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90th Anniversary 149 Bespoke EEF Nib — “Leopard” ~ In the first week of December, 2014, Montblanc arranged for a week-long visit to Beijing’s Mall at Oriental Plaza of a comprehensive roadshow of what was then their current product line. Various specialists stayed in Beijing to demonstrate their craftsmanship. They also attended a gala dinner at the Grand Hyatt Hotel where Montblanc Global CEO Jérôme Lambert gave an address introducing China brand Ambassador LIN Dan, an Olympic badminton gold medalist. Among the product specialists, Montblanc nib production manager Axel Nier attended, explaining the bespoke nib program to interested visitors. At the dinner I was seated on the right-hand of Mr. Lambert, who graciously answered my questions with wit and candor. Mr. Nier sat opposite, adding trenchant comments to various nib-related matters. In my jacket was a recently purchased 90th anniversary 149 EF nib. While Mr. Lambert handled the pen, he mentioned the possibility of a bespoke nib, to which Mr. Nier added that a bespoke EEF might suit my specialized writing needs. They were both aware that at times I write very small script to label plant or animal specimens, as well as to write detailed notes about wildlife safaris in Africa or concerning nature photography in China. The decision to order a bespoke EEF nib was made at the dinner with a handshake. Specific details and full advance payment occurred several days later, at which time the pen was handed over to be sent to Montblanc’s Hamburg, Germany nib atelier. About four months later the 90th anniversary 149 returned with the bespoke EEF nib. Immediately after being inked, it was apparent that it was an exceptional nib for writing, with ultra-fine lines, excellent feedback and neither skipping nor scratching. When a bespoke nib is ordered, the option is given to add customized wording on the rolled flange edges of the nib, as a means of personalizing what amounts to a one-of-a-kind nib. In line with my interest in wildlife photography and the ecology of larger predators, I requested that “Leopard” be engraved on the nib’s left side, which would face me while writing, with “Panthera pardus”, the binomial nomenclature for leopards, on the nib’s right side. The bespoke EEF has been a reliable pen both at home and in the field. It’s accompanied me on several wildlife photography safaris in both Kenya and South Africa, being in my pocket when only a few meters from leopards. Fellow safari goers who’ve seen the pen have included distinguished cricket player Sir Ian Botham and respected performer Rowan Atkinson. One side benefit of an EEF nib is that it uses very little ink. Following are various images of the pen itself and associated events and individuals, including a comparison shot of the EEF with an OBBB nib. I’ve been fully satisfied with Montblanc’s bespoke nib program, enjoying regular writing with the EEF nib every week. At Ease This female leopard was photographed at midday in Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. She exemplifies the elegance of leopards, which is reflected in the bespoke EEF nib. Nibs These sample nibs were displayed at the Montblanc roadshow where the bespoke EEF nib was ordered. Portrait with Montblanc Nib Production Specialist Axel Nier Mr. Axel Nier has met with me twice in Beijing, knowledgably answering my questions. He’s a genial, patient gentleman with a keen interest in the subtleties of nib design and usage. Portrait with Montblanc Global CEO Jérôme Lambert This portrait includes the 90th Anniversary 149 which would become a bespoke EEF. Montblanc Global CEO Jérôme Lambert is an especially genial dinner companion. The remaining images were made this afternoon in my Beijing apartment, after being inspired to prepare this thread by member Pravda. In Case As with the 149 OBBB pen, the 90th anniversary 149 bespoke EEF pen has its own dedicated pencase. Bespoke 149 EEF The bespoke EEF was photographed on the cloth bag which protected the Montblanc Extreme leather shoulder bag purchased at the same time that the bespoke EEF was ordered. Panthera pardus The right side of the bespoke EEF nib is engraved with “Panthera pardus”, the binomial nomenclature for leopards. Leopard The left side of the bespoke EEF nib is engraved with “Leopard”, to honor the agile and adaptable predator. EEF and OBBB Nibs This image shows the difference in scale and form of the bespoke EEF nib and the OBBB nib. Both nibs are treasures, albeit used for very different purposes.