Dating Montblanc 149s

[Tombstone]

 

Your pen can be easily explained as a pen sent in to Mb for a full overhaul, where in the usual fashion, they replaced everything but the nib and the clip.

 

Hello Hari,

 

thanks for the explanaition - now some things come clear to me...

 

Ciao - Peter

Edited September 2, 2012 by Tombstone

[Barry Gabay]

Welcome Erik,

 

Your 149 is from an era when there was great care and attention to detail in manufacturing. It should last you a lifetime. It's already 40+ years old. From your description, you have a 1970s model. I first saw a pen with all of your features, but a split ebonite feed, in fall 1981.

 

I agree with Hari and others that the pocket clip is perhaps the most easily exchanged component. There seems to be no connection between reunification and the engraving of "Germany" or "W.Germany."

 

Enjoy your pen.

Best wishes,

Barry

 

 

 

Hi all,

 

Just purchased my first MB, a pre-owned Meisterstuck 149, really in mint condition!!!

 

Specs:

- Single unit barrel construction

- Black plastic piston mech en filler threads

- "Germany" on the ring

- no serial number

- bi color 14c nib, BB

- Solid ebonite feed

 

Hope some1 can help out defining the age of my Meisterstuck!!!

 

Erik

[Erik1303]

Hi Barry,

 

Thnx for your reply.

 

Curious about another detail, and that is the font of the engravings...

Attaching 2 files of example images of MB149 to show...

 

Seems that there are 2 type's of fonts that have been used, my pen the 2nd font...

 

Is this also related to the age of the pen???

 

regards,

 

Erik

[Barry Gabay]

Yes Erik, the deeper, hand-engraved cap bands are older. There are also differences in the umlaut over the U in Meisterstuck from different generations, as well as the No. for number 149. With enough spare time on one's hands, it's amazing how much trivial information it's possible to gather.

 

You can also look at the profile of the two caps. Current production 149 (and I assume 146, 145, & 142 though I don't have any at the moment) have a fairly straight cap lip. Look at an older model, and you can see a distinct inward curve to the cap lip.

[Erik1303]

Hi Barry,

 

thnx again for this very usefull information.

 

Indeed the further you dig in, the more information and detailling you get out...

 

I was already counting with the fact that the clip woul'd be most easiest part to exchange on the pen.

 

regards,

 

Erik

[Barry Gabay]

There is a 149 for sale in the classifieds section right now. Its original sales slip from Germany is dated July 10, 1985. The pen has all correct components (two-piece barrel, split ebonite feed, 14C nib) for an early 1980s model. This is the latest date for 14C nib I've encountered. In 1985, in the US, the 14C nib was replaced by the 14K nib, with all other parts remaining the same. Clearly there were still 14C nibs being sold in Germany as the newer 14K nibs had begun distribution. Always like learning more information about this great model.

[karmakoda]

There is a 149 for sale in the classifieds section right now. Its original sales slip from Germany is dated July 10, 1985. The pen has all correct components (two-piece barrel, split ebonite feed, 14C nib) for an early 1980s model. This is the latest date for 14C nib I've encountered. In 1985, in the US, the 14C nib was replaced by the 14K nib, with all other parts remaining the same. Clearly there were still 14C nibs being sold in Germany as the newer 14K nibs had begun distribution. Always like learning more information about this great model.

Hmmm, bet that pen is gone.

Sometimes I wonder about current marketing, versus, 1985 marketing and consumer behavior. Honestly, I've never had an iPhone, my son has had six??? Almost everyone in his consumer circle has to have the latest smartphone.

Now, I crave 1970s, early '80s 149s, but for consumers then, those were the "same old, won't they ever change, 149". I wonder if this particular 149 sat in a cabinet while all the "new" '85 stock flew out the door, until an independent thinking customer walked in on July 10th, 1985 and said, "No, I'll have that one." Just a possibility.

