Dating Montblanc 149s

[Lalique]

Kai (sunnerd) and I have teamed up! We've consolidated his images and my chart, as follows:

 

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss171/DKbRS/Pens/MB149Dating-2.jpg

I'm having trouble determining the age of my pen. Can you help me?

 

Aloha, soroos:

 

Thank you for posting your Montblanc 149 fountain pens chart for dating Montblanc 149 fountain pens. Your chart is helping me invaluably to identify the Montblanc Meisterstuck 149; 1991, 1992, 1993, or 1994 fountain pen I'm seeking to purchase to match the 1991 vintage Montblank Lalique fountain pen desk set I bought two days ago on eBay and for which that desk set was made. The exact desk set I now own, but have not yet received from the seller, is able to be seen at the link that follows by scrolling down a little once the page opens:

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250961065890

 

Mahalo

Edited January 5, 2012 by Lalique

[Wael El-Dasher]

I've read and re-read this thread several times and enjoyed it every time. A lot of effort has gone into this and it really symbolizes what's wonderful about this forum. So a big thanks to everyone.

 

Being the persnickety guy that I am ...I would love to see photos added to three sections.

 

Barrel: Single Unit resin looks completely different to me than single unit 1950's. The fact that in the 50's, the threads were cut into the ink window makes a huge difference aesthetically to me and is one of the most desirable features of the 50's ink window, along with the painted stripes. I wish I had my 60's 149 still so I can take a photo.

 

Filler Thread: The 60's 149 pen I sold some time ago, had the rounded edge friction fit mechanism, similar to that of the 1950's, which is a small but very elegant detail. The second generation plastic threads (with threaded mechanism) had a flat brass edge, similar to the current model. I believe both should be represented.

 

Feeds: Both my 1950's 149 have ski slope feeders, which are noted in the chart but no photo is shown.

 

Again, these are minor pictorial comment but I believe they'll make this chart closer to complete. It would be fantastic if this chart was sold on FPN as a poster for diehards to put up on their bedroom walls as we used to do when we were kids of our favorite bands and celebs...

 

I can see my wife taking it down and telling me to grow up

 

cheers

 

Wael

 

PS. I should print a copy of this chart on 11x17 or A3 and give it to the MB Boutique so they can be better educated when explaining to their customers the history of the 149. .....errr, with your permission of course

Edited January 6, 2012 by Wael El-Dasher

[OldFrog]

Hello,

 

first post, so hello everybody from France.

 

Browsing on the net because I bought an used 149 on eBay recently, I was captivated by this thread.

Actually I don't know Montblanc, except for some reading, this one is my first one, but I noticed that my brand new acquisition may interest you, mainly for the bitone 18c :

 

http://oldfrog.free.fr/pics/DSC_4059-1.JPG

 

Feeds: solid ebonite

Nib: 18c 2-tone

Barrel: 1 section

Filler threads: black plastic

 

Using your wonderful descriptions here, it seems it is dated 1970s.

If you are interested, I may post other pics of this pen.

 

The tilted nib doesn't hinder a very smooth writing.

Actually, the only pen I can compare with for the smoothness is a Sailor KOP.

 

I keep your thread in my favorites !

Edited January 13, 2012 by OldFrog

[hari317]

but I noticed that my brand new acquisition may interest you, mainly for the bitone 18c :

 

 

Thank you for sharing the picture. This is the first 18C bitone nib that i have seen.

 

Regards,

hari

[OldFrog]

but I noticed that my brand new acquisition may interest you, mainly for the bitone 18c :

 

 

Thank you for sharing the picture. This is the first 18C bitone nib that i have seen.

 

Regards,

hari

 

Thanks a lot, I think it was not that rare in the 70s in France, a I could see some ads here and there of sellers, all obsolete. But I don't know more.

Edited January 14, 2012 by OldFrog

[OldFrog]

*snip*

http://oldfrog.free.fr/pics/DSC_4059-1.JPG

 

Feeds: solid ebonite

Nib: 18c 2-tone

Barrel: 1 section

Filler threads: black plastic

 

Using your wonderful descriptions here, it seems it is dated 1970s.

*snip*

 

Well actually, I'm wondering if it's not a reassembled pen, as the washer shows "Germany", so post-1990 ???

[talkinghead]

 

Well actually, I'm wondering if it's not a reassembled pen, as the washer shows "Germany", so post-1990 ???

 

 

Not exactly. "Germany" was stamped on the ring both prior to, and then after the unification. "W. Germany" was used on the clip ring for a bit in between.

 

Oh and

 

Rick

[Pen Nut]

Does anyone know approx when the 'snowcap' became mother of pearl on the Solitaire Solid Gold & Solid Platinum models?

 

Oh and I have noted in the point of sale book I use for reference that the Solid Gold models have two tone 18ct nibs whilst the Solid Platinum ones have the 18ct three tone nibs. This is a 2005/2006 sales book.

[cuza]

This has been a most helpful topic. Kudos to all contributors.

 

Turns out that my 149 is some sort of a "blend" due to the fact that It has been to the MB service center a couple of times in its life (born mid-1980's).

 

 

 

--

cuza

 

 

 

[ajha1970]

Well, this is going to be risky............. but here goes anyway...................

 

When trying to get my mind around the various permutations, I constructed the chart below. The information is based on info from Barry Gabay's article and the posts of niksch and others, but of course, the errors are all mine. And I'm certain there are errors and inaccuracies. So let me know what they are and I'll adjust the chart accordingly.

 

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss171/DKbRS/Pens/MB149Dating.jpg

Hi

Great Work

Can you make this Gpraphical Chart for the Price Also in USD,

[Chrissy]

Hi, I'm so glad I found this chart. I always wondered when the brass filler threads started.

