Montblanc Greta Garbo Special Edition

Montblanc produced its first Special Edition for the elegant woman in 2005; it was dedicated to the legendary film actress Greta Garbo on the occasion of her 100th birthday. In its elegant but individual design, the Special Edition Greta Garbo reflects the beauty and independent nature of the great Hollywood star.

MONTBLANC: Greta Garbo Special Edition Fountain Pen

The MONTBLANC Greta Garbo Special Edition Fountain Pen is perhaps the most alluring ladies pen of modern times, a seductive fountain pen in lustrous black and ivory precious resin. The pen's chic profile, which curves slightly inwards, suggests a cigarette holder, that bygone emblem of elegance. The legendary Montblanc star is a prominent feature on a flattened cap top, while an Akoya white pearl adorns the pocket clip. The cap ring bear’s Greta Garbo´s engraved signature as a reference to the legendary eponym. Pen is fitted with individual design of handmade rhodium plated 18-carat gold nib.

This pre-owned stylish writing instrument is currently available to purchase from Hepworth Dixon, it is supplied with outer box, display box, booklet and recent Montblanc service history.

Visit Hepworth Dixon website to view a wide selection of restored vintage fountain pens and fully serviced, pre-owned classic and contemporary fountain pens.

Nero Uno Fountain Pen by Montegrappa

Montegrappa, the maker of gold nibs and fountain pens for sophisticated Italian scribes, was founded in 1912 within sight of the river Brenta in Bassano del Grappa, an ancient town in the heart of the prosperous northeastern region of Italy. This northeastern part of Italy offered a premium pen maker exactly the workforce needed to produce the ultimate Italian writing instrument.

Montegrappa quickly became famous for products with a perfect blend of tasteful design and superb craftsmanship, which are still hallmarks of the brand today. Still made in the original factory, these are pens that are created and crafted, not produced.

Montegrappa was acquired in 2000 by the Richemont Group, one of the world leaders in luxury goods, brands which include Montblanc, Cartier and Dunhill. Montegrappa is still known for its painstaking production and superb craftsmanship as well as for the style and design of its products that possess the essence and tradition of Italy.

The style of one hundred years of craftsmanship and the soul of an entire country came together in the design of Montegrappa Nero Uno. The elegance of Nero Uno, translated black one, lies in its minimalist simplicity, while the details echo the typical features of Montegrappa in a modern key. Nero Uno is crafted from solid gleaming black resin with platinum trim. The clip with a small rotating sphere and the typical octagonal shape emphasised by the original cap top and combined with innovative design of an 18K gold nib.

Montegrappa Nero Uno Fountain Pen

This handsome silver on black effect Nero Uno Fountain Pen has a clean geometric look, with it’s octagonal shape that defines the classic Montegrappa design, although narrowing, in this latest interpretation, to a more rounded section. The black resin barrel contrasts with the 1912 silver disk on the end of the barrel, and a silver-colored band connects it to the section. Chased around the top of the cap is the Montegrappa logo in flowing script, and the sturdy silver clip has the rotating sphere at its tip, as expected in these highly sought-after pens, but modified for this updated line. Even the 18 carat gold nib, in a versatile medium width, has a sleek, new look, but still sports the Montegrappa monogram. If anyone is looking for a fine writing instrument in basic black, but with anything but a basic ambiance, a purchase of this fine pen will be just the answer.

 Specifications:

•   Overall Size - 5 11/16 in. x 9/16 in. (145mm x 14mm)

•   Body - 5 5/16 in. x 1/2 in. (135mm x 13mm)

•   Cap - 2 1/2 in. x 9/16 in. (63mm x 14mm)

•   Weight - 30 g

•   Composition - Black resin body and cap

•   Appointments - Platinum

•   Nib - 18k gold

•   Filling System - Ink converter (included)

NeroUno is also available in rollerball pen, ballpoint pen and mechanical pencil versions.

Conway Stewart Limited Edition 'Churchill' Fountain Pen

Conway Stewart were one of the last major pen manufacturers in the UK to close it's doors. Demand for fountain pens worldwide had slumped during the 1960's, as the ballpoint pen became the writing instrument of choice. The original Conway Stewart Company, which had been founded in 1905, was wound-up and production ceased in 1975.

The company was revived in the 1990's with headquarters in Plymouth, UK. Sales started in 1998 although some models had been produced for special occasions before that. The company - Conway Stewart Manufacturing (UK) Limited, now manufactures for the high-end of the writing instrument market.

