100th Anniversary editions

[NoType]

7 hours ago, ak47 said:

I also have received contrasting information about nib exchange, particularly about O3B. Some boutiques say it is possible but paying a fee,  someone else told me that it does not exist. Tomorrow i will call montblanc service.

@ak47 An excellent plan of action.  We look forward to hearing what you learn from them.

[NoType]

58 minutes ago, fpupulin said:

The Meisterstück 100th Anniversary Green Ink (which has been said should correctly be named “Malachite Green”) is a perfect color for the forthcoming holiday season. I will use it for some of my Christmas cards. 
 

@fpupulin Thank you for this wonderfully composed image, which is much more than a simple writing sample for the Meisterstück The Origin Collection Green ink!  

[NoType]

58 minutes ago, digitorum- Leonardo_W said:

I thought that article belonged here ✒️
 

@digitorum- Leonardo_W Many thanks for this topical article!  To which periodical are we indebted?

[nampad]

3 hours ago, NoType said:

@nampad I was interested to learn of the remarkable smoothness you found with the OM tester nib.  That is one size with which I lack familiarity.

 

I was relieved to learn that you managed to request a complimentary nib exchange for The Origin 149 within the six-week deadline despite having presumed that you had a year in which to do so.  It was most fortuitous that you thought to gain confirmation of the deadline at your nearby boutique!

 

I was disappointed to read your narrative of the lacklustre service provided at the second boutique visit; even if busy, one would expect sales associates to at least endeavour to keep abreast of who arrived when and who should be next be served.  Moreover, to make presumptions based on a potential customer’s attire or appearance is commonly frowned upon by trainers of customer service, to say nothing of failing to perceive the fountain pen box in your hands.

 

That the tester trunk lacked a nib size is surprising in itself.  Less surprising is that the first associate lacked knowledge about fountain pens, but it would have behooved them to openly admit this to you when they placed you at the testing counter and inform you that they would summon a fountain pen expert to assist.  Fortunately the salesperson whose attention you requested next was more helpful.  

 

However, your overall experience was subpar and it is no wonder you are somewhat disappointed. 

 

That Montblanc intends to continue production of the anniversary products until April 2025 is both surprising — a boutique manager with whom I had spoken stressed that because the products specifically celebrate the 1924 to 2024 centenary, Montblanc felt it was inappropriate to continue to produce them in 2025 and inconvenient to do so since they were already gearing up to produce different articles for 2025 — and interesting information, if it is indeed accurate.  Since this would not be the first time that contradictory information has been gleaned from sales associates, nor unprecedented for Montblanc to make a course correction, the reliability of this data you received is inconclusive.  Short of corroboration from another source, time will tell, one supposes.

 

Also, the poor quality of paper that Montblanc offers for testing pens has long been reported, both here in the subforum and elsewhere online, and when I mentioned this fact to a boutique manager a couple of years ago, they not only readily agreed but even pulled out from their jacket pocket a small personal notepad for me to use, saying that their pad had superior paper to the boutique.  However, they could neither explain why the test paper in stock was substandard nor why it had not been changed for better paper when the situation was evidently well known to them.

 

Finally, at least the net result of your boutique visit was somewhat positive, since you were able to request a complimentary nib exchange, discovered the desirability of the modern OM nib, and had the opportunity to ponder a future purchase in the form of The Origin Classique fountain pen.  I myself have made the selections of The Origin 149 and The Origin Classique, passing over the other offerings.  But I imagine that every article of The Origin Collection has struck the fancy of one or another of the members of the subforum.

Thinking about it one of my smoothest nibs is an OB/OBB nib (I have no info on it but I would guess it is OBB) on a Geha 736. Unfortunately that nib size is too big for my handwriting to look well.

 

The service issue was made even weirder by the huge contrast, some of the other guests were sipping champagne as I waited but I have no idea what they bought. 

The other boutiques I have visited were also a mixed bag so far. In Tokyo Ginza they were very nice and showed me a lot of pens though Japanese customer service is just good nowadays. 