[Erik1303]

Welcome Erik,

 

Your 149 is from an era when there was great care and attention to detail in manufacturing. It should last you a lifetime. It's already 40+ years old. From your description, you have a 1970s model. I first saw a pen with all of your features, but a split ebonite feed, in fall 1981.

 

I agree with Hari and others that the pocket clip is perhaps the most easily exchanged component. There seems to be no connection between reunification and the engraving of "Germany" or "W.Germany."

 

Enjoy your pen.

Best wishes,

Barry

 

 

 

Hi all,

 

Just purchased my first MB, a pre-owned Meisterstuck 149, really in mint condition!!!

 

Specs:

- Single unit barrel construction

- Black plastic piston mech en filler threads

- "Germany" on the ring

- no serial number

- bi color 14c nib, BB

- Solid ebonite feed

 

Hope some1 can help out defining the age of my Meisterstuck!!!

 

Erik

All, I have to make à correction to the specifications of my MB149:

The plastic threads are brass threads... This makes it difficult to place it in the table...

Help me out please...

Erik

[Barry Gabay]

Good morning Erik,

 

The brass threads do present a problem in dating. There was a similar pen discussed (and perhaps photographed) here a while back. It had a single-piece barrel, 14C nib, ebonite feed, and BRASS piston threads. How was this possible we all wondered? I can't recall the decision/conclusion reached, but I believe someone had adapted a new piston mechanism to fit an older barrel.

 

We need Hari's, Tom Westerich's, Max's, Niksch's, Talking Head's, & Steve Light's expertise here.

I'm no engineer, just a dedicated fountain user. Those guys will be able to answer your question, Erik.

 

Look forward to the experts!

Have a great weekend.

Best wishes,

Barry

 

 

Welcome Erik,

 

Your 149 is from an era when there was great care and attention to detail in manufacturing. It should last you a lifetime. It's already 40+ years old. From your description, you have a 1970s model. I first saw a pen with all of your features, but a split ebonite feed, in fall 1981.

 

I agree with Hari and others that the pocket clip is perhaps the most easily exchanged component. There seems to be no connection between reunification and the engraving of "Germany" or "W.Germany."

 

Enjoy your pen.

Best wishes,

Barry

 

 

 

Hi all,

 

Just purchased my first MB, a pre-owned Meisterstuck 149, really in mint condition!!!

 

Specs:

- Single unit barrel construction

- Black plastic piston mech en filler threads

- "Germany" on the ring

- no serial number

- bi color 14c nib, BB

- Solid ebonite feed

 

Hope some1 can help out defining the age of my Meisterstuck!!!

 

Erik

All, I have to make à correction to the specifications of my MB149:

The plastic threads are brass threads... This makes it difficult to place it in the table...

Help me out please...

Erik

[Erik1303]

Good morning Erik,

 

The brass threads do present a problem in dating. There was a similar pen discussed (and perhaps photographed) here a while back. It had a single-piece barrel, 14C nib, ebonite feed, and BRASS piston threads. How was this possible we all wondered? I can't recall the decision/conclusion reached, but I believe someone had adapted a new piston mechanism to fit an older barrel.

 

We need Hari's, Tom Westerich's, Max's, Niksch's, Talking Head's, & Steve Light's expertise here.

I'm no engineer, just a dedicated fountain user. Those guys will be able to answer your question, Erik.

 

Look forward to the experts!

Have a great weekend.

Best wishes,

Barry

 

 

Welcome Erik,

 

Your 149 is from an era when there was great care and attention to detail in manufacturing. It should last you a lifetime. It's already 40+ years old. From your description, you have a 1970s model. I first saw a pen with all of your features, but a split ebonite feed, in fall 1981.

 

I agree with Hari and others that the pocket clip is perhaps the most easily exchanged component. There seems to be no connection between reunification and the engraving of "Germany" or "W.Germany."

 

Enjoy your pen.

