What is your most recent MB acquisition?

[fpupulin]

21 hours ago, Doggy Daddy said:

Received this Ultra Black LeGrand from a dealer in Japan a few days ago. New old stock with no sign of having ever been inked. I know not everyone likes them, but I have wanted one for several years and was happy to find this one at a price I could afford. 

In my opinion, this is one very special pen. By the way, it has been one of the few pens I have used “for work” that attracted any attention and benevolent appreciation. 
it is of a rare elegance. Congratulations!

[Doggy Daddy]

@fpupulinThank you. The Ultra Black is only my 3rd Montblanc.

I have long admired your skills with both pen and camera. Your recommendation of the 149 C elsewhere in this forum was one of the reasons I purchased both the 149 and 146 flex calligraphy pens. I have not been disappointed. 

[Linger]

I found an old favorite of mine: the Solitaire 146 Platinum Plated Facet. As a NOS.

 

Some years ago I acquired the Dickens also as NOS and, I guess coincidentally, they both share a same small not-very-significant-but-noticeable defect: the first turns of the piston knob are a bit loose, so a small gap/line appears. 

 

But that is not my main issue. Because, to be honest, I feel a bit "whelmed", i.e. neither over- nor under-, just "whelmed".

 

The reason is that I compared it, in my mind, anticipating, with my Martelé. And that doesn't fly. The Martele is a heavy metal pen. The Plated is, the name being pretty self explanatory, plated. So it doesn't feel as solid and beefy. Still, more so than a standard 146. But this also begs the question on the thickness of the plating, and whether it is in fact real platinum. Commodity prices fluctuate, but to compare: current prices hoover around USD 32.000/kg for platinum and USD 1.000/kg for silver. So clearly my preference would have been solid silver over platinum plated. Mismanagement of my own expectations...

 

Anyway, the design remains stunning, and the writing experience is as superb as any Montblanc, so I am using it with the same joy. But the little feeling of being "whelmed" remains...

 

 

[NoType]

On 6/21/2024 at 7:42 AM, Linger said:

I found an old favorite of mine: the Solitaire 146 Platinum Plated Facet. As a NOS.

 

Some years ago I acquired the Dickens also as NOS and, I guess coincidentally, they both share a same small not-very-significant-but-noticeable defect: the first turns of the piston knob are a bit loose, so a small gap/line appears. 

 

But that is not my main issue. Because, to be honest, I feel a bit "whelmed", i.e. neither over- nor under-, just "whelmed".

 

The reason is that I compared it, in my mind, anticipating, with my Martelé. And that doesn't fly. The Martele is a heavy metal pen. The Plated is, the name being pretty self explanatory, plated. So it doesn't feel as solid and beefy. Still, more so than a standard 146. But this also begs the question on the thickness of the plating, and whether it is in fact real platinum. Commodity prices fluctuate, but to compare: current prices hoover around USD 32.000/kg for platinum and USD 1.000/kg for silver. So clearly my preference would have been solid silver over platinum plated. Mismanagement of my own expectations...

 

Anyway, the design remains stunning, and the writing experience is as superb as any Montblanc, so I am using it with the same joy. But the little feeling of being "whelmed" remains...

 

 

@Linger First off, congratulations on your latest acquisition!  May you enjoy this lovely Solitaire LeGrand for many years to come.

 

A few brief observations.

 

A few of my Montblanc LeGrand fountain pens also exhibit the slightly annoying loose first turns of the piston cone that you describe here.  
 

Part of the weight disparity between your Solitaire Martelé Sterling Silver LeGrand FP and this Solitaire Platinum-Plated Facet LeGrand FP is of course due to the fact that the latter has a resin forepart or section.

 

The plating thickness is unknown to me, though other members here may be able to furnish information on industry standard minima.  I understand that language matters and terminology (“coating,” “plating,” “rolled,” “vermeil,” etc) can be a clue to material thickness and application methodology.

 

Montblanc being Montblanc, I tend to believe that genuine platinum plating was used in the Solitaire Platinum-Plated Facet LeGrand FP.  When other metals are used, Montblanc usually specifies which and how (e.g., “rhodium-coated solid gold nib”).  
 

Although I am confused as to why the commodity prices influence your preference for solid silver rather than platinum plating, I generally also prefer solid rather than coated or plated materials for reasons of durability and value.

 

Like you I am also enamored of the overall design of the Solitaire Platinum-Plated Facet LeGrand fountain pen.  Perhaps the orthogonality and proportions of the grid pattern have something to do with my positive response to the pen.  I hope it provides you with long and enjoyable service.

 

 

[Michael R.]

18 hours ago, Linger said:

 

Some years ago I acquired the Dickens also as NOS and, I guess coincidentally, they both share a same small not-very-significant-but-noticeable defect: the first turns of the piston knob are a bit loose, so a small gap/line appears. 

 

It's a feature, not a bug (to avoid accidental operation of the piston). If the gap remains even when piston is securely screwed close the piston mechanism needs (and can) be adjusted.

Nice pen!

And yes, it is platinum plating (most likely over brass). The older Solitaire are totally different constructions (metal overlay over resin) compared to the more recent Solitaire models like the Martelé which have much more parts made from metal.

 

[Linger]

Thanks for both reactions. Some further thoughts:

 

Yeah, the commodity prices have nothing to do with my preference. In hindsight perhaps a weird way to illustrate that besides the much higher price for a plating/coating, i prefer a solid less expensive metal.

