Stunning 1960s MONTBLANC No.12 Masterpiece Meisterstuck Black Resin 18K 750 Gold EF Nib Fountain Pen Item ID: MON-068

MONTBLANC No.12 Masterpiece

Manufacturer/Model: Montblanc No.12/Germany
Year of production: Late 50s - Early 1960s
Filling system: Piston filling
Nib: Solid 18K 750 gold; EF Extra Fine with Flexibility
Material: Highest Grade Black Resin; Gold Filled Trimmings
Length (pen closed): 130mm; posted at 146mm

Condition and information:
This can easily be the most beautiful Montblanc pens of the 60s! The model 12 is one of the flagship Montblanc pens at the time. In the decade when it was made, this pen together with the 72/82/92 were the flagship pens, and were more expensive than almost all other pens in the lineup. These pens were launched to replace the older 3xx and 2xx series and were completely new approach by Montblanc, both technologically with new materials and complete mechanical solutions and redesign compared to its predecessors. Montblanc was offering a lifetime warranty on this pen when it was originally sold. The 12 pen model is based on the famous model 22, one of the most complex Montblanc pens with approximately 20 parts making the pen. However the similarities end there, the 12 is a high-end pen, a pen deserving the "1" as a first number, which was given only to the Meisterstuck/Masterpiece pens. It features a highest grade Precious Black Resin and a thick gold filled trimmings. The cap ring is beautiful and unique, gold filled and giving the pen amazing look. Due to its enormous width it prevents cracks to appear on the cap; we've almost never seen a Montblanc 12/14 with cracked cap due to this very wide ring/band. Another ring is located on the turning knob, and besides the aesthetics, it also doubles as crack protection to the turning knob. The pen is near perfectly balanced, feel solid and heavy posted or not. The Black Resin shines and its difficult to scratch, it makes it look as the pen was made just recently rather than many decades ago. Amazing amberish yellow ink window over the blue piston shaft is gives out an amazing color blend, besides providing easy ink level readout. Very precise slip-on cap for fast deployment and secure closure "Aeromatic" as Montblanc calls it, which means its a pressure tight and won't leak on planes or other various pressure environment. These were one of the first pens not to feature a breathing hole on the cap, i.e. keeping the nib airthigh, not allowing it to dry, keeping the moisture inside the cap. This was only possible with the new corrosion resisting materials at the time and most importantly the silicone socket inside the cap that allowed made for a perfect fit section on cap. In addition the cap has a very nice and distinct "click" sound when opening or closing the pen. The front section is easily removable to expose both the barrel and the entire nib unit, so it's very easy and convenient to clean and maintain. The pen features a stunning super smooth superb 18K 750 solid gold EF extra fine nib. The nib is smooth and the paper and with zero scratching, it is also semi-flexible; it produces a wonderful writing with line variation, a joy to write with. Montblanc signature stars are located both on the cap and turning knob. The piston is super smooth, with its original silicone cork and takes considerable amount of ink. A true Montblanc Masterpiece legend as its name implies; he perfect fountain pen. The pen is in absolute NOS, new old stock condition, never used except testing, nearly impossible to find in such condition. The Montblanc ad on the last picture probably says it best:

"Beyond question ...MONTBLANC is one of the finest pens you can give or own. Regardless of price, the MONTBLANC possesses an air of elegance, of classic beauty, of impeccable good taste. Long known as Europe's leading fountain pen, the MONTBLANC has superb craftsmanship ... unbelievably smooth writing action ... perfect balance. Its point is 14 or 18 karat gold. Its giant ink capacity is due to an ingenious filling system. It is proclaimed by many pen experts here and abroad to be the finest fountain pen ever designed. Aeromatic-ink control permits safe use while flying. You will treasure it as a personal possession of value and distinction, something you will be proud to own and use."