Montblanc 22

[piembi]

Montblanc 22

 

First impressions: http://s547.photobucket.com/albums/hh474/piembi/pens/FPN%20reviews/MB%2022/?albumview=slideshow

 

How I came to have a MB 22

My first vintage MB had been the top line sibling, the MB 14. This had been nearly 20 years ago when vintage pens had been sold at a flea market. There had been other pens and a few years ago – ebay had taken over the vintage pen business – I was looking for another 14. Then I realized that there might be another option: the 24 or 22 – the second tier sibling. They had been reasonably priced and have the same stubbish semiflexible nib like the 14.

 

After a while I won my first MB 22. The pen had been in good condition but had a downside: it came with a fine nib. I tried. I tried hard to like the nib. No way. I could not stand it! But I wanted the 22 so badly and could not get myself to sell it. It was sitting in the drawer for about 2 years.

 

Then I saw a WTT-post. Another FPN member had the same problem: he had a MB 22 with a medium nib he did not like and was looking for a fine nib! This could be solving my problem and it did! Now the pen is fitted with a medium nib. Shortly after the trade I won a second 22. This one was fitted with a B nib and is the pen we are looking at now.

 

Design/Size/Weight

The MB 22 is much smaller than a 146. And it is extremely lightweight. I prefer the size of the 24 but the 22 works for me as well. It is just another understated black pen with gold trim. An MB from a time when Montblanc was still making affordable pens. There had been a third tier pen, too (31, 32, 34). I like those understated MBs. They are great everyday user pens but do not scream for attention like their modern siblings.

 

Size comparison: MB 22, 24 and 146

 

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh474/piembi/pens/FPN%20reviews/MB%2022/P1070451.jpg

 

Nib Design and Performance

The nib is the reason why I was looking for a 22 in the first place.

I loved the nib of the MB 14 and thought, that the modern nibs are as good as this one. I got a 144 and did not like it. I got a 146 and did not like it either. I was badly disappointed. I got a vintage 342 and loved it! That's been amazing. There must be a pattern. Maybe there is a significant difference between vintage and modern MB nibs? I wanted to give it a try and was looking for another MB 14. Finally I ended up with the 22. The broad nib is one of my favourite correspondence nibs. It is closer to BB than B. Buttery smooth, stub, wet and semiflexible. It is my favourite among my 1960s MB nibs. Usually it is filled with Visconti blue. Unlike the Pelikan nibs of those period the MB feed does tolerate the medium wet Visconti ink.

 

nib and writing sample:

 

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh474/piembi/pens/FPN%20reviews/MB%2022/P1070456.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh474/piembi/pens/FPN%20reviews/MB%2022/P1070458.jpg

 

The Filling System

The pen is a piston filler. The system can be compared to the Lamy 27/L2K system: The section unscrews. The nib can be pushed out and everything can be cleaned, greased and reassembled without specific knowledge. Easy to clean and maintain. Another reason why I like the MB 22.

 

Cost and value

The MB 22 and it's taller sibling, the MB 24, can be found at a reasonable price from ebay Germany. My 22 had been 30-something Euros – I cannot remember. But I do bid for pens that are sold as is because I can take care of the usual issues myself. A pen in perfect condition will be more expensive.

Conclusion

This is one of my little vintage darlings. As with other vintage German pens I love the nib and cannot imagine selling this pen.

[777]

Thanks for this review! Very nice pen though I've never been a fan of those partially hooded nibs.

[OldGandy]

My MB 22 is one of the best writers I own. The OBB nib glides across the page and the line variation is beautiful.

[piembi]

Sadly MB makes such nibs no more ...

 

You are right!

 

A few weeks ago I was lucky and won a MB 254. I have been outbid so many times and had mixed feelings about this one. I must have been missing an issue the others have noticed! The pen arrived and I was in love with it. It has a BB nib that writes like a dream.

 

If you had the chance to write with a vintage MB you know why MB had a good reputation. If you compare a modern MB nib to the vintage nibs you might wonder what had happened within the last decades.

[lovemy51]

now, that's a MB i wouldn't mind having -not a MB expert here!!!. that nibs looks nice and writes even better.

 

thx for the review.

[Inkwisitor]

Thanks for a fine review, I have the MB12 with an OB nib and can endorse the fact that it is a wonderfully soft and smooth nib quite unlike modern ones. Aesthetically I prefer an open nib to the shrouded nib but when I was buying mine the 12s and 14s seemed much less expensive than their exposed nib brethren so that is what I went for. I do, however, like the look of the pen in the flesh, it is smart and discreet.

 

Also, compared to modern pens it is very small but still a delight to use. Were you lucky enough to find a 254 without a crack in the cap, which I understand to be quite a common problem with this range?

[zoli]

MB 22 is my all time winner.

Thanks!

[georges zaslavsky]

congrats on a classic

[pajaro]

How is the plastic on those pens? I had a Montblanc 32 that was a mass of cracks. I have often looked at those pens, but was hesitant to buy one if the plastic parts wouldn't hold up. I love the ones with the semi hooded nibs especially.

Edited June 25, 2012 by pajaro

[alexander_k]

The 1x, 2x and 3x pens are great in terms of maintenance and the nibs are among the best. Unfortunately, the plastic sometimes cracks.

[LukeGordon]

I have a MB No. 22 that my father had purchased back in the 1960's, and I treasure it, not just for sentimental reasons. He left me a No. 149 as well, and I seldom use it. The No. 22, with a medium nib is an absolute delight to write with - I pretty much consider it my favorite. I had it refurbished at the Fountain Pen Hospital, and they did a great job. There is a very slight crack in the cap, but if you don't know where to look, you wouldn't notice it. It is the smoothest writing pen I own. A great little pen.

Edited July 2, 2012 by LukeGordon

[Cognaticrotty]

I just won a MB 22 on fleabay the other day, and i CANNOT wait for it to get here from England.. looks to be a great stub nib...my fav kind of fp

[Montblanc owner and lover]

I love reviews of vintage pens like this one...should be more of them...

[Scribblesoften]

The 12/14/22/24 are my favorite Montblancs. They are usually reasonably priced as well. I hope you enjoy you new pen.

[mongrelnomad]

I love the design of these too (I have a 12 and an 82 - EF and B respectively), but their nibs dry crazy quickly and so I never use them. Seems it's a design-flaw in the snap-cap MBs of this era...

[orfew]

I have a 24 with an OBB nib. Wonderful writer. I really like the simple design of the 60's MBs.

[Pungooer]

Hello

I have just been reading all the posts on the MB 22 and I feel so happy. You all have such positive things to say about it

I have just purchased one in mint condition and now cant wait for it to arrive.

[asegier]

Old thread, I know. But holy (bleep), you were able to get a MB 22 for 30 something Euros? It's like at least 80 USD now on eBay.

[mitto]

I have a 24 that is the same shape and design. What is the difference?

[asegier]

I have a 24 that is the same shape and design. What is the difference?

 

The 24 was a larger pen (and slightly more expensive) then the 22

Edited April 13, 2017 by asegier