 

Good to hear that the piston mechanism can be adjusted. Nice excuse to visit a MB boutique again.

 

Finally, the Facet must be plating over resin. I also own Namiki Yukari Royales who are lacquered over brass and without actually weighing the pens, the difference is noticeable.

 

Anyway, as said, the design is the winning factor here. It is a gorgeous pen.

[nib.to.nob]

I would like to share my latest purchase here. The origin legrand 😃. Really happy to ad this one to the collection 🤗

With this one this is currently the montblanc section of my collection.

With one still under way the humble collection is slowly expanding. 

[PAKMAN]

A fun little Montblanc 220 in matte black fine nib with a little flex.

 

[Bo Bo Olson]

A MB 264 semi-flex M. Having fallen in love with my 1948-60 medium-large 146, was thinking of trying to find a used 144 even in it would be a cartridge pen.

The 264 fell into my hands after I helped a woman in my old folks gymnastics class get her 250 repaired. They are close to equal for balance.

I think the 264 is a tad more nimble than my medium-large 146.

 

The pen before that a lighter MB 32 is decidedly more nimble.

Both medium-large pens are semi-flex the 32 harder to get to 3X a light down stroke.

 

My MB 234 1/2 Deluxe KOB is one of my best balanced pens, despite of brass guts and a bit of back weighting.....odd it will have to go up against that 32 for most handy.

I would have thought my medium-large 146 second....but soon, I'll have to take it out vs the 264 and this ever so nimble 32.

 

....................my two large 146's are stately (a tad nimbler than a clunky Pelikan 800)....the 149 too large to ever use and the rolled gold 742 too heavy for use. the 742 has my only nib between semi-flex and maxi....I couldn't let a dealer get that nib.

My medium-large 146 was a beater, that all the repair I wanted was enough to write with that maxi-semi-flex nib or put that nib on one of my large 146's. Those and the 149 are '90 regular flex.

Francis did wonders with my medium-large 146....I really regret I didn't take pictures of that beater.

 

I do have pictures of how beaten up that Weak Kneed Wet Noodle MB Safety pen was....for a later day.

Francis put new corks in both my 234 1/2 and the NOS never inked telescopic piston stuck at the bottom of the the very heavy 742.

[David In Austin]

Here is my most recent MB acquisition which I acquired in 2024 but was produced in 1999. 

 

This is the Montblanc 1924 Limited Edition 75 Anniversary Sterling 146 Doue Fountain Pen. It is a stunner and writes that way as well! 

 

 

[ak47]

Hi

Montblanc released the new gc homage to gatsby. You can see at collectorspreview site.

The blue one is very nice.

Bye

[irrigger]

That's the snazziest Lamy Safari I have ever seen.

[Beechwood]

https://www.montblanc.com/en-gb/fountain-pens_cod1647597348522878.html

 

I have a MB Jane Austen on hold. I collect early editions of Jane Austen and so I am drawn to this edition but the only review I have seen slammed it citing poor balance and an overweight cap.

[como]

46 minutes ago, irrigger said:

That's the snazziest Lamy Safari I have ever seen.

Totally! Are they crazy? It would be stupid for the Lamy legal department not to sue them. 😂

[Arcadian]

Of the two, my preference would be the gold. It is less overdone - if only slightly less. Both pens would be a hard pass for me, on account of the clip. What on earth is Montblanc thinking copying Lamy's clip design? Maybe their legal department found out that Lamy hadn't taken steps to protect their design, I don't know. But why would Montblanc ever want to run the risk of being perceived as a Lamy impersonator? Baffles me. 

 

 - P. 

[Toll]

The fluorescent emblem is too much, a non-starter for me…

[Gloucesterman]

Picked up three Montblancs at a flea market yesterday:

A brand new 149 (F?)- 1989 w/ the original sales slip (and $295.00 price tags), papers and clam shell box

Very nice 146 (M) and a c/c 221 EF (?) (?)

 

I am probably going to sell this pen at the Commonwealth Pen Show in September and would appreciate any pricing suggestions. I think the pen was dip tested because there was just a slight ink color relase whenI immersed it in water. A water flush to make sure the piston was functioning yielded NO ink/color release. I am tempted to keep the pens BUT I already have a nice 149 and two 146s and don't need/want more.

 

If pricing advice is more appropriately give in a PM, please do so.

 

Thanks for any assistance.

[Baldheadmonk]

Got lucky while browsing at an auction site and made a bid on this pen not expecting to win it. Bid at £320. Really surprised when received an email to say that I won. 
 

montblanc 1994 patron of arts Louis XVI

 

don’t look like it’s been used but does not have its original packaging. 

[Gloucesterman]

3 hours ago, Baldheadmonk said:

Got lucky while browsing at an auction site and made a bid on this pen not expecting to win it. Bid at £320. Really surprised when received an email to say that I won. 
 

montblanc 1994 patron of arts Louis XVI

 

don’t look like it’s been used but does not have its original packaging. 

That pen looks AWESOME.

And, at that price you are definitely "sumgai". BTW, that's a badge of positive distinction in our pen community.

Congratulations and ENJOY!

 

[Penguincollector]

4 hours ago, Baldheadmonk said:

Got lucky while browsing at an auction site and made a bid on this pen not expecting to win it. Bid at £320. Really surprised when received an email to say that I won. 
 

montblanc 1994 patron of arts Louis XVI

 

don’t look like it’s been used but does not have its original packaging. 

 

  Wow, that is an absolutely stunning piece. Sumgai, indeed! That nib 😘