The airport boutique in Venice had a very lady who was very unmotivated at first. She could not understand that I was not interested in the defective pen pouches that she presented me. I wanted to buy one there but both of the ones available in the store had some issue (leather marked or residual glue). Funnily though she flagged me down afterwards after she tried to polish off the glue residue.

 

I forgot to add that they later were able to provide me a F nib from the ink testing table but that was not optimal. Already the ink in the testers were all different and the one from the ink testing table had reddish ink in it. According to the second sales person the characteristics of those inks would differ based on the color with red being the most wet one. And I would say he was right because the red one in the F nib feathered the most. My fountain pen obsession fortunately does not extend to inks, I would have thought that the ink flowing characteristics are at least very similar within a brand.

In regards to the production information that I have provided, I am located in Germany and my boutique should be one of the busier ones  so it might be that they have better information, time will tell.

 

The Origin 149 is my first new Montblanc and my first cigar shaped one after owning around 10 other vintage ones because I really like the 1x/2x/3x series and am less afraid of fakes for those vintage series.

I was enamored by the green Origin Classique since the reveal in April and actually wanted to get that one but was severely disappointed to find out that it was only a cartridge/converter filler as I expect an inbuilt filling system at that price range.

In the end this thread and the fact that the 149 is just iconic pushed me to it. Looks wise I also prefer the blue LeGrande model because the black 149 with platinum trimmings looks a bit bland in my opinion. But in the end I knew that I would have wanted an 149 sometime in the future anyway so why not just get the anniversary one, it’s not like I will buy so many new Montblancs anyway (I just prefer vintage ones).

 

Overall I am very happy with the decision. It looks huge but feels surprisingly good in my hands so no complaints 😊

[NoType]

1 hour ago, nampad said:

Thinking about it one of my smoothest nibs is an OB/OBB nib (I have no info on it but I would guess it is OBB) on a Geha 736. Unfortunately that nib size is too big for my handwriting to look well.

 

The service issue was made even weirder by the huge contrast, some of the other guests were sipping champagne as I waited but I have no idea what they bought. 

The other boutiques I have visited were also a mixed bag so far. In Tokyo Ginza they were very nice and showed me a lot of pens though Japanese customer service is just good nowadays. 

The airport boutique in Venice had a very lady who was very unmotivated at first. She could not understand that I was not interested in the defective pen pouches that she presented me. I wanted to buy one there but both of the ones available in the store had some issue (leather marked or residual glue). Funnily though she flagged me down afterwards after she tried to polish off the glue residue.

 

I forgot to add that they later were able to provide me a F nib from the ink testing table but that was not optimal. Already the ink in the testers were all different and the one from the ink testing table had reddish ink in it. According to the second sales person the characteristics of those inks would differ based on the color with red being the most wet one. And I would say he was right because the red one in the F nib feathered the most. My fountain pen obsession fortunately does not extend to inks, I would have thought that the ink flowing characteristics are at least very similar within a brand.

In regards to the production information that I have provided, I am located in Germany and my boutique should be one of the busier ones  so it might be that they have better information, time will tell.

 

The Origin 149 is my first new Montblanc and my first cigar shaped one after owning around 10 other vintage ones because I really like the 1x/2x/3x series and am less afraid of fakes for those vintage series.

I was enamored by the green Origin Classique since the reveal in April and actually wanted to get that one but was severely disappointed to find out that it was only a cartridge/converter filler as I expect an inbuilt filling system at that price range.

In the end this thread and the fact that the 149 is just iconic pushed me to it. Looks wise I also prefer the blue LeGrande model because the black 149 with platinum trimmings looks a bit bland in my opinion. But in the end I knew that I would have wanted an 149 sometime in the future anyway so why not just get the anniversary one, it’s not like I will buy so many new Montblancs anyway (I just prefer vintage ones).

