Opening Blind Cap On 149?

[Paul Raposo]

Hey all.

 

Just got back from meeting the seller of a 149. I'll be posting pictures tomorrow.

 

The pen appears to be in order, but I'm not sure about opening the blind cap to use the plunger. I unscrew it and it turns freely on the first turn; turns with slight firmness on the next 7-8 turns, and then stops. I feel like I can turn it further, but it feels very firm, and I don't want to do something wrong. I can't tell if the cap is free of the threads. Do I continue to turn, or pull the cap up? The threads on the barrel are plastic.

 

 

Here are some more pictures. They aren't the greatest, but I hope they show the pen enough to be able to verify if there is anything wrong with it.

 

First, the pen in it's entirety. The pen has some light storage marks, and isn't too shiny. Any advice on polishing the barrel, and cap? I've read on FPN to use Novus 2, but I've never used that and would prefer something else. Someone else on here had suggested a jewelers cloth, (rouge cloth?). Would that work on plastic? Here are the pics:

 

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/6818/mb1wq.jpg

 

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/4311/mb2ao.jpg

 

Next, the cap band:

 

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/7580/mb3wp.jpg

 

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/6625/mb4fu.jpg

 

Here's the nib, marked 4810 M inside a star, in a circle; 18C Montblanc 750. I'm not sure what size the nib is. As you can see the nib is really tarnished. I'm thinking of using a Cape Cod polishing cloth to bring back the shine.

 

http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/1940/mb5e.jpg

 

The ink reservoir windows:

 

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/2954/mb6vz.jpg

 

And lastly the feed:

 

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/2840/mb7h.jpg

 

Now a few questions; The nib is tri-colour, but the feed appears modern with fins, rather than smooth. I thought the tri-colour nibs only came with the smooth feeds.

 

Also, I'm not sure I have this pen completely cleaned. In the last picture, you can see that there is still some ink. Every time I wet a tissue and apply it to the collar, it soaks up ink. I had the nib soaking in water overnight, and I hoped that would have cleaned it properly. Should I soak the nib, with water over the section?

 

On the piston knob, there appears to be a slight gap between the end of the knob, and the gold band, (this is visible in the first picture above,). It looks like it wants to screw down inside the gold band, but when I close the knob down, it stops and won't go any further. Perhaps a replacement that is larger than the barrel--a newer knob, on an older barrel? The seller said he was given the pen as a gift 30 years ago, and was told that it was already old when he received it.

 

Lastly, how easy is it to damage the piston mechanism? Last night while cleaning, I forgot that I had already opened the piston, and continued turning it, and a white part appeared in the reservoir windows. I backed off the piston knob, and the piece went back up into the barrel. Is that part suppose to be down that far in the barrel, or should it be hidden when the piston is operated? It works fine, so I don't think I broke it--but ya never know.

 

Here's a pic of the nib, after polishing with a Cape Cod cloth:

 

http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/4038/mb8tl.jpg

 

Shines up pretty nice.

Edited August 10, 2011 by Paul Raposo

[jar]

You stop there, place the nib and the first part of the section in the ink (use water the first time) and then turn it the other way.

[watch_art]

that funny free turning it does at first was weird to me when I had a 149 but I think it's perfectly normal. I've had a few piston fillers behave that way and the 149 was the worst about it. i say that like it's a bad thing, but that's not how I mean it. it was just the freest turner if that makes sense. and like jar said, don't keep turning when it hits bottom. stop. you don't want to break anything. that would make your 149 sad.

 

take care and enjoy a beautiful pen.

[Paul Raposo]

You stop there, place the nib and the first part of the section in the ink (use water the first time) and then turn it the other way.

 

So I don't pull the cap up!

 

Ok, I was thinking these were like my Sheaffer Touch Down, where I pull the blind cap up, and then press it down to open the ink sac and pull up ink by creating a vacuum.

 

So, turn (easily) until it stops, then close it again. Bizarre :blink:

 

Thanks for your help, jar.

