Montblanc Meisterstück 146 1940's - 1970's (Including The Rare Transitional Model)

[Iowapens]

Most informative article. Very helpful in dating the vintage 146's. Thanks.

[LYTH]

Impressive post !

Thanks for these informations.

[sjg76]

Dear Michael

 

Great gallery! I especially love the old ads you posted. Where did you get them from? Lovely.

I stumbled upon your post reading about spotting a fake MB. And I'm glad I did come across your post because I calmed my suspicions about having bought a counterfit Gold Barley Meisterstück 144 (a size I love).

 

What made me unsure? First, unlike my other pens this one reads 14 c, not 14 or 18 k. Reading the letter "c" on your pens' nibs is reassuring.

What I'm still unsure of, though, is that the tips of the star-emblem are roundes and less protruding as, for example, my Silver Barley Meisterstück 144 - which has an 18 k M nib, though.

 

Should I still be worried?

 

As I'm new here I'll post a selection of pics in my introductory post.

Thank you.

Best,

sjg76

 

 

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/MB146oldclosed.jpg

 

Together with the Montblanc 149 the 146 is considered one of the most popular fountain pens Montblanc offers. It is a large but not oversize fountain pen offering a more affordable alternative option to the oversize flagship model 149.

 

The earliest streamlined Montblanc Meisterstück 14X models were offered at the end of the 1940's replacing the flattop 13X series of Meisterstück pens.

 

Most sources quote 1949 as the introduction date of the 14X series including the 146.

 

Early models are made of celluloid still using the telescopic multiple stage piston filler mechanism. The feed was made from ebonite and the nibs are two tone.

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%201957%20Catalog/Montblanc19573.jpg

1950's catalog offer the pen for DM 54.- in a variety of colors: schwarz (black), silbergrau (silver striated) and dunkel-seegrün (green striated).

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/mbb.jpg

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/MB146149.jpg

Vintage 1950's celluloid 149 and 146

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/MB146149nib.jpg

Vintage 1950's 149 and 146 nibs for comparison. Quite often those nibs are flexible and provide great writing experience. Note the different gripping section: the 146 has a curved section and the 149 has a straight section like on more recent Meisterstück pens already showing a little rim at its end.

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/MB146old.jpg

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/Mb146oldcapring.jpg

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/Mb146oldcaptop.jpg

Most often the Montblanc star shows a nice ivory color on vintage celluloid models. This color is copied on the stars of the new Writer's Edition pens.

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/MB146oldclosedII.jpg

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/Mb146oldfeed.jpg

1949-1960 Meisterstück 146 pens can be found showing a variety of different details. E.g. earlier pens show the flat ski-slope feed already known from the earlier 13X pens while later pens have a round and grooved feed.

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/Mb146oldfiller.jpg

Celluloid models always show a rounded, convex ring between filler and barrel. Also the imprint may vary; e.g. 146 or 146 G. I assume that models showing the 146 G may be older as the "G" used to stand for glatt (=smooth) denoting the way the surface is finished (e.g. smooth, engraved, patterned,...). Later this became unneeded as only smooth pens were offered.

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/Mb146oldfillernibsize.jpg

Most pens also have an imprint showing the original nib size. Sometimes the little symbols (like: . - ->) are added to the nib size but the several discussions have not led to a coherent explanation.

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/Mb146oldinkwindow.jpg

Unfortunately the clear cellulioid of the ink view window tends to amber. The black stripes also can wear. Shown above are two fairly nice windows with the lower one showing much less discoloration and ambering. When it comes to value clarity and color of the ink view window are among important factors which can in- or decrease the price of such pen.

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/Mb146oldopen.jpg

Some plating of the two tone nib has already worn over the years.

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/MB146oldopenclosed.jpg

 

I have used a couple of 1949-1960 celluloid Meisterstück 146 pens with a variety of nibs and they are among my favorite writers. Usually used examples can be brought back to life with a simple service and replacement of the usually destroyed cork seal. I also came across few pens which already used a synthetic seal. In comparison to the more modern Meisterstück pens the older ones are slightly shorter and smaller but very comfortable to hold due to the curved section.

