A Montblanc 139 Restoration Super Project

[penboard.de]

Ill probably be in the minority withthis post, but... I'm not sure how I feel about a vintage pen having a new cap made from scratch. I know it is using the original fittings but the bulk of the cap is circa 2012 and no longer vintage. We see people critise pens on eBay calling them Franken pens, I know this usually means that they have completely the wrong parts but I'm not sure how far away this is.

 

Hello Brandon, I do agree - this is a restoration at the edge. But well - this one was done using ebonite - similar to the original, got the original threadings and I transplanted what could be saved from the old rotten cap.

 

But what else to do save the pen?

Do it the manner, old paintings are restored - do the cap tube from a material, visibly different from the original?

 

I just had to reanimate another 139 - with a barrel in ruins. and yes, this one I redid from scratch - but inkwindow was done from transparent acrylics - and therefore visibly different from an original 139.

 

I will post this one later in a separate topic.

 

Best

 

Tom

[dallasjarrell]

AS ONE BYSTANDER, I admire his skill and work done.

:clap1: VERY EASY to see at a glance, VERY HARD to do it.

[sherbie]

Hi Tom, great work.

 

So, do I understnd you correctly: we sometimes see these old celluloid MBs with clear barrel sections (over and above the ink window) - I now presume that they didnt leave the factory this way - they just have turned clear ( from black) through either a huge amount of handling, or jealous overpolishing?

 

Is this correct?

 

Cheers, Paul

[penboard.de]

Hi Tom, great work.

 

So, do I understnd you correctly: we sometimes see these old celluloid MBs with clear barrel sections (over and above the ink window) - I now presume that they didnt leave the factory this way - they just have turned clear ( from black) through either a huge amount of handling, or jealous overpolishing?

 

Is this correct?

 

Cheers, Paul

 

Yes, the barrel of 139ers and 149ers - plus the smaller versions - were made from transparent celluloid, the stripes of the inkwindows painted from inside the black area of the barrel painted from outside - quite a thick layer of cellulod lacquer - but still, lots of use or polishing will create one of these "SuPERRARE DEMONSTRATOR PENS" you sometimes see in ebay.

 

Regards

Tom

[dalistylin]

Incredible work, Tom! Artfully done, especially after seeing the "before images".

 

What is liquid celluloid? Is it something one can purchase or did you have to make it from scratch? Is it similar to nail polish? Seems like it would be a useful supply to have.

[fountainbel]

Excellent restoring job Tom, my sincere congratulations !

Francis

 

 

[Geheim]

Uitstekend

 

[Inginkpen]

Tom, you are obviously a master craftsman. I appreciate your generosity in sharing your work.

[rustynib]

Congratulations !!!

 

I will appreciate your work in another 139 - the one with "a barrel in ruins" !!! :clap1:

 

rusty

Edited November 14, 2012 by rustynib

[FredRydr]

...inkwindow was done from transparent acrylics - and therefore visibly different from an original 139.

A more accurate hue is available stateside. Contact Mark Hoover at American Art Plastics.

 

Fred

Edited November 14, 2012 by FredRydr

[Garageboy]

Jesus, wow...

Ever think about doing 139 replicas? (no MB markings or anything)

[tenney]

I am so thankful that I happened upon this topic.

 

Tom, I am in awe of your craftsmanship. Amazing! Congratulations.

[collado]

COOOOOOOOL~

[bsodmike]

Wow... incredible Tom, I'm sure there will be a day when I need your help as well. Thanks for sharing the details