1990's Montblanc Meisterstuck Pens

The very first Montblanc Meisterstuck 146 fountain pens were produced in gloss black and striated patterns of celluloid, just after W.W.II in 1948. During the 1980's there was a revival of the fountain pen. Many manufacturers took advantage at this time to re-produce fountain pens from a bygone era. Parker Duofold Centennial and the Waterman Man 100 were classic examples of this trend. Montblanc had the advantage of ageless design from its Masterpiece range of 142, 144 and 146 models dating back to 1948.

Montblanc Meisterstuck 146 Fountain pen - 1990's

Montblanc were one of the first pen manufacturers to replace celluloid with thermo plastics (Precious Resin), as material of choice. In the early 1950's, and with the addition of a new model, the  149, Meisterstuck 140 series consisted of 142, 144, 146 and 149. All fountain pens being piston filling.

Montblanc Meisterstuck

A late entry to the Meisterstuck 140 series came in 1994 with the introduction of a cartridge filling fountain pen, Montblanc Meisterstuck 147 Traveller. Its general appearance and size are identical to that of Meisterstuck 146. The 147 utilizes an ingenious cartridge carrier system which unscrews from rear of pen body, revealing two standard Montblanc cartridges mounted back to back.

Montblanc Meisterstuck

The Montblanc Meisterstuck 147 is the ideal fountain pen for individuals who frequently travel. No need to carry an ink bottle around, if you run out of ink it's simply a matter of changing over cartridges. That is of course, if you remembered to replace the empty ink cartridge the last time you ran out. Montblanc supplied the 147 with a bespoke leather travel case, which had pockets to hold up to four additional ink cartridges.

Montblanc Meisterstuck

One of the benefits of the more traditional Montblanc piston filling fountain pens, is that frequent writers could utilise the pen's large barrel capacity to charge with ink, the equivalent of many small cartridges. By holding the pen horizontally, writers could always check remaining ink level through transparent ink view window.

Montblanc 147 showing ink cartridge carrier

Purchasing a new Montblanc Meisterstuck 146 or 147 today, will invariably cost a great deal of money, such is the quality of manufacture and  prestige of owning a Meisterstuck. Please be aware that fakes are widely available. Always purchase new Montblanc fountain pens from a reputable dealer.




Hepworth Dixon primarily service, restore and sell vintage fountain pens pre 1970, many of which are Montblanc. We also collect used, post 1970 classic Montblanc's. These we sell having first been verified as genuine product. All are fully serviced and any repair work meticulously carried out.

Gold two tone nib used on both
Montblanc 146 and 147 fountain pens

Visit our classic fountain pens for sale page:- www.hepworthdixon.com/classic_fountain_pens.html to view in detail Montblanc Meisterstuck 146 and 147 fountain pens.

Classic Parker Fountain Pens. England 1950's

The Parker plant in Newhaven, England produced it's first Parker pen, the 'Victory' back in 1945 (prior to acquisition, the factory had been owned by 'The Valentine Pen Company'). For sixty five years, a wide and diverse range of models were produced. However, in 2010, Parker production ceased in the U.K., with all operations moved to Nantes in France. The Newhaven factory will be remembered for producing quality fountain pens, some of which attained iconic status.

In England during the early 1950's, Parker Newhaven was producing Parker Duofold and Parker 51 fountain pens. Fully restored and ready to write, Hepworth Dixon are currently offering two fine examples of these models for sale;  Parker 51 Aerometric with Lustraloy cap and Parker Duofold AF with gold filled trim, both pens in classic gloss black.

Top: Parker Duofold AF. Bottom: Parker 51 Aerometric

Parker 51 Hooded Nib and Section 

Parker 51 Aerometric

Parker had first introduced the '51' in the U.S with a 'Vacumatic' filling system in 1943. By 1947 they were being produced in Newhaven. In 1949, the first pen's with a brand new filling system, known as 'Aerometric' were introduced, a pressure bar acting on a 'Pli-Glass' sack, which was in turn was housed in a cylindrical stainless steel protective casing.

