Call me crazy, but since I've started this blog I've been very disappointed with the information available on the internet pertaining to Mont Blanc pens and the Mont Blanc organization. Yes, Mont Blanc has a wonderful website with a load of information about their products and smidgen of their history, but where does the good stuff hide? What about the nitty-gritty of their pen line? Which pen came first? How many artisan's create Mont Blanc Pens? Is it Montblanc or Mont Blanc?
Montblanc has a powerful history charged with corporate struggle, ownership changes and yes, boat loads of success based on quality and attention to detail. But even that last sentence doesn't do justice to the rich culture and aristocratic perfection that permeates not only their products, but their employees and internal corporate structure. Montblanc has integrity. So what shall I do about this glut of knowledge? I ordered some books and I plan on reading them. And I plan on writing about what I learn. Your welcome.
Until I have that knowledge, however, let me leave you with a little bit about knowledge about Guilloche. From Wikipedia:
Guilloché (Guilloche) is an engraving technique in which a very precise intricate repetitive pattern or design is mechanically etched into an underlying material with fine detail. Specifically, it involves a technique of engine turning, called guilloché in French after the French engineer “Guillot”, who invented a machine “that could scratch fine patterns and designs on metallic surfaces”. The machine improved upon the more time-consuming practice of making similar designs by hand, allowing for greater delicacy, precision, and closeness of the line, as well as greater speed.
Hebert von Karajan, is the fourth artist to be honored by Montblanc after Leonard Bernstein, Yehudi Menuhin and Johan Sebastian Bach. Mont Blanc created a pen with a black precious resin cap and body and faceted ivory-colored ring representing a keyboard, this exquisite pen recalls the early career of the musician, who first became famous as a brilliant pianist in Vienna. The platinum plated clip with its inlay in the shape of a conductor’s baton is a tribute to Karajan’s legacy as a conductor, and the hand-cut artistically rhodium-plated 18-carat gold nib with the pattern of a dove and 4810 engraved.
Herbert von Karajan lived from 1908 to 1989. His obituary in The New York Times described him as "probably the world's best-known conductor and one of the most powerful figures in classical music. Interested in hearing some of his work? Here he is conducting the The Blue Danube Waltz and Beethovan's Symphony No. 5.
Hello all,
I've been getting a lot of emails lately asking about Mont Blanc fountain pen parts. Mainly nibs, but also pistons and other pieces. I love to help, so please don't hesitate to ask. I can't guarantee my success, but I can guarantee I'll try. I've also noticed that the visitors to the site are managing to pick up some newer, but nicer MB fountains for under 50 dollars at auction. There have always been some great deals on Ebay, but I'm seeing a huge increase in pens at lower prices. Of course the more rare pens are still fetching a handsome cent, but that is to be expected. Could the economy be to blame perchance? I'm thinking perhaps.
Perhaps that is why so many folks are looking for pen parts as well. Better to make what is old, new again, versus throwing it away and buying new. Regardless, I plan on making a pen parts section of the site so parts can be easily searched by type. So look for that in the future. In the meantime, here are the parts offering on Ebay. Good luck out there.
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 Original Montblanc 149 Black Piston Turning Knob Part US $.99 |
 MONTBLANC PARTS 149 97 CAPBRAND NEW US $75.00 |
 Mont Blanc Emblem part No Reserve US $9.99 |
 part clip montblanc fountain pen 146 US $45.00 |
 MONTBLANC PARTS 144 INK FEEDER US $27.00 |
 Mont Blanc Fountain pen PARTS US $127.50 |
 MONTBLANC PARTS 149 97 BARRELBRAND NEW US $185.00 |
 MONTBLANC PARTS167 PENCIL 09 INNER PART US $28.00 |
 MONTBLANC PARTS146 92 CASE FEEDER DARK RED RARE US $19.50 |
 MONTBLANC PARTS GERMANY 165 PENCIL MECHANISM 05mm US $75.00 |
 RARE MONTBLANC 2 PART DEALER DISPLAY6 SLOTLEATHER US $145.00 |
 MONTBLANC PARTS 146 92 CASE FEEDER BRAND NEW US $28.00 |
 MONTBLANC PARTSGENERATION CLASIC COMPLETE CUP BLACK US $81.00 |
 MONTBLANC PARTS167 92 PENCILBAREELHARD TO GET US $85.00 |
 MONTBLANC PARTS165PENCIL MECHANICAL PARTS US $70.50 |
 MONTBLANC PARTS GENERATION ROLLER FPEN COVER DARK RED US $85.00 |
 MONTBLANC PARTS GENERATION ROLLER FPEN COVER BLACK US $87.00 |
 MONTBLANC PARTS NOBLESS COVERCLIPRARE PART US $45.00 |
 MONTBLANC PARTS 146 92 CASE FEEDER BRAND NEW US $28.00 |
 MONTBLANC PARTS 146 92 CASE FEEDER DARK RED VERY RARE US $27.00 |
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Hello all,
Tip-toeing through the fields of Ebay I ran across a pen that would give any of the MB skeleton's a run for their money in both aesthetics and value. Cast your eyes yonder and behold the power and beauty of the Teatro Alla Scala Montblanc Fountain Pen. According to the auction listing, this pen was created to commemorate the renovation of the most famous opera house in the world--of the same name--located in Milan, Italy.
