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Earlier today I was at a medium size flea market that I often go to on weekends . At one of the vendors, from whom I have purchased a few pens, I saw a Montblanc 144. At least the box that it was in said Montblanc 144 (B), and had the year 1995 on the label. It looked to be a legitimate MB when I looked at it with my loupe. I was seriously considering making an offer when I noticed that the wide ring on the cap said "Masterpiece" NOT "Meisterstuk". BTW, the feed looked like ebonite(?) and had a single groove in the middle and fins on either side of the groove. It also said "Germany" on the ring. The nib actually looked more like a left oblique than abroad. Did Montblanc ever use the English word "Masterpiece" on their pens? That's what threw me off and made me think it might not be real. The dealer wanted $200.00 for it. It looked in reasonably good condition although the piston filling mechanism did not seem to work (didn't test it with water). Although it may be gone when I go back next weekend, I still would like to know more about the wording AND what it might be worth... just in case it's still available. Also, and idea as to repair/restoration cost if the piston fill has to be fixed? Thank you for any help.

I have been looking at an old favorite of mine, with the intent of adding it to my stable. A used Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire guilloche, preferably gold, 144 After reading around I pieced the following information together, Domestic names for the finish: Korn Corn Barley corn Barley The 144 came in three finish levels: Sterling silver, Gold plate over sterling silver (Vermeil) Gold plate over base metal. (Probable brass or similar alloy) The gold plate over base metal, was only made for a short time, ~ 1985 It can be identified by gold plate, but no hallmarks . So do I have it right so far ???? Is the Gold plate over base metal inferior to the gold plate over sterling models and if so, reflected in the value, or price of the pen ??? Thanks in advance for any help, Mark Just for visual reference: http://www.maryhatay.com/Mark/Fountain-Pens/Mixed-Pens/i-5FB6BpR/0/XL/Mont_Blanc_Solitaire_fountain_pen_open-XL.jpg