My grandpa gave me one of these about 15 years ago when I was just 10 years old. I didnt know what this pen was or its significance literally until tonight. I cant imagine giving this pen to a 10 year old. I'll definitely start taking better car of this pen.
Today, I purchased a MB Meisterstuck No.149 with an 18c Nib in 750 (18K). Top ring only says Germany with no serial number. No other markings. Asking price was $50 and I offered $35. They accepted. I have, since this morning, learned the significance of the 149 and am amazed that I found this at an estate sale for just $35. This will be a collection piece and will not be listed for sale any time soon! Thanks for your video. I'm obsessed with this pen!
I'm a fountain pen aficionado and was at an antique show in Santa Barbara, CA a couple years back. Nothing real special; we were about to leave. Then, over in the corner, I saw this old man sitting behind a folding card table with a bunch of pen boxes open. I thought, nothing ventured, nothing gained, and I walked back over to his table to have a look. Mostly, he had some common, ordinary fountain pens (Parkers and the like), and I asked him how he came about them. He said he and an old buddy shared a pen-collecting hobby for a number of years, and his friend had recently died and he was liquidating his stuff. I had a look around, and among all of those ordinary boxes was a nice clean but vintage-looking Montblanc case. It had a piece of paper laying on the top which said some model of MB pen, 146 I think. I figured, what have I got to lose, so picked up the box expecting when I opened it to see either a bad or a pretty good knock-off. So, what was inside? The first thing I saw was an original sales tag from a local stationary store complete with price, model number, and store name and address. The label said Montblanc model 149, not what was written on the paper. I looked a little further, and underneath the label was the original hand-written signed sales receipt dated May, 1982. Amazed, I inspected the pen very carefully now, and everything looked completely authentic. In fact, there was no sign of dried ink on the nib at all, and I commented that the pen appeared to be totally unused. He said his friend had bought the pen new personally and set it aside, never actually using it. The asking price was $450, and I offered $375. I now use that pen almost every single day, with pleasure. It's filled with Aurora Black ink, and works great.
Hi. Enjoyed your review. I have a 149 with a B nib. It was purchased back in 2011 and I paid around 450 or so brand new. This was my first fountain pen and I have used it regularly. I really enjoy it and it along with my Pelikan M1000 are my grail pens . They are the flagships of their respective companies and feel are iconic, elegant and have great German craftsmanship. Of note, I use MB ink with my MB pen and Pelikan ink on my M1000. Those inks are designed to match the respective nibs which have different characteristics as you might have found out. Congrats on your beautiful pen and nice review
Congratulations on your purchases. You started with 2 grail pens. You started at the top. Will you continue to purchase high end pens to build a collection?
Great video! I also have a 1980s West-German Montblanc 149 in black and gold (the classic combo) and in F, like you do! :) Montblanc did not start putting serial-numbers on their pens until 1991, after the wall came down. So none of the pre-wall MBs will have serial-numbers.
I hope that fountain pens make a come back! I've found so much pleasure in using them that I look for excuses to write. I've always been drawn to fountain pens and even requested a fountain pen for Christmas one year....back in the 1980's. I received 2, but for some reason I couldn't get either one of them to work.
I also have a similar era 149 from my father who used it exclusively only to sign contracts. It also has the W Germany on the cap ring and also a sticker designating the nib as "F W. Germany" after a thorough cleaning after years of not being used, it writes very smoothly.
Excellent review...a very nice explanation of the montblanc mountain 🗻...I've exactly the same pen with me, in fine made in West Germany...it's the smoothest pen that I've ever used and it's s fantastic writer...take care...
I possess several Montblanc fillers. They get a serial number ingraved since 1991. The original box of a 149 is around two times bigger than the one you have there. It depends on how you buy your filler, some boxes come with a bottle of ink, others do not.
It's nice when you have a family member who values what you value. My daughter told me once that she only wants my Indian arrowhead collection when I pass over. I won't sell the Montblanc, but most of my collections, such as guns, knives, etc. will be sold.
Those 149’s are for big hands.i have a post war one that was actually made by Pelikan until they got the factory rebuilt. The clip is a Pelikan standard clip. The nib is definitely a Montblanc. Great pen. I remember Kennedy being shot, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, and of course 9-11. Nice pen, enjoy!