 

Overall I am very happy with the decision. It looks huge but feels surprisingly good in my hands so no complaints 😊

@nampad Thank you for these many clarifications and notations.  The varying quality of customer service you have experienced in international boutiques is intriguing to hear. 

 

I am too ignorant about ink characteristics to shed light on the red ink being wetter than others.  All I remember reading about red inks is that some of them tend to clog feeds.  

 

You may very well be correct that your well-trafficked boutique being in Germany could mean that it is privy to the latest information.

 

I agree with your reasoning that since eventually you would have purchased a new 149, that it might as well be the model celebrating the Meisterstück’s centenary.  That you are satisfied with it is happy news!

[thirstyfish]

On 11/24/2024 at 8:12 AM, David0966 said:

 

 

[a student]

8 hours ago, digitorum- Leonardo_W said:

I thought that article belonged here ✒️
 

Thank you for this background piece.

 

As far as I am aware there is no record of Hemingway ever having used MB pens– and would only be happy to be corrected in case I am in error. There is some evidence though that the great writer worked in the Montegrappa factory area during WW1 as an ambulance driver, and did use Montegrappa pens. I cannot say what pen Einstein used but at the time a pen was indeed the more common instrument for writing. 

 

The "high and mighty" of our time do use MB often, but my suspicion is that these are pens received as gifts in their respective offices– just my hunch I emphasize. I cannot speak for MB and I am not aware of their practice in this regard, but the renowned British makes do make a gift of their best output to the British royalty almost as a matter of course.

[Arcadian]

3 hours ago, a student said:

Thank you for this background piece.

 

As far as I am aware there is no record of Hemingway ever having used MB pens– and would only be happy to be corrected in case I am in error. There is some evidence though that the great writer worked in the Montegrappa factory area during WW1 as an ambulance driver, and did use Montegrappa pens. I cannot say what pen Einstein used but at the time a pen was indeed the more common instrument for writing. 

 

The "high and mighty" of our time do use MB often, but my suspicion is that these are pens received as gifts in their respective offices– just my hunch I emphasize. I cannot speak for MB and I am not aware of their practice in this regard, but the renowned British makes do make a gift of their best output to the British royalty almost as a matter of course.

 

There are some writings out there about Einstein's pens. He apparently used a Waterman during the years when he developed the theory of relativity. He gave that pen away in 1921, and later pivoted to Pelikan. 

 

 - P. 

[ak47]

4 hours ago, a student said:

Thank you for this background piece.

 

As far as I am aware there is no record of Hemingway ever having used MB pens– and would only be happy to be corrected in case I am in error. There is some evidence though that the great writer worked in the Montegrappa factory area during WW1 as an ambulance driver, and did use Montegrappa pens. I cannot say what pen Einstein used but at the time a pen was indeed the more common instrument for writing. 

 

The "high and mighty" of our time do use MB often, but my suspicion is that these are pens received as gifts in their respective offices– just my hunch I emphasize. I cannot speak for MB and I am not aware of their practice in this regard, but the renowned British makes do make a gift of their best output to the British royalty almost as a matter of course.

You are right

[digitorum- Leonardo_W]

13 hours ago, NoType said:

@digitorum- Leonardo_W Many thanks for this topical article!  To which periodical are we indebted?

My pleasure to feed our common passion and hunger  
The original poster of this picture is a Redditer who found it in the latest issue of W Magazine ( I am European, never heard of that American magazine)

https://www.wmagazine.com/culture/seventy-one-gin-mert-alas-new-york-launch-party-2024-photos

How much and if the quoted characters used a MB, I can't tell, I've read that Hemingway used a pencil a lot. 

[fpupulin]

I don't know who gave Horacio Silva, the author of the article, the information he dutifully used for his piece, but I suspect it came from some Montblanc PR headquarters.

 

Frankly, I see no point in repeating information that is highly likely - if not definitely - false, in an attempt to enhance the "nobility" of the brand since its origins. On the contrary, these kinds of statements, which cannot be supported by any concrete historical reference, sound rather vulgar and completely useless.