Conway Stewart 'Churchill' Fountain pen # 192/1000

Inspired by the great British statesman, who used Conway Stewart pens during the war years, the Churchill is in every way an impressive pen, and not least because of its size (140mm capped). This fountain pen is finished in black (the best, in my opinion). It is fitted with the modern converter cartridge filling mechanism and comes with an 18 carat solid gold medium nib.

Majestic and timeless in feel and appearance. The pen is supplied in a large exclusive Conway Stewart Churchill presentation box including a book of Churchill quotes, a Churchill cigar and a bottle of Conway Stewart ink. This particular pen is supplied cartridge convertor and was manufactured in 1998 as part of a limited edition run of 1000 pieces.

The Churchill is Conway Stewart’s long standing flagship model. Majestic and timeless in feel and appearance, the Churchill has remained a perennial favourite of those who prefer a stately, oversized writing instrument. This award winning model is available  in a choice of the traditional lever fill and screw-in converter cartridge filling mechanisms.

Available in a choice of seven modern hand-made resins, the Churchill is offered in a superb range of designs and colour finishes.

Montblanc Grey Striated Fountain Pen.

Montblanc Masterpiece 142 Grey Striated Fountain Pen. One of the most sought after Montblanc colors. Originally manufactured c.1954, this pen has now been fully restored, including new cork piston seal.  Everything on the pen is correct and it is in excellent condition.

Three gold filled bands adorn cap. Centre raised band is inscribed 'MONTBLANC' and 'MASTERPIECE'

Original two tone 14ct gold nib which is very flexible. Writing tip is medium.

This wonderful vintage fountain is available to purchase from Hepworth Dixon.

Contact: admin@hepworthdixon.com

Serious offers only please.

Montblanc 1960's Fountain Pens

In the late 1950s, Montblanc completely redesigned its lines and moved to the then-current trend for slender pens. Every pen was redesigned from the ground up. The company abandoned the 1xx, 2xx, 3xx etc numbering system in favour of a much simpler two digit system. The pens were offered in new never before seen colours and styles, the pens started using slip caps on most of their pens, in common with the 1950's 25x series.

1960's Montblanc Meisterstuck 72
Black thermoplastic body with gold filled cap
18ct Gold nib

The result was the 1x, 2x and 3x lines, as previously, the first digit representing price point. These were much thinner than most previous models, and made of thermoplastic rather than celluloid. They also had a semi-hooded wing nib, sometimes referred to as a 'butterfly' nib, and all were piston-fillers. Almost identical in appearance, the key to each is the cap band.

At the top of the range came the 1x 'Meisterstuck' it has a thick single band made up of two interlinked triangles at the lip, referred to as 'kardinalshut' or cardinal's hat. Models 12 and 14 were fitted with 18ct gold nibs.

1960's Montblanc Meisterstuck 14 and 12
Black thermoplastic body and cap, cardinals hat cap band
18ct gold wing nibs

Top: Montblanc 31 with steel nib
Bottom: Montblanc 32 with 14ct gold nib 

Montblanc 22 with two cap lip bands
and 14ct gold nib

The lower priced 3x has a single thin band on the cap lip, 32 and 34 with 14ct gold nibs, the 31 with steel nib. The 2x pens, 22 and 24 have a second thin cap band, both have 14ct gold nibs. All pens were made in only two sizes x2 and x4, the later being the larger

Luxurious options were offered in the 7x (thermoplastic barrel with gold-filled cap), the 8x (gold-filled cap and barrel), and 9x (solid gold cap and body).

The only traditionally shaped pen manufactured by Montblanc during the period 1959 to 1968 was the MB 149. In 1968 Montblanc introduced the 'Classic' line. The 3 digit numbering system was again used to identify individual models.

Classic Fountain Pens - Visconti Skeleton AG925

Visconti Skeleton AG925 solid silver filigree fountain pen, with cartridge convertor filling system. This model Visconti Skeleton AG925 was released in 2002, a sterling silver alternative to the Titanium Skeleton Limited Edition plunge filler. The silver overlay is treated with a satin titanium finish, making it extremely durable and scratch resistant. Available in three base colours; black, orange and clear. The variant pictured below is in black acrylic, and is currently offered for sale by Hepworth Dixon.

Visconti Skeleton AG925 Fountain Pen

Visconti, the company is based in Florence, Italy. It was established in 1988. In few years it became widely acknowledged. Its passion for art and history has given it a distinctive character along with its technical innovations. Visconti pens are a perfect combination of beauty and quality, innovative and attractive design.

Pen is a classic flat-top, and features the distinct old-style Visconti spring loaded clip, that was such a characteristic feature of the older Visconti limited edition's. Pen has a broad shouldered 14 carat gold, two-tone nib with very smooth medium writing tip.

Pen is supplied in original hard presentation case, which includes; unused bottle of Visconti ink, cartridge convertor and warranty/user booklet.

The classic shape and durable finish make it not only stunning, but also practical. For full details of this pen and many others, visit: hepworthdixon.com/visconti_skeleton.html.

Montblanc Meisterstuck 149

The Montblanc Meisterstuck 149 is probably one of the world's most sought-after fountain pens. The Meisterstuck (Masterpiece) 149 has been around since 1952, and remains Montblanc's flagship fountain pen to this day. It is certainly the largest and most expensive pen in Montblanc's non-limited edition lineup. In over 60 years of production its classic appearance to the casual observer has remained unchanged.

Montblanc Meisterstuck 149 (1990 model)

In a world of replica luxury goods, the Meisterstuck range of pens has attracted more than it's fair share of attention in the lucrative counterfeit market. Costing today, in excess of £530 for the genuine article, Hepworth Dixon can only recommend that new MB 149's are purchased from a Montblanc boutique or an authorised dealer, this should guarantee authenticity.

For the collector or individual who wishes to own this legendary writing instrument, how can we be certain that when buying a used 149 (particularly over the internet), that we are getting the authentic article? Answer. Always buy from a reputable dealer/restorer, one who a has sound knowledge of Montblanc pens, vintage and modern. Also a positive sales history of high end Montblanc writing instruments.

Determining the age of a Montblanc Meisterstuck 149 

After WWII, Montblanc totally re-designed and re-styled their high end Meisterstuck range. The 140 series was introduced in 1948, this comprised three models, numbers 142, 144 and 146. All these were made from celluloid, and fitted with metal, telescoping piston fill mechanism's. It was not until 1952 that Montblanc introduced the largest model into the 140 series, the highly successful Montblanc Meisterstuck 149 (sometimes, mistakenly called 'The Diplomat').

Timeline

1952 - Celluloid, single unit barrel, telescoping piston, flat ebonite feed and tri-colour 18ct nib.

1955 - Flat feed replaced with round ebonite feed, with grooves to face and shank.

1959 - Celluloid replaced by thermo-plastic "Precious Resin", non- telescoping filling assembly (black plastic threads visible when un-screwing piston filling knob), tri-colour 14ct nib.

1965 - Round ebonite feed, grooves to face only.

1969 - Solid ebonite feed (no grooves to face or shank).

1972 - Bi-colour 14ct nib.

1975 - Split ebonite feed.

1985 - Barrel made from two sections with nib and feed forming part of of a screw-in section, clip ring engraved "W.- GERMANY".

1990 - Filler body assembly made of brass (brass threads visible when un-screwing piston filling knob), bi-colour 18ct nib fitted, nib feeder made of plastic with horizontal combs.

1991 - Clip ring engraved with "GERMANY" also two letter and seven digit identity number.

1994 - Tri-colour 18 ct nib re-introduced.

 1997 - Letters "PIX" can be found on underside of cap clip.

Late 80's, early 90's Montblanc 149. Dismantled for authentication

Recently, we acquired an early 1990's Meisterstuck 149, boxed and unused. Brass threads were apparent beneath piston filling knob, W.-GERMANY was inscribed on clip ring. This would have dated production to 1990. Something was not right thou, the feeder was made of ebonite and not plastic.

To get to the bottom of this variance, we dismantled the entire pen. All components were genuine, even down to the factory pink thread sealing compound (Montblanc's secret recipe), which is used to seal two piece barrel together.

After much research we found the answer, a one year transition period (1990 - 1991) when both ebonite and plastic feeds were used. Tie this in with bi-colour 14ct gold nib, and we can conclude that this pen is genuine and manufactured during 1990.

Following full service and re-assembly. This 1990 Montblanc Meisterstuck 149 is available to purchase via the Hepworth Dixon website:

www.hepworthdixon.com/montblanc_meisterstuck_149.html