I have a Montblanc 149 that was gifted to me in 1992. The donor was a graduate of the university where I taught (for whom I had done some unpaid legal advising). While I had used a fountain pen in practicing law (before returning to academia), I had no earthly idea what the pen was worth. As to packaging, it actually came in a clam-shell package precisely like the Montblanc ballpoint pen (so no ink). My understanding is that retailers typically have some packaging options. The more upscale the vendor, the more likely the packaging would be more impressive. So, my pen from must a short period away from the 1980s would indicate that you could perhaps have gotten a pen without ink, especially if (as was true of mine) is was being shipped. Shipping ink especially from overseas could have been precarious. Again, this is just my experience. [By the way, I took the new pen with me on a trip that was related to the class I was teaching (international business). A student came up to me and said: “Professor, you can’t carry that pen in your shirt pocket.” I said, “You mean it is an expensive pen?” He replied: “Professor, Where we are right now there are pickpockets who would cut you arm off to get that pen!” [I took a little better care of it after that.] On the other hand, I had a lot of trouble with the pen. regardless of how I stored it, the pen collected a lot of ink in the cap. I was always getting ink on my fingers, so I asked a German architect who was in charge of a building project on our campus to tell me what I was doing wrong. He said,”Oh, no, it is a great pen, but that is just part of the deal.You have to carry a wiping cloth with you at all times.” It is still not my favorite pen, but I still have it.
My 149 is my favorite pen in my collection. It writes the best of any of my pens and I don't have any leakage problems. I don't carry it often though as I don't want to damage or lose it. The last time I carried it, it dropped onto the floor of the business vehicle I was driving and I almost forgot it. It had rolled up under the seat. That taught me a big lesson as this is the most expensive pen I own.
My first memorable moment, I think, was watching the Space Shuttle Challenger exploding in my second grade class. Watching the first Iraq war on television was probably my second. I was too young still for that one, and then, of course, 9/11. I was a supervisor at America West Airlines when it happened. I had just gotten off of work (I worked in Las Vegas, and the night shift), and there were some reports that a small plane had crashed into the building on the news that morning. Then I watched the second plane hit. I told my roommate, who was also a supervisor at AWA, "We're at war." He said, "Yeah, get your uniform on, we're going in now." So we went in and helped park around twenty planes that were ordered down that day. I spent the next five days watching those planes sit on the tarmac. I joined the Navy in 2005 to be an air traffic controller, and that's what I did for the next 10 years. While on my first deployment, I bought a 149 to write to my Grandmother while I was gone. I bought the broad nib to write bigger so that she could see what I was writing. I only used the pen for that purpose, and I haven't used it since. Congrats on your purchase, and good day.
I bought my Montblanc 149 in 1984, and I use it on a regular basis as part of my every day carry fountain pen collection. My nib is a medium, and it seems to be smoother and quieter than your fine nib.
I love the 149. It's an iconic pen and the first grail pen that I have bought. Not sure what the next grail pen will be, but the first one is always special. :)
Thanks. I thought it was interesting that a German manufacturer show a French mountain as its symbol. When the company was formed though, French fashion must have been all the rage.
I remember where I was when 9/11 happened. I was watching it unfolding live on TV in our living room with my dad. I still remember my brother walked past going to the kitchen to get a drink, and he said: "What movie are you watching?"
This is definitely a very nice looking fountain pen. The white star on the cap Stands out indeed. From everything that you had to say about this fountain pen I would say it was probably worth the money spent especially if it is a Grail pen for you. I don't remember where I was when John F. Kennedy was assassinated. But on 9/11 I was working at RDS manufacturing in Perry Florida and we had a radio playing on the production floor and production came to a standstill as the news unfolded. Thanks for sharing my friend.
By the way, mine also has the 2-tone 14K nib. Also, mine has a meal piston, which I really like. I am told that the most modern version has the plastic piston. I have one of Montblanc’s Writer’s Edition pens, I do not think it performs nearly as well as the one on the Montblanc 149. If I were not retired, I would have bought a (new) Anniversary (collector’s model) offered by a seller for $1,000, but I just could not justify the expense at this point in my life.
Hi Foster, nice video. The serial number began in 1991 and it is located on the clip cap, on the other side of the clip where you have W.GERMANY engraved. You are right, the 14K bicolor was used from 1985 to 1991. You didn't show the feed that could tell you if it is made after or before 1990, but your pen is from 1985 to 1990. Enjoy it.
Hi, I got my brand new 149 at the beginning of this week, it is a nice and smooth pen to write with. But in mine lays down a bit to much ink, you got the F nib. Have you noticed the same?
I definitely remember the space shuttle blowing up, especially because the mother of one of the astronauts who lost his life was from my wife's home town. But I can't remember exactly where I was when I heard about it.
I'm not familiar with the bukowski. I did a quick google search and found some info and pictures, but not a good explanation of it. Maybe you can share a good link.