[OldFrog]

 

Not exactly. "Germany" was stamped on the ring both prior to, and then after the unification. "W. Germany" was used on the clip ring for a bit in between.

 

Oh and

 

Rick

 

You got a point here. I could find out too that 18c bitone nibs were used c. 1978-1982 by MontBlanc for french market, due to french legacy rules (Mandatory 75 % alloy = 750 = 18 kt. Rules changed since).

So I guess my pen is still a good candidate for this period.

 

Thanks for hint and kind welcome !

Edited February 21, 2012 by OldFrog

[Sagar_C]

Well, this is going to be risky............. but here goes anyway...................

 

When trying to get my mind around the various permutations, I constructed the chart below. The information is based on info from Barry Gabay's article and the posts of niksch and others, but of course, the errors are all mine. And I'm certain there are errors and inaccuracies. So let me know what they are and I'll adjust the chart accordingly.

 

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss171/DKbRS/Pens/MB149Dating.jpg

 

Looking at the chart it seems that the 149 produced in 1991 was special in term of combination of the split feed and bi-colour nib. Do they seek more price?

[rfc]

*snip*

http://oldfrog.free.fr/pics/DSC_4059-1.JPG

 

Feeds: solid ebonite

Nib: 18c 2-tone

Barrel: 1 section

Filler threads: black plastic

 

Using your wonderful descriptions here, it seems it is dated 1970s.

*snip*

 

Well actually, I'm wondering if it's not a reassembled pen, as the washer shows "Germany", so post-1990 ???

 

How come the slit is not in proportion with the engraving?

[Sagar_C]

Version 2.0

 

Reformatted and image of ski slope feed added.

 

 

I seem to have a pen that doesn't fit in! Split ebonite feed, bicolour 14K nib BUT plastic threads! Any comments? Thanks.

 

Edited to add: sorry wrong question, didn't see the updated chart then. :embarrassed_smile:

Edited March 8, 2012 by Sagar_C

[Spidy]

I must say I find this thread both fascinating and very educational. I've learnt so much about fountain pens by frequenting these forums in the past month. Kudos to all here who share their knowledge.

 

I do have a further query however. In another thread I asked about the stamp under the clip. The words "PIX", "METAL" and "LAITON" (French for brass) have been described as being seen. My query in this thread is if anyone can date when these engravings appeared, as a member on the other thread indicated that these are time related engravings rather than model related (I asked why my 149 had it but not my 147).

[ImNotSam]

A comfort to me that my 149 is now exactly dated. I couldn't remember if I'd bought it in 1969 or 1970. yes, I just wrote with it today. No, it's never been serviced. And it's been lovingly mistreated by me for 42 years now. I was a student when I bought it ... on close out sale. 18C tri-tone nib, round ebonite grooves face feed, black plastic piston, clip ring says "Germany.". I don't take it out of the house anymore for purely sentimental reasons, and I'm afraid that if I ever sent it to MB for servicing, I wouldn't get anything resembling my original pen back. I'd love to know if I could put some silicone grease on the piston, though ...

[hari317]

A comfort to me that my 149 is now exactly dated. I couldn't remember if I'd bought it in 1969 or 1970. yes, I just wrote with it today. No, it's never been serviced. And it's been lovingly mistreated by me for 42 years now. I was a student when I bought it ... on close out sale. 18C tri-tone nib, round ebonite grooves face feed, black plastic piston, clip ring says "Germany.". I don't take it out of the house anymore for purely sentimental reasons, and I'm afraid that if I ever sent it to MB for servicing, I wouldn't get anything resembling my original pen back. I'd love to know if I could put some silicone grease on the piston, though ...

 

Can you pls post a picture of the pen? with details of the area near the piston knob trim ring. your pen might have the press fit filler which is tricky to disassemble. In such pens it is best to introduce the silicone from the nib end after removing the nib unit. you will need purpose built tools for this so that no marks are left on the pen as a result of this operation.

 

Best

Hari

[ImNotSam]

A comfort to me that my 149 is now exactly dated. I couldn't remember if I'd bought it in 1969 or 1970. yes, I just wrote with it today. No, it's never been serviced. And it's been lovingly mistreated by me for 42 years now. I was a student when I bought it ... on close out sale. 18C tri-tone nib, round ebonite grooves face feed, black plastic piston, clip ring says "Germany.". I don't take it out of the house anymore for purely sentimental reasons, and I'm afraid that if I ever sent it to MB for servicing, I wouldn't get anything resembling my original pen back. I'd love to know if I could put some silicone grease on the piston, though ...

 

Can you pls post a picture of the pen? with details of the area near the piston knob trim ring. your pen might have the press fit filler which is tricky to disassemble. In such pens it is best to introduce the silicone from the nib end after removing the nib unit. you will need purpose built tools for this so that no marks are left on the pen as a result of this operation.

 

Best

Hari

 

 

Oh dear! I'll certainly not go anywhere near the silicone grease. Glad I asked ... But then again, I'm not one to perform brain surgery without a manual. I'm only semi-reckless with things I already know how to do.

 

I'll try to take some photos; the good news is I just bought a set of lenses for my iPhone but the bad news is I have to learn how to attach them and actually use them.

[pansipotter]

Sorry to be so late to this party but having only just started looking for a 149, this is where I started.

 

All I can say is thank you for putting this on FPN to share. Brilliant.

 

I feel so much more confident that what I pick is a certain age etc.

 

Thanks again

PS I used the 14C nib dates as a rough date for my 145 (no idea how old it is, belonged to a relative with no papers)