Best wishes,

Barry

 

 

 

Hi all,

 

Just purchased my first MB, a pre-owned Meisterstuck 149, really in mint condition!!!

 

Specs:

- Single unit barrel construction

- Black plastic piston mech en filler threads

- "Germany" on the ring

- no serial number

- bi color 14c nib, BB

- Solid ebonite feed

 

Hope some1 can help out defining the age of my Meisterstuck!!!

 

Erik

All, I have to make à correction to the specifications of my MB149:

The plastic threads are brass threads... This makes it difficult to place it in the table...

Help me out please...

Erik

Barry, thnx for responding.

I am going to shoot some pictures of my MB to illustrate the specifications.

I hope the experts can give an explaination.

Have à nice weekend!!!

Rgds

Erik

[Erik1303]

Hi Everybody...

Okay!!

Here are the picture's of my MB149...

 

- Single unit barrel construction

- BRASS threads

- "Germany" on the ring

- no serial number

- bi color 14c nib, BB

- Solid ebonite feed

 

Hope to get some clarification...

regards,

Erik

 

Good morning Erik,

 

The brass threads do present a problem in dating. There was a similar pen discussed (and perhaps photographed) here a while back. It had a single-piece barrel, 14C nib, ebonite feed, and BRASS piston threads. How was this possible we all wondered? I can't recall the decision/conclusion reached, but I believe someone had adapted a new piston mechanism to fit an older barrel.

 

We need Hari's, Tom Westerich's, Max's, Niksch's, Talking Head's, & Steve Light's expertise here.

I'm no engineer, just a dedicated fountain user. Those guys will be able to answer your question, Erik.

 

Look forward to the experts!

Have a great weekend.

Best wishes,

Barry

 

 

Welcome Erik,

 

Your 149 is from an era when there was great care and attention to detail in manufacturing. It should last you a lifetime. It's already 40+ years old. From your description, you have a 1970s model. I first saw a pen with all of your features, but a split ebonite feed, in fall 1981.

 

I agree with Hari and others that the pocket clip is perhaps the most easily exchanged component. There seems to be no connection between reunification and the engraving of "Germany" or "W.Germany."

 

Enjoy your pen.

Best wishes,

Barry

 

 

 

Hi all,

 

Just purchased my first MB, a pre-owned Meisterstuck 149, really in mint condition!!!

 

Specs:

- Single unit barrel construction

- Black plastic piston mech en filler threads

- "Germany" on the ring

- no serial number

- bi color 14c nib, BB

- Solid ebonite feed

 

Hope some1 can help out defining the age of my Meisterstuck!!!

 

Erik

All, I have to make à correction to the specifications of my MB149:

The plastic threads are brass threads... This makes it difficult to place it in the table...

Help me out please...

Erik

Barry, thnx for responding.

I am going to shoot some pictures of my MB to illustrate the specifications.

I hope the experts can give an explaination.

Have à nice weekend!!!

Rgds

Erik

[Erik1303]

Hi,

Not any reply yet...

Anybody of the experts have à explaination regarding THE brass threads?

Thnx

Erik

[Barry Gabay]

Hi Erik,

 

Seems you and I are the only ones with an interest in this topic, though I know that is not really true. I'm sure someone adapted a new filler mechanism to fit an old single-piece barrel. The single piece barrel was never offered new with brass piston threads. Though I like "factory production" models, I must admit a pen such as yours in very interesting.

 

Let's shake the tree and see which experts fall from its branches first.

 

Best wishes,

Barry

 

 

 

 

Hi,

Not any reply yet...

Anybody of the experts have à explaination regarding THE brass threads?

Thnx

Erik

[karmakoda]

Hi Erik

 

You may have mentioned it, but where did you purchase this pen? Curious about it's origin.

Also, can you please describe the appearance of the umlaut, over or in, the letter "U", in Meisterstück, on your pen?

