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

[Tom Kellie]

[Tom Kellie]

Dear Tom,

I am reaching out asking for help.

I am looking to get a O3B Nib for my new UNICEF skeleton through my dealer in Malaysia. But he heard from MB in Geneva saying they won't do O3B and it is only available for standard 149. Is there any way to reverse this ?

Thanks

Nishant

 

 

[Ghost Plane]

I don’t know about the UNICEF, but I’ve certainly got one on my Blue Hour Skeleton.

[Tom Kellie]

One of a Kind

Precious Resin on Sable

[Tom Kellie]

[Ghost Plane]

Aww. Pug puppy goodness rocks!

 

And Blue Hour O3B for people who need proof 149-sized Skeletons can get them.

[Tom Kellie]

I don’t know about the UNICEF, but I’ve certainly got one on my Blue Hour Skeleton.

And Blue Hour O3B for people who need proof 149-sized Skeletons can get them.

 

~ Ghost Plane:

 

That's one terrific OBBB nib image!

Definitely my kind of image.

No wonder you're able to write for hours at a stretch.

Thank you so much for posting it here. It's a highly welcome visual example of an OBBB nib which isn't a standard duotone 149 nib.

The detail shown in the image is fascinating. The canted nib surface is superb craftsmanship, no?

I've never before seen a close-up of the decorative pattern on a Blue Hour Skeleton nib.

You're a wonderful, witty writer, yet your OBBB nib photo underscores the value of images over words, when it comes to fountain pens.

This definitively establishes that OBBB nibs are indeed possible for Blue Hour Skeleton pens, such as yours.

What's unresolved is whether or not the same is true concerning the UNICEF Skeleton pens.

Not only nishantdr83, but others have reported that Montblanc boutique staff have been declining OBBB requests for the UNICEF Skeleton.

If that's the case worldwide, and what the reasons for the policy might be, are unknown to me, but perhaps others may have information.

Once again, Ghost Plane, many thanks for posting such a lovely example of a gorgeous OBBB.

Brightens this thread during the Northern Hemisphere's shortest days.

Tom K.

[Blueberry567]

 

 

One of a Kind

Precious Resin on Sable

Do they all have different nib sizes?

[Tom Kellie]

Do they all have different nib sizes?

 

 

~ Blueberry567:

 

Yes, they do.

The Platinum 149 laying over the others is an OBBB.

From left to right below, they are respectively:

• 90th Anniversary Bespoke EEF

• 90th Anniversary EF

• Yellow Gold OBBB

• Mid-1980s M

• 90th Anniversary BB

• Red Gold OBBB

There's another Yellow Gold 149 which is away for servicing, hence not shown.

All eight 149s are excellent writers. Their reliability in varying conditions, both indoors and outdoors in the field, reflects quality craftsmanship.

I love writing with two Classique EFs, and with a Platinum Mozart EF, all of which give excellent feedback and precise strokes.

Yet it's the 149s which are the workhorses, comfortable to use for both sketching and handwriting.

Thank you for your interest.

Tom K.

[Tom Kellie]

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/247681-montblanc-149-writing-samples/

[saskia_madding]

While I think a BBB or OBBB might be a bit much for me, I'm really enjoying my MB 146 BB and my MB Platinum 145 BB. So much so that I just snagged a MB 146 OBB. can't wait until it gets here!

 

Also, Ghostplane, I am suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuper envious that you have a MB Skeleton with that amazing nib! Can I respectfully request a few more pictures???

[Tom Kellie]

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/35243-montblanc-149/

~ Nearly every week I read a few threads from years past in order to acquaint myself with issues which were thoroughly discussed before I joined Fountain Pen Network.

Ink reviews, fountain pen reviews, and posts about Montblanc pens are what I tend to read. The discussions are typically lively, sometimes veering into acrimony.

Nonetheless, it's been useful to read the viewpoints articulated on various sides of questions, as unexpected insights are occasionally revealed.

