The Most Elegant You Ever Saw..

[Mickey]

MB 149's are not elegant. They're a black pen. Hold it against a Equipoise or a CS Oxford and you see that!!!No one asked what your fave pen was. Thanks

 

Google "elegant solution" and you might reconsider your disqualification of the 149 and its ilk. The 149 is not my favorite "little black pen" but it is probably the best known (outside our little community). I do like the CS Oxford and consider it an excellent contender in the OP's terms. The Equipoise(s) not so much...

[elpaninaro]

Metropolitan Museum of Art Tiffany Pine Bough pen - I think this is the most beautiful and elegant pen I have ever seen. Not everyones cup of tea I'm sure, but I am a huge fan of LC Tiffany.

 

 

 

I opened this thread all set to suggest a Dupont (Vertigo II) which I would still vote as a very elegant pen, but you have taken the prize with this one in my book. Stunning!

[Victoria O.]

I think Japanese makie laquer pens are so elegant.

Someday I will own one.

 

 

Here's a Sailor Chrysanthemum:

 

[goodguy]

Actually I think the MB Schiller is very elegant and handson pen.

 

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/alfa170a/Picture011-4.jpg

[Parse Error]

any skeleton demonstrator.

[yachtsilverswan]

Sorry, I can't get on board with those.

 

The 149 is too fat and bulbous to ever be called elegant. Elegant = slim.

 

If I had to nominate a MB for elegance, I would probably offer up the 146, which is just smaller enough in bulk to pass as elegant, in whatever finish you like - I'd pick a nice pinstripe vermeil, myself.

 

It's so interesting to see the disparate interpretations of "elegant," "sophisticated," "classy" and "beautiful." (quoting the OP)

 

To me the 149 is elegant - masculine and oversized, but elegant.

 

While "slim" may be a feature of "feminine," the MB 149 was not designed as a feminine pen, nor was it ever marketed to appeal to women. Montblanc developed separate slimmer lines to appeal to the feminine market - the Boheme line, the Greta Garbo (which I think is elegant), and the Marlena Dietrich.

 

Large black vintage limousines are usually considered "elegant," and few would call a garage busting 1967 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Sedanca DeVille or a bulbous 1952 Cadillac Golden Anniversary Imperial Limousine "slim."

 

http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr131/yachtsilverswan/392821_211886996.jpg

http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr131/yachtsilverswan/fox-theater-cadillac-b.jpg

 

I find the MB 149 to be most elegant.

Edited February 8, 2011 by yachtsilverswan

[georges zaslavsky]

The 149 like the rolex datejust or vintage omega constellation is timeless and classic.

[HDoug]

The photos here are just wonderful. I've seen a lot of pens in this thread that I never knew about. More photos! More photos!

 

Doug

[Rose Nibs]

Now we need a thread for the most overdressed pen - obese and wearing too much jewelry. And I nominate that fat black monster, the... I'm kidding, put down your weapons.

Edited February 8, 2011 by Rose Nibs

[wspohn]

The 149 like the rolex datejust or vintage omega constellation is timeless and classic.

 

 

I agree completely, Georges and have a lot fo respect for that model - I just don't think of it as elegant.

 

It is the Incredible Hulk of pens, majestic in all it's austere glory, but sorry, I can't think of it as being in the same category as the other elegant pens mentioned in this thread. I own lots of large pens and none of them fall into that category for me. I know opinions will vary.

 

I think Amir's nomination of the Schiller makes sense - smaller than the 149 as I recall and simple tasteful style.

Edited February 8, 2011 by wspohn

[Pensfan]

Elegant Solution:

 

DEFINITION -

The word elegant, in general, is an adjective meaning of fine quality. Refinement and simplicity are implied, rather than fussiness, or ostentation. An elegant solution, often referred to in relation to problems in disciplines such as mathematics, engineering, and programming, is one in which the maximum desired effect is achieved with the smallest, or simplest effort. Engineers, for example, seek the elegant solution as a means of solving a problem with the least possible waste of materials and effort.

 

The most elegant Fountain Pen? The Parker 51 Aerometric Filler.

 

 

Though I have to admit I love the vac fillers... so here is some P51 Vac eye candy!

 

http://parkercollector.com/bilder_pennor/51/parker51-lambrou.jpg

[DanDeM]

Elegant Solution:

 

DEFINITION -

The word elegant, in general, is an adjective meaning of fine quality. Refinement and simplicity are implied, rather than fussiness, or ostentation. An elegant solution, often referred to in relation to problems in disciplines such as mathematics, engineering, and programming, is one in which the maximum desired effect is achieved with the smallest, or simplest effort. Engineers, for example, seek the elegant solution as a means of solving a problem with the least possible waste of materials and effort.

 

 

 

Your definition is very precise. Your illustrations...well?

 

To my mind the pen should not have a dribble of guano on the cap or any other attempt at branded identification. Irrelevant.

It should not have a cap band, because it is made well enough not to need one.

It should not have a clip, which in no way contributes to the pen's only purpose.

It's inner workings must be simple, enduring, fool-proof.