 

Montblanc pens are used today by the rich and famous as well as by absolutely ordinary and normal people, and are already probably the most universally recognized writing instruments as a brand. Trying to enhance their reputation by means of "testimonials" that can neither confirm (with little probability) nor deny these claims may perhaps appear of some interest to the more unwary general public, but it is certainly annoying and - I repeat - needlessly pretentious to the more educated.

[digitorum- Leonardo_W]

3 minutes ago, fpupulin said:

I don't know who gave Horacio Silva, the author of the article, the information he dutifully used for his piece, but I suspect it came from some Montblanc PR headquarters.

 

Frankly, I see no point in repeating information that is highly likely - if not definitely - false, in an attempt to enhance the "nobility" of the brand since its origins. On the contrary, these kinds of statements, which cannot be supported by any concrete historical reference, sound rather vulgar and completely useless.

 

Montblanc pens are used today by the rich and famous as well as by absolutely ordinary and normal people, and are already probably the most universally recognized writing instruments as a brand. Trying to enhance their reputation by means of "testimonials" that can neither confirm (with little probability) nor deny these claims may perhaps appear of some interest to the more unwary general public, but it is certainly annoying and - I repeat - needlessly pretentious to the more educated.

It's a New York fashion magazine .. they add a lot of glamour in their stories and if you click Horacio's name, you can see many of his articles where he links history, famous historical characters and present big brands, seems to be his specialty. 

Although its the only article I've read that points at the Art Deco art used in the MB - 100 Years - The Origin Collection 

[digitorum- Leonardo_W]

5 hours ago, a student said:

Thank you for this background piece.

 

As far as I am aware there is no record of Hemingway ever having used MB pens– and would only be happy to be corrected in case I am in error. There is some evidence though that the great writer worked in the Montegrappa factory area during WW1 as an ambulance driver, and did use Montegrappa pens. I cannot say what pen Einstein used but at the time a pen was indeed the more common instrument for writing. 

 

The "high and mighty" of our time do use MB often, but my suspicion is that these are pens received as gifts in their respective offices– just my hunch I emphasize. I cannot speak for MB and I am not aware of their practice in this regard, but the renowned British makes do make a gift of their best output to the British royalty almost as a matter of course.

My pleasure, I like to think also that in 10 - 15 or more years, we will have the pleasure to find those images still stored on FPN servers. 

[fpupulin]

On 11/16/2024 at 4:11 PM, NoType said:

@fpupulin That will make for quite a striking arrangement!  Could I prevail upon you to provide us an image, at the appropriate time, of the Meisterstück Solitaire sterling silver and crystal set complete with Meisterstück Solitaire Silver Pinstripe LeGrand pen?

 

Although it may be completely off topic, the holiday season has officially begun in our family, and I am responding to a kind request from @NoType to introduce the Christmas version of the Meisterstück desk set.

 

 

 

 

[NoType]

4 hours ago, fpupulin said:

 

Although it may be completely off topic, the holiday season has officially begun in our family, and I am responding to a kind request from @NoType to introduce the Christmas version of the Meisterstück desk set.

 

 

 

 

@fpupulin Many, many thanks for indulging my request with these superlative images as you embark on family traditions this winter holiday!  

 

The recurring burgundy hue that acts as a sort of connective tissue for the three photographs is at once peaceful and gorgeous.

 

The way the dressed tree nestles in the stair’s embrasure is quintessentially satisfying and the evergreen’s scale is ideally suited to its environs, its trimmings helping to strike just the right balance between the green substrate of the conifer and the multicolour foreground of the ornaments.  The diffuse natural light; the rhythm of the wood balustrade; the parade of artwork following the ascent of riser and tread; the charming understair bookcase filled with festive decorations alongside picture frames and books; the tabletop décor; all of these act in concert with the tree, the main focus, to create an atmosphere of joy and repose.  A warmer, more inviting, lovelier image is difficult to imagine.