This pen easily captures the form and function of the 1778 public house where renowned artists, actors and ballet performers have created, entertained and inspired for over 200 years. The pen is based on a massive 149 (Diplomat) basis--obviously a well recognized flagship of montblanc. Set in 18K white gold with elegant and substantial trimmings, I can't help but stand in awe. The listing has enough pictures to bring the design and intent of this pen across very clearly. If you collect MB fountains, just viewing this auction is a treat.
I'll never cease to be amazed at the types and varieties of fountain pens that Montblanc's artisans design and create. And even though these caliber of Montblanc pens far outstrip my means, I can't help but seek them out and share the experience.
Frédéric François Chopin was Polish. I am Polish. Therefore I love Chopin. Ok, I'm not going to pretend that I'm a huge fan of Chopin; but I don't have to pretend to be a big fan of the Chopin Special Addition Montblanc Pen, because I am. It's a great looking pen for a person that lived a pretty short, but eventful life. He was born is Warsaw and was a child-prodigy pianist and composer. He fled to France shortly after the 1830 Polish Uprising was suppressed by Russia. While in Paris he began doing what we all know him for today--playing great piano compositions. At age 39 he died of pulmonary tuberculosis. Fairly tragic.
If your curious, check out these Chopin Montblanc Fountain Pen Auctions on Ebay, put a little Chopin on in the background and dream of books with long glorious titles. Ok, maybe that's just me.
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 Mont Blanc Chopin P145 Fountain Pen Set US $295.00 |
 Montblanc Chopin Fountain Pen INK US $350.00 |
 MONTBLANC CHOPIN BORDEAUX FOUNTAIN PEN NEW IN BOX W CD US $540.99 |
 Montblanc Chopin Black PLATINUM 145 Fountain – NEW US $279.89 |
 Montblanc Meisterstuck 200 Anniversary Chopin Fountain US $534.00 |
 Montblanc Classique Chopin Fountain Pen Black Platinu US $568.00 |
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Father's day is drawing near and finding the perfect gift is as easy as saying Montblanc Meisterstuck Signature for Good Special Edition LeGrand Fountain Pen. Ok, that's a little bit of a mouthful, but fountain pen Montblanc rolls off the tongue nicely. Every Father wants to own a Montblanc fountain pen and the Special Edition Legrand is a great addition to any collection--or a perfect starter pen to get them hooked.
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 Montblanc Solitaire Silver LeGrand 146 Fountain Pen NEW US $499.99 |
 Montblanc Solitaire Gold Barely LeGrand Fountain Pen US $499.99 |
 Mont Blanc LeGrand 146 Fountain Pen used mint US $158.05 |
 MONTBLANC 146R BORDEAUX LEGRAND FOUNTAIN PEN NEW IN BOX US $650.99 |
 Montblanc Meisterstuck Legrand Fountain Pen NEW Black US $255.00 |
 Montblanc fountain pen NICOLAI 146 LEGRAND mont blanc US $1,300.00 |
 Montblanc Meisterstruck LeGrand black fountain pen NEW US $380.00 |
 NewMontBlanc Meisterstuck 146 LeGrand fountain penInk US $499.95 |
 Montblanc 146 LeGrand Fountain Pen Mont Blanc 13661 New US $489.00 |
 1995 Mont Blanc LeGrand fountain pen photo print ad US $9.99 |
 Montblanc Meisterstuck Diamond LeGrand Fountain Pen US $1,114.00 |
 Montblanc LeGrand Fountain Pen Black Platinum US $759.00 |
 Montblanc LeGrand Fountain Pen Black And Gold US $709.00 |
 Montblanc unicef LeGrand fountain pen special edition US $675.00 |
 MONTBLANC Meisterstuck 585 LeGrand Black Fountain Pen US $450.00 |
 MONTBLANC Meisterstuck LeGrand Burgundy Fountain Pen US $350.00 |
 MONTBLANC LeGrand 925 Sterling Gold Fountain Pen US $1,000.00 |
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I've blogged about the Montblanc Skeleton pen before, but I'm sorry, every time I run across another one and take a good look at it, I just have to share. I understand that these are not the pens that collectors buy on a daily basis. If we are allowed to use one of these fine instruments but once in a lifetime we are fortunate. And yes, lusting after a writing tool of this caliber makes me a qualifying member for Dante's 2nd circle. But, boy howdy, they all look the stuff of a fine novel lying in wait.
The Brandenburger Tor, the Stars and Strips, the Black Widow...they all speak to some locked up place in my very being. A place that comes awake only at night. A secret section that only eats fresh sliced strawberry's between sips of chilled Chardonnay, while reminiscing about hard times and lost loves. Ah, but alas, tomorrow I have cheerio's for breakfast and the lawn is in need of a trim. But oh to dream.
Anyone out there have a favorite? Anyone have a dream?
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 MONTBLANC SKELETON JOHN HARRISON 333 FOUNTAIN PEN US $33,333.33 |
 Montblanc John Harrison Gold Skeleton Fountain Pen 333 US $25,000.00 |
 MONTBLANC SKELETON STAR WATCH 333 PLATINUM SERIES US $10,000.00 |
 MONTBLANC SKELETON WHITE HOUSE FOUNTAIN PEN US $45,000.00 |
 MONTBLANC SKELETON BRANDENBURGER TOR FOUNTAIN PEN 1 89 US $65,000.00 |
 MONTBLANC SKELETON 75th ANNIVERSARY FOUNTAIN PEN GOLD US $88,888.88 |
 MONTBLANC 149 SKELETON 333 FP RARE SEALED NEW VIRGIN US $25,555.55 |
 MONTBLANC STARS AND STRIPES SKELETON FOUNTAIN PEN US $50,000.00 |
 MONTBLANC CHARLIE CHAPLIN SKELETON PEN MINT SEALED US $55,000.00 |
 MONTBLANC SKELETON FOURTH OF JULY FOUNTAIN PEN US $45,000.00 |
 MONTBLANC SKELETON BLACK WIDOW FOUNTAIN PEN 88 pcs ONLY US $48,888.88 |
 MONTBLANC SKELETON 333 FOUNTAIN PEN XXX 333 US $21,500.00 |
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Before Montblanc became the paradigm of quality and excellence it is today it was a more modest company situated in Hamburg, Germany. It started out as the Simplo Pen Company. Back then the pens were little more than eye-droppers filled with ink, fitted into a sheath with a gold nib and a slip on cap. A modest pen at best. The success of these simple pens lead to the creation of better pens with more complexity. The first of these came about in 1908 and it was called the Rouge et Noir, or the Red and Black. It's popularity grew, but according to literature, its founder ran into hard times and fled the company. The remaining investors picked up the pieces of the Simplo Pen Company and restructured, forming the Montblanc company that we know and love today.
I went over to Ebay to take a peek at what they had in terms of Simplo pens and the Rouge et Noir. I found an auction for a Rouge et Noir (see below) but I'm curious about the date they have listed. It states its a 1908, but the picture shows a red star on top. I was under the impression that the star emblem didn't come about until after the Montblanc name starting in 1910. So if any of you have information about this, please leave a comment. I need to do some more research myself, but I think I need to take this offline and hit the library. The internet is good for a great many things, but not always the best place to get accurate historical information.
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 Mont Blanc Boheme Rouge et Noir mint condition NICE US $105.92 |
 Montblanc Simplo Vintage 1908 Rare Rouge et Noir No4 US $10,000.00 |
 MONTBLANC 1910 RARE〝 ROUGE ET NOIR〞 rolled gold No2 US $7,500.00 |
 MONTBLANC MISTAKE ROUGE ET NOIR FP NEW GOLD RAREVIRGIN US $888.88 |
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Many of you, that I know from the site, who are the casual Mont Blanc aficionados already know about the great places to find quality Mont Blanc fountain pens. But for those of you who are still searching for places where you can shop without worry and know that you will be treated right--look no further than Executive Essentials. Executive Essentials has a great site layout, a wide selection of pens and prompt responses to inquiries, which is good, because you have to request a price on pens at their site--they don't list them. But don't be discouraged by lack of immediate gratification. It's fun to get mail. Even if its electronic.
I just received an update from EE about their Father's Day sale that is going on. It's a great sale and don't even get me started on how perfect a MB fountain pen would be on Father's Day. If you haven't already, click the banner below and check out Executive Essentials.
It's nice to know that in a world where the crazy seems to reinvent itself on a daily basis--some things can remain constant. It seems that despite the economic hard times encompassing the globe not everyone is holding their head in their hands and muttering to themselves. Montblanc is not only doing well--but they are expanding their retail operations abroad.
In anticipation of the much awaited market rebound, luxury goods manufacturer Montblanc, has implemented a planned expansion of retail operations in the UAE with the opening of boutiques in high end malls to showcase their latest products.
Good for Montblanc I say. But, really are we surprised? It makes sense that a company that has been around as long as Montblanc--and who has produced high-quality, lasting pieces of craftsmanship--would be able to weather an economic storm and expand when others are failing. Click here for the full article. Or just browse some of the more-affordable, Montblanc Fountain Pens. Might as well--it'll be nice break from the muttering.
