Thoughts On The Mont Blanc 144

[tricnomistal]

So, I've always been curious to try out a Mont Blanc, but I am nowhere near a pen boutique. I looked around and heard lots of good things, and looking at them, I can't deny that they are pretty. I found a pretty good deal on a 144 and I'm thinking about buying it, but I'd like to know, what are your thoughts about the 144? I only found one review of it on the forum, so I figured I'd see if anyone here had any ideas.

 

Thanks, you guys rock.

[psychobabble]

I like the 144 because it is a snap on cap and fits well in a pen slot in my coat that I use everyday at work. It is slimmer than the rest of the modern MBs, but not the slimmest MB made. It is light so you don't feel it in your pocket like a 146. Many start off with a 144, but eventually wind up with a 146 or a 149. You can carry several in a pocket and not have the pocket sag. I have med sized hands, wear a size 7 glove, and it feel comfortable. I like that is is a converter/cartridge pen because it is easier to clean and I use a 144 to test my new inks because of this. You can find used 144s relatively inexpensive if you are patient.

 

If you are looking for a used 144, make sure you examine the gold ring on the section next to the nib for corrosion since they are prone to it here.

 

Good luck!

[batjet3]

I love the way mine writes and the way it handles.

 

That said...it's a little on the thin side and also pretty light. It doesn't feel like you are holding much while using it, so you have to maintain focus while using it

[Joe in Seattle]

FWIW I've read they are a bit more fragile than the 145, 146, or 149. No personal experience of this. My 146 feels very solid.

[tricnomistal]

I like the 144 because it is a snap on cap and fits well in a pen slot in my coat that I use everyday at work. It is slimmer than the rest of the modern MBs, but not the slimmest MB made. It is light so you don't feel it in your pocket like a 146. Many start off with a 144, but eventually wind up with a 146 or a 149. You can carry several in a pocket and not have the pocket sag. I have med sized hands, wear a size 7 glove, and it feel comfortable. I like that is is a converter/cartridge pen because it is easier to clean and I use a 144 to test my new inks because of this. You can find used 144s relatively inexpensive if you are patient.

 

If you are looking for a used 144, make sure you examine the gold ring on the section next to the nib for corrosion since they are prone to it here.

 

Good luck!

Thanks for the tips. I've been looking for a thin pen, so when you say that it's thin, could you compare it to the width of other pens you've used? Otherwise if you knew the diameter of it's thickest point, that would be pretty cool.

[Sblakers]

Another option might be to go with a 1950's 144.. Made of celluloid with the telescoping piston. Absolutely fantastic pen. And built as well as a 149 of the same period.

[jar]

Another option might be to go with a 1950's 144.. Made of celluloid with the telescoping piston. Absolutely fantastic pen. And built as well as a 149 of the same period.

 

This may help.

 

http://www.fototime.com/EFA963E7BC69D30/medium800.jpg

 

From left to right: Parker 75, Waterman Preface, MB 144, ST Dupont Classique, ST Dupont Gatsby standard, Parker 95.

[Manege Master]

I love my 144, it's my "go to" pen, lighter and easier to carry than my 146. Dependable and low maintenance as well. You can't go wrong!

[JLS1]

Another option might be to go with a 1950's 144.. Made of celluloid with the telescoping piston. Absolutely fantastic pen. And built as well as a 149 of the same period.

 

+1 for the above. I bought a 50's 144 that was/is in rough shape, but it's become a diamond and is one of my best writers. I wish I could say the same for my modern 144, which is much lighter and feels WAY less substantial (dare I say cheap?).

 

FWIW, if you're looking for a 'thin' pen, MB made some slim C/C pen lines that I think were called 'Noblesse' and/or 'Slimline' back in the 70's and 80's. I have one of these pens from this period and IMHO they're good value: lovely smooth (almost buttery) nibs, they take International cartridges, they came in a wide range of colors/trims/finishes and you can often find them on eBay at reasonable (for MB) prices.

 

HTH!

[tricnomistal]

Thanks everyone! I have a seller from FPN who's offered me a decent military discount on a specific 144. He's letting me try it out before I pay for it though, to see if I like it. If it turns out to be not what I thought it was, I now have a good base of knowledge to go off of.

[Garageboy]

I have a metal 144 and it's a nice write down something quick kind of pen. I wouldn't write page after page with it, but for quick notes or a short paragraph, it's perfect

[pajaro]

I have five 144s, and one medium for 29 years. Four of mine are the red color, one in black. I think these are, along with my Parker 51s, my best pens ever. I have the 146 and find it too wet. The 144s I have are wet writers and I have them in fine, medium and broad stub. A 144 and 164 ballpoint are in my shirt pocket every workday.

 

I had the gold ring around the nib come off on one pen. When it does, the cap will not stay on, because it is the clutch ring. Part of the problem here is that in meetings I used to pull the cap off and put it back on incessantly. I probably wore it out from some kind of material fatigue. For $70 plus shipping and tax it sure looked like Montblanc sent me a new red 144 with my old nib.

[logantrky]

I have two 144s and I love them! Perfect size for an everyday pen.

[tricnomistal]

I definitely agree about it being a great sized pen for everyday use. The one I'm looking at buying arived in the mail today. I have a separate post where I'm asking for people's opinion as to whether or not it's a fake. I know lots of mont blancs are copied.

[Dylan]

The 144 is a great fountain pen i real classic and wonderful daily writer. I have a 1448 wonderful!

[Pen Nut]

The 144 is a great pen in its own right and often overshadowed by its bigger family members in my opinion. I had a silver one and really regret letting it go.

[jbz]

I agree that it is a great pen and can be overshadowed by the 146 or 149. The 144 is perfect for those who don't want such a large writing instrument.

[bernardo]

I have owned a 144, a 146 and now own a 149. My advice is go straight for the 149. You'll not regret it. The 144 had a nice nib, but it's too thin and fragile. The 146 feels better and is much more solid. And, finally, the 149 has everything you would expect from a high end pen; when you first got it, you realize that's the pen you always wanted!

So, again, my advice is save a little more and get yourself a kickass 149! (Sorry about the slang, but the 149 is more than cool )

[razr]

I have owned a 144, a 146 and now own a 149. My advice is go straight for the 149. You'll not regret it. The 144 had a nice nib, but it's too thin and fragile. The 146 feels better and is much more solid. And, finally, the 149 has everything you would expect from a high end pen; when you first got it, you realize that's the pen you always wanted!

So, again, my advice is save a little more and get yourself a kickass 149! (Sorry about the slang, but the 149 is more than cool )

 

That's the exact progression I followed (144 --> 146 --> 149). The 149 just feels great in my hand. Plus, you just can't beat the big, juicy nib on the 149.

[bernardo]

you just can't beat the big, juicy nib on the 149.

 

Exactly!