 

As before, this second peek into your work sanctum is a lesson in both privileged access and thoughtful composition.  Appropriately exuberant for the season, the reflections from the Meisterstück Solitaire desk set immediately catch the eye, the suite’s symmetrical arrangement complete with baton-like Solitaire Silver Pinstripe LeGrand fountain pen reinforcing the seriousness of the space while the combination of clear crystal and bright silver injects the sober ambiance with a dollop of whimsical dazzle.  The placement of the escritoire’s other objects helps the fortunate viewer imagine that the writer and photographer will return at any moment, lending a sense of anticipation to the image.

 

The closeup of the Meistertück Solitaire Silver desk suite reveals its remarkably pristine condition, no idle compliment considering how challenging it is to avoid, or at least minimise the appearance of, scratches and polishing marks on the mirror-like sterling silver surfaces.  The flawlessness of this collection of crystal and silver writing accoutrements exhibits the full potential of its spellbinding charm.

 

Needless to say, your photographs have made my day!

[singlechange]

This 100 Anniversary edition Montblanc arrived in the mail on Friday.  I already have the 149 Meisterstuck Calligraphy Flexible Nib Special Edition and this time wanted an EDC.  I am taking my time to decide when to ink the Medium nib. The fountain pen has been examined and I have tried dry writing and have seen how it feels in my hand.

 

[NoType]

22 hours ago, singlechange said:

This 100 Anniversary edition Montblanc arrived in the mail on Friday.  I already have the 149 Meisterstuck Calligraphy Flexible Nib Special Edition and this time wanted an EDC.  I am taking my time to decide when to ink the Medium nib. The fountain pen has been examined and I have tried dry writing and have seen how it feels in my hand.

 

@singlechange Felicitations on this landmark occasion!  Nearly three weeks’ patience has resulted in a wonderful denouement.  Thank you for this alluringly composed image of your new arrival which one hopes will provide years of satisfaction as a daily writer to complement your desk’s 149 Calligraphy Flex Nib.  

As to the ink with which to first use The Origin 149, I am partial to these Montblanc releases: vintage Blue Black (109204, a midnight blue-like hue), Blue Hour Twilight Blue (113116, a black blue-like hue), The Blues Palette’s Lapis Lazuli (119573, a vivid medium blue), vintage Royal Blue (128185, a vivid medium dark blue), or JFK Navy Blue (119569, a black blue-like hue).

[NoType]

On 11/17/2024 at 7:04 PM, NoType said:

The pen [MST Traveller LE1924] will be dropped off at the boutique later in the coming week — I will report back at that time if anything unexpected unfolds, but from my brief phone conversation when setting up the appointment, it sounds like the pen will be treated like every other pen brought in for a nib exchange, so it is most likely that my story will lack drama.

As it turned out, the boutique associate with whom I always work had been on repeatedly extended loan to other boutiques until last week, so my scheduled appointment with them was pushed back several times.  The boutique advised me yesterday to delay my appointment until the middle of January 2025, since winter holiday season shipping is hectic and Montblanc HQ does not resume regular schedules following their extended holiday break until a little before mid-January.  (Because the Meisterstück Traveller LE1924 is a numbered limited edition, Montblanc allows a complimentary nib exchange for up to one year after date of purchase.)

 

I will report back regarding the experience of turning in the pen to the local boutique for the complimentary nib exchange to O3B when that event occurs next month.  Until then, happy holidays to all!

[fpupulin]

My 149 The Origin played a part in the creation of the Christmas "electronic cards" at home. The following is the version for our Italian friends, and the "signatures" are written in 149 Calligraphy.

 

 

The photo below is the version for our Spanish-speaking friends, also made with the cooperation of the two 149s. Here the setting gives false credit to the Solitaire Pinstripe and its accessories, because the warm reflections of silver are appropriate for the holiday season.

 

[RedPie]

Wonderful cards you have there, @fpupulin Merry Christmas!