The '51' had a push-on, pull-off cap, secured by a superior clutch mechanism. A wide range of caps in different metals and patterns were available. Colours included; Black, Navy Blue, Grey, Burgundy, Teal, Forest Green, Cocoa and Plum. There was also an all metal version called 'Flighter' with 'Lustraloy' cap and barrel. Perhaps the most recognisable feature of the Parker 51 was it's hooded nib. It is interesting to note, that the design of '51' nib system with high capacity secondary ink collector was developed to enable the use of super-fast drying inks.

Parker 51 in Black with 'Lustraloy' Cap

Parker 51 'Aerometic' Filling System

Parker Duofold AF

The first fountain pens carrying the 'Duofold' name were introduced in 1921, these were large button fillers with distinctive flat tops, made in the U.S.A. Newhaven started producing a more rounded style  Duofold in 1946. Still a button filler with colour matching jewels to both cap and barrel. This new style Duofold was not unsurprisingly given the suffix 'NS' (New Style).

Parker Duofold AF - England 1948 to 1953

Parker Duofold AF Button Filler

In 1948 the Duofold was again re-styled. The barrel tassie ring and jewel were removed and a new style Aluminium push button filler adopted, now known as Duofold AF (Aluminium Filler).

Both pens shown are available for sale fully restored and ready to write. Visit www.hepworthdixon.com/parker_fountain_pens.html for more details.

Parker Duofold Lucky Curve - 1920's

Hepworth Dixon are always on the look out for quality vintage fountain pens worthy of restoration. Recently we came across a very drab looking Parker Duofold Jr. Lucky Curve button filler from the 1920's. It soon became obvious that over the past 90 years, this pen had seen very little use. No sign of sulphurisation to black hard rubber, edges of flat top and bottom milled caps crisp with a strong barrel imprint.

Parker Duofold Jr. Lucky Curve - early 1920's

Anyone who is familiar with the 'lucky curve' ink feed system  would be aware of the correct method of nib and feed removal. A previous amateurish attempt at replacing ink sac had resulted in damage to the section. By attempting to pull feeder out from front of section, ink sack connection lip was split in three places. Thankfully the 'Christmas tree' feed was undamaged. The name Lucky Curve actually comes from the patented curved design of feeder. A curved end to the feed is in contact with the inside of ink sack. Capillary action drains excess ink out of feed when not in use.  

There was nothing for it, but to manufacture a new section from old stock 1920's vulcanite bar (BHR) which we obtained some years ago from a chateaux clearance in France. Many hours of intricate lathe work later, a perfect replica section emerged. We were also able to salvage and restore the original three piece pressure bar.

As can be seen from images the gold plating has stood up well to the test of time. The very early Duofold Junior pens c.1922 were produced without a cap band. In 1923 an optional girdle (cap band) was offered, these were made in either 14k solid gold or 12k gold filled. These first gold girdles were retro fitted and didn't fit flush to barrel surface, being slightly proud. We can date this particular Duofold to c.1923 as it has the raised gold band.

Although chalk filled for the purpose of photography, the barrel imprint on this pen is very clear, as can be seen in image.

This fully restored and ready to use Parker Duofold Jr. Lucky Curve fountain pen from the 1920's is now available to purchase from Hepworth Dixon. For full details and further images, please visit our website. www.hepworthdixon.com/parker_fountain_pens.html

Aurora Marco Polo Fountain Pen

For almost one hundred years the name of Aurora has been synonymous with high quality, good taste and fine Italian craftsmanship. Their products represent the first true Italian fountain pens and are still manufactured in their original factory in Torino, northern Italy. Aurora Pens are among the finest Writing Instruments from Italy since 1919. Aurora Pens are legendary, yet have an air of modernistic look to them. All Aurora writing instruments feature fine craftsmanship and technology.

Aurora Marco Polo Fountain Pen

On offer from Hepworth Dixon, an Aurora Marco Polo slimline cartridge/convertor fountain pen in matt black lacquer with gold filled trim from the early 1980's. Item comes from new old stock, as such is unused and comes with original box and documentation.



The Marco Polo range was introduced in 1982, replacing its predessor, the slimline Hastil (1970) and phased out in 1986 to make way for the Kona.











