To Engrave or not to Engrave?

[hornillas1]

Would you or wouldn't you have your Mont Blanc pen's engraved?

[Mr Ink]

Would you or wouldn't you have your Mont Blanc pen's engraved?

I would never engrave my pens - I consider it a sacrilege.

[Wael El-Dasher]

In 1996 when I purchased my MB 149, I sent it immediately from the store and had my signature engraved on the cap. It took a while because it was more complicated than just initials, but it's very satisfying and well done.

 

If you plan to cycle through the pens, use them a bit then sell or trade them, then it wouldn't be a good idea. When I bought the 149, I knew I will never sell it. It marked a very special occassion and it was an easy decision.

 

cheers

 

W

[Pravda]

In 1996 when I purchased my MB 149, I sent it immediately from the store and had my signature engraved on the cap. It took a while because it was more complicated than just initials, but it's very satisfying and well done.

 

If you plan to cycle through the pens, use them a bit then sell or trade them, then it wouldn't be a good idea. When I bought the 149, I knew I will never sell it. It marked a very special occassion and it was an easy decision.

 

cheers

 

W

 

Independently made you mean though not through Montblanc since they only engrave either your initials or print your name right? I wonder what it turned out to look like I never liked the look of the traditional Montblanc engravings thats why I never thought about it.

 

[hollyuk]

I think it depends on your circumstances and the pen. If you plan to keep the pen then it can be a nice touch and you are much more likley to get it returned to you rather than it going 'walkies'. However if you think you may sell it on at some point it will detract from the value significally. Also depends on the pen - my large 149 would carry a name quite easily, but my little Greta Garbo would be spoilt. It's really a very personal decision.

[Wael El-Dasher]

Independently made you mean though not through Montblanc since they only engrave either your initials or print your name right? I wonder what it turned out to look like I never liked the look of the traditional Montblanc engravings thats why I never thought about it.

 

No, my signature was engraved by MB, not outside. They offered the service for an additional charge. I bought the pen from Marshall Fields in Houston, TX and the sales lady got me a MB form to sign and send along with the pen. Initials were much cheaper, perhaps about $20 or so but the signature was perhaps $50 additional.

 

You know what I remember most about this pen purchase? The sales lady showed me MB Hemingway and told me she had both the 149 and the Hemingway for the same price. I thought to myself...Hemingway, such a fad! Now I kick myself for not buying it for $500 or so at the time, and I lust after a clean 139.

 

cheers

 

W

 

[goodguy]

Would you or wouldn't you have your Mont Blanc pen's engraved?

NEVER EVER!!!

 

Engraving an innocent pen is blasfamis,its true heresy.

To me its like buying a brand new car and scratching my name on it.

This makes no sense.

 

Oh and one more thing,an engraved pen looses much of its apeal to potential buyers.

Even if you buy a pen and know in your heart you will never sell it you still never know so DONT engrave your pen (especialy not a MB),please dont

[Pen Nut]

I have had a few MB's both engraved and embossed but only to pass on to my immediate family. Its like I was once told about a certain car I had regarding not owning it merely 'looking after it for the next generation' well that may be true but as the next generation will hopefully be in my family, in respect of pens, the personalisation is fitting in my opinion.

 

One pen that I wont part with is a MB 162 engraved with two names, mine and a very dear friend. It marks a certain turning point in my life that a mere 'few quid profit' wont make me sell.

[Wael El-Dasher]

It might not be the same thing, but I enjoy buying clean used books with the previous owners names written on the first blank page. It gives the book a sense of history and by adding my name to the list I continue the tradition. Monograms were common at some point on clothing and engraving a pen was very common.

 

I for one have no problem buying vintage pens that were engraved, or vintage watches either. It adds a layer of patina to the object.

 

Perhaps I'm just the nostalgic type.

 

cheers

 

W

[MichelleStClaire]

Engraving also deters those careless people who may just "accidentally" walk off with your pen.

I engrave the pens I use in the office, but not the fancier ones I keep at home.

 

 

[Blade Runner]

If you love a pen and have no intention of selling it, I think a tastefully done engraving is fine.

And your name on the pen would also be meaningful to your heir.

I'm sure many folks could do it, but I'd feel more comfortable having MB do it.

