommendations).

9. No wax. Waxes provide no benefit to hard rubber and damage celluloid and cellulose acetate by trapping the released acids against the material. Over time all waxes harden – carnauba is hard to begin with – and turn yellowish to brown. Even high-quality microcrystalline waxes have these drawbacks; synthetic ones are worse still. Renaissance Wax, once regarded as 'museum-grade', is now known to be no better in the long run than other waxes.

10. No sealed plastic bags. Plastic bags in general should only be used for very short periods. Most plastic films outgas chemicals that attack the surface finish; in addition, they trap the acids released by celluloid and cellulose acetate, which then attack the very piece they came from.

11. Use only 100% pure silicone grease. Some silicone greases contain petroleum additives. Pure silicone grease is available from fountain pen specialist dealers, diving shops or restaurant-supply trade outlets.

12. No silicone spray from a can. The silicone itself may be fine – but the propellant is usually heptane, a petroleum product that partly dissolves in the silicone.

13. With leaking vintage eyedroppers, do not put silicone paste or O-rings into the section joint. The original mating surfaces were machined to extremely close tolerances and seal perfectly as long as they remain undamaged. Foreign material in the thread usually causes the damage in the first place. A leaking eyedropper joint can typically be solved simply by tightening it a little more firmly.

14. Do not pack loose sections with paper or thin pasteboard. The stress is asymmetrical; the barrel – especially if it is hard rubber – can crack.

15. No cases or display cabinets with velvet linings. The material can leave small scratches and dull spots on sensitive lacquers, gold plating and hard rubber surfaces; velvet also binds dust and moisture. Acid-free fleece or microfibre inserts are a better choice.

16. No self-adhesive labels (label maker, price stickers, sticky tape) for marking. Pressure-sensitive adhesives harden and can often only be removed with damage to the surface; some adhesive formulations attack the material directly, even if the sticker itself remains easy to remove.

17. Do not overuse ultrasonic cleaners. They heat the water very quickly to temperatures that can damage vintage materials. An ultrasonic cleaner with a built-in heater should not be used for fountain pens at all.

18. Do not wrap pens in ordinary paper or tissue. Such papers usually contain sulphuric acid residues and can damage the piece. If wrapping is necessary, use only conservation-grade paper (see point 12 of the recommendations).