Montblanc Meisterstuck

Spot the difference?

Montblanc Meisterstuck 140 series 

A blog with subject matter of fountain pens would not not be complete if we were not to include a post on the classic Montblanc Meisterstuck series. Pictured above we have from our collection two Meisterstuck pens, they appear at first glance to be identical. In fact they are quite different.

Montblanc Meisterstuck 146 Piston Filler

Masterpeice or (Meisterstuck) series 140, comprising of three models (Nos. 142, 144 and 146) was introduced in 1948. The range was further enhanced in 1952 with a 149 model when thermo-plastics became the chosen production material.
This recently serviced 146 pictured left, produced in (Montblanc named) "Black Precious Resin" has a piston filler mechanism and clear ink view window.

Meisterstuck Two Tone OBB Nib

Meisterstuck nibs have the number 4810 stamped on them, this number is significant, it was the height of Mont Blanc as measured in metres in 1929. This M.B.146 pen is fitted with two-tone 14ct Gold nib with Rhodium plated centre inlay. The Iridium writing tip a very broad oblique (OBB), ideal for writers with a flowing style.

Montblanc Meisterstuck 147 Cartridge Filler

Pictured above is a newly acquired Monblanc Meisrerstuck 147 cartridge filler, sometimes referred to as "Traveller 147". Greatly reduced ink capacity from the 146 piston filler, but having a unique  facility of carrying a spare ink cartridge housed within a double carrier screwed into the barrel of pen. Manufactured from black thermo-plastic it is styled and feels exactly the same to hold and write with as original M.B. 146. This M.B. 147 is fitted with two-tone 14ct gold nib with rhodium centre inlay, it has a fine (F) iridium tip.

A word of warning to all with a yearning to own their own new or used genuine Montblanc Meisterstuck writing instrument. The Montblanc 140 series has, over the years, attracted more fakes/replicas/counterfeits than any other pen produced. There are a number of obvious things to look out for, but many counterfeit issues can only be spotted by experts. Our advice, always buy new from official Montblanc retailers or buy used from a reputable dealer. 

Faber-Castell Progress 77G

Faber- Castell are more well known for their technical drawing instruments. In 1951 Faber-Castell took over another German pen manufacturer Osmia, who had been producing a range of fountain pens since it's foundation in 1919. In the late 50's, as ballpoint pens began to dominate the market, Faber-Castell rationalised their product range and introduced a new medium priced product called 'Progress'.



Pictured here, recently restored, is the 'Faber-Castel Progress 77 G' made in Germany circa 1961. A spiral screw piston filling fountain pen with ink view window. The majority of 77's were made with steel nibs, this the 'G' model has it's original 14ct gold nib.


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