It's finish might be noted for what it is not, rather than for what it is.

 

Therefore...winna, winna,

 

A clipless Danitrio Mikado ED in raw ebonite.

[LuckyDog10]

I vote for the Yard O Led Viceroy Victorian. I like the Standard, but the Grand is just as lovely:

 

 

 

For those who consider it too girly, the Barley finish is an understated beauty.

[Mickey]

Elegant Solution:

 

DEFINITION -

The word elegant, in general, is an adjective meaning of fine quality. Refinement and simplicity are implied, rather than fussiness, or ostentation. An elegant solution, often referred to in relation to problems in disciplines such as mathematics, engineering, and programming, is one in which the maximum desired effect is achieved with the smallest, or simplest effort. Engineers, for example, seek the elegant solution as a means of solving a problem with the least possible waste of materials and effort.

 

 

 

Your definition is very precise. Your illustrations...well?

 

To my mind the pen should not have a dribble of guano on the cap or any other attempt at branded identification. Irrelevant.

It should not have a cap band, because it is made well enough not to need one.

It should not have a clip, which in no way contributes to the pen's only purpose.

It's inner workings must be simple, enduring, fool-proof.

It's finish might be noted for what it is not, rather than for what it is.

 

Therefore...winna, winna,

 

A clipless Danitrio Mikado ED in raw ebonite.

 

1. Brand identification (the guano) is a way of insuring economy of scale, thus a marque does not offend the definition.

2. Cap bands affect the balance (when posted) and provide reinforcement of the joint, thus they may not offend the definition, particularly if they also satisfy brand identification as per 1. above.

3. If the reasons for an FP includes portability, a clip may not offend the definition.

4. Simplicity, endurance, and fool-proofery are not absolutes. They must be balanced against each other, and against price point, et al.

5. Precious recycled bowling ball is no less a marketing statement than is precious resin. Both offend equally.

 

Ultimately, a sharpened stick and an open vein constitute the more elegant (short term) solution.

 

All that said, I also would prefer the Mikado over the 149. (and the Decapod over both).

[ttakacs]

How about a vintage Aurora 88?

 

Photos here: Vintage Aurora 88

[reprieve]

http://www.thewritingdesk.co.uk/yardoled/vg_vict_fp.jpg

 

(photo from The Writing Desk)

Yard O Led Grand Victorian

 

 

 

http://www.thewritingdesk.co.uk/sailor/naginata_togi_5019.jpg

 

 

(photo from The Writing Desk)

Sailor 1911 Sterling Silver with Naginata nib

 

 

 

 

http://www.nibs.com/www/WEBSITE%20PICS/Nakaya%20Pens/special_orders/RedBirdCapped.jpg

 

(photo from Nibs.com)

Nakaya Suzaku Redbird

 

 

 

 

http://www.nibs.com/www/WEBSITE%20PICS/Nakaya%20Pens/special_orders/LongAscendingDragonHekiUnCapped.jpg

 

(photo from Nibs.com)

Nakaya Ascending Dragon Heki-tamenuri

Edited February 8, 2011 by reprieve

[reprieve]

A few more!

 

 

http://morastylos.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/o/l/old34_1.jpg

 

(photo from Mora Stylos)

Oldwin Classic in blue & gray marbled celluloid (from Mora Stylos in Paris)

 

 

 

http://edisonpenco.smugmug.com/Pens/The-Herald-Grande/DSCN0007/1020412229_JjTmz-M.jpg

 

(photo from Edison Pen's SmugMug)

Edison Herald Grande (clipless) in transparent tortoise celluloid

 

 

 

http://www.nibs.com/www/WEBSITE%20PICS/Pelikan%20website%20pics/M910_Toledo_Silver.jpg

 

(photo from Nibs.com)

Pelikan M910 Toledo, sterling silver & black

 

 

 

http://www.nibs.com/www/WEBSITE%20PICS/Pelikan%20website%20pics/M1050.jpg

 

(photo from Nibs.com)

Pelikan M1050

Edited February 8, 2011 by reprieve

[reprieve]

Okay, last one (I promise!) (and I won't even start with the vintage pens):

 

 

http://www.nibs.com/www/WEBSITE%20PICS/Nakaya%20Pens/Piccolo/PiccoloHousogeKikyo_Capped.jpg

 

http://www.nibs.com/www/WEBSITE%20PICS/Nakaya%20Pens/Piccolo/PiccoloHousogeKikyo_UnCapped.jpg

 

(photo from Nibs.com)

Nakaya Piccolo Housoge (a.k.a. Filigree Pen)

Edited February 8, 2011 by reprieve

[Blade Runner]

MB 146 Solitaires, especially the sterling silver in barleycorn finish

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/jelb/IMG_7251.jpg

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/jelb/IMG_6730.jpg

[wspohn]

MB 146 Solitaires, especially the sterling silver in barleycorn finish

 

Agreed. I have one of the stripe version out having the nib ground, and also gold plated barleycorn.

 

I also like the vermeil striped - probably my favourite!

 

http://www.rhodo.citymax.com/i/non-rhodo/7yqbvyo.jpg