About the packaging, I agree with you about it not being original. I recently acquired a fake montblanc and it came in the same packaging so maybe the packaging was bought by the shop when they realised that the pen had none. Enjoyed the video!
ima4ster Firstly, my pen is a ballpoint, so this may not be applicable to fountain pens. What I noticed is that the ink cartridge had no montblanc logos on it, whereas the originals apparently do. Also, the spring was not attached to the cartridge like the original. However the thing that really gave it away for me was the overall quality of the pen; There were strange markings (not a serial code or anything) on the underside of the clip, and the tip of the pen flew off across the room whilst I was writing. Also, the packaging wasn’t substantial and the glue holding the material to the box was wearing off. If you are worried I would suggest (if you can) to go to a shop and try to get it looked at by a Proffessional. Good luck!
I have 2 mont blanc a 146 fountain and a roller ball purchased earl 2000’s, I just purchased a 149 early 70’s model from ebay so its on its its way. Reading on youtube a number of observations on later mb a serial number was added to the clip ring on the right side and on left side it say Germany, earlier models will say w Germany. Also the word pix under the clip can also be seen with a magnifying glass. On older models no serial number no pix,however if you take the cap off and get a very bright light and shine it into the cap you should see red lines on the cap this is the resin and it will give you a good indication that its an original. Other visual inspection is quality of the writing and diagonal lines on the cap rings they should be crisp sharp and consistent. There are a number of youtube subjects on is this areal mont blanc. Great pens not cheap thats one reason they are copied so much Enjoy your pen as I say mine is at the local delivery depot here in the UK so should get it before 4pm
Thanks for your comment. I believe my 149 is authentic, but I will check again based on your comments. My 149 is a pleasure to write with. It is my nicest pen!
I've looked everywhere on the pen and I haven't found a serial number. Because of the quality of the pen, I don't have any doubt as to it authenticity.
As far as I know, Montblanc pens did not start to have serial numbers until very late, probably in the 1990s. Besides, the case you have is pretty standard for vintage 149s from that era. In general, there is no evidence that these pens were counterfeited, because the cost of producing the piston system was high.
I don't believe the box was original with the pen. From videos that I've watched of similar pens, the box would have also held a bottle of ink and there isn't enough room for that in this box. Also, the clamp on the pen is much too tight.
In 1990 and 1991 I lived in Rennes France, both of my children attended elementary school, and were required to use fountain pens only, except for math. I bought a Patron of the Arts limited edition Mont Blanc for myself, and a few Watermans. I’ve since given mine away to adult children. I don’t believe they have serial numbers. Here’s an interesting interview of a fountain pen collector who know his MB pens back to the company’s founding: www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/the-pinnacle-of-pens-author-barry-gabay-on-writing-in-style-and-the-montblanc-149/
ima4ster Glad you enjoyed it. I learned a great deal as well. Thank you for taking the time to make great content video. I’m mainly interested in guns at the moment, but coming to that interest late in life. Looking forward to whatever comes next. Thanks again.
I wouldn't buy a pen of this quality again from Amazon - too many imitations out there. I was burned once - received a fake. Now, I go to the Mont Blanc boutique and but from there.
Sir, that is indeed a fine example of Montblanc's flagship model - & I have one identical to yours, with the exception that mine is post-Berlin Wall (1991); similarly, mine was previously owned, & whilst not inexpensive, was probably the better choice - over the latest 149's. M-B tend to go thru' phases of production quality, so those made in the 1950's, '60's, '80's & '90's were truly premium writing instruments - those decades in between, not so much. You mentioned that you were in the Third grade when JFK was assassinated, that would have made you eight or nine years old ?....I was born four months after that, so you'd be 9-10yrs older than I. I have but one brand new Montblanc - & coincidentally, it is a 146 model - 'Great Characters, JFK' commemorative, in Navy blue; I won't be vulgar & tell you how much I paid for it, suffice to say, it was not cheap, but I am so pleased I bought it, because Kennedy is for me, one of your greatest statesmen. I sometimes wonder in what direction American politics would have turned, had he lived - obviously, we shall never know, but the legacy he left, in energising the American peoples in the Space race - no mean achievement, even postumously. Trusting you had a peaceful Christmas, & I wish you & yours, a brave New Year !! Best, Andrew :)
My 149 is my first grail pen and I'm very pleased with the purchase. There is another M-B that I would love to buy, but it is outside of my budget.....it is the Purdy M-B. I love the walnut wood and checkering. It reminds me of the Purdy shotguns. My next grail pen might be a Sailor King of Pen or Pelikan.
I know of the weapons you speak of, altho', when I was in the military (Airborne), they would have been superfluous, tactically, & far too grandiose !! I would agree, it's a beautiful looking piece. I own a few Sailor models, & they're excellent writers, as are Pelikan - I might recommend an M800 series, because like you, I have hands like shovels :D
I prefer flat top pens and hate piston fillers. So my pen is a Pilot Custom heritage 912 with the falcon super flex fa nib. It has the Con 70 converter which holds a lot of ink.
I prefer the cigar shaped pens, although I've been tempted by the Sailor flat top variety. I hope to get a Sailor King of Pen for my next purchase. I've just been taking my time and looking for the right deal.
I just made a video about 2 plastic Chinese pens that cracked on me. There has to be a difference besides thickness. Maybe somebody can comment and tell us.
@@ima4ster Long ago I dropped a MB ballpoint pen on a hard surface and the top shattered, MB was kind enough too replace it at no charge. That was years ago, they don't do that today, unfortunately.
I was in the sixth grade and in class on November 22, 1963 when the principal, Sister Patricia came into the classroom to announce that the president had been shot and was still alive. Our teacher, Sister Bernadette then had us stand and lead us in prayer. School was dismissed early after the news came of President Kennedy's demise.
At the time, I was living in a small farming community of Towanda, Illinois. I remember school let out and I ran all the way home and watched the coverage on our TV.
I looked them over on their web page. They look interesting. I especially like the ebonite pens. They look reasonably priced, but the shipping can be expensive to the U.S. What is your experience with them?
ima4ster if it was made in the 80s or late 70s you got a pen that’s better than a new one. Their feeds and nibs be better behaved and easier to use not to mention at a better price. Hope you have a great time with your pen and cherish it!
You must be politically left because you were too embarrassed to say what you paid for the pen? This is America. You should be proud to have the income to share with that shop keeper to help his life along in exchange for a pen you value. But I may be totally wrong.
In retrospect, I probably didn't say the price for 2 reasons. People can look up the retail price for themselves and I said that I got a good discount off retail....so that would put the price within reach of a good guess. The other reason is that I have said what I paid for a knife or gun before and then years later wanted to sell it. Customers watch my videos and expect to pay considerably less than my cost, even though the item might be discontinued and higher priced. I think I said in a comment that I paid more for this pen than any knife or gun that I own.
I did indeed appreciate the google maps journey to the peak of Mont Blanc. Never thought of doing that myself. Great review.
Thanks. On another pen video, we hike to the top of Mount Fuji. I want to take that hike in person one day.
My grandpa gave me one of these about 15 years ago when I was just 10 years old. I didnt know what this pen was or its significance literally until tonight. I cant imagine giving this pen to a 10 year old. I'll definitely start taking better car of this pen.
Your grandpa was giving you a keepsake!
@@ima4ster He did ha. I'm very thankful. I'll have to order some ink and start using this now.
Today, I purchased a MB Meisterstuck No.149 with an 18c Nib in 750 (18K). Top ring only says Germany with no serial number. No other markings.
Asking price was $50 and I offered $35. They accepted. I have, since this morning, learned the significance of the 149 and am amazed that I found this at an estate sale for just $35. This will be a collection piece and will not be listed for sale any time soon! Thanks for your video. I'm obsessed with this pen!
It sounds like you really lucked up. You should buy a lottery ticket! By the way, my mother's family were Duckworths from western NC.
I'm a fountain pen aficionado and was at an antique show in Santa Barbara, CA a couple years back. Nothing real special; we were about to leave. Then, over in the corner, I saw this old man sitting behind a folding card table with a bunch of pen boxes open. I thought, nothing ventured, nothing gained, and I walked back over to his table to have a look. Mostly, he had some common, ordinary fountain pens (Parkers and the like), and I asked him how he came about them. He said he and an old buddy shared a pen-collecting hobby for a number of years, and his friend had recently died and he was liquidating his stuff. I had a look around, and among all of those ordinary boxes was a nice clean but vintage-looking Montblanc case. It had a piece of paper laying on the top which said some model of MB pen, 146 I think. I figured, what have I got to lose, so picked up the box expecting when I opened it to see either a bad or a pretty good knock-off. So, what was inside? The first thing I saw was an original sales tag from a local stationary store complete with price, model number, and store name and address. The label said Montblanc model 149, not what was written on the paper. I looked a little further, and underneath the label was the original hand-written signed sales receipt dated May, 1982. Amazed, I inspected the pen very carefully now, and everything looked completely authentic. In fact, there was no sign of dried ink on the nib at all, and I commented that the pen appeared to be totally unused. He said his friend had bought the pen new personally and set it aside, never actually using it. The asking price was $450, and I offered $375. I now use that pen almost every single day, with pleasure. It's filled with Aurora Black ink, and works great.
Great story. You got a great deal and a wonderful story out of it. I didn't get nearly that good of a deal. :)
Hi. Enjoyed your review. I have a 149 with a B nib. It was purchased back in 2011 and I paid around 450 or so brand new. This was my first fountain pen and I have used it regularly. I really enjoy it and it along with my Pelikan M1000 are my grail pens . They are the flagships of their respective companies and feel are iconic, elegant and have great German craftsmanship. Of note, I use MB ink with my MB pen and Pelikan ink on my M1000. Those inks are designed to match the respective nibs which have different characteristics as you might have found out. Congrats on your beautiful pen and nice review
Congratulations on your purchases. You started with 2 grail pens. You started at the top. Will you continue to purchase high end pens to build a collection?
