What Would You Rate This Pen? Montblanc 149 Silver Rings

Are you considering purchasing this pen or did you buy it already? This is the 'grail pen' for many people, so asking us to rate it out of 10 is a little hard. (FWIW, it would be an '11' for me! )

Two things jump out at me:

- the cap band looks a little 'wobbly' (the band/lettering seems to be a little wavy...maybe this was a mistake at the factory?)

- the pen has a 14C nib (vs. 18C nib, although both existed during this period, according to the dating chart)

August 25, 2014

Scale of beauty, price, wanting to have,...?

August 25, 2014

To me, and I'm no expert, I would rate this pen as a 5/10.

The main reasons are:

- The clip doesn't seem to sit well, which may mean the celluloid has shrunk a little

- As JLS1 said, the rings seem wavy, which may mean they are loose

- On my screen at least, it seems that the pen may have been polished (badly) based on some waves I see in the cap. This would come from excessive heat from the polishing wheel.

- The cap may not be fitting well based on the scratches I can see on the barrel above the thread area

- The ink window seems very dark (is there ink in the pen?)

- The feed is wrong for this pen (I have not seen this type of feed on a 149- others more knowledgeable may know better)

Sorry about the critique- it's just my opinion. Hope it's helpful though

August 25, 2014

I agree with with the bad polishing job and the feed being off from what I have.

Maybe the nib was replaced at some point because it does not seem to have the wear the rest of the pen has.

Mine from 1956 also has a 14c nib but the feed is different, it could be different because that is the export model.

I would give it a 6 or 7 at best of 10.

August 26, 2014

- the pen has a 14C nib (vs. 18C nib, although both existed during this period, according to the dating chart)

14C could be correct for this pen

- The feed is wrong for this pen (I have not seen this type of feed on a 149- others more knowledgeable may know better)

Agreed, early celluloid 149 would/could have a skislope feed, but I also have not seen one like this

Mine from 1956 also has a 14c nib but the feed is different, it could be different because that is the export model.

Curious how you know yours is from 1956?

My take on grading....

With the assumption that not many of us ( myself included) have actually handled, or let alone seen a 10/10 of a celluloid #149, (which by my definition would be a MINT, NOS pen)....then...

I have seen better.....I have also seen worse. Not much help there, sorry!!

The feed is really the only thing that bothers me.....if you are a stickler for genuine AND period correct parts.

Rick

August 26, 2014

Curious how you know yours is from 1956?

I bought it from Tom Westerich at penboard.de, I trust he knows these things.

August 26, 2014

Two things jump out at me:
- the cap band looks a little 'wobbly' (the band/lettering seems to be a little wavy...maybe this was a mistake at the factory?)
- the pen has a 14C nib (vs. 18C nib, although both existed during this period, according to the dating chart)

The cap band is secure , so it could perhaps be just an appearance on the photograph.

The 14C nib is okay as talkinghead confirms

Cannot say much about the lettering on the band right now...I need to take a closer look at the original pen when I am home However, did not strike me when I did have a close look at these things. Could be a factory thing as you mentioned...

August 26, 2014

The feed is really the only thing that bothers me.....if you are a stickler for genuine AND period correct parts.

Rick

In fact, I myself am of the same opinion as I have not had a reference of such a feed anywhere. However, my source where I picked the pen vehemently defended that this feed was 100% the original thing

Do not know...I have my doubts, but I really cannot say. We are talking of an era past...who knows.

One thing is for sure - the pen writes beautifully and there is no ink flow issue.

August 26, 2014

Are you considering purchasing this pen or did you buy it already? This is the 'grail pen' for many people, so asking us to rate it out of 10 is a little hard. (FWIW, it would be an '11' for me! )

Thank you! I have had this pen for over a year now...but need to find it a new home. Too precious to afford retaining this for long

August 26, 2014

- The clip doesn't seem to sit well, which may mean the celluloid has shrunk a little
- As JLS1 said, the rings seem wavy, which may mean they are loose
- On my screen at least, it seems that the pen may have been polished (badly) based on some waves I see in the cap. This would come from excessive heat from the polishing wheel.
- The cap may not be fitting well based on the scratches I can see on the barrel above the thread area
- The ink window seems very dark (is there ink in the pen?)
- The feed is wrong for this pen (I have not seen this type of feed on a 149- others more knowledgeable may know better)

Sorry about the critique- it's just my opinion. Hope it's helpful though

- clip is tight enough, but there could be shrinkage owing to age

- rings are secure...but i will check again

- no idea about this..will have to check

- cap screws securely. marks could be owing to use over the years...maybe.

- noticed this

-already commented about the feed. i have my doubts as i mentioned...but still an awesome writer

August 26, 2014

I bought it from Tom Westerich at penboard.de, I trust he knows these things.

Hello from Italy, just fall over this topic. I do not remember this pen - and to be honest, with the bad polish and the wrong feed its absolutely not my standard. (plus I have enough spare feeds 149 - so I would not need to fit a replacement feed. )

Regards

Tom

August 26, 2014

Hello from Italy, just fall over this topic. I do not remember this pen - and to be honest, with the bad polish and the wrong feed its absolutely not my standard. (plus I have enough spare feeds 149 - so I would not need to fit a replacement feed. )

Regards
Tom

Sorry, stupid me,

I did not read properly.

the pen declared to be from 1956 is not the one shown by FPcolletion.

your pen - FPcollection - sure would need some tender love and care at penboard´s or a similar place,

to raise it from 5/10 to maybe 8 / 10

Best regards

Tom

August 26, 2014

I think you should send it to Tom to have rectified properly.

Edited August 26, 2014 by bmwboris

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What Would You Rate This Pen? Montblanc 149 Silver Rings

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