Montblanc Pistons

[niksch]

There have been several posts lately which refer to 'brass' piston mechanisms versus 'resin' piston mechanisms in 146 and 149 models, and the merits or demerits of each type.  I have maintained that the difference is negligible, until most recently, and the main difference is the weight of each and how those couple extra ounces may affect the feel of the pen.

 

For clarification, when I refer to a MB piston mechanism, I mean the entire assembly as seen below:

An interesting point to note, is that there are three shared (or identical) components of the modern 146 and 149 mechanisms: the threaded spindle attached to the turning knob, what I'll call the piston rod that holds the seal, and the elastomer piston seal.  Very early 60s 149s had a larger inside barrel diameter, and therefore a larger elastomer seal, I posted on this before, so will not belabor this point.

 

For comparison purposes, I photographed modern components of MB piston mechanisms: first photo has the the most modern 146 piston component, then an 80/90s component and a 70s component; second photo shows 149 components of a late 80s 149, early 70s 149, and very early 60s 149 (damaged).

 

 

When comparing the 146 components, one can clearly see the differences between the older and newer models, with the older model containing about 40% resin.

 

One can make the same observation with the 149 components. Note the the friction fit component is all resin except for the gold piston ring; it also uses a turning knob and piston rod/seal similar to the threaded mechanisms, but the seal is of a larger diameter. There is a newer piston mechanism on late 1990s/early 2000s 149s similar to the 146 mechanism.

 

Finally for a modern/vintage comparison here is a photo of the modern 146 piston mechanism alongside a 50s three-stage mechanism:

 

Edited April 3, 2009 by niksch

[georges zaslavsky]

very interesting thanks for sharing niksch

[FredRydr]

Thank you, Eric. This is really good stuff.

 

Fred

[QM2]

Oh! Very cool, thank you for this.

 

I like the "five modern components" lineup the best. I think these need to be photographed with 35mm Kodachrome.

[niksch]

Oh! Very cool, thank you for this.

 

I like the "five modern components" lineup the best. I think these need to be photographed with 35mm Kodachrome.

 

I just wish I had an extra undamaged early 60s mechanism out of a pen so the pic could be more complete.  I should also add the more modern mechanism, but my 149 with the modern mechanism has the last of a bottle of MB Bordeaux, and I'm savoring the last drops.

Edited April 3, 2009 by niksch

[niksch]

This is really good stuff.

 

Thank you Fred.  I'm going to work on our other restoration project tomorrow when we get hit with another Spring blizzard here north of the Springs.  I may use it as a future step-by-step tutorial.

[niksch]

Photos updated with a piston component of a 2000s model 146.

[Wael El-Dasher]

Eric,

 

Fantastic look inside these pens . Thanks! I wish there was a step by step book with illustrations that can show how a novice can take apart these pens. It would be great to market a package with the required tools and step by step tutorial. Even if it's just to satisfy one's curiosity. I know I would buy such a package.

 

cheers

 

Wael

[Barry Gabay]

Hey Eric, Great pics and info. As always, you provide such an interesting 149 education. Do you accept repair work from folks here on the board? Thanks again, Barry

[Barry Gabay]

Hey Eric, Great pics and info. As always, you provide such an interesting 149 education. Do you accept repair work from folks here on the board? Thanks again, Barry

[niksch]

Thank you Barry, that is high praise coming from an authority like you.

 

I have repaired some pens for folks here yes, modern and vintage.  Repairs usually depend on if I need to replace parts or not, though.  If it's general cleaning, piston lubing, etc, I can do that fairly quickly these days.

 

 

 

Hey Eric, Great pics and info. As always, you provide such an interesting 149 education. Do you accept repair work from folks here on the board? Thanks again, Barry

Edited April 3, 2009 by niksch

[Diamondback]

Eric,

 

Great photos. Very educational seeing the transition of the piston mechanism over half a century. Thanks for sharing.

 

Mark

[sumgaikid]

Wonderful photos,Eric. It's interesting to see what the piston filler on my

60's 149 looks like. I second the motion for having a book form of the various

149's from each period showing exploded views of a 149.

 

John

[Darius]

Great stuff Eric. I think this forum needs more of this kind of posts.

[Pen Nut]

Great stuff Eric. I think this forum needs more of this kind of posts.

 

 

I agree. One or two good pics really do say a lot more than one or two paragraphs. I save pics like this for future viewing and thanks to you Eric for taking time to both post the pics and explain the workings.

 

[Pen Nut]

I found this little breadown picture/diagram worthy of a few looks

[earlcool]

I found this little breadown picture/diagram worthy of a few looks

Dear Pen Nut,

great diagram, do you have one identifying the numbered items in the pen. That would really be helpful.

Thanks

Earl.

[Pen Nut]

I found this little breadown picture/diagram worthy of a few looks

Dear Pen Nut,

great diagram, do you have one identifying the numbered items in the pen. That would really be helpful.

Thanks

Earl.

 

Hello Earl,

 

I have posted this diagram in the past and a fellow member listed what parts were what. I will search my posts and see if I can retrive it.

 

Regards

 

Ian

 

[hari317]

I found this little breadown picture/diagram worthy of a few looks

 

Nice picture Pen Nut, I think part 2.1 will have further two parts with the screw out section and separate barrel.

 

Thanks!

Hari

 

[Pen Nut]

I found this little breadown picture/diagram worthy of a few looks

 

Nice picture Pen Nut, I think part 2.1 will have further two parts with the screw out section and separate barrel.

 

Thanks!

Hari

 

How about we all have a go at naming a part? Right then I go for part 1.2 and its called 'a pocket clip'. Well its over to you lot now :ltcapd: