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

Fountain Pen Inks

Any ink designed for fountain pens is safe for use in your vintage or classic pen, but some inks contain more dye than others. Some inks, especially the very highly saturated “boutique” brands, may contain so much dye that the water cannot hold all of the dye in solution; in these inks, dye can actually come out of solution and fall to the bottom of the bottle as solid material. Inks that do this in the bottle can also do it in your pen, and the result will be a clog.

Diamine Fountain Pen Ink

Hepworth Dixon recommend the use of Diamine fountain pen inks.

Diamine 80ml Bottle

Diamine have been making ink since 1864 and are one of the last remaining manufacturers in the UK. In 1925 the company created a state-of-the-art production facility in Liverpool, and despite several changes of ownership, they have remained in the same area ever since. Throughout, the Diamine trade mark and the traditional production methods have survived and now in the 21st century their fountain pen ink remains the first choice of many pen connoisseurs. 

Diamine ink is a water-based ink perfect for any brand of vintage, classic or modern fountain pen. It is completely non-toxic and offers probably the widest range of quality fountain pen ink colours in the world - in both traditional and contemporary shades. 

By adding a secret ingredient to de-stress the surface, Diamine achieves vibrant colour with free flow that glides on the paper surface, and which will not clog your pen.

Hepworth Dixon Ink Colours 

With over 125 ink colours to choose from, Hepworth Dixon hold stock of the twelve most popular colours.

Visit  www.hepworthdixon.com/fountain_pen_inks.html to view accurate colour swatches of available inks.

Classic Fountain Pens - Visconti Opera Club

Italian pen manufacturer Visconti was founded in 1988. Their products represented the rediscovery and relaunch of celluloid as a material for fountain pens.

Visconti is well known for its mastery and skills to produce high quality writing instruments. Based on the “Squaring of the Circle” design the Opera Club offers something unique,  a translucent model that is hand carved from a block of luxurious celluloid, laminated in layers to great effect.

Recently acquired by Hepworth Dixon, fully serviced and pictured below. The Visconti Opera Club in Honey Almond.

Visconti Opera Club in Honey Almond

This beautiful Visconti Opera Club fountain pen, produced in c.2007, is in near mint condition. Each writing instrument in Opera collection is squared with rounded corners. Hand-turned from celluloid materials and accented by a unique cap band and spring loaded clip, the four-faceted celluloid cap and barrel are a beautiful cream and gold in color -- Visconti's Honey Almond. All trim is gold plated. 

The pen's cap bears Visconti's wide cap band engraved with the model name: OPERA . The cap of the pen is further accented with Visconti's badging along the clip and at the cap's end. The pen has a wonderful 14ct gold Visconti nib, which is medium in size. Pen is complete with a piston converter, or the converter provided can be removed and the pen will accept ink cartridges.

Visconti Opera Club fountain pen is 5.3/8 ins long capped, 5.1/8 ins long uncapped, and 6.1/2 ins long when posted. Diameter is 1/2 in at the cap band.

Pen is presented in its original presentation case with outer box.

This beautiful Visconti Club Opera fountain pen is now seeking a new home. For further details, please visit: www.hepworthdixon.com

Hepworth Dixon -Vintage or Classic?

It is said that with a treasured fountain pen, the writer assumes an air of accomplishment as they practice the art of fine handwriting. As we write, we express our innermost thoughts and passions to the world. A pen in the hand becomes an extension of the body and soul. Writing with a fountain pen is a romantic link to our past culture that allows a personal expression that cannot be emulated by today’s sterile forms of communication. Rising above the times a fountain pen will stay, and forever remain, the purest means of self-expression.

Hepworth Dixon specialises in the restoration of vintage fountain pens. We also offer a range of classic, modern classic and new-old-stock writing instruments.

What is a vintage fountain pen?

Fountain pens have been around for the past 130 years. Writing instruments with the ability to carry a self contained supply of ink were only introduced in the late 1800's. Lewis Waterman patented the first “practical” fountain pen in 1884, a design which allowed the controlled flow of ink from a reservoir to nib tip.

Vintage Parker Duofold Lucky Curve
Button Filling Fountain Pen
Manufactured 1926

Classic Parker Duofold Centennial
Cartridge/Convertor Filling Fountain Pen
Manufactured 1988

Time is not the only criteria used to define vintage, but rather other elements such as enduring style, perceived quality and accrued value. Vintage pens usually come from a different era, but the definition should not be confined only in years.

Why call some used pens “vintage”?

Much like you can have a great vintage wine from a few years back, so too can you have an outstanding vintage pen that is not technically that old. Some fountain pens are rare, simply because of their age. These often transcend the definition of vintage and move into the category of antique.

The value of these items illustrates that with time, vintage writing instruments can become rare and therefore more sought-after with increased value as a result.

Modern Classic
Montblanc Starwalker
Cartridge Filling Fountain Pen
Introduced 2003

Vintage Classic
Montblanc Meisterstuck 144
Piston Filling Fountain Pen
Produced early 1950's

So what is a "classic"? Let us begin with a dictionary definition.

Clas-sic (kla-sik) adj.

Belonging to the highest rank or class.

Serving as the established model or standard.

Having lasting significance or worth; enduring.

Formal, refined and restrained in style.

Simple and harmonious; elegant.

Vintage Classic Parker 51 Blue Diamond
Vacuum Filling Fountain Pen
Manufactured in 1947

What defines a fountain pen as being a "classic" ?

A Classic - "A pen considered to be the best of it's kind. It marks a high point in development for latter generations". Certainly no one would disagree that the Parker 51 (pictured above) fore-fills all the elements of dictionary definition of classic.

For different reasons, the Pelikan 100 and Sheaffer PFM (pictured below) should, also be considered as 'Classic' fountain pens of their era. The Pelikan 100 was the first fountain pen to adopt a 'Piston' filling system, first marketed in 1929.

Sheaffer introduced a plunge vacuum filling fountain pen with barrel reservoir  in 1935. In 1950 the 'Touchdown' evolved, replacing the barrel reservoir with an air pressure operated compression sac. A refinement in 1952, introducd a retractable snorkel filling tube. These were forerunner's to the 1959 Sheaffer PFM, probably the most technically advanced (perhaps over complicated) fountain pen ever produced.

Vintage Classic Pelikan 100 N
Piston Filling Fountain Pen
Manufactured c.1939

Classic Sheaffer PFM
Snorkel, Plunge Vacuum Filling
Fountain pen c.1959 

It becomes obvious, when attempting to clarify terms "Classic" and "Vintage" with regard to used fountain pens, there is no definitive answer. In conclusion, this remains a 'grey' area.

Outcome!

We have previously stated that pen definition "should not be confirmed only in years". Pre-defined 'pigeon holes' are however necessary to classify used fountain pens which are available for sale. This can only be achieved, in our opinion, based on manufacturing date or era.

Hepworth Dixon use the following categories when describing pens for sale:

Modern Classic - Post 1990 (specific model no longer produced)
Classic - 1970 to 1989
Late Vintage - 1950 to 1969
Early Vintage - 1920 to 1949
Antique - Pre 1920

An additional category 'NOS' new old stock. Used to describe a fountain pen model which is no longer produced, is contained within original packaging and has never been inked.

All Hepworth Dixon vintage fountain pens are sold in full working order, having been carefully restored to period specification. Our classic fountain pens are all scrupulously checked for functionality, repairs (if required) carried out, fully serviced and finally write tested.