Beautiful pen. I have the same. They started adding a serial number in 1991 so yours is earlier.
Good info. Thanks for commenting
Great video!
I also have a 1980s West-German Montblanc 149 in black and gold (the classic combo) and in F, like you do! :)
Montblanc did not start putting serial-numbers on their pens until 1991, after the wall came down. So none of the pre-wall MBs will have serial-numbers.
I love my 149. Thanks for the info on the serial number.
ima4ster you’re welcome! 149s are easy to love. I made a couple of Montblanc videos in my channel, too.
That is a wonderful pen. I'm glad to see you derive satisfaction from this pen, I enjoyed watching you use it.
I hope that fountain pens make a come back! I've found so much pleasure in using them that I look for excuses to write. I've always been drawn to fountain pens and even requested a fountain pen for Christmas one year....back in the 1980's. I received 2, but for some reason I couldn't get either one of them to work.
I also have a similar era 149 from my father who used it exclusively only to sign contracts. It also has the W Germany on the cap ring and also a sticker designating the nib as "F W. Germany" after a thorough cleaning after years of not being used, it writes very smoothly.
I had mine professionally cleaned and it writes flawlessly now.....even if I don't use it for a month. I wish every pen wrote this well.
Excellent review...a very nice explanation of the montblanc mountain 🗻...I've exactly the same pen with me, in fine made in West Germany...it's the smoothest pen that I've ever used and it's s fantastic writer...take care...
It is the best pen in my collection. I doubt that I'll ever part with it.
I possess several Montblanc fillers. They get a serial number ingraved since 1991.
The original box of a 149 is around two times bigger than the one you have there. It depends on how you buy your filler, some boxes come with a bottle of ink, others do not.
I suspect the box isn't original. After having my 149 for a good while now, it still is a very dependable, high-quality pen.....one of my favorites.
I ordered one today to use and then bequeath to a favorite nephew. For me, it’s the ideal heirloom.
It's nice when you have a family member who values what you value. My daughter told me once that she only wants my Indian arrowhead collection when I pass over. I won't sell the Montblanc, but most of my collections, such as guns, knives, etc. will be sold.
@@ima4ster Yep. I sold most of my cameras and lenses.
Recently purchased a twisby on recommendation of the channel . I love it. Even bought the brown ink as well, super nice. Thanks!
I still love my TWSBI. It is very dependable.
I never thought about peak height changing with snow depth.I learned something new today! 👍👍👍👍
...so says wikipedia. Blame them if it isn't so!
Those 149’s are for big hands.i have a post war one that was actually made by Pelikan until they got the factory rebuilt. The clip is a Pelikan standard clip. The nib is definitely a Montblanc. Great pen. I remember Kennedy being shot, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, and of course 9-11. Nice pen, enjoy!
Pelikan is another great pen brand. The 1000 would give the 149 a run for its money in size.
I have a Montblanc 149 that was gifted to me in 1992. The donor was a graduate of the university where I taught (for whom I had done some unpaid legal advising). While I had used a fountain pen in practicing law (before returning to academia), I had no earthly idea what the pen was worth. As to packaging, it actually came in a clam-shell package precisely like the Montblanc ballpoint pen (so no ink). My understanding is that retailers typically have some packaging options. The more upscale the vendor, the more likely the packaging would be more impressive. So, my pen from must a short period away from the 1980s would indicate that you could perhaps have gotten a pen without ink, especially if (as was true of mine) is was being shipped. Shipping ink especially from overseas could have been precarious. Again, this is just my experience. [By the way, I took the new pen with me on a trip that was related to the class I was teaching (international business). A student came up to me and said: “Professor, you can’t carry that pen in your shirt pocket.” I said, “You mean it is an expensive pen?” He replied: “Professor, Where we are right now there are pickpockets who would cut you arm off to get that pen!” [I took a little better care of it after that.] On the other hand, I had a lot of trouble with the pen. regardless of how I stored it, the pen collected a lot of ink in the cap. I was always getting ink on my fingers, so I asked a German architect who was in charge of a building project on our campus to tell me what I was doing wrong. He said,”Oh, no, it is a great pen, but that is just part of the deal.You have to carry a wiping cloth with you at all times.” It is still not my favorite pen, but I still have it.
My 149 is my favorite pen in my collection. It writes the best of any of my pens and I don't have any leakage problems. I don't carry it often though as I don't want to damage or lose it. The last time I carried it, it dropped onto the floor of the business vehicle I was driving and I almost forgot it. It had rolled up under the seat. That taught me a big lesson as this is the most expensive pen I own.