[jar]

You stop there, place the nib and the first part of the section in the ink (use water the first time) and then turn it the other way.

 

So I don't pull the cap up!

 

Ok, I was thinking these were like my Sheaffer Touch Down, where I pull the blind cap up, and then press it down to open the ink sac and pull up ink by creating a vacuum.

 

So, turn (easily) until it stops, then close it again. Bizarre :blink:

 

Thanks for your help, jar.

 

It's a piston. Like a big converter.

[PAKMAN]

Rather than a blind cap it is actually a piston nob. As you turn it the internal piston pushes forward toward the nib. You dip in down in the ink and turn the other way which draws the piston back from the nib drawing in the ink.

[Paul Raposo]

that funny free turning it does at first was weird to me when I had a 149 but I think it's perfectly normal. I've had a few piston fillers behave that way and the 149 was the worst about it. i say that like it's a bad thing, but that's not how I mean it. it was just the freest turner if that makes sense. and like jar said, don't keep turning when it hits bottom. stop. you don't want to break anything. that would make your 149 sad.

 

take care and enjoy a beautiful pen.

 

Tell me about it. After that first turn got firm, I figured the piston must be stuck. I certainly hope I haven't damaged it but turning until it stops, I haven't forced it.

 

Like I wrote above, I came at this pen thinking of a Touch Down.

[Paul Raposo]

Ok, I tried it out, and it soaked up water, and pushed it out. The reservoir windows are pretty clear now.

 

I filled it with water, and put the nib down in some water to further clean the nib. Is this safe to leave overnight? There is a bit of water touching the section, because the pen is in the cup on an angle. Will the water harm the resin?

 

While I was turning the piston nob, (thank you, pakmanpony) I noticed it made a turn, and I heard a very slight click. Is this a bad thing? It is turning slightly easier now.

 

All this is new to me. I thought I had researched these pens enough to feel confident in owning one, but I've got new mother nerves right now. This is the most I've ever paid for a pen, ($250) and I'm feeling a bit anxious.

[Paul Raposo]

It's a piston. Like a big converter.

 

Alright, now I understand.

[watch_art]

and 250 is a very good price for one of these. congrats.

[Paul Raposo]

and 250 is a very good price for one of these. congrats.

 

Thank you, watch_art.

 

The seller had it listed on Craigslist originally at over $300, but had no replies. He lowered it to $250, and I was the only person to contact him. On an impulse, I drove out to Toronto to meet him last night.

 

He was an older man, and he and his wife, made me feel incredibly welcome in their home. On top of the pen, he asked if I collected ink wells, I said I don't, and he said, "Well you do now," and gave me a box of ink wells to take home.

 

I'll be adding some pics to this post.

[JLS1]

Ok, I tried it out, and it soaked up water, and pushed it out. The reservoir windows are pretty clear now.

 

I filled it with water, and put the nib down in some water to further clean the nib. Is this safe to leave overnight? There is a bit of water touching the section, because the pen is in the cup on an angle. Will the water harm the resin?

 

While I was turning the piston nob, (thank you, pakmanpony) I noticed it made a turn, and I heard a very slight click. Is this a bad thing? It is turning slightly easier now.

 

All this is new to me. I thought I had researched these pens enough to feel confident in owning one, but I've got new mother nerves right now. This is the most I've ever paid for a pen, ($250) and I'm feeling a bit anxious.

 

Congrats on your 149! $250 is a fantastic price for a 149 - the minimum on eBay is usually $300 and it often goes north...sometimes, quite a bit north. Do you know how old your pen is?

 

It was a good idea to clean it out first since it sounds like the pen hasn't been used for a long time. However, don't leave the pen in water overnight - fill it w/water, leave it lying flat somewhere safe and then expel the water in the morning. (I don't know why it's not recommended to leave the nib in water overnight, but I've seen this elsewhere on FPN...maybe one of the veterans can explain?)