 

Some time ago I thought life of the smaller streamlined, classic Meisterstück pens ended in 1960 and came back in the early-mid 1970's while the large 149 stayed in production. ...because that was what I found stated in pen books and Montblanc catalogs. E.g. the modern Meisterstück 146 is mentioned in a 1973 catalog Tom shows on his site: 1973 price list.

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/MB146Transitionalnib.jpg

 

Then Tom Westerich posted this: A Montblanc 146 That Should Not Exist.

 

Luckily I was able to find one of those 1960's transitional pens shortly after Tom's article.

 

Indeed this transitional pen shows some very interesting features from both older pre 1960's series and post 1970's pen.

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/MB146oldTransitionalnib.jpg

The transitional pen still shows the same type of nib and ebonite feed used on the celluloid models but overall construction are already similar to the modern pens. The material used for the barrel, cap,... already is resin.

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/MB146NewTransitionalinkwindow.jpg

The transitional pen has a clear blue ink view window missing the typical black stripes of the celluloid and modern pens. Also note that the straight gripping section is missing the matte black rim or collar more modern Meisterstück pens have. Later 1970's pens also show a clear ink window without stripes but in grey color which is often confused with blue because it has a slightly blueish-grey tint.

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/MB146NewTransitionaloldnib.jpg

1949-1960's pen, 1960's transitional pen and 1970's pen.

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/MB146NewTransitionaloldfeed.jpg

Note the different feeds and gripping sections.

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/MB146NewTransitionaloldopen.jpg

Dimensions and proportion are very similar but not exactly alike comparing the transtitional and 1970's pen.

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/MB146NewTransitionalEndring.jpg

The filling knob of the transitional model and 1970's model show slightly different proportions and size. Also note the smooth band on the 1970's model compared to the slightly rounded and convex ring of the transitional model which is still different to the one used on the celluloid model.

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/MB146transitionalcaptop.jpg

Cap construction of the transitional model is also more similar to the one of the celluloid version.

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/MB146NewTransitionalDetail.jpg

The engraving of the cap ring shows differences between transitional (above) and 1970's version (below).

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/MB146NewTransitionaloldcapped.jpg

1949-1960's pen, 1960's transitional pen and 1970's pen from the left to the right.

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/MB146NewTransitionaloldclosed.jpg

1949-1960's pen, 1960's transitional pen and 1970's pen from the left to the right.

 

After the introduction of the modern Meisterstück 146 in the 1970's this model underwent further changes. The sinlge color nib was replaces with a two tone nib, the grey ink window was replaces by a clear but black striped one and later the length was elongated to match the length of the newly introduced 147 Traveller. Feed changed from ebonite to plastic in a variety of designs as did the engravings of the cap bands and clip. Most latey the nib/feed/collar construction underwent further changes which remain mainly invisible but are of importance when servicing and taking apart pens.

 

But this is a story for another day...

 

Any thoughts and additions are most welcome.

 

Cheers and see you on this weekend's Nürnberg Pen Show

 

Michael

[Montblanc owner and lover]

thank you very much,i won't see my modern 146 from the same eye now...

[woghd]

Thank you for the information of the 146.

[jar]

A Very nice and informative post Michael. BTW, has anyone found the 146s fitted with the solid, non split HR feed, without groove on the sloping face?

 

Best

Hari

 

Yes. I have a 146 OBB with the solid feed without the grooves.

 

http://www.fototime.com/71673311C1C3A30/medium800.jpg

 

http://www.fototime.com/740821E3ABAC84E/orig.jpg

 

edited to add picture of the feed.

Edited January 20, 2013 by jar

[hari317]

A Very nice and informative post Michael. BTW, has anyone found the 146s fitted with the solid, non split HR feed, without groove on the sloping face?

