Montblanc Writers Edition Charles Dickens

[sny]

Review of the Montblanc Writers Edition Charles Dickens (2001)

Introduction
In this review, I'm going to talk about the Montblanc Writers Edition Charles Dickens (hereafter: "Dickens") which I bought a couple of months ago. There are already some reviews on FPN, however, this review might bring another point of view and some new pictures.


Appearance & Design (9)
The design of the pen is quite special. When I looked through the Montblanc Collectors Catalogue, I nearly didn't notice this pen. The first thing you notice is this huge silver cap and it's greenish body.


The cap is made of sterling silver (925) and is the most interesting part of the pen. It's quite big, yet very simple in its design. The clip is nice because it isn't to tight. On the cap, you can read some markings (like Ag 925, StOD) directly engraved in the silver. Nearly at the top of the cap, you can see a little stripe of that greenish plastic and which remembers of the body of the pen. On this cap, you can read "Montblanc" as well as the individual number of the pen. Although being quite large the cap is actually surprisingly light. It isn't at all comparable with a cap from the Patron of Art series (late models).

 

 

The body of the pen is made of greenish plastic. Interestingly, the color of the cap changes noticeably according to the lighting under which you look at it. This adds to the charm of the pen. Under normal daylight lighting, the pen will appear in a pleasant british green. Under tungsten lighting, the pen seems grey. The body of the pen is nicely shaped while being quite sober; the section is curved like on older Montblanc models and makes up for a very comfortable handling. On the body, you can read the signature of Charles Dickens.

 

 

 

At the end of the pen you'll find the piston-nob (blind-cap) which is separated from the rest of the body by a nice little silver striated ring.

Construction & Quality (8)
The pen is nicely made but doesn't feel as solid as Patron of Arts pens (which also are noticeably pricier). The quality is there and on pair with other writers editions.


Weight & Dimensions (8)
Although featuring a sterling silver cap, the pen is surprinsingly light. While this may be of some advantage when writing, I generally prefer a pen to be a bit heavier. I have to admit that it's very comfortable to write with though.

The pen is based on a MB 146 but the cap it larger and has greater girth. When you have unscrewed the cap, the pen becomes much more like a normal MB 146.

 

Nib & Performance (9)
The Nib is made of 18kt gold and is partially rhodium plated. On the nib you can see the initials of Charles Dickens, as well as the legendary 4810 marking (height of the Mont Blanc mountain), the year (2001), 18kt and 750. I choose a BB nib.

 

The nib performs very good; it’s quite broad, wet and it lays down a very decent amount of ink. It has some feedback, but I like it.

 

Filling System & Maintenance (8)
Since the pen is based on a MB 146 it’s a piston filler. The piston moves smoothly and the pen holds a very decent amount of ink (even with a BB nib you can write quite some pages before having to fill it again).

I give this pen an 8 because there is no ink-window. Also to clean the pen, you’ll have to repeatedly suck up ink and expel it until the water comes out clear (which can take some time…).

Cost & Value (10)
The pen isn't cheap, but I definitely think you get what you paid for. It's a joy to use and to look at.

Conclusion (8.6/10)
At the end of the day, I'm very pleased with this pen. I like the design, the nib is a very good performer. My only complaint is that I would have preferred a heavier pen.

I hope you have enjoyed this review.

Regards,

S.

 

Edited May 17, 2013 by sny

[carlc]

Forget the pen - I want your writing!

 

Nice review by the way. The section looks different to a 146 - how do you find it feels?

[sny]

Forget the pen - I want your writing!

 

Nice review by the way. The section looks different to a 146 - how do you find it feels?

Thanks for your comment. You are absolutely right, the section is curved, unlike the straight section of the MB 146. It feels very comfortable, it makes your finger stay easier in place.

 

Regards,

 

S.

[pavoni]

Thank you for an excellent review Sny.

 

I had previously struggled to see the attraction of the Dickens, unable as I was to put that seemingly huge cap together with that slender 146-styled body. However, your fair description, excellent photos and superb writing, grabbed my attention and has enabled me to see the pen in a new light. Thank you.

 

Pavoni.

[archie001]

nice review and handwriting that motivate me to venture into the "BB" zone! thanks!

[breaker]

nice review and pics!

thanks!

[kjm]

What ink did you use??

[sny]

Thank you for your comments.

 

What ink did you use??

The ink is Montblanc Royal Blue, a classic but I really love it, especially with B and BB nibs.

 

Regards,

 

S.

[kjm]

Thanks, great review!

[da vinci]

Good review, thank you

[Miadhawk]

Thank for writing such an informative review with such excellent photography! I do have one question however, is the silver on the cap plated in Platinum/Palladium (such as the Pelikan 625 series pens)

 

to prevent the silver from tarnishing ?

[sny]

Thank for writing such an informative review with such excellent photography! I do have one question however, is the silver on the cap plated in Platinum/Palladium (such as the Pelikan 625 series pens)

 

to prevent the silver from tarnishing ?

No I don't think so. The cap and the silver trim near the blind cap do tarnish with time. It's however quite easy to clean.

 

Regards,

 

S.

[KJY]

Thanks for sharing.

 

Really enjoyed reading it.

[bayport714]

Great review. I have the ballpoint and am looking for the fountsin pen.

[Mainecoon]

Nice pictures and a pleasure to read. Thanks for the review; liked it.

[karmakoda]

Forget the pen - I want your writing!

 

Nice review by the way. The section looks different to a 146 - how do you find it feels?

 

Handwriting that honors the beauty of the pen. As Pavoni said, you have presented the pen from a perspective different to other reviews of this Writers Edition, largely due to your excellent photography. For some reason the cap looks smaller in your photos, maybe the white background.

Beautiful nib, thanks for an outstanding review.

[allebannep]

Very nice review, thank you.

I am also a fan of Montblanc and if there could be some remarks to make I would also say that sometimes I would prefer them to be a little bit heavier. The pen is beautiful though.

[Tom Kellie]

~ This review was helpful in clearing up a small color mystery.

The original poster took care to note that under certain light the Montblanc Dickens appeared greenish, but under other lighting was more greyish.

That helps to understand why photos of the pen seem to vary in hue.

Tom K.