Mb 149 18C Obb Nib

[Signum1]

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/6313/imgeaf.jpg

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/294/mb14909.jpg

Edited November 6, 2011 by Signum1

[Gerd W]

Classic and venerable pen, congrats. Nice writing!

[fpupulin]

I do not know with which pen you wrote the texts in black, but the texts in brown (written with the Montblanc OBB nib) seem to have almost no variation in line. This is my same feeling with other 149 stub oblique nibs: even a good calligrapher as you are have to work pretty hard to obtain some appreciable line variation…

 

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[Signum1]

I do not know with which pen you wrote the texts in black, but the texts in brown (written with the Montblanc OBB nib) seem to have almost no variation in line. This is my same feeling with other 149 stub oblique nibs: even a good calligrapher as you are have to work pretty hard to obtain some appreciable line variation…

 

 

 

fpuplin,

 

I believe you have a perception that an oblique nib equals line variations. I'm very sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Generally, an oblique nib is NOT suppose to create line variations. I direct your attention to an articulate nibmeister by the name of Richard Binder. He drafted a pro bono article about nibs, which you may find interesting to read. Obique nibs: click here. I've highlighted the comment by Mr. Binder, "Most modern obliques are ordinary round nibs, not designed to produce line variation."

 

If you are truly interested in converting your "other 149 stub oblique nibs" to a cursive italic re-grind, I can assure you that the extra cost will provide you many hours of satisfying writing. You need to be specific on your request. Do you want an oblique with a cursive italic OR do you want the oblique to be removed and then... grind to a cursive italic?

 

The text in black in was done by an italic nib of a different pen.

 

Cheers,

 

Signum1

[Ghost Plane]

PLEASE don't butcher nibs that many of us adore! Sale of an OBB will usually cover the comparable cost of a more common nib with sufficient material for a nibmeister to work their magic.

 

As the happy owner of 3 OBB MB nibs, 2 146 and a Boheme, I can attest that there are plenty of users who hunt those nibs because they suit us.

[Soot]

"Most modern obliques are ordinary round nibs, not designed to produce line variation."

fpuplin,

 

In other words-- have your current modern nib re-ground or, sell it and get a vintage one.

 

Edited November 6, 2011 by Soot

[fpupulin]

Dear all: I have the impression I do not clearly express my thoughts. As I have a limited experience with modern oblique nibs (I own a OB and had a chance to try a OBB, both on 149), I just noted that they are not particularly suited for calligraphy, if line variation is required. I am not sure if this depends on the "obliquity" of the nib, or maybe simply on its "stubbish" point; my stub BB, however, has more variation. Apart from that, I like my oblique nib as it is and for what - I guess - it is intended: to comfortably write. I do not have plans to re-grind it, but maybe searching for a vintage one to add to the collection could be a good idea.

 

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[Chris Chalmers]

Congratulations on your OBB..........and lovely script!

 

It is sadly true that Oblique does not mean Italic, either cursive or crisp.........or stub, which is a softened cursive italic.

 

As GP says, get a regrind or sell your pen and find a vintage model......you will discover another world - and not look back either, I'm sure.

[Wael El-Dasher]

Nice review.

 

By the way, you have a very special nib there. Don't know if you knew this when you bought it, but that's a vintage nib, as per the 18C tri-color vs the modern 18K!

 

This is a probably late 60's-early 70's nib. The section and barrel are modern, which tells me this pen was sent to MB at some point for service and in typical MB fashion, they replaced the vintage parts (probably the feeder too) with newer parts. If you have a shot of the feeder, it would help. Also the nib seems to have the tapered sides which is also sought after as they typically have more flex than the curved ends.

 

Fantastic find.

 

Enjoy it in good health.

 

cheers

 

Wael

[georges zaslavsky]

very good pick you did signum , it is indeed a late 60's early 70's french market flexible nib, big congrats on the purchase

[Pen2009]

Here is my MB 149 OBB. This is the first oblique nib and I am still getting used to keeping the nib rotated left as my usual writing position is nib's front facing upward.

[leod]

nice pickup on the vintage 149 with rare nib