Not something I had noticed, but Barry pointed out that there is variation in that feature (how does he know all this stuff?) and I have found 3 different types on my eight 149s. Will post photos when possible.

 

I cannot offer any helpful information about the brass threads on your pen, that is perplexing . If Barry doesn't know, there may not be an explanation.

Thanks

greg

[Erik1303]

Hi Erik,

 

Seems you and I are the only ones with an interest in this topic, though I know that is not really true. I'm sure someone adapted a new filler mechanism to fit an old single-piece barrel. The single piece barrel was never offered new with brass piston threads. Though I like "factory production" models, I must admit a pen such as yours in very interesting.

 

Let's shake the tree and see which experts fall from its branches first.

 

Best wishes,

Barry

 

 

 

 

Hi,

Not any reply yet...

Anybody of the experts have à explaination regarding THE brass threads?

Thnx

Erik

Hi Barry,

 

Thnx for your reaction!

I am very happy with my 149, it it a fabulous pen to write with.....just curious about its past.

Lets wait and see what happens!

Rgds

Erik

[Erik1303]

Hi Erik

 

You may have mentioned it, but where did you purchase this pen? Curious about it's origin.

Also, can you please describe the appearance of the umlaut, over or in, the letter "U", in Meisterstück, on your pen?

Not something I had noticed, but Barry pointed out that there is variation in that feature (how does he know all this stuff?) and I have found 3 different types on my eight 149s. Will post photos when possible.

 

I cannot offer any helpful information about the brass threads on your pen, that is perplexing . If Barry doesn't know, there may not be an explanation.

Thanks

greg

Hi Greg,

Bought the pen in an auction.

And yes, I can upload à picture of the umlaut on the "U", will do that tomorrow.

Thanks for replying.

Not any doubt that I am very happy with the MB149.

 

Erik

[karmakoda]

Thanks Erik

I'm hoping someone else has a pen with features like yours.

Afraid I'm one of those people that keep spare parts on hand to repair my pens, including 149s. This makes me realize that I need to provide documentation with an altered pen in case future owners are curious.

Retro-fitting a brass piston mechanism to a single piece barrel sounds like fairly advanced work, but might be a possible do-it-yourself.

I've only had nine 149s, so my experience is limited compared to some of the collectors here.

But, I have enjoyed every one and the 149 is my benchmark to which every other pen is compared.

[entertainment]

There is a 149 for sale in the classifieds section right now. Its original sales slip from Germany is dated July 10, 1985. The pen has all correct components (two-piece barrel, split ebonite feed, 14C nib) for an early 1980s model. This is the latest date for 14C nib I've encountered. In 1985, in the US, the 14C nib was replaced by the 14K nib, with all other parts remaining the same. Clearly there were still 14C nibs being sold in Germany as the newer 14K nibs had begun distribution. Always like learning more information about this great model.

 

I am the proud owner of this pen. It seems to conform to every aspect of an early 1980s pen according to your article and the chart. I would be happy to provide pictures of any aspects of the pen, but I don't think there is anything special about it other than the late sales date. It is my first MB after many years of Parker 51 loyalty.

[Chrissy]

I sailed through these posts trying to catch up. Very informative chart!!

 

Unless I missed it no one mentioned another way to date a few pens. Before the 1990 reunification of the two Germanys pens were stamped "W.GERMANY" then just "GERMANY". Even better, serial numbers were added at about the same time. If you have a W. German pen AND a serial number, you really have something special.

I have a 149 marked W.Germany, and according to someone I know to be very experienced in a London Boutique, it has an early serial number. Does that mean it was made before 1990? It has just been to Mb Germany for repair/service. According to the service letter Mb replaced the Forepart (Grip?) Feeder case, Ink feeder, Spiral piston, Piston and Cone. I'm sure it had a similar feed when it left me.

[ivanwong]

Newly revised version

 

 

http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/408555_10152151787845241_1351951421_n.jpg