1980s Montblanc 146 Meisterstuck/Masterpiece Black Resin & Two-Tone B Broad 14K 585 Gold Semi Flexible Nib Fountain Pen Item ID: MON-089

MONTBLANC Meisterstuck 146

Manufacturer/Model: Montblanc 146/Germany ("Montblanc Meisterstuck 146" inscribed on the ring) 
Year of production: Mid 1980s
Filling system: Piston filling, large ink capacity
Nib: Solid 14K 585 Two-Tone, B Broad; Semi-flexible, will write up to 3B
Material: Thick Precious Black Resin. Gold plated metal parts - no gold wear off
Length (pen closed): Oversize pen at 147mm closed, posted at 158mm. Thick pen at 15mm diameter

Condition and information:
Offered here is a beautiful example of the famed Montblanc 146 pen, made in the 80's. The 146 is second only to the largest Montblanc pen the 149. The Montblanc 146 Meisterstuck/Masterpiece model has always been one of the flagship Montblanc pens. These pens from the 80s are considered one of the best, as they employ all modern and improved features of the pens, but are not overly complicated as some of the later iterations. For example this pen features a solid sloped ebonite feed and feed ring, which unlike later models comes out easily by unscrewing, as opposed to unscrewing the entire front section on the newer models.

The pen embodies everything Montblanc stands for, amazing build quality, stunning timeless design, superb reliability and simply fantastic performance and feel in the hand. The 146 has been produced since the early 50s, and had undergone numerous revisions in the materials, filling system, nib and feed design, but never an overall or even significant form-factor change, the size and shape is nearly identical to its original design from 1950s.

This pen here is considered the 3rd generation of the 146 model. Made in early 1980s, this is one of the most reliable and refined pens until that period, with silicone cork and striped ink window. However these pens had one design issue. The spiral on the piston was made out of plastic and could easily snap in two when the pen would be forced above its final turning knob unscrewing rotation. This was usually done by inexperienced fountain pen users who thought the tuning knob should simply come off. Hence countless of these pens were damaged and rendered useless by thing simple problem. However, nowadays we can source a solid brass spiral, and replace the old plastic spiral and make the pen even better both in strength and function. (On the last photo shown is the old plastic spiral). All other parts on this pen are its original ones.

The piston is now even better operating then original one, smooth, lubricated with very easy turning action and with great ink capacity. Many collectors will say that these pens are probably the best in the world, with amazing timeless form factor and unmatched performance. The pen is made out of thick precious black resin, super shiny and scratch resistant, but also provides a great protection from cracks or damage. The pen fits perfectly in the hand, it does not tire the hand, it simply belongs in it. Its oversize and heavy which provides for a good grip, feel and writing balance.

The nib is amazing, one of the best we've used. It is a large with nice thick B to BB tip producing very nice thick line on the up and down strokes and nice thin lines on the left and right strokes. Performs very smoothly and very precisely with perfect ink flow. There is even some good flexibility, so once pressed it can write even wider, up to triple broad. The pen is in absolute mint condition, perfectly preserved, rarely found in such condition, no scratches, cracks or any cosmetic or functional issues. A true Montblanc Masterpiece pen, simply the perfect fountain pen.