 

I believe you'll find the blind cap/piston knob will get easier to turn as you use it more. I think that MB greases the threads for the piston during manufacture. (maybe Axel can confirm this?) If it's been lying around unused for a long time, however, the I suspect the grease may become stiff. Bo Bo Olsen (who's been seen lurking here on occasion) has sometimes recommended applying a VERY small amount of silicon grease to loosen stiff piston threads, but this advice was for Pelikans, so I'm not sure if this will work (or is even recommended) for MBs.

 

Since it sounds like you're close to T.O., another idea is to take the 149 to the Toronto MB boutique and ask them to run you through the fill-up/cleaning/maintenance procedures...just try to avoid buying some other MB pens or goodies while you're there!

 

Congrats again and let us know how the pen writes!

[Paul Raposo]

Congrats on your 149! $250 is a fantastic price for a 149 - the minimum on eBay is usually $300 and it often goes north...sometimes, quite a bit north. Do you know how old your pen is?

Thanks, JLS1!

 

I have seen them go high on eBay. I think because the pen was listed on Craigslist, everyone passed it up, so I lucked out there. I figured if the deal didn't feel right, at least I'd get a nice drive, and see parts of Toronto I've never seen before.

 

Not really sure of the age. I tried dating it with the nib, but that threw me. Hopefully someone here will be able to pinpoint it.

 

It was a good idea to clean it out first since it sounds like the pen hasn't been used for a long time. However, don't leave the pen in water overnight - fill it w/water, leave it lying flat somewhere safe and then expel the water in the morning. (I don't know why it's not recommended to leave the nib in water overnight, but I've seen this elsewhere on FPN...maybe one of the veterans can explain?)

Unfortunately I did leave the nib in water overnight. About 7 hours. I actually thought leaving water in it overnight would be bad. I got it all bass ackwards.

 

Since it sounds like you're close to T.O., another idea is to take the 149 to the Toronto MB boutique and ask them to run you through the fill-up/cleaning/maintenance procedures...just try to avoid buying some other MB pens or goodies while you're there!

I have thought about that. There's also a an authorized agent in Kitchener, Overgaard Jewelers, and I'm wondering if I should go there and ask Grant, or Paul to help me out.

 

As far as more MB items, I've already started pricing leather pen holders

 

Congrats again and let us know how the pen writes!

Thanks again, and I will do.

[hari317]

 

Not really sure of the age. I tried dating it with the nib, but that threw me.

 

use the following parameters with the MB dating chart:

 

18C tritone nib

Solid Ebonite feed.

Single piece barrel.

 

I think the cap and clip on your pen may be later replacements.

 

This is one pen I would personally not send off to Mb for service. They will in essence give you a new pen with your old nib. You will lose the lightweight single unit barrel with plastic piston filler and the superb solid ebonite feed.

[JLS1]

<SNIP>

I have seen them go high on eBay. I think because the pen was listed on Craigslist, everyone passed it up, so I lucked out there. I figured if the deal didn't feel right, at least I'd get a nice drive, and see parts of Toronto I've never seen before.

 

Craigslist...really!?!? Wow - that's a sumgai find!

 

Not really sure of the age. I tried dating it with the nib, but that threw me. Hopefully someone here will be able to pinpoint it.

 

Check out this topic - especially post #39. This is what I was referring to when I was trying to evaluate/date 149s on eBay.

 

<SNIP>

I have thought about that. There's also a an authorized agent in Kitchener, Overgaard Jewelers, and I'm wondering if I should go there and ask Grant, or Paul to help me out.

 

As far as more MB items, I've already started pricing leather pen holders

 

Sounds good. You're definitely on the (slippery) slope to full Montblanc-hood: first the pen, then the pen holder, the briefcase, the portfolio, the watch, the trip to Germany and eventually the tattoo.

 

Wait...no one told you about the MB tattoo?!?! (It's our secret sign! )

[Paul Raposo]

I think the cap and clip on your pen may be later replacements.

 

This is one pen I would personally not send off to Mb for service. They will in essence give you a new pen with your old nib. You will lose the lightweight single unit barrel with plastic piston filler and the superb solid ebonite feed.

