Montblanc As a Status Symbol

[Peony Blush]

Back in the '90s, I owned a Montblanc because, well, it was a Montblanc. We were still coming out of the conspicuous consumption of the '80s, so it was viewed as a status symbol. Unfortunately, the pen was stolen about a year after I got it. If it hadn't, I would still have it today.

 

They are good pens - I realize that, but do any of you avoid buying one because they're so recognizable? (Aside from the fact that most of us don't have $700 - $2,400 disposable income lying around.) I'm not trying to start any pen bashing, I'm just genuinely curious. As an aside, I do not own a Montblanc anymore and likely will not again.

 

Thanks in advance for your input!

[A Smug Dill]

22 hours ago, Peony Blush said:

They are good pens - I realize that, but do any of you avoid buying one because they're so recognizable?

 

No, not because they are recognisable, but because there are others who brandish them as status symbols. …‹snip›… I don't usually see Montblanc pens discounted like that (especially when its Calligraphy pens fitted with Flexible nibs were relatively often talked about, at least at the time). So, I bought it; …‹snip›…. It's a good writing instrument, just overpriced in my opinion even when discounted like that, let alone at RRP. I don't regret buying that pen, and it's actually nice to write with; but I won't be buying another Montblanc.

 

Edited September 14 by A Smug Dill

[Tashi_Tsering]

I think it depends on the country. For example, nobody knows about Montblanc here (except for a small number of enthusiasts), and all more or less decent pens are called Parker here.

As for me, I have a small collection of Montblanc pens, about 60 pieces from different eras, and I like them very much. But not as a status symbol, but as pens

[Beechwood]

In my profession many  people use a fountain pen daily and most of them use Montblanc 149,  I don't know anyone that uses one of the limited edition or special edition pens which are seen as vulgar and ostentatious.

 

I also deal with lawyers, almost all of them use fountain pens for their day books, very few of them use Montblancs because they are too 'in your face'. it was explained to me that it is difficult to take notes and  sit in front of someone who has all the troubles of the World or is being sued or has committed a heinous  crime with a $1000 pen in your hand, it is inconsiderate.

 

There are specialist suppliers of stationery to the legal profession who sell restored Parker 51 for lawyers, they work well but are subtle and show humility.

[InesF]

6 hours ago, Peony Blush said:

They are good pens - I realize that, but do any of you avoid buying one because they're so recognizable?

Neither select nor avoid. There came a time in my life when I stopped caring about what others think or may think about my clothings, my hairstyle, my fountain pen or the ink I'm using.

I own 5 MB's, one of them is "loud". All 5 write and function perfectly and I love using them. Among my pens is, for example, no 149, because it is too big for me and I don't like its look.

 

The loud one is a perfect writer with a character nib - I'm loving it. It is the 146 Gold Leaf with calligraphy nib. Nevertheless, I'm hesitant to taking it with me on the motorbike or bicycle tour (no problem with the other four). Being honest with myself, I'm in inner conflict if I had made an error in buying it. Do I need a pen that I don't like to take with me in any situation? Neither the price of the pen nor the brand is an argument here.

[kazoolaw]

3 hours ago, Format said:

 

There are specialist suppliers of stationery to the legal profession who sell restored Parker 51 for lawyers, they work well but are subtle and show humility.

Would be interested in knowing the names of the specialist suppliers to the legal profession.

As well as how this discussion fits into Of Nibs and Tines.

[Peony Blush]

Wow! This is the kind of insight I was looking for. What varied experiences and opinions you all have. Thank you for taking the time to answer. 

[Beechwood]

25 minutes ago, kazoolaw said:

Would be interested in knowing the names of the specialist suppliers to the legal profession.

As well as how this discussion fits into Of Nibs and Tines.

 

Kaz It was something I was told by a lawyer, I checked it out at the time and saw the ad, the 51s were priced at around $190, cannot recall the name of the company or their source of stock, this was long before the new edition Parker 51.

 

I agree, the thread has been posted in the wrong area and Mods have been advised.

[Peony Blush]

1 hour ago, Format said:

I agree, the thread has been posted in the wrong area and Mods have been advised.

I chose not to post in the Montblanc section because I wanted people that don't own a Montblanc to have a say. Thanks for correcting the new kid.

[a student]

11 hours ago, Peony Blush said:

They are good pens - I realize that, but do any of you avoid buying one because they're so recognisable?

 

No, I don't avoid buying one should I chance upon one and if I have the funds to spare, but I do not carry it to meetings or similar situations mainly because it can be quite conspicuous. I use a ball pen, the throwaway kind, instead.

 

When I first got one in the 1970s, the prices were approximately in the same range as the Pelikans; it was just another good pen, with lifetime cost-free service generally assured. Also there were no limited editions or fancy super expensive versions of the pen around in that period to the best of my knowledge.