The thread above ricocheted back and forth with assertions about Montblanc users, facts and assertions of various sorts being put forward.

I've posted the link here because one comment well into the 8-page thread stood out to me, with what may be a self-evident truth, but one which I'd never considered.

It was noted that most pen/nib reviews are posted by new owners, caught up in the joy of a fresh acquisition.

What might be of greater value, it was said, might be reviews of pens used for a longer time, during which any quirks or shortcomings might be more apparent.

When any given pen has been a regular writer for, say, one year or longer, it's character has become clear, hence a review at that point has special value.

As all of my pens except the Red Gold 149 OBBB (it arrived 26 December, 2016) have been used more than one year, they're each individually familiar to me as writers.

This small insight may be an incentive to photograph and review pens that have settled into a rôle as reliable workhorses in the writing stable on my desk.

Tom K.

[Tom Kellie]

While I think a BBB or OBBB might be a bit much for me, I'm really enjoying my MB 146 BB and my MB Platinum 145 BB. So much so that I just snagged a MB 146 OBB. can't wait until it gets here!

 

Also, Ghostplane, I am suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuper envious that you have a MB Skeleton with that amazing nib! Can I respectfully request a few more pictures???

 

~ saskia_madding:

 

You write with a Platinum 145 BB?

That's a pen which I've been mulling over for more than half a year.

Undecided between an OBB or a BB nib, I haven't ordered one, but it's certainly been in my thoughts.

While we wait to see if Ghost Plane might share an additional image or two of her remarkable Blue Hour Skeleton OBBB, could you be coaxed into sharing a couple of images of your Platinum 145 BB?

If that's not comfortable or convenient at this time, no problem. I ask because you're the first person to mention a pen on my “maybe someday” list.

BTW: A very big Congratulations on your 146 OBB! May it write very well for you in the New Year and beyond.

Tom K.

[Ghost Plane]

Here you go. Kon Peki in use. The other is my 90th Anniversary.

[pwsuba]

That 90th is pure filth, it's a horrible piece that you would feel free to donate to me. I'll even chip in the shipping cost to help you rid yourself of such a horrible pen.

[Tom Kellie]

Here you go. Kon Peki in use. The other is my 90th Anniversary.

 

 

~ Ghost Plane:

 

Zuji says that since you won't let him carry around one of your two Skeletons, he'll have to make do with a puppy chew.

Thank you for posting the images of the Blue Hour Skeleton OBBB. Such clear, sharp, luminous photos — a joy to see!

As if that weren't much more than enough, the 90th Anniversary Skeleton, snuggled in its finely-wrought redoubt.

You've spoiled us with beauty. Best of all, your thoroughbreds aren't show ponies but are put through their paces every day.

How the ink must fly onto fine paper at your work desk.

The background objects — paper and an orange penholder — are also very nice to see.

You've jazzed up the thread on the Eve of the Winter Solstice. Such dazzling pens bring welcome warmth in chilly temperatures.

Many, many thanks!

Tom K. & Zuji

[Tom Kellie]

Desk Pens — for Pravda

~ The above image shows my first Montblanc fountain pen, a mid-1980s 149 with an M nib, on my work desk. Inked with Diamine Quartz Black, it's been in heavy use recording comments about student oral presentations.

Recently Pravda suggested the value of images showing fountain pens in use, i.e. Montblancs in situ, as it were. After considering his suggestion, this afternoon's sunlight inspired the above image.

All of the Montblanc fountain pens I have are in frequent use. I sketch, jot, scribble, scrawl and write throughout each day, both for professional reasons and for pure pleasure.

[Zdenek]

 

 

I would be afraid to carry such treasures together in one case due to a possible loss.

[meiers]

I would be afraid to carry such treasures together in one case due to a possible loss.

Live a little.

[Barry Gabay]

Ghost Plane, They are stunning! Hope you use them both for many healthy & happy years to come. Best wishes, Barry