Enjoying Montblanc Pens — Broad, Oblique, Extra Fine, Le & Bespoke

[Tom Kellie]

Autumn Tones

[zaddick]

What a lovely picture Tom. Thank you for brightening my night.

[thygreyt]

Tom, you never disappoint!

[Ghost Plane]

 

Autumn Tones

Love the shade range, Tom.

[1nkulus]

@Tom Kellie

 

Lovely pic, but could you kindly retake the pic with the nib on the reds and the barrel on the yellows.

[Tom Kellie]

Strawberries and Gleam

[Tom Kellie]

Two Oblique 342s and a Pen Case

~ In the early afternoon I’d settled onto pillows on the sofa for an afternoon of reading, with Yubi joining me for his customary afternoon nap.

A light knock at the door was a surprise as visitors seldom arrive without notice, especially immediately following lunch. It was my friend WANG Mingliang, a gifted martial arts specialist.

He brought a small, light package which had been shipped from southern China after having first been shipped from overseas. Trusted friends had thoughtfully arranged for safe shipping and passage through local customs inspection.

The package contained two Montblanc fountain pens and a pen case. I’d ordered them nearly three weeks ago, as an end-of-the-year and 65th birthday purchase.

Several years ago I’d been offered a 1950s Montblanc 342 Oblique Fine (OF) nib pen. At that time I was also considering a Montblanc 24 OF pen, which is now sitting on my writing desk.

By delaying several days, the 342 OF was sold by the time I finally decided to acquire it. It became ‘the pen that got away’ in my memory.

I was so pleased with the Montblanc 24 OF and with a Pelikan 400 OF, that I told overseas friends that if any Montblanc 342 OF became available, I was interested.

I forgot about it until one month ago, when I was told that a nearly unused 1950s Montblanc 342 OF was available. In this instance there was no hesitation. I eagerly agreed to purchase it.

I’ve often admired writing samples from FPN Montblanc Forum members who write with OBB nibs. I’d never found a suitable OBB for my writing desk, but had advised friends of my interest.

Several days after the 342 OF was brought to my attention, a 342 OBB was mentioned by another friend. As I enjoy writing with diminutive 342 pens, it seemed prudent to add it to my late Autumn acquisitions.

There are seldom any formal situations where I might use a fountain pen, as most of my sketching and writing occurs either in the field or in fairly relaxed, low-key locations.

However, from time to time there’s a need to bring a fountain open to a more sophisticated setting. I’ve never had an appropriate pen case for bringing a fine quality fountain pen.

A Montblanc Siena pen case was brought to my attention with a recommendation that it might suit my needs. After considering it for several days, it seemed best to acquire it along with the two oblique nib fountain pens.

All three newly received purchases have exceeded my expectations. Both pens write very well, with a smooth quality which qualifies them for regular writing tasks.

The pen case holds any of my pens, including the eight 149s. It’s easy to open and close, affording adequate protection for any fountain pen which might be used in a somewhat formal setting.

The following images present the pens and the pen case, for anyone interested. As ever, I’m wholly satisfied with overall Montblanc design and manufacturing quality.

Tom K.

Afternoon Delivery

Shipping Box Surface

Paper Packing

Unveiled

Out of the Shipping Box

Year-end Arrivals

Montblanc Siena Case in Burgundy

1950s 342 OBB

Star Trio

342 Oblique Nibs

342 Feeds

1950s OBB

1950s OF

OF Nib on a 342

OBB Nib on a 342

Binary Star

Blue Ink Windows

[Amit.]

Congratulations Tom !!! Lovely pens , enjoy writing with them

[nishantdr83]

Congratulations Tom. A beautiful couple and their sienna shelter is no less ..

[1nkulus]

@Tom Kellie

 

Lovely pens and welcome to the OBB club. Your views on an OBBB comparison?

 

OTOH, you used China Blue which I tend to use quite often.

My preferred nib and ink, we must be in sync.

[1nkulus]

Strawberries and Gleam

 

 

Are we still in agreement, about me borrowing it indefinitely?

[BillH]

Very wonderful Tom, thanks for sharing all that!!

[zaddick]

Thank you for sharing another part of your journey Tom.

 

One point for consideration and clarification. That lovely case is officially called a Florence, I believe because they were made in Italy. The original cases from many years ago came in 2 sizes (1 or 2 pens), 2 colors (burgundy or black), and 2 finishes (smoothness crocodile embossed leather). I believe they recently restarted making the cases and in more colors.

 

The Sienna case is a rectangle with a flap over the top that is held down by a strap. It just comes in black (if I recall correctly) and comes in 1, 2, or 3 slot sizes.

 

I far prefer the case you have as it is more secure. I do, however, also enjoy my other MB cases including a few Sienna.

Edited November 29, 2018 by zaddick

[NotAWiz4rd]

Congrats on those new pens Tom! They look really good - of course your photography does your part at that as well.

 

How big is the noticable difference between an OF and a F nib?

[Pravda]

The nibs (particularly because they are vintage) and in these configurations I can only imagine how much pleasant they must be to write with! Congratulations

[Ghost Plane]

Wow! That’s major! Congratulations!

[Toll]

Tom, what a great package to receive! I have a Florence pen case, in burgundy, and I like it very much. I purchased my first MB 342 earlier this year, with a blue cap top (surrounding the white star), and it is a wonderful writer. I will pose a photo when I get a chance.

[tinta]

That vintage OBB nibs look fantastic Tom,... congrats. I used an OBB every day for more than 40 years. Not an MB though, but on a Pelikan 400 NN. I miss that experience.

[Tom Kellie]

http://gulfbusiness.com/lap-luxury-montblanc-ceo-nicolas-baretzki/

[Tom Kellie]

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-10-24/montblanc-s-watch-boss-on-the-future-davide-cerrato-interview