Montblanc 149 Flex Nibs

[zaddick]

Many thanks for your replies/advice.

 

Is it possible to write small text with stubbed nibs please? Does it work to stub an F or EF nib? Thank you.

 

Cheers,

 

Paul

Yes, you can stub an narrow nib, but it will be hard to notice the line variation for most people.

[thygreyt]

There is a specific thread to "small" stubs and writing samples.

 

Take a look and see if its what you are looking for.

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/279291-small-stub-lovers-unite/

[RayCornett]

Many thanks for your replies/advice.

 

Is it possible to write small text with stubbed nibs please? Does it work to stub an F or EF nib? Thank you.

 

Cheers,

 

Paul

I have a 149 with a F-M stub and I notice variation showing up the best with faster writing.

[RayCornett]

With some makers I can visually tell a flex nib from a nonflex nib. Are MB flex nibs visually different from nonflex nibs as well?

[AlohaLani787]

Although this is a Legrand 146, the 18c monotone nib's flex example may be of interest to you as I can't imagine the 149 being that much different.

[Barry Gabay]

Will try to contribute a bit to this very interesting topic. Beautiful photos from previous contributors. Thanks for sharing.

 

I have owned & used this 149 since about 1990-91. It was the first "old" 149 I acquired. Had found used but fairly new ones in pawn shops, but not an older one prior to this. It has a very springy nib, although I do not flex its full potential often. I got it in trade for a Parker Vac Maxima from the original owner who said it had not been modified and had all original components. We were both very happy with the pens we received. Montblanc fans from the US, UK, & Europe who have written with this one have deemed it semi-flex. Their handwriting was far more interesting than mine.

 

This one presents a problem in dating because of its fully-grooved ebonite feed and screw-in piston mechanism. Other three-tone 14C and three-tone 18C nibs I have seen and owned had the narrow, rounded friction-fit piston with the fully grooved feed. However, I have also owned several 149s with screw-in piston mechanisms with 3-tone nibs, but those had the later solid ebonite feeds. Opinions sought & welcomed.

 

Hope the photos attach.

Thanks for looking & reading.

[zaddick]

Hi Barry. You have what looks to be a mixed era pen. The feed an nib were likely transplanted from a late 1950s to early 1960s 149 into a body made in the 1970s or so. it is possible something like a barrel crack occurred with the body original tot he nib and feed and it was replaced.

[entertainment]

My experience has definitely been that, other than the celluloid models, the early 1960s friction-fit piston models are most likely to have flexible nibs. These can be quite flexible and a joy to use, and the ones I have include F, M, and B. Some late 1960s and early 1970s models have somewhat flexible nibs, but the chances are much lower. The trade off is that servicing a pen with a friction-fit piston is much more difficult than with the screw-in pistons. To me, this trade off is the great dilemma of MB 149 collecting.

 

A 14C tritone is definitely a better bet than an 18C tritone, but some 18C nibs can have decent flex. Looking for long narrow tines is helpful, but no guarantee.

 

I do have one celluloid 149, and it has a flex nib, but not necessarily a better nib than the early-1960s pens I have.

[Barry Gabay]

Hi Barry. You have what looks to be a mixed era pen. The feed an nib were likely transplanted from a late 1950s to early 1960s 149 into a body made in the 1970s or so. it is possible something like a barrel crack occurred with the body original tot he nib and feed and it was replaced.

Good morning Aaron, You must be right. The nib & feed are from the friction-fit piston era, and originally must have been in an older barrel. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.Thanks always for your logic and clarity. Best wishes, Barry

[entertainment]

Hi Barry. Although you have a mix of parts, it is pretty much the ideal mix. Great nib but easily serviceable! John