For full description, more images and price visit:-

www.hepworthdixon.com/classic_fountain_pens.html

Parker Duofold International

In 1988 the Parker Centennial Duofold, made in Newhaven, England, was officially introduced to commemorate Parker's 100 year jubilee. Design of the the Centennial closely resembled the 1920's 'Big Red' which had been a significant success for Parker.

1989 Parker Duofold International Mk.1 in Marbled Maroon

In 1989 a slightly smaller version of the Centennial was launched, it was called the International. The International was available in three finishes, Black, Marbled Blue and Marbled Maroon.

Low relief clip
Double 23ct Gold Plated Bands

Available from Hepworth Dixon, a stunning example of the 1989 Parker Duofold International Fountain pen in Marbled Maroon (a finish no longer available). This pen can be dated to 1989, as one year later 1990, a new clip with higher relief was introduced.
Pen has a 18ct solid gold nib whilst clip and trim bands are heavily plated with 23ct gold.

Nib 18ct Gold - 750
Fine Ruthium Tip

Pen measures 13.5cms long
with cap attached.

17.2 cms long with cap posted

Pen is dent and scratch free, ultrasonically cleaned, fully serviced and dip write tested. Sold with original ink cartridge convertor, will also take cartridges.

For full description, more images and price visit:-

 www.hepworthdixon.com/classic_fountain_pens.html

Sheaffer Double Act

Two recently restored classic vintage fountain pens now available from Hepworth Dixon. Sheaffer PFM (Pen For Men) and Sheaffer Touchdown Imperial.

Top: Sheaffer PFM III in Burgundy
Bottom: Sheaffer Touchdown Imperial in Burgundy

Sheaffer PFM III - Snorkel Filler

The PFM was introduced in 1959 to become Sheaffer's new flagship pen. Many collectors view this large sized pen which has classical style and mechanical design excellence as one of the best post war fountain pens ever made. The PFM incorporates the Snorkel filling system which was first introduced by Sheaffer in 1952 and the Touchdown pneumatic air pressure filling system. The newest and most distinctive feature of the PFM was an inlaid gold nib, which allowed the barrel colour to show through a cutout. It was also the first Sheaffer to use a slip-on cap rather than a screw-on cap. The PFM was phased out in 1968.

Sheaffer Imperial - Touchdown Filler

The Touchdown Imperial was launched in 1961. It shares a similar shape to that of the PFM, although thinner in girth. The complex Snorkel filling system of the PFM was dropped in favour of the simpler Touchdown system. Sheaffer had introduced the Touchdown filling system in 1949. This was a unique filling system using pneumatic air pressure in the downstroke of the cylindrical plunger to compress the air sac inside barrel and fill the pen. The Imperial Touchdown was also fitted with an inlaid nib.

Touchdown Filler Extended

PFM Snorkel Filler Extended Below Inlaid Nib

Both of the above Sheaffer fountain pens are currently available to purchase. For more detailed information, visit the Hepworth Dixon website:-

www.hepworthdixon.com/sheaffer_fountain_pens.html

Sumptuous Vintage Montblanc Pen

On offer. A fully restored Montblanc Meisterstuck 142 Piston Filling Fountain Pen which was manufactured in post war Germany, between 1948 to 1954.

This pen incorporates a telescopic piston filling mechanism. This principle was first introduced in 1937, and provides greater ink space. The ink capacity in the barrel is at least twice that of a similar sized pen having a normal one spindle mechanism.

The Montblanc 140 series was made up of three pens ( Nos. 142, 144 and 146). This the 142 was the smallest and less-common model in Montblanc's post-war Meisterstuck line. We believe it is superior to today's models due to its filling mechanism and use of celluloid resin (more substantial feel and greater resistance to cracking). In addition, the nibs of this period are far better than today's.

The original and correct nib on this particular 142 is a 14ct gold (585) oblique broad, being smooth and nicely flexible.

For full description, more images and the opportunity to purchase this sumptuous vintage fountain pen, please visit our website:

www.hepworthdixon.com/montblanc_fountain_pens.html