 

Best

Hari

 

Yes. I have a 146 OBB with the solid feed without the grooves.

 

Thanks Jar, but no, not this feed. I was asking about the feed design that just preceded the split ebonite feed. Subsequent to my question, in my backchannel discussions, i came to know that a few collectors have multiple examples of 146s with the feed I asked about. Talkinghead?

 

Your feed seems to be of the type that predate even the ski slope feed, very curious!

Edited January 22, 2013 by hari317

[jar]

A Very nice and informative post Michael. BTW, has anyone found the 146s fitted with the solid, non split HR feed, without groove on the sloping face?

 

Best

Hari

 

Yes. I have a 146 OBB with the solid feed without the grooves.

 

Thanks Jar, but no, not this feed. I was asking about the feed design that just preceded the split ebonite feed. Subsequent to my question, in my backchannel discussions, i came to know that a few collectors have multiple examples of 146s with the feed I asked about. Talkinghead?

 

Your feed seems to be of the type that predate even the ski slope feed, very curious!

 

Yes, it is a groove-less ski-slope. I think I also have one with the just before split ebonite too but it's not here at the house.

[ksh]

I purchased a 146 on Ebay, listed as from 1956. I am puzzled by how the seller could determine the year. I do not see any number that would identify the year. Is there a known date when the nibs changed from ski slope to the rounded type I have?

[rare991]

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn140/PENSnINKS/Montblanc/Montblanc%20146/MB146NewTransitionalDetail.jpg

The engraving of the cap ring shows differences between transitional (above) and 1970's version (below).

Michael

 

Hi Michael !

 

very vey good post !!!!

 

are you sure with the engraving ?

 

my 1970's look like the above one , my newer form the 1980's and later like the below.

 

are you sure the below is engraving from the 1970's ?

 

very kind regards

Mike

[woghd]

Thanks for very nice review and information!!!

[wolffullmoon]

I just bought a MB146 set, FP and BP. the antique dealer said it was a fake and priced it accordingly. I'm not so sure. This looks like a 1970's 146 from all the pictures on the forum. I'll post some photos just for sure. Seems in mint condition M nib appears not to have been filled (or someone did one whale of a clean out on the filler) I did dip it to test.

what do you think?

 

[jar]

I just bought a MB146 set, FP and BP. the antique dealer said it was a fake and priced it accordingly. I'm not so sure. This looks like a 1970's 146 from all the pictures on the forum. I'll post some photos just for sure. Seems in mint condition M nib appears not to have been filled (or someone did one whale of a clean out on the filler) I did dip it to test.

what do you think?

 

 

Looks fine. Good buy.

[Chrissy]

The pictures are much too big for me to see plus I get a Firefox warning for high usage but I've never seen a fake 149 piston filling pen

[Fabienne]

This was wonderful. I only have a 146 and I think I am going to stop here. It is superb and your assessment of the early 146's is, too. Thank you.

[josephchow42]

Nice Info on the 146. Thinking about getting one eventually.

[libran88]

What an excellent 146 post.. Very informative and nice pictures too.. Great work Michael R. Thank you

[NWIslander]

And so my education begins! Thanks Michael R., as I am just starting out on my FP adventure, I greatly appreciate your informative post. I recently bought my first pen and decided to go with a MB 146 and I couldn't be happier!

[Bo Bo Olson]

When did the 146 stop making monotone gold nibs? (seemed to started in @ '70....have 'gray' window also. Feed is sort of rough...not 'plastic' smooth-ebonite?.

 

Can not find a nib size even with 10X loupe.

14 K

mountblanc

585

 

Very nice nib with a tad of spring or flex (springy or good regular flex +)........seems an F...

Edited September 23, 2014 by Bo Bo Olson

[robmcdade]

Awesome post! I am still confused though!!! I have a clear windowed 146 pen with W.Germany on the clip BUTit has a two tone 14k nib and brass piston threads. Is this just a Frankenstein pen? My father swears it has always been like this. Please help us work this out.