My first memorable moment, I think, was watching the Space Shuttle Challenger exploding in my second grade class. Watching the first Iraq war on television was probably my second. I was too young still for that one, and then, of course, 9/11. I was a supervisor at America West Airlines when it happened. I had just gotten off of work (I worked in Las Vegas, and the night shift), and there were some reports that a small plane had crashed into the building on the news that morning. Then I watched the second plane hit. I told my roommate, who was also a supervisor at AWA, "We're at war." He said, "Yeah, get your uniform on, we're going in now." So we went in and helped park around twenty planes that were ordered down that day. I spent the next five days watching those planes sit on the tarmac. I joined the Navy in 2005 to be an air traffic controller, and that's what I did for the next 10 years. While on my first deployment, I bought a 149 to write to my Grandmother while I was gone. I bought the broad nib to write bigger so that she could see what I was writing. I only used the pen for that purpose, and I haven't used it since. Congrats on your purchase, and good day.
That's a great story. The pen will always be connected to your Grandmother in your mind.
I bought my Montblanc 149 in 1984, and I use it on a regular basis as part of my every day carry fountain pen collection. My nib is a medium, and it seems to be smoother and quieter than your fine nib.
I love the 149. It's an iconic pen and the first grail pen that I have bought. Not sure what the next grail pen will be, but the first one is always special. :)
I like the Google Earth tour...nice touch.
Thanks. I thought it was interesting that a German manufacturer show a French mountain as its symbol. When the company was formed though, French fashion must have been all the rage.
I remember where I was when 9/11 happened. I was watching it unfolding live on TV in our living room with my dad. I still remember my brother walked past going to the kitchen to get a drink, and he said:
"What movie are you watching?"
I definitely remember where I was on 9/11 also. I was in an important meeting. After we heard about the attack, our meeting didn't seem so important.
This is definitely a very nice looking fountain pen. The white star on the cap Stands out indeed. From everything that you had to say about this fountain pen I would say it was probably worth the money spent especially if it is a Grail pen for you. I don't remember where I was when John F. Kennedy was assassinated. But on 9/11 I was working at RDS manufacturing in Perry Florida and we had a radio playing on the production floor and production came to a standstill as the news unfolded. Thanks for sharing my friend.
On 9/11 I was in an important meeting with the US Fish & Wildlife Service. When we heard the news, our meeting didn't seem so important.
@@ima4ster I was the quality control manager on the floor that morning and production just did not seem like the most important thing in the world.
By the way, mine also has the 2-tone 14K nib. Also, mine has a meal piston, which I really like. I am told that the most modern version has the plastic piston. I have one of Montblanc’s Writer’s Edition pens, I do not think it performs nearly as well as the one on the Montblanc 149. If I were not retired, I would have bought a (new) Anniversary (collector’s model) offered by a seller for $1,000, but I just could not justify the expense at this point in my life.
My grail pen is the Montblanc James Purdey pen. I can't justify the price of it either!
Hi Foster, nice video. The serial number began in 1991 and it is located on the clip cap, on the other side of the clip where you have W.GERMANY engraved. You are right, the 14K bicolor was used from 1985 to 1991. You didn't show the feed that could tell you if it is made after or before 1990, but your pen is from 1985 to 1990. Enjoy it.
I can honestly say that this149 is the best writer that I own. It is a joy to use.
I purchased a 149 a month ago from their stores and got a huge box to go with it.
I really doubt that the box that came with mine is original.
Authentic Montblanc box, but not for 149
Hi, I got my brand new 149 at the beginning of this week, it is a nice and smooth pen to write with. But in mine lays down a bit to much ink, you got the F nib. Have you noticed the same?
I got the fine because I figured the medium would put down too much ink. The fine is almost perfect for me.
My 146 is doing that, yeah. Also in an F. Now waiting for my 149 in medium! I’ll see. Anyway, ink flow can be regulated by pen masters
When the space shuttle blew up, was just pulling into a McDonalds burger place in a small town north of SF. It was around 11 am or so.
I definitely remember the space shuttle blowing up, especially because the mother of one of the astronauts who lost his life was from my wife's home town. But I can't remember exactly where I was when I heard about it.
what about the mont blanc bukowski ..? would u enjoy that ....u could do like a revival like buster keaton ....in the 70s....
I'm not familiar with the bukowski. I did a quick google search and found some info and pictures, but not a good explanation of it. Maybe you can share a good link.
About the packaging, I agree with you about it not being original. I recently acquired a fake montblanc and it came in the same packaging so maybe the packaging was bought by the shop when they realised that the pen had none. Enjoyed the video!