 

Thank you, hari317. I'm not familiar with the MB dating chart. I'll search for it.

 

The clip is simply marker GERMANY. Not W. Germany, and no serial number.

 

Thanks for your adice on servicing. I'm not at all familiar with hos MB does things, and I'm shocked they would essentially replace the whole pen.

[hari317]

Thank you, hari317. I'm not familiar with the MB dating chart. I'll search for it.

 

The clip is simply marker GERMANY. Not W. Germany, and no serial number.

 

 

the MB dating chart: direct link

 

Edit: reg the clip, It is normal for the clip to be marked just Germany. I think they started using W. Germany in the mid 80s? and stopped it again post unification.

 

Your pen generally should have the curved old style clip.

 

Shine a torch light into the open end of teh cap. Do you see a slot screw head there?

Edited August 10, 2011 by hari317

[Paul Raposo]

Craigslist...really!?!? Wow - that's a sumgai find!

Check out this topic - especially post #39. This is what I was referring to when I was trying to evaluate/date 149s on eBay.

Sounds good. You're definitely on the (slippery) slope to full Montblanc-hood: first the pen, then the pen holder, the briefcase, the portfolio, the watch, the trip to Germany and eventually the tattoo.

Wait...no one told you about the MB tattoo?!?! (It's our secret sign! )

 

Well, I know I'll never be a somebody, so it's nice to be a sumgai. Thanks much for the link, JLS1. I'll give a gander, and see about dating this one.

 

All I can think is, oh great, another vice to add to my growing list. As far as that tatoo, kinda like the Fighting Hellfish I guess?

[Paul Raposo]

Now a few questions; The nib is tri-colour, but the feed appears modern with fins, rather than smooth. I thought the tri-colour nibs only came with the smooth feeds.

 

Also, I'm not sure I have this pen completely cleaned. In the last picture, you can see that there is still some ink. Every time I wet a tissue and apply it to the collar, it soaks up ink. I had the nib soaking in water overnight, and I hoped that would have cleaned it properly. Should I soak the nib, with water over the section?

 

On the piston knob, there appears to be a slight gap between the end of the knob, and the gold band, (this is visible in the first picture above,). It looks like it wants to screw down inside the gold band, but when I close the knob down, it stops and won't go any further. Perhaps a replacement that is larger than the barrel--a newer knob, on an older barrel? The seller said he was given the pen as a gift 30 years ago, and was told that it was already old when he received it.

 

Lastly, how easy is it to damage the piston mechanism? Last night while cleaning, I forgot that I had already opened the piston, and continued turning it, and a white part appeared in the reservoir windows. I backed off the piston knob, and the piece went back up into the barrel. Is that part suppose to be down that far in the barrel, or should it be hidden when the piston is operated? It works fine, so I don't think I broke it--but ya never know.

 

Could anyone help with these questions?

Edited August 10, 2011 by Paul Raposo

[Paul Raposo]

Your pen generally should have the curved old style clip.

Shine a torch light into the open end of teh cap. Do you see a slot screw head there?

 

Thanks for the link, hari317.

 

I did as you asked, and I don't see any screw head. I see what looks like a concave black part, but no screw.

 

Now, I just checked that link, and comment #39, like JLS1 suggested, and I'm still unsure about the date. My pen has the tri-colour 18C nib which would make it from '52-'59, but the feed doesn't have grooves on the face, it appears to be the solid ebonite feed, which is from '69-'75. Further, it appears to have the two-section barrel, which didn't come out until 1985.

 

Now the seller said it was given to him 30 years ago, and when I asked if he ever had it serviced, he said he had not. I really didn't get the impression from him that he was lying. He stated the pen has "disappeared" and resurfaced 9 times in 30 years. Meaning he'd put it away, forget where it was, and then find it years later.

 

Pretty confusing. I'm hoping the more experienced people here can shed some light on this.

Edited August 10, 2011 by Paul Raposo