[PAKMAN]

My first MB was a classic ball point that I got as a 20 year service award. I went on to pick up the matching Bordeaux FP and RB. I then picked up the 149 and three 146's (black, Bordeaux and sterling). I fell in love with the Dumas and bought one (son signature). Owned but sold a vintage 333 1/2, a 22 and a vermeil 144. Recently acquired a 220 that I really love. 

 

Do I have them as status symbols? NO, no one in rural Arkansas could care a bit about a Montblanc, I just like them.  I also have never paid anywhere near MSRP on any of them and could still sell any of them at a profit. Unless I am at a pen show, I rarely run into someone that even recognizes what they are.

[freaca menta]

I bought a LeGrand this past January - my first and, to date, only MB. I love it, it is one of my best writers. 
 

Before I bought my LeGrand I was aware of the brand and the varied opinions about the brand and the pens. I was hesitant to drop that kind of money on a pen. Before I bought mine I think $300 was the most I ever spent on a FP. But over that last few years I got into MB inks - they are one of my favorite inks to write with, that made me curious about the pen which lead to me making my January purchase 

 

I work from home so it is rare that anyone sees my fountain pens but in June I was in the office for a week and used my MB almost every day - no one seemed to take notice that I was using a FP at all let alone the fact that it was a MB

[Sailor Kenshin]

I have three Montblancs: a Generation, a 132?), and a 144 (or 5) Kugel nib tester.  All write differently, and well.  I'd love a 149, but only if it jumped into my pocket at a bargain price.

[Peony Blush]

11 hours ago, Format said:

In my profession many  people use a fountain pen daily and most of them use Montblanc 149,  I don't know anyone that uses one of the limited edition or special edition pens which are seen as vulgar and ostentatious.

 

I also deal with lawyers, almost all of them use fountain pens for their day books, very few of them use Montblancs because they are too 'in your face'. it was explained to me that it is difficult to take notes and  sit in front of someone who has all the troubles of the World or is being sued or has committed a heinous  crime with a $1000 pen in your hand, it is inconsiderate.

 

There are specialist suppliers of stationery to the legal profession who sell restored Parker 51 for lawyers, they work well but are subtle and show humility.

 

This is fascinating to me! Thank you for sharing.

[Karmachanic]

11 hours ago, Format said:

the limited edition or special edition pens which are seen as vulgar and ostentatious.

 

[Peony Blush]

3 hours ago, PAKMAN said:

Do I have them as status symbols? NO, no one in rural Arkansas could care a bit about a Montblanc, I just like them.  I also have never paid anywhere near MSRP on any of them and could still sell any of them at a profit. Unless I am at a pen show, I rarely run into someone that even recognizes what they are.

 

Interesting. I carry a few accessories because they're high quality items, but they do not have obvious branding, which is my preference. 

 

I love that you got some great deals!

[Peony Blush]

I think this one is just the cutest stinking thing! https://www.harrods.com/en-us/shopping/montblanc-heritage-rouge-et-noir-baby-fountain-pen-18513119. Although I'm not a fan of obvious branding, if I had an extra $800 lying around, I would be sorely tempted!

[KAC]

MB is always a contentious issue here.  I've not seen controversy associated with other pen brands.  Perhaps that's due to MB's "boutiques" and other "luxury item" commercial promotion schemes. But, as Mae West said, "There's no such thing as bad publicity."

 

Anyway, I have a 149 and have used it for decades. To my recollection, not a single person even noticed it other than to remark that, "Your ink smeared." 

 

As for writing performance, I prefer vintage MB and Parker pens and, given current prices, I avoid modern MB products. 

[Penguincollector]

  I don’t avoid buying MB pens because they are so recognizable, but I don’t carry them around like I do with other pens. They are desk queens, and visit with my pen club if they’re inked on meeting days, or if I have to sign the rare check somewhere and look the part. I do the same with any of my most valued pens, regardless of marque.  

[Uncial]

Is it maybe brand recognition and a tendency to want to have a jibe at a successful brand versus the 'oh look what I have that you don't ' playground mentality? Any forum of luxury goods has the same thing. Watch forums have members who take pot shots at Rolex. Bag forums have members who take pot shots at LV. The list could go on and on but the story is always the same. I'm not so sure MB is at the top of the pile any longer though. It certainly isn't when it comes to price. If you really wanted a status symbol you'd be better off with a Visconti, Danitrio or a Montegrappa. Some of them are so ugly they'll get a lot of attention and they will cost a lot more than a MB. Lets face it MB's are as common as muck. You can pick up a very good second hand one for the price of a Parker. And I had to laugh at the idea of a 'humble' fountain pen. Anyone who uses anything other than a 50 cent Bic is using a luxury good they otherwise don't need. We're all codding ourselves on this forum if we think we aren't a forum of consumers of luxury goods enabling one another to purchase yet more of what we don't actually need.