How did you tell that your Montblanc was fake?
ima4ster Firstly, my pen is a ballpoint, so this may not be applicable to fountain pens. What I noticed is that the ink cartridge had no montblanc logos on it, whereas the originals apparently do. Also, the spring was not attached to the cartridge like the original. However the thing that really gave it away for me was the overall quality of the pen; There were strange markings (not a serial code or anything) on the underside of the clip, and the tip of the pen flew off across the room whilst I was writing. Also, the packaging wasn’t substantial and the glue holding the material to the box was wearing off. If you are worried I would suggest (if you can) to go to a shop and try to get it looked at by a Proffessional. Good luck!
There is supposed to be a serial no on the ring of the cap clip. If its an authentic one
I have 2 mont blanc a 146 fountain and a roller ball purchased earl 2000’s, I just purchased a 149 early 70’s model from ebay so its on its its way. Reading on youtube a number of observations on later mb a serial number was added to the clip ring on the right side and on left side it say Germany, earlier models will say w Germany. Also the word pix under the clip can also be seen with a magnifying glass. On older models no serial number no pix,however if you take the cap off and get a very bright light and shine it into the cap you should see red lines on the cap this is the resin and it will give you a good indication that its an original.
Other visual inspection is quality of the writing and diagonal lines on the cap rings they should be crisp sharp and consistent.
There are a number of youtube subjects on is this areal mont blanc. Great pens not cheap thats one reason they are copied so much
Enjoy your pen as I say mine is at the local delivery depot here in the UK so should get it before 4pm
Thanks for your comment. I believe my 149 is authentic, but I will check again based on your comments. My 149 is a pleasure to write with. It is my nicest pen!
My apologies, on a closer look the serial number is mentioned on the cap, near the clip.
I've looked everywhere on the pen and I haven't found a serial number. Because of the quality of the pen, I don't have any doubt as to it authenticity.
Serial numbers were not used until 1991
As far as I know, Montblanc pens did not start to have serial numbers until very late, probably in the 1990s. Besides, the case you have is pretty standard for vintage 149s from that era. In general, there is no evidence that these pens were counterfeited, because the cost of producing the piston system was high.
I don't believe the box was original with the pen. From videos that I've watched of similar pens, the box would have also held a bottle of ink and there isn't enough room for that in this box. Also, the clamp on the pen is much too tight.
MB only started issuing serial numbers starting in 1991, so it’s expected that W-Germany pens do not have a serial number
Thanks for commenting. I looked it all over and no serial number in sight.
@@ima4ster that’s great! Btw I have the same model and year. Brilliant writing instrument. I’m glad that we share this great pen experience.
The vintage ones say only west Germany. The latter ones have serial numbers if I’m right.
That's what I've heard from several others also.
In 1990 and 1991 I lived in Rennes France, both of my children attended elementary school, and were required to use fountain pens only, except for math. I bought a Patron of the Arts limited edition Mont Blanc for myself, and a few Watermans. I’ve since given mine away to adult children. I don’t believe they have serial numbers. Here’s an interesting interview of a fountain pen collector who know his MB pens back to the company’s founding: www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/the-pinnacle-of-pens-author-barry-gabay-on-writing-in-style-and-the-montblanc-149/
Thanks for the recommendations. I'll watch it this evening.
That was an excellent article. I wish I had read it before making the video. :)
ima4ster
Glad you enjoyed it. I learned a great deal as well. Thank you for taking the time to make great content video. I’m mainly interested in guns at the moment, but coming to that interest late in life. Looking forward to whatever comes next. Thanks again.
You can date your pen by the nib. Your pen has a 14K nib. Should mean it was made between 1985-1991.
That fits with what I thought.
Its my favorite
Mine too!
They stopped printing serial numbers on the pens. In fact I have a 149 from the 50s which does not have a serial number.
I don't think mine has one. I've looked all over for a serial number.
I’m interested in knowing the price u got it for
It was between $500-$600. Hard to say, because I asked for a couple of things thrown in that had definite cash value.
I keep wanting to buy a fountain pen, but always forget when I go to make an amazon order...lol
You'll have to tie a ribbon onto your bag of pork skins as a reminder!
ima4ster Good idea!
I wouldn't buy a pen of this quality again from Amazon - too many imitations out there. I was burned once - received a fake. Now, I go to the Mont Blanc boutique and but from there.
The hotel collapse in China made me think of your video showing poor construction issues on buildings there.
That hotel was being used to house coronavirus patients. They can't win for losing.
Can’t speak to the original packaging, but Montblanc didn’t start stamping pens with serial numbers until 1991.
Thanks for the info.
The ink window is less transparent.
Mine is an older pen. It may have changed with time.....just like me.