[Blade Runner]

It might not be the same thing, but I enjoy buying clean used books with the previous owners names written on the first blank page. It gives the book a sense of history and by adding my name to the list I continue the tradition. Monograms were common at some point on clothing and engraving a pen was very common.

 

I for one have no problem buying vintage pens that were engraved, or vintage watches either. It adds a layer of patina to the object.

 

Perhaps I'm just the nostalgic type.

 

cheers

 

W

I'm with you on previously owned books. I have some touching inscriptions in some of mine.

[Titivillus]

 

These are pens we are talking about, right look at the number of vintage pens that were engraved because a person had maybe one pen and cared enough about it to have it engraved with a name or initials. I have a desk pen with a name on it and it detracts not a whit for me. Actually in the whole arc of fountain pens not having a pen engraved is more of a modern thing.

 

I have seen some beautiful engravings done that add more to the pen than subtract.

 

But these are opinions only- do what you want with your pen and don't let anyone sway you with strong words or harsh visuals

 

K

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Titivillus]

No, my signature was engraved by MB, not outside. They offered the service for an additional charge. I bought the pen from Marshall Fields in Houston, TX and the sales lady got me a MB form to sign and send along with the pen. Initials were much cheaper, perhaps about $20 or so but the signature was perhaps $50 additional.

 

Did they do a good job on the engraving, curious since I have gotten a few of the free engraving coupons.

 

 

Thanks,

 

Kurt

 

[jmkeuning]

I have considered engraving my pens with OTHER PEOPLE's names. That way, if I decide to sell, the pens will be ready to go with the new person's name.

[niksch]

Engraving an innocent pen is blasfamis,its true heresy.

 

Oh and one more thing,an engraved pen looses much of its apeal to potential buyers.

 

I agree with Kurt. I've got some vintage pens with other owner's names engraved on them. I find it quite interesting. And if no one else wants the pen because of that engraving...the more for me.

 

Eric

Edited January 3, 2009 by niksch

[MichelleStClaire]

I vote for engraving. I love the historical value in antiques anyways and the personal touch certainly adds character. Look at old Bibles. It was often customary to sign the inside as it was passed down from mother to daughter, etc. An antique bible with a page or two of inscriptions is not only very valuable, but extremely cool and adds something to the bible itself.

 

I also like buying old beat up crappy furniture peices for the same reason. The uglier and full of dents the better. Every ding represents some childs rollerskate accident, dads drunken Holiday stupor or one drop kick too many. I love getting these pieces once destined for the wood pile, sanding and refinishing them with new shiny hardware and breathing new life into them. I however make sure that I NEVER remove all the dings. That is the history of the piece. Its the proverbial name engraded on the pen.

 

Ok, a bit philosophical for an engraving question but I havent had my coffee yet.

 

 

[Wael El-Dasher]

Kurt,

 

They did a good job actually. My signature is not easy so I was happy that they were able to get it about right. I need to buy a new camera as I can't find my old one and I'll upload it for your judgment.

 

cheers

 

W

 

No, my signature was engraved by MB, not outside. They offered the service for an additional charge. I bought the pen from Marshall Fields in Houston, TX and the sales lady got me a MB form to sign and send along with the pen. Initials were much cheaper, perhaps about $20 or so but the signature was perhaps $50 additional.

 

Did they do a good job on the engraving, curious since I have gotten a few of the free engraving coupons.

 

 

Thanks,

 

Kurt

Edited January 3, 2009 by Wael El-Dasher

[Titivillus]

Kurt,

 

They did a good job actually. My signature is not easy so I was happy that they were able to get it about right. I need to buy a new camera as I can't find my old one and I'll upload it for your judgment.

 

cheers

 

W

 

Good to know as I've looked at the signatures and wondered. Another question if I may did you do a few runs of your signature and pick the best or just sign & be done?

 

I'm not sure which way I would do it.

 

 

Kurt

[FredRydr]

Well, here's a bit of hypocrisy, but I have no craving to go out and buy an engraved pen for myself, but on the other hand I think a Montblanc engraved with the recipient's signature would be a very personal and special gift.

 

If anyone wants the Montblanc form for this service, PM me with your email address and I will email it to you. It is a pdf file. You basically just sign within the box, and with the file, you can make as many signature exemplars as you wish, and then send your favorite to Montblanc with pen and payment (or do it through a boutique).

 

Fred