MontBlanc started using serial numbers sometime in 1991
Thanks for the info.
149's which were made pre 1991 dont have a Serial number.
and not all pens came with ink some were in those cheaper clamshells
Thanks for the information.
@@ima4ster you're welcome :)
Sir, that is indeed a fine example of Montblanc's flagship model - & I have one identical to yours, with the exception that mine is post-Berlin Wall (1991); similarly, mine was previously owned, & whilst not inexpensive, was probably the better choice - over the latest 149's. M-B tend to go thru' phases of production quality, so those made in the 1950's, '60's, '80's & '90's were truly premium writing instruments - those decades in between, not so much.
You mentioned that you were in the Third grade when JFK was assassinated, that would have made you eight or nine years old ?....I was born four months after that, so you'd be 9-10yrs older than I. I have but one brand new Montblanc - & coincidentally, it is a 146 model - 'Great Characters, JFK' commemorative, in Navy blue; I won't be vulgar & tell you how much I paid for it, suffice to say, it was not cheap, but I am so pleased I bought it, because Kennedy is for me, one of your greatest statesmen. I sometimes wonder in what direction American politics would have turned, had he lived - obviously, we shall never know, but the legacy he left, in energising the American peoples in the Space race - no mean achievement, even postumously.
Trusting you had a peaceful Christmas, & I wish you & yours, a brave New Year !!
Best,
Andrew :)
My 149 is my first grail pen and I'm very pleased with the purchase. There is another M-B that I would love to buy, but it is outside of my budget.....it is the Purdy M-B. I love the walnut wood and checkering. It reminds me of the Purdy shotguns. My next grail pen might be a Sailor King of Pen or Pelikan.
I meant to ask you where you live? Which country do you live in?
In fact, I am Irish, but reside in the United Kingdom, just now :)
I know of the weapons you speak of, altho', when I was in the military (Airborne), they would have been superfluous, tactically, & far too grandiose !! I would agree, it's a beautiful looking piece. I own a few Sailor models, & they're excellent writers, as are Pelikan - I might recommend an M800 series, because like you, I have hands like shovels :D
I prefer flat top pens and hate piston fillers.
So my pen is a Pilot Custom heritage 912 with the falcon super flex fa nib.
It has the Con 70 converter which holds a lot of ink.
I prefer the cigar shaped pens, although I've been tempted by the Sailor flat top variety. I hope to get a Sailor King of Pen for my next purchase. I've just been taking my time and looking for the right deal.
😍😍
What is your favorite pen or grail pen?
I have 4 Montblancs but the term "precious resin" still cracks me up. Be honest Montblanc, it is really plastic, drop one and you'll find out.
I just made a video about 2 plastic Chinese pens that cracked on me. There has to be a difference besides thickness. Maybe somebody can comment and tell us.
@@ima4ster Long ago I dropped a MB ballpoint pen on a hard surface and the top shattered, MB was kind enough too replace it at no charge. That was years ago, they don't do that today, unfortunately.
I was in the sixth grade and in class on November 22, 1963 when the principal, Sister Patricia came into the classroom to announce that the president had been shot and was still alive. Our teacher, Sister Bernadette then had us stand and lead us in prayer. School was dismissed early after the news came of President Kennedy's demise.
At the time, I was living in a small farming community of Towanda, Illinois. I remember school let out and I ran all the way home and watched the coverage on our TV.
Check the backside of the pen clip on the cap for the serial number. It may be there.
Nothing there. Others have said that they didn't put serial numbers on these pens at that time.
+ima4ster try Ranga pens, you might like them
I looked them over on their web page. They look interesting. I especially like the ebonite pens. They look reasonably priced, but the shipping can be expensive to the U.S. What is your experience with them?
Montblans made before 1991 don't have serial number.
Good to know.
ima4ster if it was made in the 80s or late 70s you got a pen that’s better than a new one. Their feeds and nibs be better behaved and easier to use not to mention at a better price. Hope you have a great time with your pen and cherish it!
I bet that pen cost as much as a new chainsaw. 💲
The pen actually cost $100 more than the chainsaw.
You must be politically left because you were too embarrassed to say what you paid for the pen? This is America. You should be proud to have the income to share with that shop keeper to help his life along in exchange for a pen you value. But I may be totally wrong.
In retrospect, I probably didn't say the price for 2 reasons. People can look up the retail price for themselves and I said that I got a good discount off retail....so that would put the price within reach of a good guess. The other reason is that I have said what I paid for a knife or gun before and then years later wanted to sell it. Customers watch my videos and expect to pay considerably less than my cost, even though the item might be discontinued and higher priced. I think I said in a comment that I paid more for this pen than any knife or gun that I own.
@@ima4ster Thanks for clarifying. I am happy to be wrong.